Q. Things aren't working. Make them work!
A. 99% of the time it's because your browser is too old. These are modern times my friend and modern times call for modern browsers. Head on over to one of these links and upgrade to the latest version of Firefox, Chrome or Safari. Shoot Paul was built for Firefox but also supports IE 8 and up. *IE 6 and 7 are not supported and older versions of other browsers may have limited functionality.
Q. My video seems slow and choppy. Is this website causing a time shift?
A. We may be talented, but time shifters we are not. Get yourself a good wired connection. Shoot Paul streams up to 2.5Mb of data a second when fully utilized. Sometimes a shared wifi connection just might not do the job.
Q. Will you [insert odd request]?
A. Probably. Feel free to request away in our instant message section or Skype us. 9 times out of 10ish we will, just remember your manners please.
Q. I'm new in these parts and I'd really like to hit you with some paintballs.
A. We've found the best attack and often most painful to be one in which a user starts at our feet, holds the up key and then immediately presses and holds the F key. In real time, this causes the gun to violently swing upward while unleashing 5-6 paintballs that are really hard to block.
Q. Why is the live stream video screen blank?
A. One of two reasons. We're either not online or there a large number of users. Not to worry, we'll either be back soon - check our schedule for updates...or simply refresh your browser.
Q. I can see the live stream video, but there is no sound. What do I do?
A. Refresh your browser and make sure your computer's speakers are dialed up for fun.
Q. How do I aim?
A. Use your keyboards arrow keys to move throughout the Shoot Paul House. Up is up, left is left, etc. You can move in any direction. On the main live video screen you'll notice grey crosshairs, use this to aim, this is where impact will be inflicted. We also like to call this the fun maker. Once you've got the crosshairs in your desired position, use your keyboard's F key to shoot. F like fire, see what we did there? Nifty hint... you can achieve rapid fire of up to 6 shots per second by holding down the F Key. In almost all cases, this will give you two for one shots.
Q. How do I use an anytime shot?
A. At anytime, once you're logged in with shots in your account, you can fire a shot by hitting the F key (remember, holding the F Key for a second will give you two shots for the price of one). Yes, even if someone else has control of the gun. In the event no one has exclusive control of the gun, you will also have aiming capabilities... but know that everyone else does as well, so it make take some persistence if you want to move the gun in a specific area.
Q. How do I use the free shot available every 30 seconds?
A. Yes, yes the rumors are true. There is a free shot available every 30 seconds. This means not only fun for you, but the assurance that a shot is fired into the room at least twice a minute. In the upper left area of the site, you'll notice a FREE SHOT callout with a timer. Once it's ready, simply click the noted area. This is a group shot, so get it fast. If you don't feel like sharing, click on of the many BUY SHOTS buttons and follow the prompted steps and get in queue to exclusively control the gun. And remember, supporting us fine humans makes you a fine human, so buy now and buy often.
Q. Does it hurt?
A. Very much so and a lot. The air tank's pressure is always opened up for fun and velocity.
Q. What kind of paintball gun are you using?
A. Well, actually you're using it, but the gun staring us in the face is none other than a MARQ Rapper.
Q. Why can't I take exclusive control of the gun?
A. You absolutely can, you just need to be responsible human and logged in to your account with at least one shot to your name. If you need more shots, don't worry we'll sell them to you. Just click on one of the many handy BUY SHOTS buttons located throughout the site and follow the prompted procedures. It's secure, cheap and easy.
Q. Is it possible to rapid fire?
A. Yes. And Houvenagle loves nothing more... well maybe ponies. Hold the F Key on your keyboard to achieve a painful barrage of rapid firing paintballs up to 6 shots per second (holding the F key for a second or two almost always results in two for one shots).
Q. There appears to be a slight delay in the live stream. Is there?
A. Unfortunately yes, but it is minimal (on average 50 - 70 milliseconds) and we are constantly trying to dump the lag. For enhanced shooting accuracy, try leading your target a foot or two if they are moving. Anticipate our moves, let's be honest here, we're not that smart and kind of predictable.
Q. I can't see where my shot landed. Will you please clean the back wall?
A. For you, anything. Just remember to ask us nicely in the Live Chat section or when you Skype us. Demands will get you far. Paul is a fan of polite patrons... or not.
Q. I want to get in the Shoot Paul House with you. How do I go about doing so?
A. Unless you're an official Minion or personally invited, you don't. We're sorry, but insurance on the House occupants is outrageous. You may be able to sweet talk Paul for a tour and demostration of the live ation. To become an official Minion see our BECOME A MINION link on the bottom of the home page.
Q. Can I call you in the Shoot Paul House?
A. Most certainly. Feel free to Skype us at ShootPaul. Remember, operators are not standing by, it's just the House occupant(s) you see, so depending on what we're doing, we may not be responsive. Just be patient and try again, you'll get through. Next caller please.
Q. I emailed you and I haven't gotten a response. Why not?
A. Don't worry your pretty head, we're not mad at you, we're just busy. Assuming you're not a horrible person sending us hate mail, we'll get back to you soon. Heck, we might even respond to that hate mail.
Q. When will someone be in the room?
A. You can find our estimated hours on the ABOUT page and we'll keep you updated with any changes and days to note via MESSAGE FROM THE MINIONS located on the top of the home page.
Q. Is the video prerecorded?
A. No, absolutely not. You are seeing and interacting with a live stream of paintball mayhem.
Q. Why are you doing this?
A. Simple. We like fun things. That and we thought you might want to shoot paintballs at a live person while you're behind your computer.
Q. Which one is Paul? I want to shoot him.
A. Located just below the live stream video on the right you'll find an up to date list of who is in the room. If there are multiple people and you still don't know, just ask us in the Live Chat section or Skype us. We'll gladly offer Paul up at your request.
Q. Can I get a refund on my unused shots?
A. If you can keep yourself from using them and you absolutely despise us, send us an email and we'll get it sorted out.
Q. What sort of protection are you wearing?
A. Other than a mask and some sort of manhood barrier, what you see is what we have on. Nothing is hidden and we are not heavily layered. The paintballs hurt and bruise us to the extent of leopard printed swollen skin. Paul secretly wants to be a jungle cat. *chest protectors are available to guests, minions and those suffering from heavy bruising.
Q. Where is the Shoot Paul House located?
A. We are cold kicking, smack dab in the middle of downtown Saint Louis.
Q. How far away is your robot gun thingy?
A. The furthest points away from the marker are the corners at 30ft. Typical shots are in the 20-25ft range. Ouch right?
Q. Do you fellows have a worst fear?
A. The consensus around these parts seem to be, no one wants to be shot in the back of the mouth/throat.
Q. What a giant dog you have. I love dogs. So what about 'em?
A. His name is Lloyd although he is sometimes referred to as The Lloyd Monster. He is a five year old Great Dane and his hobbies include sleeping... and pooping. He's gentle with children aside from the two he ate last week. And he would be very excited to meet you should you find yourself in these parts.
Q. Why is the room white? And why is it creepy?
A. We thought it would be cool to develop a gray scale room that matched the website. As far as creepy... I'll ask Houvenagle to leave.
Q. Wow! Who built all of this? It looks really complicated.
A. Anything that was complex, time consuming or generally considered hard was programmed by Mr. Serg. His counterpart and close friend of Shoot Paul, A. Artemov, programmed and organized third party programmers for light tasks. Houvenagle himself made all the pictures.
Q. Well, if they did all that, what did you really do?
A. I'm here aren't I.
Q. They seem like really nice guys. I'd like to shake their hands and thank them in person.
A. Mr. Serg and A. Artemov hail from Ukraine and love visitors.
Q. I love ShootPaul.com.
A. That is not a question, but yes, we love it too. Thanks for visiting the site.
