Interview: Chip Confer, Chip & Co.

Chip Confer operates Chip and Co., a busy Disney site with lots of writers, lots of news, and lots of views. Here, Chip presents some of his own views and a taste of what you'll find on his site.

When did Chip and Mickey first meet? How often do you guys get together in Disney World?

CHIP: Mickey and I grew up together. We had our differences, even a few scuffles and a knock-down, drag-out once, but over time we grew to be the best of friends. Our families meet and hang out at the Parks just about every year. We both we wish we lived closer to each other, but for now this distance is tolerable.

What was your first memorable Disney moment?

CHIP: I remember being a Steamboat Captain. Well, not really, I was more of a deck hand, but I hoped to be a Captain someday. I met the love of my life on that boat and we shared a special moment with a goat. Oh, the memories.

When did 'Michael Confer' morph into 'Chip Confer'?

CHIP: Well, the only person who calls me Michael is my mother. The nickname Chip is a loooong story and I haven't had near enough Crowne Floats yet to tell it to you.

I will tell you to make a excellent Crowne Float you get Strongbow Cider (imported from the UK) and pour it in a tall glass. Only fill it up about 3/4 of the way, then get a spoon and some Guinness. Pour the Guinness on the spoon and let it float on the top of the Strongbow Cider. Delicious! And it looks very cool, too.

How did you get the idea for Chip and Co., your Disney site?

CHIP: Well, the idea came to me one night. I remember it vividly. I was standing on my toilet hanging a clock, and I fell, hitting my head on the sink. And that's when I came up with the idea for the Flux Capacitor... wait, wrong idea.

Actually, Chip and Company, or Chip and Co., was first a variety site. My slogan was 'Where internet cookies are a good thing.' My logo looked like the Chips Ahoy Logo. It was great but the site didnt have the edge I was looking for. So I tried to think what topic is the internet full of. Other than naughty sites, I knew it was full of Disney sites. I figured, what was one more? So I threw my hat in the ring and switched formats.

What makes Chip and Co. unique?

CHIP: Well, what separates us from the rest of the sites out there would have to be my writers! I have some of the best and talented writers on the planet. I have over 20 writers from different backgrounds and different locations throughout the U.S. I don't want to single any one out but we write about everything from Disney news, planning, tips, views, reviews, you name it. I try to post an article every hour, on the hour, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, so there is always something new. I wanted to name the site Company and Chip, but it just didnt have quite the same ring to it.

You cover virtually everything there is to cover about Disney, even Marvel and the Muppets! Which section of your site gets the most visitors?

CHIP: It varies from day to day. Sometimes people are reading a HOT news story, other times they're checking out Park events, movie and game reviews, etc. Probably one of the most consistent areas of the site is the Views section. Our views are 100% original and not something you can find elsewhere on the web.

CHIP: Take me through a typical day in the Disney life of Chip Confer.

I work full-time in the IT Industry. My job is pretty flexible in that I can run about 30-40 Firefox windows to write articles, research news stories, and answer Help Desk calls. To say that I multi-task would be an understatement. I have been trying to unplug from Disney at nights to have family time, do my P90x, and play some PC games. In the beginning, I used to scour the web looking for Disney news, but now with the site's popularity, Disney sends me the news stories. Thank God!

What's your ultimate goal for Chip and Co?

CHIP: My vision for the site comes from Monty Python. I envision the site being like Permanent Assurance Company. I change the site into a Pirate Ship and navigate the Internet attacking other Disney sites.

To get a better idea, google 'The Crimson Permanent Assurance' and watch the videos. That is what I want to see Chip and Co be someday. Arg!!

What's an ideal day for you in Disney World? Favorite attractions? Favorite foods?

CHIP: I am a Disney Foodie. I have been to WDW over 50 times so the rides are old hat. Now the food is something I yearn for. My perfect day is this: I would like to have breakfast at Kona Cafe (Tonga Toast), lunch at San Angel Inn (love the atmosphere), dinner at Boma,and dessert at Ohana (Bread Pudding). In my dream all this food is calorie free and doesn't cost a dime! Oh, and all my meals are served to me by Christina Hendricks! RAWR!

In ten years, what changes do you see in the Disney theme parks? In Disney's on-line presence? In the community of sites and blog that unofficially support Disney?

CHIP: Well, I envision Disney taking on Google, Facebook, and Verizon someday. See my news story about Disney selling cell phones in Japan. OY!

I imagine Disney will create another park in Brazil since 1/2 to 3/4 of their population come to WDW already. Finally, I see Disney offering me free trips to the Parks to cover the various events. Hey, I can dream, can't I?

Thanks very much, Chip!

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• Chip and Company
  http://www.chipandco.com