Hey dudes, freelancer turned work experience lackey Chris 'The Tingler' Capel here, just wrapping up a week that I selflessly devoted towards making the PC Zone team's life as easy as possible. They almost reconsidered my work experience upon hearing that I had no idea how to make tea, and even worse no money, but after a lot of persuasion and begging they actually let me in out of the rain. I promised to have a shower in due course.
Since I have to submit this to them first I can't say anything too bad, but suffice to say Steve's a complete and total --WONDERFUL PERSON--, and as for Dave, well, suffice to say he --HAS A GREAT PERSONALITY AND NEVER EVER GETS ANGRY PLAYING LEFT 4 DEAD--. I'm sure they'll cut all that out, so I don't mind typing it.
Chris Capel, and a Dalek.
One of the most impressive things about the office is the Wall of PC Zone coverdiscs, there were even copies of the mag from back when it was - gasp - £4.99! Um, you know, the first time. I didn't actually like it back then, to be honest. After one of the coverdiscs promised "thousands of Quake II maps!", which after buying turned out to be about 28 (and half of that were just one room), I thought I'd never buy it again. Now I'm writing for it. Oh the irony! I eventually forgave them for that Quake II thing of course. I'm still waiting for those maps though. Ali seemed puzzled when I asked if they were going to be on next month's DVD.
Unfortunately I did rather wimp out of the Traditional PC Zone Work Experience Challenge, which involves ordering a Vesuvio pizza from Ask and attempting to eat it before the week's up. Due to my extreme wussiness over spicy things I could never quite go through with it.
If there's one thing I'll miss, it's the sounds of the CVG team playing Mario Kart Wii. Daily. Loudly. My suggestions that they try Super Smash Bros Brawl for a change earned me six astonished glares for my trouble (four playing, two watching). I think they're still glaring at me now, although I think the sounds of 'Woohoo!' , 'Yoshi!', 'What?!' and 'F***!' coming from across the room suggests that I'm safe. I might be able to sneak out without getting four GameCube pads chucked at me this time.
High point of the week? Doing some work that I enjoy for once.
Low point? Perimeter 2. Dear God, that was terrifying.
Low point for the others? Sitting at Dave's PC, and within five seconds managing to spill my drink over his desk. Oh, and my continual failed attempts to steal Steve's chair. I'll get it Hogarty... next time!
I really enjoyed myself and I'm sure I'll be back. On the other hand, if they throw another hour-and-a-half interview at me to transcribe I might reconsider, if I don't break down and sob first...
Cheers, Chris Capel
Chris is an irregular freelancer for PC Zone, with a renewed enthusiasm for life having experienced real work in the PC Zone office, which is in stark contrast to the typical freelance lifestyle of sleeping in until midday and never wearing trousers. For the purpose of illustration, we chose the most embarrassing photo available on Facebook.
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