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  • Chris_Watters
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30Nov 07

Careful with that bathwater, folks

Just a quick one here to add my two cents to the newsworthy goings-on around these parts. Jeff's termination has sent a shockwave around the office and the industry that we're all seeing manifested in forums, blogs, and every-which-place. Almost all of us around here were as blind-sided as you folks, and are experiencing a similar range of emotions. It's no fun, I tells ya.

But please take a minute to step back and keep some perspective. As much as this situation is seventeen kinds of upsetting, take a moment to give some thought to those of us who are still here. When I read allegations that all GameSpot's credibility and integrity are forfeit, it hurts. Yeah, I'm questioning these things myself. Yeah, I'm upset. But when you say "GameSpot," you are referring to a lot of people. Like all the editors, who have written and will continue to write uncompromised content for the site. Like the video folks, who make every moving picture you see on the site look fantastic. Like the community folks, who organize awesome events for GS users and keep our robust community healthy. Like the programmers, from whose brains the site springs, fully-formed. Like the producers, who make sure you see the stuff you wanna see. Like the sales team, who keeps the site and its awesome content freely available to everyone by negotiating tough deals. Like the heroic and astonishingly attractive Data Team, who labor day and night to keep GameSpot up-to-the-minute accurate and safe from the fiendish villains who seek our undoing.

So think of us. This fiasco involved a small set of the folks who make GameSpot what it is, and it would a shame to indict and abandon all of us for the actions of a few. So PM an editor and express some solidarity. Aim your blog rants precisely so we don't feel like so much collateral damage. I'm not saying you shouldn't sound off. Heck, that's what makes a community strong, right? Expressing your hurt is a necessary step on the road to healing. Wherever that road may lead for you, just try not to kick those who are already down.

  • Posted Nov 30, 2007 4:43 pm PT
  • Category: Opinion
  • 31 Comments

31 Comments

  • OmegaDark

    Posted Nov 30, 2007 4:58 pm PT

    We mean no disrespect to you guys. You do an excellent job, and we realize this is a decision made waay above your heads.

    Althought it doesn't change the fact that we feel betrayed since the rumor state all he did was state his opinion, and Cnet said his opinion is wrong.

  • Newnab

    Posted Nov 30, 2007 5:01 pm PT

    It's definitely not an attack on Gamespot's staff.

    But Gamespot, as a website, can no longer be trusted. And potentially shouldn't have been trusted as long as we all have been doing for however many years each of us has been coming here! It's not your fault but that's the way it is.

  • DouglasBuffone

    Posted Nov 30, 2007 5:26 pm PT

    I totally agree, I wrote an editorial along these same lines

    It is because of Stephen Colvin and Josh Larsen that Jeff was fired, there is no doubt in my mind

  • EBautista

    Posted Nov 30, 2007 5:27 pm PT

    "Astonishingly attractive"? Did you guys hire someone new? :-p

  • kevb84

    Posted Nov 30, 2007 5:34 pm PT

    I agree Chris but this just feels wrong the whole way it went down Jeff deserved much better.

  • Articunog7

    Posted Nov 30, 2007 5:38 pm PT

    I have to agree. We don't mean to disrespect Chris, but if you or anyone else that works for this site wants to maintain any shred of credibility, or have any scruples left you would either quit and join Jeff, or subsequently strike until management changes or something kind of agreement is reached.

    Until then you are collateral even though might not want to be...

  • Donkeljohn

    Posted Nov 30, 2007 6:24 pm PT

    Chris, it's great to work with you. I think that is one of the most open blogs I've seen from the staff and one that touches on how I feel when people rail against the site I have chosen to serve and protect. The part about the data team being "astonishingly attractive". . . I never really noticed that. But if you are the ones I have to thank for keeping the site accurate and safe from the fiendish villains who seek our undoing, then you have my thanks.

  • JLuke360

    Posted Nov 30, 2007 6:29 pm PT

    Chris Watters, ladies and gentlemen.

  • Unforgiven2870

    Posted Nov 30, 2007 6:43 pm PT

    Well jeff was apart of a lot of people.When things like this happen and its pretty obvious what happened,its impossible to spin it.Over one million people vs 1 corporation who wins?once the people have it figured out whats the point of saying No comment? and waste the effort of trying to spin it?

  • Phylicus posted Nov 30, 2007 6:45 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Phylicus

    Posted Nov 30, 2007 6:45 pm PT (hide)

    Unfortunately, you are now guilty by association. And if any of these rumors are true, if you stay with Gamespot you will be guilty by collaboration. I'm sure many SS soldiers were great fathers and husbands and friends, but that changes nothing.

  • Zeke129

    Posted Nov 30, 2007 6:49 pm PT

    We have never once said that the Gamespot staff cannot be trusted. We are saying that Gamespot reviews can't be trusted. I'm sure the programmers, janitors, reviewers, and even the guy that makes coffee are great people. But it doesn't change the fact they work under and SUPPORT a corrupt regime.

  • shrgnatlas

    Posted Nov 30, 2007 6:49 pm PT

    I think most, if not all of those complaining, understand and agree with almost everything you said in this blog post. However, when we question the authenticity and integrity of GameSpot, we do so in a fashion that worries about the content, not the publishers. What is keeping the same thing that happened to Jeff, (which, empirically speaking has yet to be flushed out), from happening to another reviewer who make not give a "satisfactory" review to what an advertiser may deem a AAA game?

    The sad thing, is that it is hard to believe that everyone is roaming around so carefree, because from what we seen, and can only guess will happen in the future, every last soul at GameSpot has a pole stuck right between their cheeks. Any attempt from budging from this uncomfortable position may result in the termination of their career.

    Is this exaggerated? Absolutely. But come on, the only word we've heard from GameSpot, "officially", is that they don't want to comment on the personal lives of their employees, (or ex-employees for that matter). It's a hard thing to ask a skeptic to put his opinion to the side, when no answer has been given to fill the hole.

  • polsci1503

    Posted Nov 30, 2007 6:49 pm PT

    Please understand that it's not you guys we are mad at. In fact, I think the great relationship Gamespot has had with it's members only makes this situation feel worse. For myself, I felt that 5 years of hanging around this site, checking in almost everyday, building friendships with other gamers, level grinding (like the notorious level 20), emblem collecting, commenting and reaching out like I never had before... well, it felt like I may have to find a new home and try to keep my friends intact if I could. That's a pretty crappy feeling... but I know it's not half as crappy as you guys must feel going through this. The suits won the battle against Jeff but, as you're seeing, they have to be realizing they've made a huge mistake and it's too late to take it back. Advertising don't mean squat if no one's reading it.

  • Insane00

    Posted Nov 30, 2007 6:50 pm PT

    Don't want to attack you guys, I certainly hope that we find out all the rumors are untrue. And to the folks that make the site look pretty freaking cool and work despite all the attention it can get, YOU ROCK.

  • DezmoTk

    Posted Nov 30, 2007 6:53 pm PT

    It can sound that way, but really its mostly the corporate side of things. Everyone LOVES you guys, you guys are what made this site different from others, there was personality, we could see who was writing the articles. Thank you for writing, I hope you make the right decision.

  • kariyanine

    Posted Nov 30, 2007 6:56 pm PT

    Unfortunately Chris, until an official statement comes out from either CNet, Gamespot or Jeff himself, this may never heal. The rumors swirling around the internet attack the integrity of your place of employment and the gaming public can't have that integrity questioned.

    Like it or not Jeff was kind of the face of Gamespot over the last year and to have him fired over and these rumors circling around it, it just doesn't look good. I wish you guys the best but this is one battle that you guys can't win. Unless your management steps up and gives an answer you can expect this to continue to swirl out of control.

  • DrFish62 Site moderator

    Posted Nov 30, 2007 8:01 pm PT

    The moderation team has been struggling to establish a clear line between the GameSpot editorial staff, who we obviously admire and believe write "uncompromised content," and the CNet executives who we feel have betrayed their staff, the GameSpot userbase, and the industry. The problem is that, while we don't question your ability to produce objective, top-quality content, we feel we can no longer trust CNet to allow you to produce that content freely.

  • SteelAttack

    Posted Nov 30, 2007 8:39 pm PT

    Thanks, man. We're with all of you.

  • Aidenfury19

    Posted Nov 30, 2007 10:09 pm PT

    I'm sorry, we have nothing against you..absolutely nothing (most of us anyways) we've stuck around because we genuinely enjoy being here in some way and when this happens...

    Well we don't doubt the sincerity of the people working at Gamespot (except for Josh), but when this happens it makes us unable to trust the reviews and have faith theres a lack of bias.

    Its not your fault, its not Jeff's fault and you shouldn't have to suffer for it..but thats how it is.

  • 20fox05

    Posted Nov 30, 2007 11:06 pm PT

    We're sorry if we generalised. I'm pretty sure we all meant 'the people who fired Jeff'' when we said bad things about GS.
    Anyway, we're here to support all of you. Stay strong, we'll follow all of you everywhere you go.

  • Oilers99

    Posted Nov 30, 2007 11:58 pm PT

    I'm sorry, but GameSpot's integrity is shot, period, because it proves that the editors will have to live in fear of dismissal because of distribution of money. I sincerely hope that something can be done to regain GameSpot's credibility. A lot would have to happen, but it's possible, it's possible.

    I should clarify by saying I don't blame anyone on GameSpot per se, but as long as CNET continues to manage the site in such a way, I can't be sure of anything that their talented writers say.

  • nsoufiani

    Posted Dec 1, 2007 4:12 am PT

    i dont mean to "kick those who are down" but it must be said, if jeff was fired due to being honest, then im afraid everyone else will be a bit wary as to how honest they should actually be. Shall I be honest and risk my job or lie and give it a higher score. I know it sucks to be in this situation, and I detest Josh larson (I believe he was largly responsible).

  • FuzzyGuy84

    Posted Dec 1, 2007 8:31 am PT

    I don't at all feel that it is unfair to say that "Gamespot" has lost a great deal of credibility. I do not think that Jeff's firing in any way reflect upon the editorial staff or anyone else providing content to the website, but the terms under which Jeff was fired has sent a loud message that the content on gamespot.com goes through a filter. Reviews do not exist in a vaccum, as they should, and we as readers no longer can trust that reviews are unbiased, despite the best intent of staff.

  • golbala

    Posted Dec 1, 2007 1:39 pm PT

    i love the staff, but come on cnet, what were you thinking

  • InaneAnanity

    Posted Dec 1, 2007 3:46 pm PT

    Sorry, but if I can't trust that the reviews on this site are honest and uninfluenced by advertising dollars, this site is worthless to me. I'm sure all of you put in hard work making it what it is, but that trust has been completely wiped out by a few at the top of your company.

    I suggest looking for a new job, because gamespot is in trouble.

  • xplo

    Posted Dec 2, 2007 2:43 am PT

    People are not doubting the integrity of the editorial crew, but they've seen that even if you guys uphold to your beliefs and opinions and write them down, you'll end up like Jeff in the long run. Until only reviewers with less backbone are left or have joined the team.
    We do see the problem is not the awesome people that you enumerated. The problem is the people that pay their salaries and have the possibilities to influence their awesome products in a bad way. (And apparently make use of that possiblity as shown in this incident.)

  • thorsen-ink GameSpot staff member

    Posted Dec 2, 2007 1:33 pm PT

    Sadly, you can't unring a bell.

  • beanish65

    Posted Dec 3, 2007 3:40 pm PT

    DRFish62 said it best above : "while we don't question your ability to produce objective, top-quality content, we feel we can no longer trust CNet to allow you to produce that content freely."

    It'll take time and serious effort to convince many of us that Gamespot is a source for objective, quality opinions on games after this episode. The CNet suits aren't helping any with their vague comments and lack of transparency.

  • MogFromLeipzig

    Posted Dec 4, 2007 5:31 am PT

    It is absolutely clear to me that most of the GS stuff can be trustetd and works hard to make a good site and I also pitty you for having to go through these troubles. But the only thing we can do is complaining and hope that it is loud enough to reach the right people.
    You always did great work! We don't want the site to break. We just want an honest explaination, maybe an apology and consequential decisions.

  • raahsnavj

    Posted Dec 4, 2007 5:33 am PT

    Here is what bothers me. When is the next great review or mediocre review just lipservice to keep a job? Can we assume if something has a lot of ads on your website and it gets a high score that either someone is keeping their job or actually good? No one knows. I'll tell you one thing though it has helped the advertising because now I pay attention to it so I can stay in on the loop of which games have the potential to have BS reviews or 'can' the next reviewer.

  • chrisemersonnc

    Posted Dec 6, 2007 6:43 am PT

    I remember thinking during the last Hotspot.... "I wonder where Jeff is? This episode sucks w/out him!" Then I find out about the firing a couple days later.... /sigh.

    Good luck to all you guys at Gamespot on Jeff's side. Most of you are cool and I'm sure you are straight-up/legit guys. To everyone involved in the firing...... F#CK YOU - you just cornholed one of your best websites.

My Recent Ratings

Title Score
Big Bang Mini 9.0
Will Harvey's Zany Golf 9.0
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