Quote from: Consonant DudeIt's already taking place.

I still feel bad about this because, like his games or not (I don't), Jared designs games. He's also a positive presence in the industry, as I believe he gives seminars and apparently, is really good at it.

My suggestion was more as a way for him to keep a web presence over at RPG.net. Not through sock puppets but rather individuals who are clearly linked to him yet NOT him.

Another way to go about it which might be amusing would be for him to incorporate his company and "hire", for a nominal fees, a bunch of employees, which would include spokespersons who report "President Sorensen's thoughts on gaming matters". They could have obvious signatures to this effect and perhaps an avatar theme. I can't see how this one is against the rules.

The point is, people who frequent RPG.net has their main message boards and might be interested in Sorensen's game should be able to find information there.

I'm feeling a little envious of Jared right now; my friends and admirers were just accused of being "Proxies"; his are now being threatened with Permabanning by mere virtue of supporting him.

RPGPundit

Quote from: Consonant DudeJohn Wick got a shitty reception when he appeared here. It was totally undeserved. I would have stayed if I was him, but I can understand why he didn't.

I agree, and very much regret that he left.

RPGPundit

Quote from: walkerpWe need a name for the suck-ups.  Courtesans?  Eunuchs?  Yeah, I like courtesans.  Well, this'll bring the courtesans out, flocking around the royalty, rapiers drawn, comforting, supportive words at their lips.

Can I suggest Harpies? It has an established RPG precident after all.

Quote from: Consonant DudeWouldn't you agree there is a real benefit for us, as users, to know that the person we address is involved with product X? Don't you appreciate some of those interactions?

No. They've led to a culture of fawning idolatry.

And, personally, I don't really see that all that much is gained from interacting with designers. Sure, they can give you little insights into the game, etc., but they're hardly critical. And I'm not sure interacting with them in person provides much more beyond what you'd see in a blog post.

And they tend to be people. Just people. Even though their names are on books, they're kind of ordinary.

So, no, I don't see much of a draw in virtually hanging out with designers.

I know that forum officials do. Forum officials love to have them around, so that they can draw in the folks who do see having a designer around as a benefit. Then there's the prestige involved, etc.

But I did think of reason beyond ego that they might use their own name: to promote their products and company. Of course, if they're on the clock, then I'm sure they expect some abuse.

Seanchai

Quote from: RPGPunditFixed your typos.

How about we not be assholes? Let's leave the whole passive-aggressive, unamusing "fixed your typo" crap on TBP.

Seanchai

Quote from: SeanchaiHow about we not be assholes? Let's leave the whole passive-aggressive, unamusing "fixed your typo" crap on TBP.

Seanchai

I was gonna say that.

Excpet it was more like "Take it to Tangency!" :mad:

Quote from: SeanchaiNo. They've led to a culture of fawning idolatry.

And, personally, I don't really see that all that much is gained from interacting with designers. Sure, they can give you little insights into the game, etc., but they're hardly critical. And I'm not sure interacting with them in person provides much more beyond what you'd see in a blog post.

And they tend to be people. Just people. Even though their names are on books, they're kind of ordinary.

I think you're throwing the baby with the bathwater.

Of course, I totally agree that they're just ordinary people. And that worship is frequent. But that's like saying "we should close RPG message boards because the discussions are often aggravating".

Quote from: SeanchaiHow about we not be assholes? Let's leave the whole passive-aggressive, unamusing "fixed your typo" crap on TBP.

Seanchai

Usually I dislike the whole "fixed your typo" technique, but I felt it was justified in this case since in fact I used it for good rather than ill.
Usually people "fix your typo" are actually turning around what you said and making it the opposite argument or some bullshit like that.
In this case, I was saying that your basic argument was absolutely correct: that certain "pet" designers are protected from criticism on RPG.net while others are open game.
It just happened that your particular examples were a bit off when looked at in general in the context of RPG.net's history; both Dancey and Siembieda are regularly shat upon, but many other "pet" designers (like Baugh and Borgstrom) are off limits to similar criticism.

RPGPundit

For some of us that are still relatively new here, what have people done here in the past to drive designers away?

Quote from: LancerFor some of us that are still relatively new here, what have people done here in the past to drive designers away?

It involved a skunk and Vaseline.

Seanchai

Quote from: Consonant DudeI think you're throwing the baby with the bathwater.

But, again, if the only way I could get information from designers was on the message board, I might agree. But I can visit blogs, company websites, etc..

Seanchai

Quote from: LancerFor some of us that are still relatively new here, what have people done here in the past to drive designers away?

Questioned our brilliance?

Bill

There were a few cases of what could be considered dogpiling; and others where it was really just a case of treating them by the same rules that all posters are treated by here (when they were expecting special attention and protection like some of them get elsewhere).

RPGPundit

Quote from: RPGPunditUsually I dislike the whole "fixed your typo" technique, but I felt it was justified in this case since in fact I used it for good rather than ill.
Usually people "fix your typo" are actually turning around what you said and making it the opposite argument or some bullshit like that.
In this case, I was saying that your basic argument was absolutely correct: that certain "pet" designers are protected from criticism on RPG.net while others are open game.
It just happened that your particular examples were a bit off when looked at in general in the context of RPG.net's history; both Dancey and Siembieda are regularly shat upon, but many other "pet" designers (like Baugh and Borgstrom) are off limits to similar criticism.

RPGPundit

So I'm crazy in remembering some negative threads about Borgstrom on RPG.net?

But I do agree it seems they let the "attack the idea not the person" rules fly out the window for Dancey and Siembeda.  But fuck it all, they DESERVE to get lambasted for the stupid shit they pull.  But I agree, if you wanted to post the same thing about Borgstrom someone does about Dancey, you should be able to.  Or, they should moderate the Dancey threads the same way.

And Wick is a tool.  I have no sympathy for him getting run off a board after all the shit he pulled on rpg.net behind the protection of being a some what high profile game designer on an rpg board that was loathe to sanction him for saying the stupid shit he did.

Darren's MST 3000-ing of his The Last Paladin was almost as funny as his FATAL review.  And totally deserved.  Hoisted on his own petard.