So I read only two gaming blogs, really: Leigh Alexander's Sexy Videogameland and Michael Abbott's The Brainy Gamer. Call me a pretentious fuck, but their discourse on videogames is genuinely interesting, thought-provoking, and fairly well-written. Again, the keyword here is "discourse," as they write to generate discussion of the medium. I feel like they have small audiences, but those that do follow them consist of similarly intelligent and opinionated people that can converse while still having fun and maintaining respect for one another.
That's why it was so sad to see The Brainy Gamer thrown to the masses of N4G for Abbott's disappointment in Lost Odyssey. A flame war erupted in his comments (which are probably edited down now and definitely locked), and fanboys flung kneejerk insults. It's SO PREDICTABLE. Why does this have to happen? I mean, it's understandable that when an opinion contrasting with that of the general public appears, it'll be met with a strong response; however, that response doesn't need to consist of insults or dismissals of another's credibility. Not only is it hurtful to others, to everyone else with half a brain, you look like a jerk. These comments written in 10 seconds don't make you look any smarter, nor do they support whatever cause you seem to be crusading for. If you really feel that passionately about a game, fight fire with fire: take a breath, think it out, and respond in a civil fashion. This often takes effort, I realize, but if you're unwilling to spend sometime to sit down and treat others respectfully, whatever's the issue is probably not worth it.
I particularly agree with this comment on The Brainy Gamer:
"As to why the vehemence comes about? We live in a culture that tells us we are defined by the products we buy and are allied under the brand names we prefer. Children are, by and large, not trained by the education system to have empowered beliefs, or to articulate them in a constructive fashion. Their lack of critical training provides them very few articulate arguments, resulting in personal attacks rather than reasoned discourse.
Furthermore, the inability to affect positive change in their daily lives, the powerlessness they must feel, is likely a prime motivator for recklessly and wildly wielding the power of words behind the mask of anonymity the internet provides."
Alexander wrote a column addressing shouting on the internets here.
It's about healthy discussion, kids. If the gaming community wants outsiders to view our medium with respect, we have to treat each other with it first.
Relatedly, think for yourself: a pretty sweet song by Dan Le Sac and Scroobius Pip if you haven't heard it already.
There's a difference between intelligence and writing like an intellectual. For an example of a highly intelligent writer who can make himself almost universally understood, check out N'Gai Croal. The blogs you reference have small audiences not because the ideas they discuss are somehow ineffably sublime, but because they are written to exclude certain readers by using phrases such as "ineffably sublime".
To address your broader point, I'd like to point out that half of all people are below average intelligence. It's true. Does this make them bad people, or people who make bad decisions? No, it just means that they're not inclined to express themselves through discourse. Why would they play a game that they are destined to lose? Hence trolling, jokes, one-liners, or other non-intellectual contributions. Honestly, most "intellectual" contributions are the text equivalent of patting oneself on the back for being eloquent, particularly mine.
Finally, I doubt the whole consumer loyalty hypothesis. Maybe for young people, this is true. But most adults simply don't have the time and money to invest in everything, so we choose. And we people insult our choices, they are insulting us. It just so happens that the internet allows us to meet anonymous strangers now who are more willing to insult a product choice without knowing or caring who owns it, forcing a defensive reflex that looks like brand loyalty.
Short version: Leading by example works best in these situations. Look at your comment count here. When you preach on the internet, you're probably preaching to the choir. Flame, and you flame the world.
I looked up N'Gai Croal and skimmed his Newsweek blog for a bit, and I honestly don't think there's much of a difference in accessibility, if at all. I didn't mean to claim that the blogs I read are revelatory in all they post; more that I enjoy the topics they bring up and admire the way they present themselves. I don't think they aim to exclude anyone either; vocabulary is what it is, an arsenal of words you use to communicate and express yourself.
When you say that insulting your product choices is insulting you, I don't see much of a difference from the point about brand loyalty. Taking personal offense at poor reviews of a product is like taking offense at subjectivity. Not everyone's going to like what you like, but that's okay, y'know? So why rag on people who disagree?
The whole point is how you present yourself and treat others. No matter how smart you are, your intelligence level shouldn't have any bearing on knowing what's right and wrong. It doesn't take brains to be nice to people. That's all I'm saying. It's like what you're taught in Kindergarten; if you don't have something nice to say, don't say it at all.
Not trying to rack up a comment count really, and apologies for coming off as preachy! And thanks for taking the time to write my one comment. Every so often, trolling and flame wars still frustrate me, so it's hard not to say something. I realize I should probably just take my own advice and just step back and move on.
Actually, this is the first time I've read The Brainy Gamer, and I'm not a huge fan of Leigh Alexander because while she was an editor at Dtoid, she spilled considerable ink lamenting how her talent was wasted on the cretins who read the site. So you have my bias. I still think N'Gai Croal serves as a good example of an intelligent man who is also a compelling writer. Even if you don't initially understand what he's saying, you're motivated to find out because you suspect it might be worthwhile.
And the point about brand loyalty could be summed up as brand loyalty (I like this brand!) is different from brand defensiveness (Who are you to mock me for liking this brand?). The former is product-focused; the latter is ego-focused, and therefore more easily provoked.
I also didn't mean to suggest you're fishing for comments, but rather that you're using the wrong bait for this particular body of water. Nice blog, though.
Now that I've gone and read your previous blogs (for some reason I hadn't seen you before) I feel like a Nazi.
Honestly, the only part of your blog I took umbrage at (but where did I leave it?...) was the block quote that you didn't write.
So belated welcome! I happen to agree with you that insults are inherently selfish and counterproductive, as they only make the insulter feel good -- until the return jab comes. But hey, not everybody hits all the stages of human maturity. Whaddya gonna do? Use withering sarcasm, that's what.
@MaxVest N'Gai Croal has also probably got one of the coolest names in video game journalism I've ever heard, just saying. I'll throw him on the RSS list and give him a try! If you've got any other recs, feel free to shoot 'em my way.
I haven't been around long, and I write really sporadically, which is probably why you haven't seen me around. I keep trying not to lurk, buuuuuuuut ... Anyway, thanks for the welcome and don't feel like a Nazi! And I always approve of withering sarcasm.
@Y0j1mb0 Yeah. Yeaaaaah. Point taken about the name. Though I don't really want people to conform to a specific style of expression or argument. It doesn't matter how big or small your vocabulary or if you can shoot purple prose out your ass ; just play nice!
Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?
Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!
about me
[YOU REMIND ME OF THE BABE. WHAT BABE?]
Fear and despair the despised and loathed casual gamer!
[THE BABE WITH THE POWER]
A student of graphic design, mass communications, and literature.
[WHAT POWER?]
In mein haus, I have an N64, PSX, PS2, PSP, and DS. Oh, and a VECTREX. Bitch.
[THE POWER OF VOODOO]
My favorite games are the Lunar series and Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo. I tend to play JRPGs and lots of puzzle games.
Destructoid is an independently-run publication forged by our love of video games and the gaming community's need of accountable enthusiast press living the dream since March 16, 2006
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There's a difference between intelligence and writing like an intellectual. For an example of a highly intelligent writer who can make himself almost universally understood, check out N'Gai Croal. The blogs you reference have small audiences not because the ideas they discuss are somehow ineffably sublime, but because they are written to exclude certain readers by using phrases such as "ineffably sublime".
To address your broader point, I'd like to point out that half of all people are below average intelligence. It's true. Does this make them bad people, or people who make bad decisions? No, it just means that they're not inclined to express themselves through discourse. Why would they play a game that they are destined to lose? Hence trolling, jokes, one-liners, or other non-intellectual contributions. Honestly, most "intellectual" contributions are the text equivalent of patting oneself on the back for being eloquent, particularly mine.
Finally, I doubt the whole consumer loyalty hypothesis. Maybe for young people, this is true. But most adults simply don't have the time and money to invest in everything, so we choose. And we people insult our choices, they are insulting us. It just so happens that the internet allows us to meet anonymous strangers now who are more willing to insult a product choice without knowing or caring who owns it, forcing a defensive reflex that looks like brand loyalty.
Short version: Leading by example works best in these situations. Look at your comment count here. When you preach on the internet, you're probably preaching to the choir. Flame, and you flame the world.
I looked up N'Gai Croal and skimmed his Newsweek blog for a bit, and I honestly don't think there's much of a difference in accessibility, if at all. I didn't mean to claim that the blogs I read are revelatory in all they post; more that I enjoy the topics they bring up and admire the way they present themselves. I don't think they aim to exclude anyone either; vocabulary is what it is, an arsenal of words you use to communicate and express yourself.
When you say that insulting your product choices is insulting you, I don't see much of a difference from the point about brand loyalty. Taking personal offense at poor reviews of a product is like taking offense at subjectivity. Not everyone's going to like what you like, but that's okay, y'know? So why rag on people who disagree?
The whole point is how you present yourself and treat others. No matter how smart you are, your intelligence level shouldn't have any bearing on knowing what's right and wrong. It doesn't take brains to be nice to people. That's all I'm saying. It's like what you're taught in Kindergarten; if you don't have something nice to say, don't say it at all.
Not trying to rack up a comment count really, and apologies for coming off as preachy! And thanks for taking the time to write my one comment. Every so often, trolling and flame wars still frustrate me, so it's hard not to say something. I realize I should probably just take my own advice and just step back and move on.
Actually, this is the first time I've read The Brainy Gamer, and I'm not a huge fan of Leigh Alexander because while she was an editor at Dtoid, she spilled considerable ink lamenting how her talent was wasted on the cretins who read the site. So you have my bias. I still think N'Gai Croal serves as a good example of an intelligent man who is also a compelling writer. Even if you don't initially understand what he's saying, you're motivated to find out because you suspect it might be worthwhile.
And the point about brand loyalty could be summed up as brand loyalty (I like this brand!) is different from brand defensiveness (Who are you to mock me for liking this brand?). The former is product-focused; the latter is ego-focused, and therefore more easily provoked.
I also didn't mean to suggest you're fishing for comments, but rather that you're using the wrong bait for this particular body of water. Nice blog, though.
Now that I've gone and read your previous blogs (for some reason I hadn't seen you before) I feel like a Nazi.
Honestly, the only part of your blog I took umbrage at (but where did I leave it?...) was the block quote that you didn't write.
So belated welcome! I happen to agree with you that insults are inherently selfish and counterproductive, as they only make the insulter feel good -- until the return jab comes. But hey, not everybody hits all the stages of human maturity. Whaddya gonna do? Use withering sarcasm, that's what.
I was going to chime in with my two cents worth on the subject at hand but it would seem Maxvest pickpocketed my two coins while I wasn't looking.
So instead I'll give you another counted comment in your passionate plea for people to confirm to expressing themselves in a certain way.
The Brainy Gamer..lol.
@MaxVest N'Gai Croal has also probably got one of the coolest names in video game journalism I've ever heard, just saying. I'll throw him on the RSS list and give him a try! If you've got any other recs, feel free to shoot 'em my way.
I haven't been around long, and I write really sporadically, which is probably why you haven't seen me around. I keep trying not to lurk, buuuuuuuut ... Anyway, thanks for the welcome and don't feel like a Nazi! And I always approve of withering sarcasm.
@Y0j1mb0 Yeah. Yeaaaaah. Point taken about the name. Though I don't really want people to conform to a specific style of expression or argument. It doesn't matter how big or small your vocabulary or if you can shoot purple prose out your ass ; just play nice!