This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2008, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Tonight on television, a new group of 20 people will begin a 39-day crusade to outwit, outplay and outlast each other in the outdoors in hopes of winning $1 million.

"Survivor's" 16th season opens tonight, set in Micronesia.

One fan favorite, Rupert Boneham, won't be there despite being the most loved contestant ever on the show.

You remember Rupert, don't you? He's the burly, tie-dye clad dude with the bushy beard who proclaimed in his deep, raspy voice that he was proud to be a pirate on the seventh season. (He also appeared the following year in a series with fan favorites, winning $1 million.)

Rupert, in the midst of promoting a music CD collection, called The Salt Lake Tribune to share his advice on how to do well on one of the most popular reality shows on TV. His tips:

* Don't spend all your time hunting and gathering. "I was gone from camp for several hours every day looking for food, and back at camp they were conspiring against me," he said. "It should be called 'Conniver,' not 'Survivor.' "

* Be a team player who lays low. In the first of his two stints on the show, he got into a physical confrontation with a nemesis, Jonny Fairplay (who will be a contestant this season). "It's so much a social game," Rupert said. "Anyone who thinks that you can do it yourself is wrong."

* Be mentally prepared for the worst you can't imagine. "There are very few tests for the body, spirit and soul. [Survivor] is the ultimate test." Rupert said his mind had to be strong to withstand the starvation and dehydration.

* Do what it takes to win while staying true to yourself. Rupert said he really wanted to be on the show again, but producers never called. "I would even give away all my money I won to charity," he said.

Rupert is keeping busy, though. Since his participation in "Survivor," he has founded an organization called "Rupert's Kids" for at-risk youth in his hometown of Indianapolis.

In addition, he has become a music producer. In May, he will release an album, "I Saw You On TV: Reality Stars, Volume One," that is a collection of songs from former reality-show stars, including some from "American Idol," "The Apprentice," and "Rock Star: INXS." He plans to produce other similarly-themed albums.

Part of the reason for the album, Rupert said, showing the at-risk kids he works with that bringing people together is important in life - as well as in Micronesia.

---

* DAVID BURGER can be reached at dburger@sltrib.com or 801-257-8620.

The fittest

* The new season of "Survivor" debuts tonight at 7 on KUTV Channel 2.