Weblog
Saturday, 12 December 2009
-
PrestigeGamerz.com
If you're a gamer, and you want a place to hang, chat, and join in on some gaming, then you should follow me over to PrestigeGamerz.com. We've got 700 members on our forum; monthly community events; a live webshow series (Let's Play... LIVE!) hosted by MOI; and a great community of like-minded gamers.
Admittedly, we can be a bit unruly; but we're all there for the same reason: We love games. And hate Treyarch! :P
We're also looking to expand our writing staff, and eventually put together a full news team to post articles on a daily basis. So if you're a good writer, and would like to work with some experienced editors, then you're more than welcome to show us your stuff.
So join us as we try to create the best gaming forum/site environment for all of you.
http://www.prestigegamerz.com is the place to be.
Follow us on Twitter @ http://www.twitter.com/PrestigeGamerz
and me @ http://www.twitter.com/AxikalHope to see you there!
-Scott 'Axikal' Christian
Sunday, 26 July 2009
-
Do Not Support HardestLevel
So, some of you are curious about why I'm telling you all to pull your support of HL. Well, recently (last week), I was officially banned from being Featured on HL because I raised issue with their formatting. As you all are aware, I format my entries to be literally correct. I use proper indentation and paragraphing (as can be used on a blog), and I use text formatting (italics) to emphasise certain words, or highlight quotes.These are JOURNALISTICALLY CORRECT things to do. However, HardestLevel has refused to take my critiques into practise, and immediately removed my entry. Need I remind anyone that there was a HUGE debacle not long ago in which HardestLevel was practically FORCED into putting other people onto Featured, other than their Fascistic "editor" Awinnerisyou.Need I ALSO remind anyone that it was ruled that the current editorial methods were INCORRECT AND INVALID?! No, I do not. Not to any of you who are intelligent enough to remember that. I've stated before that the "editors" on the Xister sites have more power than real editors have. They do not discuss with their authors any changes that need to be made, or are being considered to be added.I was NEVER told my entry did not meet a "visual preference", and my entry was, again, butchered in its format. Once again, MY work, was written in the pisspoor style of one "Joe". After reading more into things, I discovered that "Joe" is Awinnerisyou.So wait, the very guy who was told by John of Xanga to change his shit, to listen to the community, to stop editing posts to HIS STANDARD... IS STILL DOING IT!? WHAT?! At this point, having re-read the messages sent betwixt me and "Joe", and seeing his attitude on compromise...I won't be satisfied with just a revamping of the way Featured is run on the Xister sites.I want Joe to be let go. He has no communicatory skills, no expertise in editing, and no idea what he's doing. He was told how to act, how to approach, and he went against EVERYTHING in order to mold HL into whatever the fuck he wants it to be.I said "ENOUGH!" last time. I shouted. I screamed. I was a raging asshole to everyone in my path. Not this time. No, this time I've aimed my sights on you, "Joe". You went against ALL agreements. You acted out of selfish desire, and you put no thought towards your position, or the community. You expect us to conform to your style, which is NOT WHAT AN EDITOR DOES. An editor is required to go over a submitted work; edit grammatical errors, and re-submit the edited work back to the author for approval.NO PUBLISHING IS EVER DONE WITHOUT FULL CONSENT OF THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR OF ANY CHANGES MADE. NONE! NEVER! THAT'S NOT HOW IT FUCKING WORKS!I've had enough of this. It was bad before, when there were no actual rules about this. But we went through HELL and a major shitstorm from MANY XANGANS about this issue. And he has the nerve, the GALL to continue to pull this shit?!I'm calling for Joe's position to be open to a member of the Xanga community. I don't care whom, as long as they have been here longer than 2 years; understands how the community runs; can show an unbiased opinion when needed; and has ACTUAL EDITORIAL SKILLS. I'm sick of seeing "interns" running our community like this. It's appalling. It's disgraceful. And I won't be represented by these people.And yes, I called "Joe" a fascist. Because that's exactly what fascism is. I'll give you a few pieces of what Fascism entails. And while HL isn't necessarily a "government", the "Editor" right now is the "governing body" of HL. Ergo, the following has more pretext: "Fascist governments forbid and suppress criticism and opposition to the government and the fascist movement"Gee, when I criticised him firstly, I was blocked, banned, and verboten to do anything other than muddle on my own HL account. When I did it again, I was VERBOTEN to ever be Featured again; all because I opposed his views on how the site should look."Fascism is much defined by what it opposes, what scholars call the fascist negations - its opposition to individualism". I complained that my post's formatting was uniform, and sounded nothing like me. I was denied, ignored, and banned. I will repeat that an EDITOR cannot, under any circumstances, alter the format of a submission without express permission from the original author that the changes are valid, and acceptable. EVER.But that's exactly what happened to me.Not only am I asking for a change in Xister Featured Structure, and Joe's "retirement", but that my "banning" from being Featured be removed. I was unjustly banned. Yes, I became angry later on in the discussion, because of all the aforementioned issues. Because we've been through this, and he hasn't learned a goddamn thing. He feels that he can do as he please, and piss on you and me. We mean nothing.Nevermind the fact that had me and some key Xangans not raised HELL (and had I not complained initially about the lack of diverse Featured content), that HardestLevel would STILL be Featuring the SHIT out of Awinnerisyou. There'd be no users, no comments; and no one would care. Much like they did before changes were made.And guess who are the people who DEMANDED those changes? Me, SimbaThe2nd, AnamcharaConcepts, Fairywife, and others! It took US to get things to change. Joe did NOTHING on his own. The "success" of HL right now can only be attributed to those of us who spoke out against his reprehensible behaviour. He's proven to be an utterly INEPT editor and site owner. He needs to be taken off the site IMMEDIATELY, and replaced with someone competant.He has shown that he refuses to adapt, and learn. He wants it his way, or no way. And you can see this from his responses to my messages. Note that I started out friendly, and as time passed, I became irate.I find it disheartening that I have to become a JERK to get any response from anyone. I'm NOT a jerk; and I don't care much for being one to get things done. I wanted a civil, ACTUAL compromise; and even offered to give some concessions to HL to keep my formatting right. AND I WAS NOT LISTENED TO.Below is the conversation between me and "Joe". Note that at the end, he tacks on the "Head Editor" name to his, in a transparent effort to be "above" me, and assert superiourity.You're no editor. You're a selfish jerk. A n00b. And unworthy of the position you have.When you're done reading, please go to http://www.xanga.com/ideas/1410/properfeaturedlinking.html and vote on this Idea. Thank you.--------------------------------From HardestLevel.com To Me:Hello,
We just wanted to let you know that your post is now live on hardestlevel.com.
Here's the link to your post:
http://www.hardestlevel.com/706751653/hr-231-poised-to-label-games-to-death/
Thanks again for allowing us to publish your post!
The hardestlevel team-7/8/09From Me To HardestLevel.com:Cool! Uhm, I think when I submitted it, the site garbled up the post. It was meant to look like it does on here. I noticed that this happens too on Xanga.com.
http://zeus.hardestlevel.com/706418254/hr-231-poised-to-label-games-to-death/
Could you please edit this?-Sent 7/9/09From Me To HardestLevel.com:Hey, just letting you know that the post submission page messed up the format of my H.R. 231 Bill post. The original format is on my website. I'm asking that you please change the Featured post over to the proper format.
Also, I submitted a new post for review for Featured, but the original posting (the one with "" around the title) got screwed up in the submission process. The one I was hoping to see up is the one with the proper formatting and pictures within the post.
I'm not sure what's up with the Submission Page. It's been acting weird on every site.-Sent 7/10/09From Me To HardestLevel.com:Okay, it's been a few days since my initial message. I was under the impression this was a "new era" for this site, but I'm really not seeing much of a change. At the very least, a message of acknowledgment that you read my message would be respectful.
The format of my post was not correct as per a mistake on the submission page. Please re-review the entry on my HL account site, and change the featured article as per posted. If not, then remove my post from the front page.
I really don't want to have to go into ANOTHER series of issues over something that can simply be solved civilly. I'm giving the benefit of the doubt because of the nature of the issue, but I've only so much patience.
You also have me blocked on your personal site; and not only that, I had to get on John's case just to be unblocked on this site to begin with. You were told to "play nicely", I expect you to do so.
I'm trying to be nice, but patience wears extremely thin. I'm not letting this go.-Sent: 7/12/09From HardestLevel To Me:Dear Sir,
If you are referring to the bold text and indents of the paragraphs, then I believe I understand why you are referring to the format as "not correct". Other than that, I am truly unaware of any significant format changes.
I will revisit HardestLevel later tonight, and I believe I will remove the post because it does not meet your standards. We do not use bold or indented text, and that is our visual preference. While I wouldn't go as far as to say this much is non-negotiable, I would much prefer to keep a uniform visual format for all posts.
Thus, I'm sorry if we are unable to reach a consensus on this and sorry for the late reply.
-- Joe-Sent 7/13/09From Me To HardestLevel.com:I don't mind the italicized or bold edits. But the paragraphing is definitely all wrong (ie, there's none where it needs to be).
I was also not informed of a new staff on HL's site. Is there a more effective way of reaching staff in regards to issues? I'm hoping there is a streamlined approach now as opposed to how the site was run prior to the "incident".
I would speak to John about the issue of formatting, as he was directly involved in the process. Though I must say I do like the left-justified approach.-Sent 7/14/09From Me To HardestLevel.com:Apparently it IS non-negotiable, seeing as you went and deleted my work without my consent, or any further dialogue. You have NO etiquette when dealing with an issue and as such, I'm removing my support of this fascistic site.
Your 'visual format' is a Wall Of Text monstrosity, and illiterate. I shall do everything in my power to discourage use of your site. I will not be abused, misrepresented, or neglected.
I WILL be talking to your boss.
This slight will NOT go unpunished.-Sent 7/17/09From HardestLevel To Me:Sir,
I indicated previously I had the intention of removing your post from the main page, as you yourself asked. As written: "I will revisit HardestLevel later tonight, and I believe I will remove the post because it does not meet your standards. We do not use bold or indented text, and that is our visual preference. While I wouldn't go as far as to say this much is non-negotiable, I would much prefer to keep a uniform visual format for all posts."
So, there was fair warning and your post is merely set to private; it is not deleted.
Moreover, I must say, I feel your characterizations of me are way off base. I have replied to your messages with tact and with reasonable timeliness. The idea that I or this site is "fascist" is erroneous and misconstrues the very definition of the word.
Please continue to enjoy (or don't enjoy) the site, but I think it is fair to say we will not be using your submissions in the future.
-- Joe, HardestLevel Head EditorFrom Me To HardestLevel :I'd rather you not. You've shown no respect for what I write; and insist on forcing me to conform to a visual style that is poor, and literarily incorrect. I'd rather not be represented by horrendous editors.
You opened no doors for communication; despite saying that the topic was not "non-negotiable". Rest assured I will be taking this up with John. Your handling of this situation was childish, and went against everything agreed upon by myself, John, and Awinnerisyou.
I'm assuming you're NEW here, but maybe you didn't get the memo that editing other's formats was ruled WRONG by John. And that the editorial process was being changed to better promote the USERS, not the editors.
By forcing US to conform to YOUR visual style, you're being fascist. And no, your response was NOT timely. It took WEEKS to hear back from you. And when I did, you'd made a decision without consulting me. That was not a part of the agreement made between me, the users, and HardestLevel; and was touched upon by the very OWNER OF THIS SITE.
So please, don't use my entries; because I'd rather not be represented by someone with no understanding of how to format an article.
But I'm sure you'll content yourself with the vacuous entries being featured. Which is why HL is never going to amount to much under the rule and law of such horrendous staff.
Ta.-Sent 7/20/09
Friday, 10 July 2009
-
You're Too Old To Be A Gamer
Ever hear this statement? I have. My entire adult life up to now (being around only 6 years [counting 18 as the first year of "adulthood"]), I've been told by my mother, and even co-workers that video games are a pasttime solely for those of a lower intellect; or maturity level of a grade-schooler. And I thought of this, and honestly... they're right!I mean look at Prototype
Barney says that tentacle rape is A-Okay!In this child-friendly game, you will run about a New York city; grabbing onto any hapless standerby; and then either flinging them across the city (only to be splattered against a building), shooting them to death, or absorbing them into your body by:-Pummeling them to death-Crushing their skull in-Ripping their body in half-Disembowling them-Decapitating themNot only that, but you can also turn other soldiers into "patsies", in which the remaining soldiers in the area will aim at that person, and fire on them--thinking they are you. Because nothing says "for children only" like some old-fashioned ultra-violence, and backstabbing. NOTHING. And nothing says "for children only" like fighting a giant foetus-like creature, covered in blood.Or how about Call Of Duty: World At War?
Mommy always told me "Sharing is caring"... So let me share my bullets with you!I know that when I let my 5 year-old sit down with my prized PS3, I want to know that the first thing he sees in the game is a scene of an American Marine having his throat slit, and splattering blood across the nearby wall. Right. In. His. Face. Didn't you know that the next episode of Sesame Street will deal with the subject of how to give a proper Columbian Necktie?And in the next printing of Family Circus, Billy roasts Kelly with a flamethrower while screaming "TOJO'S MAKING A BREAK FOR IT!"But don't forget the grandest kiddie game of them all: SPLATTERHOUSE.
Daddy says that if I let the maggots eat me, I'll get my dessert!Yes, this game is full of childish fun; putting Super Mario Sunshine to SHAME. Follow Parapsychologist (because EVERY kid wants to be one when they grow up) Rick as he slaughters his way through the West Mansion, in search of his kidnapped girlfriend. Along the way, you'll fight zombies, decaying doggies, foetusi, and see your own girlfriend's skin rip off her body; revealing a long-clawed demon!You'll squeal with glee as you decapitate, bludgeon, and utterly blow-apart everything in your path; all in glorious gory fashion.Clearly, playing video games is exclusively a childish pasttime. Don't you agree?
Parents are just BURSTING with excitement for their kid's hobby!
Sunday, 05 July 2009
-
H.R. 231 Poised To Label Games To Death
Being a part of the Video Game Voter's Network, I'm trying to keep up to date on Anti-Gaming/Stricter Gaming legislature that's been circulating the nation. There was a number of great defeats of proposed bills that would put excessive sanctions on both game publishing, and game selling. The latest reported victory was against proposal HB 353 of Utah.
As a gamer, I feel that we all need to stand together and demand to be represented properly. This includes those who run our gaming sites; those who sell games; and ESPECIALLY our Federal representatives. So it comes as a depressing "shock" to hear that state representative (A Democratic one, no less [usually the Republicans are up in arms]) Joe Baca is sponsoring bill H.R. 231
H.R. 231 proposes that all games rated T and up (That's T for Teen, up to M for Mature [There exists only 13 AO--Adult Only--games; but they are never sold]) will be required to come with the following label. I am quoting this VERBATIM:"Warning! Excessive exposure to violent video games and violent media has been linked to aggressive behavior."
Not only is this intrusive, but it's fallacious and misleading. This kind of label serves to prove that those in "power" have absolutely no concept of the psychological effects of playing video games. I'll mention that many "vulgar" CDs (music) do come with the "Warning: Parental Advisory - Explicit Language" sticker; but guess what? Those are actually OPTIONAL. Record companies don't HAVE to put them on; but do so to protect their assets (- t).
So to impose a MANDATORY label, that's not only incorrect and ignorant, is simply... wrong. I'll explain why:
Studies have been done on the effects of video games ever since video games began their in-home runs. Studies such as this one by Dr. Helen Philips; and this one by Drs. Craig A. Anderson and Brad J. Bushman, have linked aggression and desensitivity to violence, to video games. But other studies and research articles say otherwise! Such as this one from Dr. Mark Griffiths; or this entire BOOK by Drs. Lawrence Kutner and Cheryl Olsen; or this report from the ASA by Dr. Johnathan Freedman.
So, if there's no DEFINITE proof that games are harmful; and if the data being received is so deeply conflicted; wouldn't that mean that by proposing what 231 does is essentially MISLEADING? YES! Absolutely it is.
It's hard enough being a gamer; seeing as we're all stigmatised as being lazy, brainless, childish addicts... but to further try to isolate the gamer culture from society through the implementation of faulty warnings? That doesn't sit too well with me; and obviously not with others.
But the opinion of the label proposal isn't what matters so much as the FACTUAL aspect. Here's more food for thought:
- Since 2001, there have been numerous regulations that have cited video game statutes being presented were unconstitutional. Examples can be found here, here, here, and here.
- The FTC released a study finding that 20% of minors were able to purchase an M rated game without adult supervision. This number is down from the 42% from 2007! So putting extra regulations on an already successful self-regulating system would be redundant, and wrong.
- Not only is the label misleading in terms of psychological effects, but there are MUSIC games that are rated T. So that would mean they would carry the same label as Grand Theft Auto; or MadWorld. This would mislead parents into thinking the music game could harm their child.
In the end, it's a decision that proves one thing: Games don't need more legislature. Games don't need more restrictions. And Federal representatives, need to do more research.
Other supporters of the bill are:
-Thomas Edwards (D, TX-17)
-Fortney Stark (D, CA-13)
-Frank Wolf (R, VA-10)
Saturday, 04 July 2009
-
Video Game Review | Prey
Here's my first video review for a video game. The music at the beginning is a mite loud... Sorry. This is also my first time editing text in Sony Vegas Pro 8. Enjoy.
