To "mod" something is to modify it from it's original
state. The art of modding has taken shape in the computer
world because of the fact that people are tired of seeing
their stereotypical gray boxes sitting on their desk. This
unique form of art has made it's way into the main stream,
and one of those people leading the charge is Paul, the
owner and operator of The Best Case Scenario. Paul's work
has been seen many places, including the soon to be released
October 2003 edition of Wired Magazine. So how does one
get started doing this, and what's the story behind Paul?
I decided to take a deeper look. The result? This one on
one interview with the man himself.
Q. First things first, I'd like to thank you for
taking some time out of your busy schedule to talk with
us. The Best Case Scenario is all about modding different
computer related products. When and why did you decide to
start this page up?
A. In the Summer of 2000 as the dot bombs were dropping,
I was laid off from a cushy web designing job and found
myself with way too much time on my hands. I had seen a
few case mods here and there on the web, and having an old
empty PC case lying around I decided to cut a few fan holes
and try out this new type of 'canvass'. Not satisfied with
a hulking steel paneled rectangle, I decided to apply my
old prop-making skills to the case, and what resulted was
my Alien Case Mod. The web site naturally offered me a way
to share my unique style and ideas with other case modders.
Q. What is it that you use to run the backend of
your site? Do you like it, or have you looked at any other
content management systems out there?
A. Until I switched to Total Choice Web Hosting, my website
had quite limited back-end functionality. From a web designer's
standpoint, I was quite surprised at the generous suite
of add-ons and applications available through Cpanel. I
feel like I can finally reach a tech-savvy audience with
feature-rich apps such as InvisionBoard, MyChat and OSCommerce.
With hotlink protection just a few clicks away, I can help
protect copyrighted images and prevent bandwidth theft.
Q. From the average visitor's view, what kind of
aspects do you try to deliver to the reader that are unique
to your site?
A. I hope my website reflects that if you believe in yourself,
others will follow. I now have several major hardware manufacturers
supporting my case mod projects through generous donations.
I'd like my website to show that with hard work and determination,
anyone can go from relative obscurity in their field to
landing that next television appearance or magazine feature.
 Q.
Your average case mod takes a lot of time and attention.
Why would you encourage people to start this up?
A. I would encourage anyone interested in computers to
give case modding a try, for the simple fact that its big
on personal reward. Picking up a tool and creating something
with your hands gives us a sense of our humanity. We have
become so comfortable with going to store and simply purchasing
an object we like. Creating that object from raw materials
gives such a sense of personal power and achievement. even
if the results are humble. On a very personal level, every
time I work on a project, I can sense that God talking to
me. There are no spoken words, because He is using sign
language and my own hands to speak.
Q. Have you always been an artist? Do you think
that it helps if you have some sort of art background before
starting case modding as a hobby or a project?
A. I come from a family of painters, sculptors, musicians,
poets and carpenters, so you can say that it may indeed
be in my blood. I was a carpenter; taught by my brother
and my father before him, for fifteen years building everything
from movie props/special FX to cabinetry and houses. No
one can teach us art, they can only show it to us. It does
however help to watch and learn from others, whether its
an instructional video, a weekend art course or a television
show. The most difficult part of any project is having the
"courage to create", to begin the process of being
creative.
Q. How much have you spent on doing your most expensive
mod?
A. I've gone hungry doing these projects. An unemployed
artist is a sad sight. Art supplies or rent? Computer parts
or food for two weeks? It's a good thing I'm single with
no children, because I'm able to eat pasta by the case and
stave off the landlord for a couple weeks. Case modding
on my level is extremely expensive, but don't be discouraged,
because the best mods I have seen cost only a few dollars.
Q. There are plenty of awesome and detailed mods
on your site. Where do you get the inspiration for these
things?
A. Hey, thanks for the compliment! I was born in 1965,
and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. There was always a movie
theater nearby or even the local library to show science
fiction films and monster movies. My inspiration comes from
these movies and from the creators of special effects and
movie magic.
 Q.
From start to finish, how much time did it take to do your
biggest mod to date?
A. Having the experience as a master model maker and prop
builder, I can work fairly quickly to achieve the results
I want in a project. I try to set personal deadlines, but
never rush to a finish for the sake of finishing. My mods
take anywhere from 40-800 hours to complete. The project
tells me when it's finished.
Q. What's the one thing you hear yourself say over
and over as it relates to the do's and don'ts of case modding?
A. DO have courage and determination. Don't let anyone
tell you that you're wasting time and money. Do be patient.
Don't take criticism to heart and give up. Do believe in
yourself.
Q. What do you have to say to the average Joe that
wants to just lay some newspaper down outside, a bucket
of house paint, take his paintbrush and get to painting?
What's the best steps to take to get ready?
A. I say go for it! get your hands dirty, spend quality
time with yourself, listening to your heart and experiencing
new things. Don't think about the process or preparation
too much or you'll get caught up in frustrating details.
Just do it.
Q. Are there any things you'd like to add or plan
to add to your site in the future?
A. I'm currently working on a second (My first is the Alien
Fossil Mouse Video) how-to video, and would like to add
e-commerce functionality to the site once it is finished
and packaged.
Q. What is the one thing you'd like to tell everybody
who thinks they want to pick up case modding as a hobby?
A. I'd like to tell them to be prepared for a most rewarding
experience of self-discovery.
I want to thank Paul for his time. If you are still interested
in learning more, please feel free to visit Paul's website
The Best Case Scenario.
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