My Opera Interviews

Since joining the My Opera Community in February 2007, shoppingpenguin has become an active member, creating Penguins +, one of the fastest growing groups within the community, and her popularity increases everyday. We took some time to speak to her about her time on the community, conservation, and her fascination with penguins.

Firstly, would you like to introduce yourself to the My Opera Community?

My name is Tori M and I am from metro Detroit, Michigan. I am 24 years old and I have been happily married for close to a year. It’s a busy time in my life; I am a full time student and I also work as a learning assistant at a local college. As a learning assistant, I lead study groups, assist the teacher, create and provide additional study materials and basically offer free tutoring for students in the classes to which I am assigned. I work very hard in my classes and aspire for lifelong self-improvement.

How did you discover the Opera Community, and what made you join?

I just had to download the Opera browser for my Nintendo Wii and when it opened to the Opera Community homepage, I found the awesome N + group, and I just got hooked. I would just like to say that Opera is the best online community I have ever seen. It is easy to use, visually appealing, contains great features (like blog watch and spotlighting) and, most importantly, it has a wealth of extremely interesting and engaging members.

So I have to ask...why penguins?

At one point, I was actually considering tigers. I have loved both of these animals and animals in general since early childhood. Penguins won out because they symbolically represent the goals of the Penguins + group as a whole. Those goals are: community, awareness, and conservation. Penguins are popular, adorable, and in need. Penguins represent survival against the odds. They can’t fly, some live in the harshest climate on Earth, and others have learned to live in even more dangerous areas- those populated by humans. The Emperor and Adelie penguins are perhaps the most directly affected of all the animals by our contributions to global warming. Finally, penguins are very social and as such, they’re a great mascot for a community. They are known for their fearlessness and are very approachable, plus, some species of penguins congregate in groups that reach over a million.

I really like your view on your group, Penguins +: "Penguins + is not as much a group about penguins as a community with a mascot". What were your reasons for creating the group? What is the overall aim of the group?

Well, I got the idea for the creation of a group from another opera member, furie, who told me that penguins were popular and I would probably have a good member base if I created a penguin group. When I created my group I was inspired by the fantastic examples and standards set by N +. I had stated earlier that the goals of Penguins + were: community, awareness, and conservation. Allow me to go more in depth. The primary goal is community, to provide a relaxed and enjoyable place for people to gather and share thoughts, views, and ideas of all types. I want people to have fun! The awareness comes in as key environmental and conservation issues are brought up in the blog and in the forum as well. Lastly, the conservation element is included in the solutions discussed and the “Take Action” links provided. I am hoping that Penguins + will at least get people thinking about what they can do as an individual to help protect the wonders of nature we were blessed with.

The group has really taken off since it began. Is it growing as you expected?

It has grown faster than I thought it would, but I am still hopeful that it will become even more popular: The more people that join, the more potential Penguins + has to make a difference.

How would you like the group to develop?

I want the group to grow enough so that the real course of evolution is determined by the members. Of course, I hope to soon see active discussions on what members have done would like to do in order to take a roll in the preservation of nature and any other service to humanity.

Penguins + and your own blog both indicate that you have an active interest in wildlife and conservation. Have you always been interested in this?

I had not actively involved myself in conservation efforts until I was 14 years old. I have loved wildlife since I as long as I can remember. I actually remember when I was four years old climbing little apricot trees that grew outside of my apartment in California and at that same age playing with the little roly-poly bugs in the sidewalk cracks and playing under the great willow tree. I think that a love of nature is ingrained in all of us. I hope through my blog and Penguins + I can bring out that love in other individuals.

Are you involved in any conservation activities outside your blogs?

I am a member of the county Humane Society, I volunteer in the campaign work for political candidates who strive for conservation, and I participate in various conservation efforts through my school.

I see from your blog that you've just made The National Deans List for 2006-2007! Congratulations! Would you care to explain what this recognition is, exactly, and what it means to you?

Thank you very much! The National Deans List is a program for honoring exceptional college students. Educators and honors societies nominate students who demonstrate great academic achievement. Naturally, I am very pleased to receive acknowledgement for my hard work and dedication. However, what it really means to me is that it has opened up new opportunities for a financial scholarship, which I desperately need in order to finish school and become a librarian (which requires a master degree from an American Library Association accredited university).

To finish off, here's some questions about your experience with My Opera so far:

Do you have a favourite blog?

It’s a tough call. I love many of the blogs on Opera. Dudley's, is an obvious choice, but lately I’ve really enjoyed the offbeat humor of clean, who's talented writing skills sometimes run away with him.

Which photo album has grabbed your attention?

Member, chickensrule555's Other Pictures is a great collection of pictures showcasing the wonders of nature and human creativity.

What is your favourite feature of the My Opera Community, and are there any improvements that you would like to see implemented?

I enjoy the member spotlighting and featured members section. It allows you to quickly find and interact with the shining stars of opera while supporting and encouraging those featured to continue with their efforts. I think it would be great if Opera automatically notified people when they were spotlighted so they could take that experience and increase their motivation.

Do you have a particular highlight from your time on My Opera?

Yes, I do! Yrag, Gary spelled backwards, is a fascinating person who writes amazing well thought out blogs, often I feel I gain something as a person by reading them and up until now he has NOT gotten enough attention! Let’s hope that changes and encourages him to write more, because I know he’s improved my world with his blog.

And finally...is there anything you'd like to add?

Keep up the good work Opera! The internet has been looking a lot better since I found you! ^v^