Weekend Confirmed 137 - Halo 4, Assassin's Creed 3

In regard to this week's conversation about Games media, Chrisitian and Andrew had great contributions and I really appreciated the conversation about letting people know more "behind the scenes" stuff. I also agree with Garnett that one of the best things that can come from these types of conversations is creating a scenario where games media has a more heightened awareness in the future.

Jeff was just kind of weird in this discussion, honestly. I respect the story he told about Danny not covering films on TRS any more and why. Actually I watch TRS regularly and never knew this. I just kind of thought it was because Danny hadn't seen the particular film or that they thought one person needed to play "host." It was good information for me as a listener. And I gained respect for them holding this position.

But then Jeff seemed insistant in turning the story into a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" and kind of implying that people can never be satisfied. Jeff, I dont think anyone had a problem with any ethical standards you have set. The entire criticism of you from last week's show was your arguments, not your actions. And mainly it was just that you said people who had a problem with the Keighley thing were just jealous, which was a shitty thing to say.

Also in regards to Jeff saying he does not want to become cynical, please note that being skeptical is not the same thing as being cynical. Do people want you to be skeptical of PR and marketing? Yes. But that doesnt mean you can't be genuinely excited. Actually rather it is just a way of making it more likely that the excitement you feel is genuine and warranted. Jeff really seeemed kind of on the verge of wanting to say that he liked getting wrapped up in hype because it is "fun," and on that note I strongly disagree with him that that is what viewers want. They want you to be a filter and be discerning. If they just wanted to get excited about something with no critical distance at all, then they would just watch marketing and trailers.

Finally, while I understand the idea of not speaking for Andrea, I wish you guys would have at least addressed Shacknews policy on having people give their opinion when they are gaining money from game companies. You guys can talk about transparency and standards in an abstract philosophical way but this is a real issue that many of us want clarity on. It is kind of disheartening that you avoided the conversation altogether. This is where real transparency starts.[/QUOTE]