Well we still have about 163 days (roughly... I don’t know anything new) until Republic: the Revolution comes out so I thought I’d share with you all some of the community work I do in my spare time. I am a humble man and despite the fact that I’m trying to save up enough money to take over the world, I like to put something back into the community. I do this by giving advice to those who write to me like the letter that I’ll share with you below.

Dear Joecorp,

I’m the Head Programmer and Designer of a new, much anticipated game. The pressure is starting to increase as the game comes closer to completion. I was wondering if you could give me some advice that will help me get the most out of my staff and also keep the eager fans and media happy until we finish.

Signed D.

Dear D,

Unfortunately, workplace relations laws mean that it’s illegal now to work your staff until they fall dead at their desks but fear not as I have several options you could use. Firstly there’s the “Release it and Patch it later” option that will make both staff and fans happy at least until the bugs are found and the reviews are in. Of cause your workload may double after the release while to try to win back the fans with patch after patch so I wouldn’t recommend this option. I would suggest that you make the work fun for your staff. Turn it into a game. Tell them that whoever renders a totally workable 3D world first, gets a 6-pack of Buzz Cola. Also show them that they’re appreciated by sending them a card each. If you make it a funny card you may find you have a friend for life. Lighten the pressure by ridiculing the weakest member of your staff. Something as basic as the old “Kick Me” sign can keep a staff member smiling for hours. Send another card to the poor guy with the tread marks on his butt and all is forgiven.

As for the fans and media? Well try this one. Every time you talk to media, breathe in some helium. You’ll put a smile on everyone’s face and they’ll respect you more for the genius that you are [Ed's note: - if you don't understand what Joe means by this, check out this thread on the official message boards]. Hope this helps you D.

Signed Joecorp.

Here’s another...

Dear Joecorp,

I like to get out a lot but the ladies never take any notice of me. I’m up with the latest styles and have even been know to wash when I remember but to no avail. Please help.

Signed Rod

Dear Rod,

What you need my friend is a gimmick. If TV has shown us anything, even the lamest people can score if they have either a catch phrase or a look. Ask a good friend if you have any quarks or say weird stuff and then accentuate these to the point where they annoy everyone you meet. Do this to the girl of your dreams until she finally cracks and straight out abuses you. Then all you got to do is cry. With any luck she’ll feel bad and go out with you out of pity.

Signed Joecorp

I hope that this convinces you to all put a little bit back into your community. Sure, not everyone can dish out great advice like that. You just need to find what it is that your good at whether it is getting an old lady out of a tree or helping a cat across the road. There’s a lot of work to be done out there my friends and I can’t do it on my own.

Joecorp