Thanks to Massively, I learned that MSNBC recently conducted an interview with Lord of the Rings Online’s live producer Aaron Campbell. Before I say anything else, take a look for yourself:

Okay. First of all, it’s nice to see some mainstream media coverage of MMO’s done in a slightly more knowledgeable manner. Admittedly, it’s a “noob primer” on MMO’s combined with a look at LoTRO, but that’s to be expected. And let’s face it, the reporter obviously did some research on his topic, or the interview wouldn’t have been done in a machinima style with his avatar in-game; it would have been done in a strip club like all good interviews should.

That being said…the audio is…ummm…interesting. Campbell sounds engaging and enthusiastic, as he should. But why does Todd Kenreck (MSNBC gaming reporter) sound like a really bad voiceover job in a machinima entitled “Dude, Where’s My Gravitas?” It doesn’t sound the least bit conversational; instead, it sounds like Kenreck re-recorded his questions and had them edited in.

And he sure as heck doesn’t sound engaged…or, for that matter, like he’s doing anything more than reading from his cue sheet, and trying to sound “epic”. (Note to all: The more you try to sound “epic”, the more you…well, don’t.)

All in all, kudos to Kenreck and MSNBC. Hit his Myspace and brag on him for the interview; maybe we’ll get more. Great concept, pretty good execution, but Todd? Perk it up a bit…you’re in Middle Earth on a news network, not asking the Premiere of Phat-Lewtistan if he strangles kittens for fun.

(He does, by the way, but he’s in PwnZone on Madoran; what do you expect?)

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Tags: lord of the rings online, msnbc