People are enjoying the April sun and positive Celsius grades in the air outside
the Vikingship. The clock is just over 15:00, and the barbecue is soon to begin.
Sverre (21 years old and comes from Uddevalla , Sweden), Matias (18 years and
comes from Asker) and Øyvind (18 years old and comes from Hurum) is about
to get ready for the barbeque, but had a few minutes to spare for an interview.
What is your first impression about The Gathering 2004?
Mattias: I'm very impressed about this years cue system. I'd expect to stay four hours in cue like last year, but no. This year I got my bracelet fastened and goodie bag really quickly. Unfortunately I did experience some difficulties with the network. I understand that the crew needs to work on it, so it didn't upset me.
Øyvind: This is my third year at The Gathering and it's starting to be a tradition for me. I didn't notice anything different from Mattias, but I had some problems with the power on my row.
Sverre: First of all, The Gathering is great! I'm used to some other parties in Sweden, and was very positively surprised about the good space here at The Gathering comparing to some other parties I've been to. I also like all the other activities that are available here. You don't have to sit in front of the computer all the time. I specially like the seminars. They are exciting!
What do you think about the food and hygiene at The Gathering?
Øyvind: Many people have brought their own food here. The food people eat here is maybe not the most healthy, but since it's only for a few days I suppose it's ok. I'm more worried about the sleeping conditions inside the ship. They're not optimal.
Sverre: I bought the food ticket and I think it's great. There's much pizza,
hamburger and coke here. That is not too healthy, and I miss some healthy sandwiches
and even salads to be extreme. It's nice that there are showers and toilets
that are cleaned each day.
Mattias: I miss everyday food here. I think it's a stereotype of the computer enthusiast that he loves unhealthy fast-food, but that is not right for everyone. Infact, I miss a good healthy salad here. But the quality of the fast-food here is good. I have no reasons to give any complains yet. If people get stomach issues I suppose it's more the combination of coke, fast-food and candy and not the fast-food itself which is the cause. I have noticed that the showers at some times could use a scrub during the day because the floor is pretty soaped.
What are your major activities here?
Sverre: This is my first time, so I'm not quite settled in yet. But I meet relatives and some old friends here. I have attended several seminars and I like what I've seen so far.
Øyvind: I'm trying to make some contributions to the demoscene and I try being social and get new friends both in front and beside the computer screen. I'm attending the seminars and I will be trying out the cinema later.
Mattias: I'm working on my first demoscene contribution this year. And I think it is very exciting. I have also been playing some games, and taking up some of my other computer interests because I have met people sharing the same views on things as me and that is very much what The Gathering is to me.
How important do you think The Gathering is to the computer community?
Øyvind: The Gathering is a very big party and I think it helps to pinpoint the big enthusiasm for computing this nation has. And the fact that The Gathering also draws people from other countries must mean that people look at it as important.
Sverre: I've experienced that people I have met at other parties are talking about making contributions for The Gathering because they see it as a big place to get feedback and comments on their work.
Mattias: I think The Gathering is an area where people with different interests are feeling home and that they are being respected. Gamers have their competitions, so does the demosceners.
The three boys have had a good impression about this years party. Even if there have been some problems with the power and the network they fell it only have contributed positive to them making them do alternative things. They will sure be back next year.
Mattias: I'm very impressed about this years cue system. I'd expect to stay four hours in cue like last year, but no. This year I got my bracelet fastened and goodie bag really quickly. Unfortunately I did experience some difficulties with the network. I understand that the crew needs to work on it, so it didn't upset me. 
Øyvind: Many people have brought their own food here. The food people eat here is maybe not the most healthy, but since it's only for a few days I suppose it's ok. I'm more worried about the sleeping conditions inside the ship. They're not optimal. 
Sverre: This is my first time, so I'm not quite settled in yet. But I meet relatives and some old friends here. I have attended several seminars and I like what I've seen so far. 
