We’re at midcourt, and the ball is about to go up…it’s Monday Tip-Off! Join me as I begin the week here at the NLSC with my opinions and commentary on basketball gaming topics, as well as tales of the fun I’ve been having on the virtual hardwood. This week, I’m tipping things off with some frank thoughts on poor community managers, and community hires forgetting where they came from.
This is one of those articles that are difficult to write without sounding bitter, grinding an axe over sour grapes. And, to be fair, there is a touch of bitterness when it comes to this topic. However, while “you sound bitter” is a tired yet effective ad hominem, it doesn’t disprove a point; particularly when someone has a legitimate grievance. As someone who has tried to represent the community to the best of my ability whenever I’ve had the opportunity to do so, I have strong feelings about the way company reps handle themselves…especially if they were once “one of us”.
Things have unquestionably changed in the community since I took over the NLSC in August 2001. Companies are more selective about whom they work with, but not in a way that benefits gamers. Instead of connecting with people dedicated to constructive and honest feedback on behalf of gamers, they grant access to content creators who are willing to promote – or indeed, shill – and have a big enough audience to make it worthwhile. It makes sense from a business standpoint, but it’s eroded the goodwill that community programs once fostered. When it’s someone you used to know as a member of the community, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve been stabbed in the back.