I just deleted the place card that was here few moments ago. It was a test post that just said “Hello World“. Nice, but not my style. No, if you’re going to make an entrance, you make an entrance.

So SPLAT trusted me with a blog site. Go figure. I know a lot of you see this and say “Who in the hell is this Tyger guy? Doesn’t he do those videos online?” Yes, I do. But that’s not all I’ve done. So, I would like to take this opportunity to formally introduce myself to those people who only know me for the “stupid common sense videos” I’ve done.

My name is Rob Rubin, AKA “Tyger”. Been known as that for almost 20 years now. Started as an internet geek on the old usenet forums way back in the day. I contributed photos to the “Warpig” project, before it was an acronym. I have a personal page, but I’m not a web developer nor do I pretend to be by stealing scripts.

I’ve written articles for damn near every paintball magazine out there, and only writing for SPLAT at the moment by choice. Quality over quantity. I co-authored the book “The Complete Guide to Paintball”, now in 4th edition. I’ve also quietly helped on a few video projects as well, but that’s neither here nor there really. Right now my “FPS” series is available, for free, on the main site and youtube. As well as other vids I’ve shot, which you can find too.

I’m a troublemaker, rabble-rouser, and a general pain in the backside to a lot of people. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve been told I’m the best thing in paintball and the worst thing, the truth is somewhere in the middle. I’m seeking truth, lies, zen, chaos and always a good story. I’m a geek in the modern sense, not the sideshow one. I don’t edit wikipedia for fun and I think it’s sad that people raided it after “The Daily Show” told them to do so.

I’ve been called a dinosaur because I played pump exclusively through the semi-auto revolution of the mid 90’s. I know I’m a dinosaur because my camos have been playing longer than some of the kids I play paintball against these days have been alive. I’m one of the tallest front players you’ll ever meet, because I get bored throwing 1000 balls downrange from the back. I’ve played with Bob Long, Dave Youngblood, Daryll Trent and other people you may have heard of, but I’ve never played an NPPL or PSP event in my life. I’ve played with thousands more who you’ve probably never heard of, but left an impact on the game in doing so.

I’m a woods-style player who hits up the arenas as a fun sideline. I’ll dress in fatigues to go play arena ball just to see how many kids ask me if I’m a “scenario player”. Yes, I really do play wearing cat ears and a tail when I play, it doesn’t look nearly as ridiculous as the mis-matched “clown outfits” I’ve seen some guys wear. And I do own a sandana or two that I purchased mail order from the company around 1993 because nobody in the midwest had them.

I’m an old school player who thinks the new school could learn a thing or two by playing with pistols for a day. I’ve been blamed for causing a rift between “woods” and “speedball” players, but I know that’s giving me way too much credit. I cringe when people roll into the parking lot and ask to get their “gat” and hold in sideways while buying a “bag of bullets” to play. I’ve played outlaw a few times, and I’m thankful nobody was blinded because of it

I’m not a reporter, but I used to be. I’m not looking for trouble, I just relay what I’ve seen. In spite of what I’ve been told about myself I don’t hate tournament players as a whole, but there’s a few that I despise on an individual, one on one basis. I was honored as a “living legend” last weekend, but you could have fooled me. And what you read about me from other people’s mouths, don’t believe it all. I’m amazed at what I’ve been told I’ve done in the past. Someone told me once I played for the All Americans, which is amazing considering I lived almost 1000+ miles away from them at the time. You could actually *ask* me these things yourself, and I try to reply to everyone.

But most of all, I’m a paintball player. I buy my paint like everyone else, I fill my own pods or tubes, chrony in line, and sink into the crowd in my camouflage. I don’t play for glory, or bragging rights or sponsors or money. I just play. And I think that’s something that’s always been overlooked.

So “hello world” indeed. Welcome to my take on it.