Zen Garden >"Success Interview with Stupidman"

Success Interview with "Stupidman - from Planet Earth."

Gary Simpson - Hold onto your hats folks, sit down, grab a cup of coffee (or maybe something stronger) because this is gonna be a very different interview to the ones I normally conduct. This week we are talking to the enigmatic one who calls himself "Stupidman." I don't know his real name and he won't tell me. I should warn you that anything could happen during this interview and it probably will. OK, all that said, Stupidman (you know how much I detest calling you that) - here is my first question. What is the principal aim of your website and what do you hope to achieve with it?

Stupidman - The website was built to overcome my fear of HTML. I am no longer afraid. My book, "The Internet Adventures of Stupidman," goes into great detail about how the phobia was overcome. That was a shameless plug.

Gary Simpson - Shameless or not, I have read your e-book, Stupidman, and I thought it was very clever. The humor in it alone makes the purchase price worth it. I loved it. And I also like your little quote: "How can you angrily demand your money back if you don't buy it?" What do you think is different about your website that makes it special?

Stupidman - It doesn’t have a purpose. It’s like the “old” Jerry Seinfeld shows.

Gary Simpson - That was an interesting answer - in fact, one that I have never received before. You've thrown me off guard. Anyway, on a personal note, what do you consider to be your "crowning" achievement to date?

Stupidman - Aaaah, the trick question. Though nicely phrased, this isn’t a very “personal note” as you ask this question of everyone you interview. Even though you live “down under” (which by contrast has me living “up over”), I thought we clicked on a personal level that transcended time, space and, more importantly, distance.

That wasn’t even the tricky part. Hey dude, I’m only 51! “Crowning” is the top, the apex, the pinnacle. What’s this crowning stuff? I’m still hitting my stride. Yeah, sure it would be politically correct to say “my children.” Give me a break. That would make those urchins superior to me and they haven’t proven it yet. I guess the smart thing to say would be “marrying Mrs Stupidman”. I like that answer.

I mean who cares if I was instrumental in getting cars banned from parking on front lawns in Oklahoma City in 1984? I’ll score a lot more points by saying: "marrying Mrs Stupidman." Final answer? Final answer!

Gary Simpson - You caught me out Stupidman. Indeed I do ask that question to everybody. How foolish of me to try to out-maneuver you. You got cars banned from parking on front lawns in your hometown in 1984! Is that true? How long did it take you to achieve your goal? Also, are you going to tell us your real name?

Stupidman - From start to finish about 5 weeks. Oh… you mean Mrs. Stupidman? Years, yeah, that’s right… many years. No. I am not going to reveal my real identity.

Gary Simpson - OK. I guess I'll just have to keep referring to you as Stupidman. So, Stupidman, what is the greatest difficulty you have ever had to overcome?

Stupidman - All difficulties pale once they’ve been overcome. They’re all big deals until you wrestle them to the ground, then you wonder: “Why was I stressing over that?” I thought this question was pretty hard until I realized the greatest difficulty is the next one.

Gary Simpson - You know that was a very intelligent answer - if you don't mind me saying. Actually, Stupidman, after reading your "Internet Adventures of Stupidman" and some of the many posts that you have put up on various message boards, I think that adopted nom-de-plume of yours is quite a misnomer. I actually think you have a massive IQ and that you are trying to make us all think otherwise - maybe to make us feel good. Let's see how you handle my next question. What are three personal attributes you possess that help you to win?

Stupidman - A positive attitude, empathy and a willingness to cheat.

Gary Simpson - I like the first two. Have you declared the last one to the IRS? Now Stupidman, I have to ask you this and I am almost afraid of the answer you might give but here goes. Are you a reader and, if so, what books do you read?

Stupidman - I used to read a lot of paperback fiction (too cheap to buy hard covers). Now that I am a self proclaimed writer I barely have time to read the newspaper(s).

Gary Simpson - I understand the time commitment. Do you have a favorite quote or saying and what is it?

Stupidman - “What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.” It’s either German or something said by a steroid-using athlete.

Gary Simpson - Or maybe even a German steroid-using athlete? I can't believe I actually said that. My apologies to all the Teutonic visitors to my site. I didn't mean it. Truly! Doing an interview with Stupidman does things to me. OK Stupidman, what, if any, is one thing about the internet that annoys you the most?

Stupidman - Doing interviews.

Gary Simpson - U-huh, I see... then, let's go the other way. What, in your opinion, is the most advantageous feature of the internet?

Stupidman- Being asked to do interviews.

Gary Simpson - Hmm. You certainly are a complex person Stupidman. I keep reading the previous two questions and your answers to them and I am still confused. Nevertheless, let's look to the future. What project or projects are you currently working on?

Stupidman - I have started a cookbook “for men only” and a sequel to my better selling book: “The Internet Adventures of Stupidman”.

Gary Simpson - A men only cookbook? Now that should be something for us all to look forward to. I hope you have a chapter on brain food. Sorry,

Stupidman - like I said, you do have an unusual effect on me. Maybe I should just leave the gags to you. Is there anything else you would like to say or add to the interview?

You people with low self esteem should listen to Gary and get over it. The only reason you are losers is because you think you are. Quit blaming your crappy life on circumstances and outside influences. Take charge of your life. If this makes you mad, then good. You can work with anger but you don’t get anything out of depression.

Get off your butt and buy Gary’s book(s). Buy several copies and give them to other losers (then you’ll feel superior). If you are incapable of making an on-line purchase just give Gary your credit cards and he’ll do it for you.

Gary Simpson - Whew! Out of all that you actually make a few good points even if the delivery was somewhat, er... shall we say... unconventional.

Folks, you have just subjected yourself to a five-minute interview with Stupidman. To say it was different to all the other "Achievers' Interviews" would be an understatement. Like I said before, I think Stupidman is a genius in disguise. Please go and visit his site. I think it is hilarious - especially those photos of the man himself with a bag over his head to conceal his identity. I have tried to prize it out of Stupidman many times in the past and even once or twice in this interview but I'm going to ask one more time - Stupidman, are you going to tell us your real name?

Stupidman - No!

About the author: Gary Simpson is the author of eight books covering a diverse range of subjects such as self esteem, affirmations, self defense, finance and much more. His articles appear all over the web. Gary's email address is budo@iinet.net.au. Click here to go to his Motivation & Self Esteem for Success website where you can receive his "Zenspirational Thoughts" plus an immediate FREE copy of his highly acclaimed, life-changing e-book "The Power of Choice."

Gary Simpson is a 7th Dan karate master who teaches self defense, motivation, self help and wealth building to students around the world through home study courses. You may reprint this article as you include this author credit and an active link to his web site. Finance - Self Help - Motivation - Self Defense - Personal Growth MotivationSelfEsteem.com