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Hello to the TL ans Starcraft 2 community, i did an interview in both english and french (i translated it) of James Banks, the european manager of StarTale. He talks about how he became a manager of a top Korean team, how he sees the future of the e-sports and present us his concept of Definitive eSports.
![[image loading]](http://misc.team-aaa.com/perso_Quantz/Startale.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://misc.team-aaa.com/perso_Quantz/JB2.jpg)
Here is his interview :
Q (Team aAa): Could you tell us how you became one of StarTale's manager ?
A (James Banks): By accident really, I was working with one of StarTale'S sponsors, ZOWIE GEAR and doing some coverage for the UpCloseGamers website in August 2011. I was able to stay at the house for 7 days and I had so much fun, built a relationship with the players and coaches. During the last few days I sat down with the owner of StarTale and the coaches in a meeting to discuss me joining StarTale and helping them in the international activities and promoting StarTale to all the non-Korean fans.
Q: You are the CEO of Definitive eSports as well as the manager of StarTale. Could
you tell us the concept of the site and introduce it to many e-sports Fan ?
A: Definitive eSports, D-eSports for short, is an eSports news website that covers gaming events around the world as well as hosting four weekly eSports shows a week. I used to work on UpCloseGamers and basically I took everything from that website and did it better in what I envisioned, we are partnered with Antec who support us very well and we don't take any Money for ourselves. Everything D-eSport gets goes back in the project to make it better and we have a great team behind us helping us grow and we really want to bring the community and eSports fans some hard hitting and exciting content.
Q: From a man who knows both worldwide and korean e-sports scene, could you tell us what is the difference ? in your opinion what does make Koreans always one step ahead of all the world when it comes to Starcraft 2 ?
A: All eSports scenes are great in their own way, they also all have negatives, and the Koreans were blessed with a very embracive country that was able to create a unique, never seen before gaming culture and have it succeed on the mainstream television. This did not happen instantly though; the Koreans have an amazing work rate and huge dedication, more than 90% of non-Koreans I have seen, which is another reason for their success. In terms of skill of the players it also comes down to hard work, in my eyes if my competition is working and I am sleeping I am doing something wrong and the Korean players are practicing a lot more than a majority of non-Koreans Which is putting them ahead, it is easily noticeable.
Q: As you became the manager of StarTale outside Korea, does it mean that we will be able to see StarTale's players more ofently in european or north american tournaments ?
A: Well we recently collaborated with Quantic Gaming which features players such as NaNiwa and SaSe, so thanks to this partnership we aim to be sending more players to events outside of Korea working with them. StarTale Sound will be in Germany for the IEM World finals that take place on the 5th of March, I will be attending this event with him. I can't say of anywhere else we will see StarTale players but last year we went on a tour for a few days with July and Bomber in Sweden as well DreamHack Summer 2011 where they both attended as well.
Q: As a person who follow e-sports from inside, as you are a manager of a very famous Korean team, how do you think the world of e-sports will do in the future ?
A: I see a bright future for eSports, we will see games change, teams collapse, new teams rise and more but the best thing about it is more people are watching, more people are learning and more people are promoting the word eSports worldwide. I have been involved since 2003 and have seen so much happen, just don't let the men in suits take over and make sure the community pushes hard to keep eSports great, I have faith in everyone with the passion and I hope I have many more years where I can watch great things unfold in front of my eyes. There is darkness in every sport, just make sure we don't let it overshadow the great things about it.
Q: As we see more and more Korean teams doing partnerships with foreign teams (lately oGs is doing a partnership with eSahara and Razer), is it the proof for you that the world of e-sports is changing ? is it a part of the bright future, more international teams ?
A: eSports is changing daily, mostly for the positive and these kind of partnerships are great, as long as both teams hold up their End of the deal. Sadly, there are many shady people involved in eSports and try to take advantage of these styles of partnerships; I just hope people can create long lasting partnerships such as oGs-TL. They also help the non-Korean teams a lot in terms of Practice so this is a good thing for sure.
view the rest on team aAa
NB: the thoughts expressed are those of "James Banks".
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This banks guy seems very engaged ... I wonder if he can coach time management ???
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Sweet :D I've seen James post a ton of content here on TL, but I didn't realize he was their official manager! :O Awesome! 
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yes, banks is really engaged when it comes to E-sports and he's a very nice guy if you get to know him
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I obviously approve of this guy. (See sig) ^^
Good interview thanks a bunch!
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ah wtf even rainbow wasn't in the picture?  hopefully it's not an indicator that he's disconnected with the team or something
nice interview tho
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Lol I read the whole interview in his manly voice ;p
Startale hwaiting!
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On February 09 2012 07:03 Yoshi Kirishima wrote:ah wtf even rainbow wasn't in the picture? hopefully it's not an indicator that he's disconnected with the team or something nice interview tho
He practices from home, but he's still on ST.
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On February 09 2012 07:08 pdd wrote:Show nested quote +On February 09 2012 07:03 Yoshi Kirishima wrote:ah wtf even rainbow wasn't in the picture? hopefully it's not an indicator that he's disconnected with the team or something nice interview tho He practices from home, but he's still on ST.
Yes he's living with aphrodite, but he is still startale's team captain.
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PartinG isn't on that picture right?
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He is the second guy from the left sitting down with glasses
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On February 09 2012 07:44 quantz911 wrote:He is the second guy from the left sitting down with glasses
I feel like that's Sound.
... but I always get Sound/Parting/Squirtle mixed up anyways.
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On February 09 2012 07:48 babylon wrote:Show nested quote +On February 09 2012 07:44 quantz911 wrote:He is the second guy from the left sitting down with glasses I feel like that's Sound. ... but I always get Sound/Parting/Squirtle mixed up anyways.
Oh yeah my bad that is Sound... All i know is that he's wearing glasses. But i think on this pic he doesn't. He might be the third guy from the left who is standing.
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It's nice how they are inspired by the OGs-TL relationship and want to eventually have that same kind of bond with another foreign team.
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On February 09 2012 07:08 pdd wrote:Show nested quote +On February 09 2012 07:03 Yoshi Kirishima wrote:ah wtf even rainbow wasn't in the picture? hopefully it's not an indicator that he's disconnected with the team or something nice interview tho He practices from home, but he's still on ST.
Kk, i was thinking he would show up for the picture though. I guess it was just a quick thing then
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On February 09 2012 09:22 Yoshi Kirishima wrote:Show nested quote +On February 09 2012 07:08 pdd wrote:On February 09 2012 07:03 Yoshi Kirishima wrote:ah wtf even rainbow wasn't in the picture? hopefully it's not an indicator that he's disconnected with the team or something nice interview tho He practices from home, but he's still on ST. Kk, i was thinking he would show up for the picture though. I guess it was just a quick thing then
yes, it should be more a souvenir-like photo they took
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Holy random capital letters, batman. Good interview though.
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On February 09 2012 07:51 quantz911 wrote:Show nested quote +On February 09 2012 07:48 babylon wrote:On February 09 2012 07:44 quantz911 wrote:He is the second guy from the left sitting down with glasses I feel like that's Sound. ... but I always get Sound/Parting/Squirtle mixed up anyways. Oh yeah my bad that is Sound... All i know is that he's wearing glasses. But i think on this pic he doesn't. He might be the third guy from the left who is standing.
Hmm, third from the left is definitely Virus, IMO.
Top: KingKong, Parting(?), Virus, no clue, Curious, SUPERSTAR, coach(?)
Bottom: FD, Sound, Hack, Ace, JBanks, Squirtle, July, Ssoja(?), Tiger(?)
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On February 09 2012 14:40 fams wrote:First I read this question and answer: + Show Spoiler +
What is the most difficult thing when you decide to get involved with e-sports ? What are the things you need to be avoiding, what are the things you should do if one day someone decides to be part of all of this ?
Well what I say here is not the law but when you decide to get involved with eSports, make sure you do it because you love it and have passion for it. If you are getting involved to make money you are an idiot, one because you will fail, two because you must have passion, I am very sure I could make more money outside of eSports but what is most important is being happy and doing something I love. Also have a plan, network with people, be friendly and chase your own dream, try to be different and bring something new to the eSports world, set your own path and make your own history.
Then I read this one: + Show Spoiler +So, you do eSports because you have a passion for getting e-fame and some followers? I'm confused. You say one thing, then in the next question, you say something totally different.
Money and support are totally two different aspects.
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You can have passion for something, but still have to give it up if you can't make rent.
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Great interview!
J. Banks is the man when it comes to StarTale!
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On February 09 2012 14:40 fams wrote:First I read this question and answer: + Show Spoiler +
What is the most difficult thing when you decide to get involved with e-sports ? What are the things you need to be avoiding, what are the things you should do if one day someone decides to be part of all of this ?
Well what I say here is not the law but when you decide to get involved with eSports, make sure you do it because you love it and have passion for it. If you are getting involved to make money you are an idiot, one because you will fail, two because you must have passion, I am very sure I could make more money outside of eSports but what is most important is being happy and doing something I love. Also have a plan, network with people, be friendly and chase your own dream, try to be different and bring something new to the eSports world, set your own path and make your own history.
Then I read this one: + Show Spoiler +So, you do eSports because you have a passion for getting e-fame and some followers? I'm confused. You say one thing, then in the next question, you say something totally different.
I don't think it's uncommon for people to get into certain businesses or industries or what-not because of their passion and to stay because they've found enough support.
Happens a lot to authors and artists. Shit, son, they love doing what they do, but if it weren't for people interested in their work, sometimes it becomes nigh-on impossible to continue with the drive they had when they first started, whether it's because of financial troubles or just plain fucking demotivation because they don't have an audience.
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On February 09 2012 14:40 fams wrote:First I read this question and answer: + Show Spoiler +
What is the most difficult thing when you decide to get involved with e-sports ? What are the things you need to be avoiding, what are the things you should do if one day someone decides to be part of all of this ?
Well what I say here is not the law but when you decide to get involved with eSports, make sure you do it because you love it and have passion for it. If you are getting involved to make money you are an idiot, one because you will fail, two because you must have passion, I am very sure I could make more money outside of eSports but what is most important is being happy and doing something I love. Also have a plan, network with people, be friendly and chase your own dream, try to be different and bring something new to the eSports world, set your own path and make your own history.
Then I read this one: + Show Spoiler +So, you do eSports because you have a passion for getting e-fame and some followers? I'm confused. You say one thing, then in the next question, you say something totally different.
I just got linked to this and thought I would add my own words, rather than your poor attempt to guess what that means. I love the eSports community and my passion is what drives me but when UpCloseGamers came to an end, it was very hard to want to re-build a website and build upon a new project but the community that enjoyed my content offered a of support and it encouraged me to start up D-eSports. With that being said I would of always stayed as ST's manager, it was more the motivation to build a community site again.
Either way, I do not have e-fame or followers, I leave that to the players who have awesome fans. Next time try not to read so deeply into things and maybe do a little bit of research.
Big thanks to Quantz for the interview and nice to see it on TL.
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On February 09 2012 16:44 fams wrote:
For people arguing about "well you need money in order to keep going" or "well, you need support from people to keep up motivation"
I just want to point out some people you all probably look up to: djWHEAT, Day[9], Tasteless, Artosis, EG.IdrA, SlayerS`BoxeR.
They did all of this without eSports "footing the bills" so to speak. There were times when djWHEAT had a regular 9 to 5 day job, and he still busted his ass to make eSports something special. And I would bet you that there were days when they began, when they didn't receive a whole lot of support from fans - and sometimes family and friends. But they stuck with it - that is passion.
Saying "you should have passion if you want to do this" then turn around in the very next question and say "if I didn't actually get supported by people, I'd have probably quit" doesn't strike me as a very determined or impassioned person to me.
Also - the argument about a writer or artist, etc. If a person is doing his or her craft for OTHER people, and not themselves, then that is the underlying "passion" or "motivation" problem. If you do things solely to impress other people, you will not be happy most of the time.
When I used to do interviews at the start of my career, people weren't really that big on them, the style was poor, the questions sucked, and they weren't impressed. Why? Because I wrote them for everyone else BUT me. I started doing interviews for myself, and asking questions I thought to be interesting and that I thought needed answering, and then people tuned in and said "wow these are really good, do one with -insert player name here-".
So I am sorry I don't support this person or their views.
Damn dude, seems like you have something personal against this guy. Really going too deep into it.
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On February 09 2012 17:02 Bayyne wrote:
Damn dude, seems like you have something personal against this guy. Really going too deep into it.
Yeah, I deleted my comments, just forget it.
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Did not know StarTale had both a european manager and worked with UpCloseGamers, Zowie and now Definitive! Impressive!
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On February 09 2012 17:02 Bayyne wrote:Show nested quote +On February 09 2012 16:44 fams wrote:
For people arguing about "well you need money in order to keep going" or "well, you need support from people to keep up motivation"
I just want to point out some people you all probably look up to: djWHEAT, Day[9], Tasteless, Artosis, EG.IdrA, SlayerS`BoxeR.
They did all of this without eSports "footing the bills" so to speak. There were times when djWHEAT had a regular 9 to 5 day job, and he still busted his ass to make eSports something special. And I would bet you that there were days when they began, when they didn't receive a whole lot of support from fans - and sometimes family and friends. But they stuck with it - that is passion.
Saying "you should have passion if you want to do this" then turn around in the very next question and say "if I didn't actually get supported by people, I'd have probably quit" doesn't strike me as a very determined or impassioned person to me.
Also - the argument about a writer or artist, etc. If a person is doing his or her craft for OTHER people, and not themselves, then that is the underlying "passion" or "motivation" problem. If you do things solely to impress other people, you will not be happy most of the time.
When I used to do interviews at the start of my career, people weren't really that big on them, the style was poor, the questions sucked, and they weren't impressed. Why? Because I wrote them for everyone else BUT me. I started doing interviews for myself, and asking questions I thought to be interesting and that I thought needed answering, and then people tuned in and said "wow these are really good, do one with -insert player name here-".
So I am sorry I don't support this person or their views. Damn dude, seems like you have something personal against this guy. Really going too deep into it.
I don't really know this guy, or what he does but I am used to people talking without thought and assuming a lot of things about me. It is no secret to the world that I actually do not make any money in eSports, I work a normal job to pay my bills and do everything else out of my motivation and drive. I can make it clear here as well that I have been writing and involved in eSports since 2004, more than most, the perks of the work is travelling and meeting cool people but it is by no means easy work.
I am not sure why fams seems to dislike me or my views but he is entitled to his opinion, best of luck to him for whatever he does, lets hope he continues to work hard and push further to get where he wants to go.
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I have to agree with James since i recently entered the world of e-sport as a writer / redactor. Passion is something you need if you want to hang out there, in the beginning especially. He is doing an awesome job as a manager of Startale as he helps a lot for seeing their players outside korea. He keeps following his dreams as he wants to help his passion (e-sports) to grow and try to do goods things for it.
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edit: Okay no worries 
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Well i don't know what happened, when i copy / pasted it it made it like that. If you take a look on the real site you will see that it's not the case. I'll try to correct all of them, thanks for showing me that. Also, of my english is not perfect, it's because it's not my first language.
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Should be ok now, sorry i didn't notice it quick enough!
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Northern Ireland101 Posts
As a community we are just at the beginning and we have lots of growing to do, growing takes a lot of effort and commitment for little or no reward (other than peoples gratitude). Negative attitudes in the community are unwelcome and only set us back. it's best just to ignore them and not give them the time of day, they'll eventually wither up.
Good interview with BanKs, I have the pleasure of working with him on the Definitive eSports project and know just how hard he works (non-stop) so it's nice to see him being recognised.
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On February 10 2012 08:26 Crainey wrote:
As a community we are just at the beginning and we have lots of growing to do, growing takes a lot of effort and commitment for little or no reward (other than peoples gratitude). Negative attitudes in the community are unwelcome and only set us back. it's best just to ignore them and not give them the time of day, they'll eventually wither up.
Good interview with BanKs, I have the pleasure of working with him on the Definitive eSports project and know just how hard he works (non-stop) so it's nice to see him being recognised.
I just agree with what you said, keep it up e-sports and banks thanks for all you are doing
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EPT
