Editor’s Note: One of the biggest strengths of the Star Wars expanded universe – and something that sets it apart from similar franchises – is the fact that in its 30+ years of existence there’s never been a need for a reboot. Continuity has never become so out-of-whack that writers have been forced throw in the towel and start over and that’s largely due to the efforts of our newest contributor, Leland Chee – the Jocasta Nu of the real Jedi Archives. Leland is an easy contender for the “coolest job ever” award, in fact, his job is so cool that Wired Magazine did a full profile on him back in 2008. Read on for Leland’s story and check back for regular updates from the Keeper of the Holocron!
Keeper of the Holocron. Loremaster. Continuity Cop. The “Ask Lobot” Guy. All of these have been used to describe my role at Lucasfilm managing the Holocron Star Wars continuity database. But for me, there’s only one fitting description – Dream Job. I knew all my life I wanted to be a “Star Wars expert” but was it realistic for me to think that such a job could really exist? It’s mind-boggling to think of all the myriad little decisions and circumstances that had to transpire for me to get to where I am. I think about jobs I’d gotten in past and, perhaps more importantly, the ones I didn’t get that would have taken me down a different career path. What if that friend from college never told me about a QA opening at LucasArts? What if someone else was chosen as lead tester on Behind the Magic? What if I didn’t have database experience? What if George Lucas made the Prequels a decade earlier? What if George never made the Prequels?
But somehow – call it perseverance, fate, luck, or some concoction of all of these – I got here. And I am grateful for this, each and every day. I hope I can convey some small amount of this gratitude with this blog. I can provide unique insight into Lucasfilm, the Holocron, and the Star Wars universe as both an insider and as a fan. And if you’re into Indiana Jones, I’ve got that covered too. So stay tuned to this blog, and maybe, just maybe, I’ll answer a continuity question or two.
Send your “Ask Lobot” questions to starwarsinsider@titanemail.com. Also, you can follow @holocronkeeper on Twitter.
Tags: Contributors, Holocron, Leland Chee
I really hope the blog can be used to announce new retcons, to tackle continuity / identity issues and to announce newly named characters and other items from the movies / TV spin-offs.
Great to see Mr. Chee on the blog as well. I like the new approach of the multiple perspectives and look forward to it kicking into full gear.
You’re my hero Leland. Keep up the good work.
“Continuity has never become so out-of-whack that writers have been forced throw in the towel and start over.” Um, Boba Fett, anyone? Karen Traviss also quit because Lucas wrecked the continuity.
[...] blogside, pro edition. Keeper of the Holocron Leland Chee made his debut on the new Star Wars blog today. Meanwhile, new dude Tim Lebbon writes briefly on [...]
what somepeetalay said!
retcons, canon content, behind the scenes stuff from novels, cutscenes from novels, or excerpts of cancelled books… and all that.
“One of the biggest strengths of the Star Wars expanded universe – and something that sets it apart from similar franchises – is the fact that in its 30+ years of existence there’s never been a need for a reboot. Continuity has never become so out-of-whack that writers have been forced throw in the towel and start over and that’s largely due to the efforts of our newest contributor, Leland Chee – the Jocasta Nu of the real Jedi Archives.”
AMEN! Glad to have you here, Leland–both on the blog, and manning the Holocron!
I’d die to have a job like that. I know a lot but that’s insane that there’s a person that’s payed to know stuff about Star Wars.
You probably have one the best geek jobs in the world, you know that?
Keep up the good work
You’re my hero Leland Chee!
Leland Chee rocks and there is no one better to be the information gatekeeper of Star Wars – I have known Leland since he was four and has lived and breathed Star Wars since way back then – This dream job was destiny!
Leland Chee is the best I’m looking forward to more articles from him on the blog. Keep up the good work Leland.
To Leland Chee,
No offense but can I have your job when your retired and I’ve completed middle school, high school, and college?
I know I posted a couple weeks ago, but I was wondering if I could be your assistent. I have noticed that some of the archives are incomplete, and chances are you’re a busy man, so mabey I could help create posts, fill in info, ect. It’s just a thought, if you don’t like it that’s ok. You would’nt have to pay me, and even tough I live in Pennsylvania, you could give me access to the archives via computer. We could communicate through email. I know I seem a little bold to ask this of you, but at least think it over. “Please, use my knowledge I beg you!”-Chancellor Palpatine
I’m doing a report about your job in school, and I need to know your average hourly earnings, or you average annual earnings.