The Boston Globe Interview - 9 Aug 2003

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"Looking at a Thing in a Bag" is an article about Homestar Runner written by Don Aucoin, published in the Living/Arts section of The Boston Globe on August 9, 2003. The article discusses the popularity and format of the site, and includes quotes and perspectives from The Brothers Chaps.

Summary

The article opens with anecdotes discussing the site's humor and appeal, though fans can't quite put their figure on what about its "crazy, random" humor is so special. The site's popularity — nearly 300,000 visitors on a typical Monday logging on to see the new Strong Bad Email — among children and adults alike is additionally attributed to its "largely good-natured", "PG-13" tone.

The Brothers Chaps discuss their Flash workflow, emphasizing the freedom of their approach: "[we] can come up with an idea and have it published in a matter of hours." Characters, particularly Strong Bad and Homestar Runner, are discussed. The duo were able to quit their jobs and work full-time on Homestar starting in September 2002.

The origins of the character are told — his name coming from a friend describing the "homestar runner for the Braves" and the book written during Mike's time off from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Childhood viewing of shows like Looney Tunes or playing Nintendo games are mentioned as providing inspiration.

The article concludes with the Brothers expressing satisfaction with their Flash format and word-of-mouth spread, rather than a desire to expand to television or merchandise more aggressively: "we're just going to keep doing what we do and hope people keep checking it out."

Fun Facts

  • The title of the article references the toon Lookin at a Thing in a Bag.
  • Homestar's "Yeah, you're probably wight" from The Interview is given as an example of a catchphrase repeated by fans.
  • Strong Bad's "Holy crap!" is mentioned as the closest thing to swearing on the site.
  • The store's origins of shipping from the Chapman parents' basement are mentioned.
  • A comparison is drawn to Peanuts — Matt remarks he wouldn't mind an annual Homestar TV special like A Charlie Brown Christmas.

External Links

Retrieved from "http://hrwiki.org/wiki/The_Boston_Globe_Interview_-_9_Aug_2003"
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