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'''WARPIG''' ('''World And Regional Paintball Information Guide''') is an American paintball information website and historical online publication. Established as an internet resource in the early 1990s and developed into a World Wide Web publication in 1994, WARPIG became one of the pioneering sources of online paintball news, tournament coverage, technical information, photographs and video.[1][2] The website originated from paintball information compiled by '''Steve Mitchell''' from the [[rec.sport.paintball]] Usenet newsgroup. Mitchell initially maintained the material on an FTP server before transferring it to a web server at California State University, Fresno, in 1994. The website subsequently came under the direction of '''[[Bill Mills]]''' and '''[[Dawn Mills]]''', who developed WARPIG.com into a widely used paintball publication.[1] During the late 1990s and 2000s, WARPIG provided extensive coverage of professional and amateur paintball tournaments, including the [[National Professional Paintball League]] (NPPL), [[Paintball Sports Promotions]] (PSP), [[National Xball League]] (NXL), [[International Amateur Open]], [[Skyball]] and numerous regional competitions.[3] WARPIG also published equipment reviews, technical guides, manufacturer interviews, field directories, industry news, event photography and streaming video. Its reporting frequently included contemporary tournament scores, team rosters and photographs that are no longer readily available through the original event organisers. The website is maintained as a historical archive. Its homepage states that the creators are committed to preserving information collected over more than twenty years and making it accessible to the paintball community.[2] {| class="wikitable" |+ WARPIG |- ! Name | WARPIG |- ! Full name | World And Regional Paintball Information Guide |- ! Website | https://www.warpig.com/ |- ! Type | Paintball news, information and historical archive |- ! Country | United States |- ! Origins | 1992, as an FTP-based paintball information collection |- ! Web publication | 1994 |- ! Original creator | Steve Mitchell |- ! Principal publishers | [[Bill Mills]] and [[Dawn Mills]] |- ! Publishing organisation | Corinthian Media Services |- ! Language | English |- ! Principal subjects | Tournament paintball, equipment, technical information, recreational paintball, industry news and event photography |- ! Notable coverage | NPPL, PSP, NXL, Skyball, International Amateur Open, Millennium Series and regional competitions |- ! Current role | Historical online archive |} == History == === Origins in rec.sport.paintball === WARPIG originated during the early development of internet communication within the paintball community. Before the widespread adoption of the World Wide Web, paintball players exchanged information through electronic bulletin boards, mailing lists and Usenet newsgroups. One of the principal discussion communities was '''rec.sport.paintball'''. The newsgroup provided a forum for discussions of equipment, tournament results, paintball fields, safety and industry developments. In 1992, Steve Mitchell began collecting paintball information from the newsgroup and making it available through an FTP server.[1] The material included news, articles and photographs contributed by members of the paintball community. Among the early contributors were Bill and Dawn Mills. === Development of the website === In 1994, Mitchell transferred the paintball information collection to a World Wide Web server. The server was associated with California State University, Fresno. Its original address was: http://warpig.cati.csufresno.edu/ The website became known as '''WARPIG'''. A historical account identifies the site as one of the earliest dedicated paintball websites.[1] The precise ranking among early paintball websites is difficult to establish independently, but WARPIG was clearly operating during the first years of widespread public web adoption. === Origin of the name === The name WARPIG originated from the hostname of the server on which the website was hosted. According to a historical account, Dawn Mills subsequently developed the expanded name: '''World And Regional Paintball Information Guide''' The acronym was therefore created retrospectively rather than serving as the original basis for the server name.[1] The WARPIG name became widely recognised within the paintball community. === Bill and Dawn Mills === After Steve Mitchell left his position, responsibility for WARPIG passed to Bill and Dawn Mills. They developed the website into a dedicated paintball information service. Bill Mills became particularly associated with technical writing, interviews, tournament reporting and industry news. Dawn Mills contributed photography, reporting and other editorial work. The pair travelled extensively to paintball events. Their work established WARPIG as an important source of contemporary tournament coverage. === Commercial hosting === WARPIG eventually moved from its original university-associated server to commercial hosting. The move allowed the website to develop under the WARPIG.com domain. A historical account identifies Randy Kamiya and Rene Boucher among industry figures who helped support the transition.[1] Kamiya was associated with Action Pursuit Games and Paintball Industry Magazine. Boucher was associated with Paintball News. Their involvement illustrates the relationship between traditional paintball publishing and the emerging internet media environment. == Growth during the 1990s == === Early online paintball journalism === WARPIG developed during a period when paintball news was primarily distributed through printed magazines. Publications such as [[Action Pursuit Games]], Paintball Sports International and Paintball News covered equipment, tournaments and industry developments. Printed magazines often appeared weeks or months after the events they described. WARPIG used the internet to publish tournament information more quickly. This provided players and spectators with access to results and event coverage without waiting for printed publications. === Tournament reporting === By the mid-1990s, Bill and Dawn Mills were travelling to major paintball tournaments. They produced written reports, photographs and tournament results. WARPIG's coverage included major American events and international competitions. The publication became particularly associated with detailed reporting from NPPL tournaments. === 1996 NPPL World Cup === WARPIG's tournament archive includes coverage of the 1996 NPPL World Cup in Orlando, Florida. The archive contains event reports and results from the professional and amateur divisions.[3] The coverage is an important surviving source for the final years of the traditional professional 10-man era. === Expansion of coverage === During the late 1990s, WARPIG expanded its reporting to additional tournament series. Its coverage included: * National Professional Paintball League * Great Western Tournament Series * Pan Am Circuit * Northwest Tournament Series * International Amateur Open * Skyball * Regional tournament competitions The website also published articles about recreational paintball, equipment technology and industry developments. == Tournament coverage == === National Professional Paintball League === WARPIG produced extensive coverage of the NPPL. Its tournament archive contains event reports and results from 1996 onward.[3] The archive includes major tournaments held in locations such as: * Orlando * Chicago * Dallas * Las Vegas * Los Angeles * Huntington Beach * Atlantic City * Pittsburgh * Boston Coverage varied by event but frequently included: * Preliminary standings * Semifinal scores * Final results * Tournament commentary * Team photographs * Player photographs * Equipment information * Event galleries These records are particularly important because some official NPPL websites and databases are no longer available. === Professional 10-man competition === WARPIG documented the final years of professional 10-man paintball. Its coverage includes results involving teams such as: * [[Ironmen (paintball team)|Ironmen]] * [[Bob Long's Ironmen]] * [[Aftershock]] * [[All Americans]] * [[Avalanche]] * [[Bad Company]] * [[Ground Zero]] * [[Image]] * [[Strange]] * [[Dynasty]] The archive provides contemporary evidence of the changing identities and rosters of these organisations. For example, WARPIG's 1999 Chicago results separately identify Ironmen and Bob Long's Ironmen. This distinction is valuable when reconstructing the history of teams that divided or changed names. === NPPL Super 7 === WARPIG continued covering the NPPL after the league adopted its Super 7 format. The publication documented professional and divisional competition. Its reports include information about the league's promotion and relegation system during the mid-2000s. The archive also preserves results for teams that no longer compete. === Paintball Sports Promotions === WARPIG covered PSP events during the development of modern tournament paintball. Its reports documented the transition from traditional elimination games to X-Ball competition. The website covered PSP World Cup events and other major tournaments. === National Xball League === WARPIG provided detailed coverage of the original National Xball League. Its archive includes results from the league's inaugural 2003 season. The publication documented the 2003 NXL championship final between the Philadelphia Americans and Oakland Assassins. It also covered the 2004 and 2005 seasons, including conference standings and championship playoffs. These reports are particularly useful for distinguishing regular-season titles, conference championships and overall NXL championships. === International Amateur Open === WARPIG covered the International Amateur Open, one of the most important American paintball tournaments of the 1990s and early 2000s. The event was associated with Debra Krishke and Team Effort Events. WARPIG's coverage included tournament results, equipment introductions and industry conference reporting. The website's August 2001 coverage documents an industry conference at which Bob Gurnsey received a lifetime achievement award.[4] === Skyball === WARPIG covered Skyball, a major indoor paintball tournament held in Toronto, Canada. The event attracted international teams and was an important part of the late-1990s and early-2000s tournament calendar. WARPIG published photographs, video and event reporting. Its coverage helped make the event accessible to players who could not attend in person. === Regional tournament series === WARPIG also covered smaller tournament circuits. These included the Pan Am Circuit, Northwest Tournament Series and other regional competitions. The reporting preserved information about teams and players who did not necessarily compete at the highest professional level. For historical research, these regional records are often particularly valuable. == Technical articles == === Equipment reviews === WARPIG published technical reviews of paintball markers and related equipment. The reviews often included detailed explanations of operating systems, component design and maintenance requirements. Products covered included mechanical and electronic markers. The articles provide contemporary evidence of how equipment was designed and marketed. === Autococker === WARPIG published technical material about the [[Autococker]]. The coverage included information about mechanical timing, pneumatic components and aftermarket modifications. The website also documented electronic conversion systems. Examples included RaceGun and Planet Eclipse E-Blade products. These articles are useful for researching the development of electronic tournament markers. === Electronic markers === During the late 1990s and early 2000s, WARPIG covered the rapid development of electronic paintball equipment. The publication documented new markers, circuit boards, firing modes and electronic trigger systems. Its technical reporting provides insight into the transition away from purely mechanical tournament markers. === Compressed-air equipment === WARPIG published articles about compressed-air systems and paintball safety. Subjects included regulators, air tanks and the safe handling of pressurised equipment. Bill Mills authored safety-related articles, including guidance about CO2 and compressed-air systems.[5] Historical safety articles should not be treated as substitutes for current manufacturer instructions or applicable safety standards. === Equipment manufacturers === WARPIG interviewed manufacturers and documented product development. Its coverage included companies such as: * [[Airgun Designs]] * [[Worr Game Products]] * [[WDP]] * [[DYE Precision]] * [[Planet Eclipse]] * [[Smart Parts]] * [[Tippmann]] * [[Brass Eagle]] The resulting interviews and reports preserve firsthand information about equipment design and company history. == Industry reporting == === Manufacturer interviews === Bill Mills conducted interviews with prominent paintball industry figures. The interviews frequently explored company origins, product development and business strategy. They provide valuable firsthand accounts of the early paintball industry. === Ged Green interview === WARPIG interviewed Ged Green, one of the founders of WDP. The interview discussed the origins of WDP, its paintball field operations and its involvement with the NPPL Super 7.[6] The article is an example of WARPIG's industry-focused reporting. === Debra Krishke interview === In July 2011, Bill Mills interviewed Debra Dion Krishke. The interview explored her involvement in early paintball promotion, the International Amateur Open and the development of the sport.[7] The article included historical photographs by Dawn Mills. === Bud Orr and paintball manufacturing === WARPIG documented the opening of International Paintball Manufacturing's facility in Saint Petersburg, Florida. In February 2002, Bill and Dawn Mills visited the factory to photograph and report on early production. The resulting article included information about Worr Paint and Worr Game Products.[8] The coverage provides a contemporary record of paintball manufacturing operations. === Trade shows === WARPIG reported from paintball trade shows and industry conferences. These reports documented new products and business developments. They are particularly useful for establishing when equipment was publicly demonstrated or announced. == Photography == === Dawn Mills === Dawn Mills became closely associated with WARPIG's tournament photography. Her photographs documented professional players, teams, equipment and events. The images provide a visual record of paintball during the 1990s and 2000s. === Tournament galleries === WARPIG published extensive event photo galleries. These included photographs of: * Players in competition * Team rosters * Tournament fields * Equipment * Industry representatives * Award ceremonies * Trade show displays Many galleries remain accessible through the WARPIG archive. === Historical importance === The photographs are particularly useful for identifying players and equipment. They can also help establish the dates and locations of tournaments. However, captions and player identifications should be checked against additional evidence when uncertainty exists. === Copyright === WARPIG's content is copyrighted. The website identifies Corinthian Media Services and the original creators as rights holders. Its published copyright notice states that articles and images may not be redistributed without permission.[9] Historical photographs should therefore be linked or used with appropriate permission rather than copied into other publications without authorisation. == Video coverage == === Early internet video === WARPIG was an early adopter of online paintball video. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, internet video was constrained by limited connection speeds and streaming technology. WARPIG used RealVideo and other formats to distribute tournament footage. === PigTV === The website developed video content under the '''PigTV''' name. Videos included interviews, equipment demonstrations, tournament footage and factory visits. This material provided an alternative to traditional paintball videotapes and DVDs. === Historical video archive === WARPIG's homepage links to archived RealPlayer video and YouTube material.[2] The surviving video content provides firsthand evidence of tournament formats, equipment and industry figures. Some older formats may require conversion or specialist software to access. == Field and store directories == === Field Finder === WARPIG developed an online directory of paintball fields. The directory allowed players to locate places to play. Field operators could submit information about their businesses. === Store Finder === The website also operated an interactive paintball store directory. WARPIG described its Store Finder as an early interactive online directory of paintball retailers.[10] The directory organised stores geographically. It included listings across the United States and internationally. === Early web innovation === In archived correspondence, WARPIG stated that its interactive field and store listings dated to 1994.[11] The claim is consistent with the website's early development. However, claims that it was the first such service on the entire World Wide Web should be treated as publisher claims unless independently corroborated. === Historical value === The field and store directories can help identify defunct paintball businesses. Historical listings may preserve names, addresses and other details absent from modern sources. However, directory entries may have been submitted by businesses or users and should be verified independently. == Recreational paintball == === Scenario games === WARPIG covered recreational paintball and scenario events. Its reports documented themed games, large-scale recreational events and field operations. These articles provide evidence of paintball activity outside professional tournaments. === Hurricane Paintball Park === In December 2003, WARPIG reported on the opening of a city-owned paintball park in Palm Bay, Florida. The article described the development of Hurricane Paintball Park and the local paintball community.[12] In February 2006, WARPIG covered an Underworld-themed scenario game at the same facility.[9] The report documented the game's organisers, format and participants. === Beginner information === WARPIG published educational material for new players. Subjects included: * Paintball rules * Equipment selection * Safety * First-game preparation * Tournament formats * Team tactics * Field etiquette The articles formed part of the website's broader information service. == Publishing organisation == === Corinthian Media Services === WARPIG's copyright notices identify '''Corinthian Media Services''' as the publishing organisation. The notices describe the website as a collection of information and links from multiple contributors.[9] They also explain that the publisher does not guarantee the reliability of every item of submitted or referenced information. === Contributors === Although Bill and Dawn Mills were the principal figures associated with WARPIG, the website published work by numerous contributors. Its article index includes material by writers such as: * Jessica Sparks * Paul Kloehn * Steve Patrella * Bret Golihew * Mike Kraft * Doug Devin The contributions covered recreational paintball, equipment, safety, tactics and industry history.[5] === Editorial approach === WARPIG combined original reporting with community-submitted material. Original event coverage and interviews often provide firsthand historical evidence. Other articles reflect the knowledge and opinions of individual contributors. The reliability of a particular article therefore depends on its authorship and supporting evidence. == Archival status == === Preservation of historical material === WARPIG's current homepage explains that its creators are maintaining the collected information in an archival capacity.[2] The website links to its major historical sections. These include: * Technical articles * Tournament reports * Video archives * Photographs * Beginner information * News and articles * Recreational paintball * Field directories * Store directories * Magazine resources * Paintball dictionary === Tournament archive === The tournament index remains one of the site's most important resources. It contains historical event reports, results and photographs. Some event pages preserve detailed scoreboards that are unavailable from the original tournament organisers. === Historical research === WARPIG is an important source for researching: * Defunct professional teams * Early tournament results * Team rosters * Equipment releases * Manufacturer history * Paintball field history * League development * Professional player careers * Sponsorship relationships * Tournament venues Its articles are particularly valuable when they were published contemporaneously with the events described. === Limitations === Not all WARPIG pages are equally complete. Some tournament results are partial. Certain photographs or videos may no longer load correctly. Older links may point to discontinued websites. Historical researchers should distinguish between original reporting, published press releases, interviews and user-submitted material. Where possible, information should be corroborated with other contemporary sources. == Significance == === Early paintball internet history === WARPIG was among the earliest dedicated paintball information services on the internet. Its origins predate the widespread adoption of modern websites and social media. The publication demonstrates how specialist sporting communities used early internet technology to distribute information. === Tournament journalism === WARPIG helped establish online tournament reporting as an important part of paintball media. Its rapid publication of results and photographs provided an alternative to the slower production cycles of printed magazines. The website documented the transition from woodland 10-man competition to modern speedball and X-Ball. === Technical documentation === WARPIG's equipment articles preserve information about discontinued paintball markers and accessories. The material includes original product announcements, reviews and technical explanations. These records are useful for collectors, technicians and historians. === Historical archive === WARPIG's continuing availability gives it particular importance as a historical resource. Many tournament organisers, equipment manufacturers and paintball publications from the same period no longer maintain their original websites. WARPIG preserves information that might otherwise have been lost. == Timeline == {| class="wikitable" ! Year ! Event |- | 1992 | Steve Mitchell begins compiling paintball information from rec.sport.paintball |- | 1994 | Information transferred to a World Wide Web server at California State University, Fresno |- | 1994 | WARPIG reports the introduction of interactive field and store listings |- | Mid-1990s | Bill and Dawn Mills develop the website into a dedicated paintball publication |- | 1996 | WARPIG publishes major tournament coverage, including NPPL World Cup reporting |- | Late 1990s | Website expands tournament reporting, photography and online video |- | 1998 | WARPIG covers Skyball and major NPPL events |- | 2000 | Extensive coverage of professional 10-man paintball |- | 2001 | WARPIG reports on International Amateur Open industry conference and new equipment |- | 2002 | Bill and Dawn Mills document paintball manufacturing operations at IPMc |- | 2003 | WARPIG covers the inaugural NXL season and championship |- | 2004 | WARPIG documents NXL and NPPL competition, including league eligibility disputes |- | 2005 | Extensive coverage of NXL, PSP and NPPL competition |- | 2006 | Continued tournament and recreational paintball reporting |- | 2011 | Bill Mills publishes interview with Debra Dion Krishke |- | 2019 | Latest year appearing in some WARPIG copyright notices |- | 2020s | Website maintained primarily as a historical archive |} == See also == * [[Bill Mills]] * [[Dawn Mills]] * [[Steve Mitchell]] * [[rec.sport.paintball]] * [[PBNation]] * [[Paintball media]] * [[Paintball magazines]] * [[Action Pursuit Games]] * [[Paintball News]] * [[National Professional Paintball League]] * [[Paintball Sports Promotions]] * [[National Xball League]] * [[International Amateur Open]] * [[Skyball]] * [[Millennium Series]] * [[Bob Long]] * [[Bud Orr]] * [[Debra Krishke]] * [[History of paintball]] * [[History of professional paintball]] * [[Paintball in the United States]] == References == # [https://www.automags.org/forums/forum/automag-owners-forums/paintball-talk/122630-history-of-paintball "History of Paintball"], Automags.org, 2004. Historical account describing Steve Mitchell's 1992 FTP collection, the 1994 WARPIG website, the transfer to Bill and Dawn Mills and the origin of the website's name. # [https://www.warpig.com/ "WARPIG.com β World And Regional Paintball Information Guide"], official website. Publisher statement describing the preservation of more than twenty years of paintball information in an archival capacity. # [https://warpig.com/paintball/tournament/tournament.shtml "WARPIG Tournament Archive"], WARPIG. Primary index of historical tournament reports, scores, rankings, photographs and event coverage. # [https://warpig.com/paintball/technical/IAO_new_01/index.shtml "International Amateur Open β New Product Introductions"], Bill Mills, WARPIG, August 2001. Contemporary coverage of the International Amateur Open industry conference, including photographs by Dawn Mills. # [https://www.warpig.com/paintball/articles/articles.shtml "WARPIG News and Articles Index"], WARPIG. Archive of technical, safety, recreational, historical and industry articles by Bill Mills and other contributors. # [https://www.warpig.com/paintball/articles/questions_20/ged_wdp.shtml "Ged Green in the Hot Seat"], interview by Bill Mills, WARPIG. Interview discussing the origins of WDP and the development of professional paintball. # [https://warpig.com/paintball/articles/hotseat/debrak_2011/index.shtml "Debra Krishke β In the Hot Seat"], Bill Mills, WARPIG, July 2011. Historical interview with Debra Dion Krishke, with photographs by Dawn Mills. # [https://www.warpig.com/paintball/articles/news/ipmlaunch/index.shtml "International Paintball Manufacturing Produces Worr Paint"], Bill Mills, WARPIG, 2002. Contemporary factory visit and reporting on paintball manufacturing. # [https://www.warpig.com/paintball/recreational/underworld/index.shtml "Underworld"], Bill Mills, WARPIG, February 2006. Recreational paintball event report containing the publisher's copyright and archival notices. # [https://www.warpig.com/forums/stores/ "WARPIG Store Finder"], WARPIG. Historical interactive paintball retailer directory. # [https://www.warpig.com/paintball/admin/letters.shtml "Letters to the Pig"], WARPIG. Archived correspondence in which the publisher states that interactive field and store listings had been operating since 1994. # [https://warpig.com/paintball/articles/news/120209hurricanepb/index.shtml "Florida City Opens Paintball Park"], Bill Mills, WARPIG, December 2003. Contemporary report on Hurricane Paintball Park in Palm Bay, Florida. == External links == * [https://www.warpig.com/ WARPIG β Official Website] * [https://warpig.com/paintball/tournament/tournament.shtml WARPIG β Tournament Archive] * [https://www.warpig.com/paintball/articles/articles.shtml WARPIG β News and Articles] * [https://www.warpig.com/forums/stores/ WARPIG β Store Finder] * [https://web.archive.org/web/*/https://www.warpig.com/ WARPIG β Internet Archive] * [https://www.warpig.com/paintball/admin/letters.shtml WARPIG β Archived Correspondence] [[Category:Paintball websites]] [[Category:Paintball media]] [[Category:Paintball history]] [[Category:Online sports publications]] [[Category:Sports journalism]] [[Category:Websites established in 1994]] [[Category:Paintball in the United States]]
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