In continuing this week's look at Buzznet staff members, we decided to take a peak into the world of ElRich, Buzznet's community admin and moderator. He loves LOLCATS. He ignores grammar and spelling in pursuit of lulz. He finds humor in the worst of the Internet. We wanted to give you an in-depth look into what he does every day whilst on Buzznet, what drives him crazy, and how life as a bicycle commuter has given him so much joy. Oh, and LULZ. So, so many LULZ.

Buzznet: I think most people on Buzznet know that you're our resident community admin/moderator, but what exactly do you do all day while you're in the office?

Richard: Oh God. Mostly, I am in charge of "cleaning up" the Tila site; I moderate all photos (I can see your privates), videos, miscellaneous forums, and all the like. It's like your job, except I don't really talk to anyone.

Also, I leave lots of comments, update the Featured Photos page, write stories sometimes, and troll our own forums. I think of myself as a "better than Jesus cuz I'm real (like J-Lo)" and stuff.

Buzznet: So in your daily routine on Buzznet, what do you love coming across? What makes your job so enjoyable?

Richard: I might get fired for this but in all honesty, I enjoy reading people's neolithic opinions that do not jive with my worldview. Buzznet is a pretty open and tolerant place but some people just don't get that. I enjoy the wrath people incur when they spill their word vomit onto the ether-webz and the people attack. Internet PWNAGE is the best.

And OMG the photos that people upload; mostly this was on the Tila’s Hotspot site. If some of you recall, I would gather their FAIL pics and blog about that. I had to take them down because it wasn't kosher. OMG I want to do that again.

Also, there is SO MUCH talent on this site. The photos, words, art, etc on this site are incredible. I am so happy that I get to see what everyone comes up with and surface that.

Buzznet: Ok, so I have to ask, because I'm keen on crushing happiness: What do you see on Buzznet or come across that frustrates you day to day?

Richard: I see you use your BANHAMMAR for crushing the sweet unicorn that is my dream.

Buzznet: That's what I'm known for.

Richard: I would have to say the E Drama. You guise, srsly, it's the internet. So much petty bickering and whatnot over things that shouldn't really matter. I know, people have opinions, but come on.

Buzznet: What advice would you give to people who face the mythical beast that is "e-drama"?

Richard: Hmm.. When faced with this most mythical of beasts, I suggest you put on your robe and wizard hat. You must tap your Mana and send this beast to Torpor and put it out of play. Roll that 20 sided die and PWN something different, like that Hot Pocket you have on your mother's good china.

Buzznet: Tell us a little bit about the job you had prior to coming to Buzznet.

Richard: I was an accounting clerk. My OCD got me places. I alphabetized the hell out of them invoices; I alphabetized them good. I showed them who is boss. I also changed the Arrowhead water cooler "man jug" all the time. Thrilling, yes? I am going to broaden this and talk about my previous jobs because those are more fun.

I was in the Army for a while but got the boot, so to speak, because I am teh gheyz. I shot things and hung out in the desert a lot. I worked at Costco for a while in the chicken shack, feeding America.

I also worked at Starbucks and I used to serve Locke from LOST coffee. He was really nice. I also had to take Kevin Nealon some coffee while he was outside. He ordered his drink from outside. That's how bad ass he is. Too bad his comedy leaves much to be desired.

Buzznet: When did you first become enamored with riding a bicycle? What inspired you to take it back up and become a bicycle commuter?

Richard: I do like how there was no segue to this question. You just went straight to it. You are very Barbara Walters.

Buzznet: I don't do segues on AIM. Get used to it!

Richard: I've been sans horseless carriage since 2002 (or thereabouts). I think in 2004 I started to work close to home instead of having to commute and that's when I got my first bike. It was a mountain bike. It was a beast. My Dad was really into cycling and we used to go on the river trails. He would be in full spandex on an actual road bike while I tagged/lugged along on the MTB.

Buzznet: That sounds painful.

Richard: I've always wanted a road bike but just never got around to it. Cycling in Palos Verdes with roadies while you climb hills on your MTB is kind of fun. I didn't get a road bike till I moved to LA about 2 years ago and that's when my true cycling began.

Buzznet: What tips would you give people who are thinking about trying to commute by bicycle?

Richard: Yikes. In general or here in LA?

Buzznet: Let's say in general, because biking in LA is a bit much. :(

Richard: In general, I would say get a junky bike and see if this is something you actually want to do. Map things out, stay off main thoroughfares, and take extra clothes. Oh and learn how to change a flat.

Buzznet: You've posted a few examples of it over the past two years, but I wanted to ask you about your drawings. When did you first start drawing your characters? Do you hope to do something with them in the future?

Richard: I can't talk about this. It's too personal. :: pauses :: Turn the camera off.

Buzznet: YOU CAN'T RUN AWAY FROM THE TRUTH.

Richard: It's out there! O.K., answer time: I've always "drawn" in some strange form. I honed in on my "drawings" during English class in high school. I think I was one of the only kids that actually did the required reading/homework so I would just draw as my teacher explained things. I would turn my work in with pictures on them and after a while, my teacher stopped grading my stuff and we just wrote notes to each other about what Shake-a-spear really meant and what not. She encouraged me to draw, write, and be awesome.

I have no plans to do anything with mai doodlez other than just that, doodle.

Buzznet: I've saved the best question for last. Do LOLCATS speak to you? Why are you so enamored with poor grammar and spelling on top of cats?



Richard: LOLCATz speak to mai soul. Firstly, I love cats. I am not talking about "Old Deuteronomy," but actual cats. LOLCATz are that thing that make me think that the Internet is a good place. They are so ridiculous. They make me take a break and put down my soy latte and just enjoy "Livin' La Vida Loca."

Buzznet: I'm kind of disgusted that you just referenced that song.

Richard: Yay!