The Captured Mind was chosen for the webmasters pick on June 7, 2003. Here is the interview with the webmaster Marc Nöel, and interviewed by Enigma. You'll find it very interesting, learn some tips, and get a sneak peek of a sample poem too.

ENIGMA: Hello, Marc. I was wondering if you would do an interview for us?

MARC: I would be honored. What can I do for you?

ENIGMA: Thank you. Now we at The Spiderweb Crypt have a section called "Web-Master's Pick" Where we interview the masters of our favorite sites. I discovered your site quite awhile back and would like to say that it looks great. Now Marc, could you tell us where you got all of your ideas? I really enjoy your poetry, but where do you get it all?

MARC: Thank you for your interest in my poetry. My inspiration comes mostly from the emotional world. Some people write about the emotional experience, while I try to convey emotion in structure and style. If you read my poetry for the content, you're missing half the experience. Most of my poems could be classified as neutral in their meaning since it's in the transference to the reader's perception that the real meaning immerses. My ideas arrive from daily events, thoughts or experiences that make me want to better understand how we feel and perceive things. This appeal comes mostly from my interest in studies of human behavior, being a graduate student in psychology. Whether spirituality, relationships, life events or personal discovery tints them, my poems are always written to stir the mind of the reader. It's up to them to decide if it's a positive or negative experience.

ENIGMA: What about new pages? I've noticed that you make a new page for each poem, how long does it take to create the new page? And has the site gone through any makeovers since its creation?

MARC: I post each poem with a unique background that, for me, relates somewhat to the feeling or flow of the poem. I do each background picture from scratch using Paint Shop Pro, rarely using the pre-made textures. A few images have been created with mountain or sky scenes from Bryce. It takes me about 20 minutes to an hour for each, depending on the effect I want to create or my level of experience with the program. I have no training in neither graphic design or website design, so it does take me a while when I decide to do any makeovers. The website itself has changed drastically in the last year, going from a one-page design to a multi-page layout. All my layouts are done with a text editor; it might make them look amateur, but I like the simplicity and neatness I have achieved. Earlier this year, I purchased the magic ball logo that is there now; I knew I didn't have the knowledge needed in computer graphics to create something more professional.

ENIGMA: Wow that's very impressive. Your site has been up for several months now, and it gets lots of visitors. Did you think it would get to be this big?

MARC: No, I never thought it would get this big. The first version of my website, several years ago, only featured my poetry and a few links. That version only got a thousand hits after a few years online. I took it off-line since I was only getting a few hits per month. Last year, not long before I published my book, I decided I had to go back to it with a new layout and new features. Other than my poetry and links, the site now handles my book and merchandise sales, my blog, a picture gallery, a featured poet every month, a short poetry writing guide and biography. Future features would include a poetry chat and doing some workshops like I've hosted in the past, but my current graduate studies don't leave me the time to do so.

ENIGMA: Wow. Well, now I'd like to ask a few questions about yourself. On the web, there are many sites. What is your most favorite site and why?

MARC: Can I say The Spiderweb Crypt for extra points??? :) Actually, one of my favorite sites is www.jokeaday.com. It's very entertaining. My favorite poetry-related site is www.rhymezone.com, which helps you find homophones, synonyms, etc., for most words of the dictionary

ENIGMA: Ok, just a few more questions. Can you describe your personality for us?

MARC: Let's just say that my personality is as mysterious as my poetry. ;) But most people describe me as honorable and interesting.

ENIGMA: How do you think we could make this world a better place?

MARC: I think tolerance and cultural exposure are two main ingredients to world peace. I think it's hard to feel hate and frustration when you really get to know someone. The problem with waging countries is that they all think they know the other and can't tolerate when someone else does/thinks differently. It's been like that forever in the history of the human race, I don't think it's going to change anytime soon. We're intelligent enough that we should know better, but the need for power seems to overshadow logic. Tolerance leads to putting aside your need for power in favor of self and collective actualization.

ENIGMA: Alright. Now, Is there anything else you'd like to say before we wrap this up?

MARC: Thank you very much for the interview and I hope the readers enjoy my website. I think some of my poetry will appeal to your audience and if someone would like more information or order an autographed copy of my book, feel free to write.

Here's a sample poem if you would like to include one or add one to your poetry section. Thanks again for the feature and interview.