RANT: Viral marketing cause of console flame wars?
We're going to start qualifying even the rants with that warning, but it doesn't make the subject matter any less important. Well, I think it's important. See, I've got this theory. Hear it out before you pass it off as Sony-spin, because this includes Sony in it as well -- not necessarily positively. A while back, I remember an article in some magazine (goodness, I can't recall the name of it) where a man being interviewed admitted to taking part of a fairly sketch side of what's known as Viral Marketing -- using existing social networks to spread brand awareness, promotion, etc.The guy, I believe he was on Counterstrike, would make friends with players and slowly start to fill their minds with what products they should buy, you know, "as a friend". Sometimes it's an obvious ploy, sometimes the people are really, really good at it. Keeping that in mind, let's turn "brand awareness" into "brand identity" and allocate the same general concept. The console companies (Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo) are actively engaging in such activities on the internet. No, we're not talking about Major Nelson (is that right?) or ThreeSpeech -- propaganda blogs that will spin whatever they can, however they can, into positive news for themselves and their company (ThreeSpeech not as much).
We're talking about you: the commentors. Please, don't stop commenting, but here us out on this. Is it not remotely plausible that those who visit blogs like this one, or Joystiq, or 360Fanboy, or any blog affiliated with gaming (each with their respective biases), could be hired by any of the console companies to slowly gain trust in the community, then begin to propogate their companies agenda in the form of trolling or flaming? Not even that extreme -- expressing detailed support of one console or another while remaining kind towards the competition may be suspect. Since the internet spreads news so quickly, these companies may have jumped on board to keep the good news good or make the bad news worse.
We're not trying to make everyone suspicious of one another, but it's something to think about. Are the 360 fans that frequent this site really here because they want to? That doesn't make sense. What if Microsoft wanted them to come and check things out, possibly argue people into their camp? What if Sony is doing the same on 360Fanboy? Or if Sony has people checking out PS3 sites just to post a "good job" or "Sony rules"? Like I said, it's just a theory... don't get suspicious of one another. Trust me, this blog is still too small to get that kind of attention. Maybe.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
matthew @ Jan 26th 2007 1:20PM
Sony rules.
alienclay @ Jan 26th 2007 1:37PM
makes me wonder about pixelator ;D
alienclay @ Jan 26th 2007 1:40PM
"suspicion turned off"
that aside, i wonder who much power public opnion on blogs like these really has on sales?
i mean, if you run around more than casualy on ps3 fanboy is it not true that most likely you are a ps3 fanboy looking for ps3 information? we see trolls from time to time but i would think they are the exception to normal fanboy blogers.
Matt @ Jan 26th 2007 1:43PM
I definitely wouldn't put it past Sony since they've already been in touble for a similar thing. Haha
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/film/4741259.stm
Not to mention the whole Sony music CD fiasco containing spyware.
http://news.com.com/Sony+settles+rootkit+class+action+lawsuit/2100-1002_3-6012173.html
OrganicShadow @ Jan 26th 2007 1:51PM
Caught me fair and square. I've been on here trolling for Pilsbury and their delicious Cinnamon Squares.
Seriously though, it does beg the question as to why so many xfannies spend so much time on here and joystiq, talking about how much they play their 360 when it seems like they must have very little time to do so, with so much of that available time being spent on being here... do they not work? sleep? This could shed some light on the term Xbot.
I have also noticed a lot of people that so blindly disregard falling points of Nintendo and Sony as well with a "good job" or a "Thank you (company)!" whenever the slightest positive news nugget surfaces. A good example is how so many supposed Nintendo fans bash Sony's online when the Wii has yet to even launch it's own online service. How are they so sure that it isn't any better or worse? Sony fans also do the whole "something awesome is just around the corner guys..." thing in various forums, and then never come back to feed us. No? Nothing around the corner?
It's possible, and highly likely that every and anything we could think of that Sony/M$/Nintendo are doing to win our trust in a "viral" manner. The DS and 360 ads in PS3 magazines are pretty bizarre if not inappropriate, as well as the little grouplets(my word) of fannies on Digg.com of all three companies that keep posting OLD or misconstrued articles to undermine the competition.
But seriously, I had some of those little cinnamon square things last night and they were SO good. Make sure you use a fork because the icing and cinnamon gets all sticky, and you have to wash your hands afterward.
Nick @ Jan 26th 2007 1:53PM
As a Xbox360 guy I must say you make a compelling arguement in general, but this is line is ridiculous.
"Are the 360 fans that frequent this site really here because they want to? That doesn't make sense. What if Microsoft wanted them to come and check things out, possibly argue people into their camp?"
There is an entirely possible and more plausable reason for us flaming Sony.
Here it is: Schadenfreude
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schadenfreude
I myself used to like Sony back in those good old PS1 days. Sadly my disdaine started as soon as I noticed load times (right around the time I got the Xbox). I was interested in all 3 consoles, but then the Sony PR blunder juggernaught started rolling and never stopped.
So whenever I send a story to one of my friends with a Laugh at Sony's misfortune its because of Schadenfreude.
I have an even bigger conspiracly theory for you though. Why is it this is being posted the day after the PSP oops I accidently used PGR3 for a pic of GT4? Could it be you're being paid to deflect the complete embarressment that this incident caused?
Schadenfreude
Matt @ Jan 26th 2007 2:01PM
Nick,
Schadenfreude, very nice. That's exactly what it is for me too.
E.J. @ Jan 26th 2007 2:07PM
You've brought up a pretty good point. I remember a little while ago that Joystiq outed an IGN employee trolling on their blogs. I'm sure there's some community management employees from each company monitoring these blogs and news sites, but I don't think to the point of disruption for brand promotion (except of course the IGN guy).
Fanatics will be fanatics and some are more extreme than others. And because of this extremism, some fans will always cheer on and defend the brand that they've sunk their hard-earned money into the most. There has to be a way to externally justify your investment, right? And I believe that's what fanboys do and why they are as such.
Companies don't really need to hire anyone to troll. They have plenty of people around the world to do that for free.
Steve @ Jan 26th 2007 2:08PM
If Sony is paying people to covertly spread good word of mouth and buzz about the PS3, they're doing about as lousy as a job as they possibly could. PS3 bashing is the latest internet fad, online and in the real world.
Nick @ Jan 26th 2007 2:09PM
Please note the following typos in my response since I'm going to get flamed on them anyways and I really didnt care to spellcheck:
juggernaut
disdain
conspiracy not sonspiracly
embarrassment not embarressment
Although I think sonspiracly can totally catch on in a "All Your Base Are Belong to Us sort of way.
Happy flaming now :) I know its going to be totally ironic when the fanbase flames me in a post where a PS3Fanboy is accusing all of us of being on the take.
Will @ Jan 26th 2007 2:19PM
Nick, be sure to fix "but here us out on this." as well too :)
But in all honesty, I don't think there's any viral marketing going on. Just the vocal minority of fanboys passionate about their system of choice. People whine, so you know.
E.J. @ Jan 26th 2007 2:22PM
Quote:
6. As a Xbox360 guy I must say you make a compelling arguement in general, but this is line is ridiculous.
"Are the 360 fans that frequent this site really here because they want to? That doesn't make sense. What if Microsoft wanted them to come and check things out, possibly argue people into their camp?"
@Nick,
ndoerr also follows that up with:
"What if Sony is doing the same on 360Fanboy? Or if Sony has people checking out PS3 sites just to post a "good job" or "Sony rules"?"
Besides, why are companies' marketing departments/programs COMPLETELY controlling your purchasing decisions? Why not make the decision on your own by trying the product out instead of being a consumerist drone?
Please, try to think for yourself. It's good for your brain.
Joop @ Jan 26th 2007 2:31PM
You may as well ask if viral marketing is responsible for sports team rivalries, OS flame wars, car brand loyalty, or anything else remotely competitive.
When there are two or more options performing the same overall concept in slightly different, each offering something the other does not, people will pick sides. Fans will range from accepting to casual to extremist, whether it be in games, sports, politics, religion, you name it.
But no, a subversive marketing conspiracy isn't the reason why people bash Sony. Everyone likes to see a once great giant fall, especially when it's from their own undoing. It's the exact opposite of the classic underdog story. Goliath gets his due. Schadenfreude all the way.
John @ Jan 26th 2007 2:33PM
We've been seeing Microsoft do this on here for some time now. Microsoft also did this when the original Xbox came out. I don't know if Sony people do this. I went to xbox360 fansite one time-- as many people have pointed out, why would xbox360 owners waste their time on a PS3Fanboy site? There are some rare instances where those owners believe they are being patriotic by supporting an American-made device. But most owners are just going to be playing that device, not wasting their time on here, spreading hate. The PS3 programs tend to have much higher dynamics (a sort of contrast ratio thing, term used in cinematography and a heavier use of esoteric lens angles. Certain 'lenses' can't be done on old-gen, because of the processing required to move huge background images that have been zoomed up. But the effect on gameplay is much more cinematic. This is why x360 tends to still look like a computer game and not a next-gen one.
Oh, that and the ridiculous frame-rate skipping. Some people don't notice this but to those who do, watching a basketball game, Tomb Raider (try scrolling sideways in the jungle) and even Ridge Racer, the frame-rate problems are obvious. These are probably all one-core games. Too bad that machine heats up when you use more than one core...
It's sad that Sony has so much hate because of Microsoft's disinformation campaign. And yes, they know all about disinformation. Look at the Gates' contribution to rid Africa of AIDS. Turns out the money only goes to pharmaceutical companies (of which they own much stock) and not the vastly cheaper and more practical generic drug companies. So it looks like he's got a big heart, but he hasn't. He's about as scheming as Dick Cheney, just less evil.
Andir2.0 @ Jan 26th 2007 2:56PM
I like to think the 360 fans are here for the same reason I'm here. They want their console (the machine they paid money for) to succeed (or not come in last and lose support so early in life like the XBox1/Dreamcast/Jaguar/etc.) Most people, Schadenfreude'ing(?) or not, don't want to see the console they bought finish last. I only wish I was getting paid to dig up facts when other's post rumors. I just want my gaming experience to be the best it can. I could care less if the games go multi-platform (that actually helps everyone feel included) Exclusive content makes people feel left out and I feel it's probably the main match that starts most flame wars.
Just give me my PS3, my upgraded hard drive, it's media potential, physics enhancements, motion sensing and all the games that the other guy's have and I'll be happy. I never liked "rumble" so I could care less about that. My decision was based on the hardware and the feature set. Not the name. I even bought the 20G for three reasons. I don't have any memory sticks or a digital camera (if you can believe it), I wanted to upgrade the drive (so why pay extra for one I was going to replace) and my router sits in my living room within range of the PS3. I don't need exclusives to make my day, just content. I'd hate to see the PS3 come in last place and developers jump ship. I just plead to the developers to develop on all three if possible. Have the user decide what they want to buy on features of the system. I happen to like graphics, physics and motion sensing so the PS3 was a perfect fit without having the need for two systems, more controllers laying around and more cables off the back of my TV. If the console all fair the same, we'll see Sony/MS/Nintendo try to snatch exclusives to try to grab sales then the wars will begin. Can't we all just get along here?
j @ Jan 26th 2007 3:05PM
hahaha thats hilarious, as a side note, these FRITO-LAY® Cheesy Pooofs™ are delicious.
Jesse @ Jan 26th 2007 3:07PM
I heard that Microsoft is paying people to buy Xbox 360s in order to increase sales. No wonder they sold nearly 9 million through to customers!
ndoerr @ Jan 26th 2007 3:13PM
Wow! Great responses, guys!
@ Nick -- about that PGR3 -> GT4 thing... I actually haven't heard about that. Well, I've heard of it, but I haven't looked into it. Had a handful of tests today, so I've been less-than-involved with the gaming news market today. I'll look it up and write about it possibly tomorrow.
OrganicShadow @ Jan 26th 2007 3:20PM
@j haha, you beat me to the TM and R symbols. too lazy to open character map.
@ Andir2.0
You make a good point. As long as their is content and one box under my TV im happy really, but the thing is that even if all games come out on each of the 3 systems PS3 automatically loses because of price, and 360 automatically wins because it's the middle man with price, and on par with PS3 graphics. So the PS3 is kinda fuxt from the start so to speak.
It's not really a matter of which games come out for what, it's a matter of the installed user base making an impact on which console developers choose to or not to support, and without any exclusives to push people to buy PS3's, the head start of the 360 in that department looks mighty tasty.
I see where you are coming from, and I don't want to see my console of choice fail either. PS3-hating has become the new internet fad, and seems to be quickly replacing Windows as one of the top targets- regardless of how much flak Vista is drawing. I can understand DEFENDING your console for this reason, but not deliberately taking the time to go out and sabotage the other "camp" with misinformation and the fake alliance to other companies.
Joystiq_not_bias_at_all @ Jan 26th 2007 3:40PM
@OrganicShadow: Yup, I'm a defender. I leave the infantry (fodder) work to those with too much time on their hands.
dybot @ Jan 26th 2007 3:50PM
Microsoft is not even close to be as active as Sony in this field, there is PROOF Sony has been doing this as many such companies do list Sony as their client.
I am a fan of western games, I don't care what consoles they are on as long as I can tell what gender my players are and if they are adults or not.
aDRIEN @ Jan 26th 2007 4:11PM
anyone who flames anyone on a site for owning a console is a f#cking idiot. 75% of the comments i read on here and joystiq are flames by some moron who has to voice his opnion about how cool his console is, whether it's a ps3, a 360 or a wii. if you love it, play the f#%(cking thing and shut the f(#$ck up.
Andrew @ Jan 26th 2007 4:32PM
Sony blows!
Colin @ Jan 26th 2007 4:34PM
This is not directly related, but I've noticed spammers have started hitting up joystiq/ps3/pspfanyboy coimments recently. They'll leave really quick messages like 'thanks for the information' and then have a link to some random spam site in their name (usually a girl's name - to get you to click on the link). Kind of lame.
As for plants, I'm sure there are a few of them but at the same time I've always been surprised that companies will use that tactic. I mean, regardless of what your product is, there will always be insanely vocal fanboys who will do your advertising for you. Amazon.com comments are a perfect example. You see people go on huge rants about random things like toasters or forks. It's berserk.
Viral marketing/plants rarely work, and in Sony's case - tend to blow up in their face. It's retarded to try to interface with your fanbase in that manner. Why not have an open relationship with them? Have somebody who is OFFICIALLY from Sony that posts on sites like this to clarify misinformation/drop news tidbits. Or have an official blogger who can talk to the public in a slightly less than official manner (not a PR release or something like that), like major nelson.
To all companies out there (especially Sony): Your fans are intelligent - pleast treat us appropriately. :)
-Colin
Scott Krueger @ Jan 26th 2007 4:38PM
I Know this Happens.
One Writer (Vlad) for the 360Fanboy I think Had a Graph Showing the Wii as the Loudest System the PS3 as the 2nd Loudest and the 360 as the Quietest System.
As an owner of both the PS3 and the 360, I could tell that this Guy was Lying. My 360 is Pretty loud, while my PS3 you can hardly hear at all. So I was doubting his research showing the Wii as the Loudest.
Just Like the PS3 Catching on Fire Rumor. This one was spread buy the People we are referring to here. If they were catching on fire in mass quantity there would be a recall due to Liability.
I wonder if the 360 Ring of Death is a Fake Rumor too? My Launch 360 is stilling humming along. Knock on Wood.
Jon @ Jan 26th 2007 5:20PM
I am a devout Xbox 360 fan and I get on here all the time partly due to Schadenfreude and partly because I'm tired of great games being squandered on the Playstation Platform.
Many of us that owned Xboxes had to deal with crappy graphics and poor textures since all we ever saw were ports from games originally created on the PS2. Great games that didn't ever come to the original Xbox also pissed me off as I knew that had that game been on the Xbox it would have been a better experience (Xbox S controller was far superior, Graphics, Load times, Online Play...etc).
So this generation I have been very hopeful that developers would develop for the 360 as the primary platform and then port games over to other platforms as needed. Thank God this has pretty much taken place. Most PS3 games now are ports from 360 version. This is really good news for all gamers. Those of you wanting to play games online on the PS3 will continue to get the shaft...but at least developers are building their games primarily on the 360 whith online capabilities...this makes it much more likely that eventually PS3 owners will get to enjoy some consistency in online gaming.
Pawsie @ Jan 26th 2007 6:10PM
I'm more of a nintendo fan myself, though I think it's silly to hold any loyality to any company or francise. The reason why the Sony attempt fail is the simple fact that it wasn't a good idea.... People aren't 'that' simple (they're simple, but not to 'that' degree).
I think people fail to realize that they are not identified by the console they play.. Which one they pick is only a piece of who they are, in regards to their judgement and preferences. There's really no console war, it's just who will survive between all gaming fans.. the majority makes the difference.. adn that cant' be control with pretty picture and kind words
well.. unless you're like a highschooler or an impressionable child.
John @ Jan 26th 2007 7:47PM
Interesting theory about manipulating viral marketing...entirely plausible, given the recent news about MS playing someone to change Wikipedia entries that were "inaccurate". I can't say that I enjoy nor believe any of the marketing hype that comes out of either Sony and MS. I say they should both just shut up their PR depts. and focus on that hot air on delivering great games. Can't wait for the games that will come out for the PS3 1 year from now...
SquirrelPhister @ Jan 26th 2007 10:23PM
personally, I just like correcting people that get super-defensive about anything. it's a hobby I have because I have periods of downtime during my workday, and I have to find something to entertain me. and pissing off the fanboys gives me great amusement for so little effort.
when someone is so committed to defending their platform of choice, any true statement that casts said platform in a negative light will be construed as 'attacking' that platform. it works with fanboys on all systems, and you're always guaranteed to find a few of them on any videogames blog.
hell, just look at John (#14) above:
"The PS3 programs tend to have much higher dynamics (a sort of contrast ratio thing, term used in cinematography and a heavier use of esoteric lens angles. Certain 'lenses' can't be done on old-gen, because of the processing required to move huge background images that have been zoomed up. But the effect on gameplay is much more cinematic. This is why x360 tends to still look like a computer game and not a next-gen one."
he's pretending to know what dynamic range is (even though he calls it 'dynamics') and then he just starts making up terminology (what the hell are 'esoteric lens angles'?)
so pathetic, yet so entertaining. kind of like Jerry Springer, except instead of rednecks throwing punches, it's geeks throwing bullshit
SquirrelPhister @ Jan 26th 2007 10:26PM
29. John:
"Interesting theory about manipulating viral marketing...entirely plausible, given the recent news about MS playing someone to change Wikipedia entries that were "inaccurate"."
you misspelled 'rumor' as 'news'
adorna @ Jan 27th 2007 9:47AM
hmm .. I don't know - I have a hard time imagining someone is payed to post at random gaming sites to sound like a clueless teenager. If I'm wrong I want that job too lol
And if that fake blog by sony is taken into account I highly daubt they even know how to sound like a clueless teenager..
On the other hand - if pleople working in the development of one of the platforms or games come and shere they're oppinion - why should that be a bad thing? They'd have a different perspective on everything for a reason.
I rather thing that people violently bashing all other systems are just fans - and after all, if you put down that much money for one gaming system its kind of understandable you want to hear and say its the best one.
jlbachs @ Jan 27th 2007 11:52AM
I think that several people here have touched on what is probably happening right now. Those that have vested interest in something post something that's either barely true, or completely made up, and the fanboys jump on it and spread it for them. They don't have to go around to the blogs and spout off, they just put it in one place and it gets carried on by the others.
That's the whole idea of viral marketing, put into the terms that inspired it; you have the one carrier that infects a few people, and they spread it from there. I find that most comments/posts that I make on joystiq especially are ones of "here's the truth of what you just said, quit spreading what has already been proven false."
Of course, it's also just as possible with the way the console wars are right now that people that start a lot of this are just fanboys with nothing better to do than try and make the other system look bad for their own personal enjoyment. The corporations may not have to do anything at all.
Although, an interesting thing I'd read about the wii in advertising trade magazines was that they were looking into finding the "alphas" in every community/market segment, and getting them to promote the product. They were even speaking of the moms that are the "head" of their neighborhoods, and having them throw Wii parties in the same spirit as tupperware parties. Having other moms come over, playing video games and then deciding that they needed one for their own families because the cool mom and her family have one. It's entirely possible given the information collected by marketing and advertising companies. Why do you think so many stores have branded visa cards these days?
I agree with those that have said Sony needs to just shut up, start supporting the developers and releasing awesome games, and continue to listen to the owners and implement what we want to see in the PS3 firmware updates. If the only thing coming out of Sony are awesome games and a system that people see as clearly worth another $200 bucks, the viral marketing will take care of itself.
And, thats the end of my own rant.
Jon @ Jan 27th 2007 6:04PM
Isn't the whole appeal of a blog like this is that the community at large can respond to articles. Us random individuals can have a voice that's heard and seen on the internet by others with like interest. So maybe the problem is in your denial of peoples opinions that are largely in contrast to your own.
GL @ Jan 27th 2007 6:39PM
I don't care if it's Nick Doerr or PS3gamer, or PS3owns, ozymandias, Major "Not my real name" Nelson or whomever. If they post inaccurate FUD, misleading statements, or half-truths and embellishments. I'll refute them! Simple.
Mr Khan @ Jan 27th 2007 6:58PM
Its not strictly that Schadenfreude which is why i take pleasure in Sony's mistakes, i don't take pleasure in other's misfortune's per se, but i enjoy watching arrogance get its reward
I enjoyed watching the GameCube flounder as Nintendo asserted that Online gaming was just a fad
I enjoyed watching the Atari Jaguar completely self-destruct, while Atari contended that what they had was stronger than the PS1
I enjoy watching the PSP get outsold 1.5 to 1 worldwide when EVERYONE was CERTAIN that the handheld market would now belong to Sony
I enjoyed every minute that Microsoft was on the rack for Monopolizing back in the '90s while they used various techniques to undercut the competition
vahdyx @ Jan 28th 2007 10:02AM
I'm a 360fanboy, and I'm here because I want to be. Don't get me wrong I like Playstation, but my heart goes to the 360. I don't hate Playstation brand either, I feel the Wiifanboys, 360fanboys and PS3fanboys that hate the other system(s) are stupid. Each has there pros and cons, but the amount of 360 promoting I do at work (I work at a Car Dealership), I feel microsoft should pay me! I could use the money!
Why am I am here? I'm here to read up on my systems competition. I will admit, I'm really nervous about my investment to HD DVD and I won't hesitate to say, "Maybe I made a mistake", but I don't see anything wrong with 360 fanboys checking out ps3fanboy.com for information. I've posted (as of 01/28/2007) two times on this site and 0 on 360fanboy.com
Mark W @ Jan 28th 2007 12:50PM
Sure viral marketing is real & dozens if not hundreds of companies do it all the time. There are dozens of advertising companies dedicated to this.
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/82/buzz.html
http://www.bzzagent.com/
Heck, politicians & religious groups do it, why is it a stretch to believe MSFT (why are they evil when they make Windows and good when they make the XBox?) and Sony do it?
Ryan @ Jan 28th 2007 12:54PM
I wish everyone was as smart as "borat".
miiiguel @ Jan 30th 2007 12:42PM
"18. I heard that Microsoft is paying people to buy Xbox 360s in order to increase sales. No wonder they sold nearly 9 million through to customers!"
Dang!!! And I bought mine!!! Do you know where can I apply for that ? I want another one!!!!
miiiguel @ Jan 30th 2007 12:50PM
I come here because I have a laugh how ridicule kids, and grown men are for rooting for a "money-making ubber alles" institution (either it be MS or Sony or Nestle).
I play 360 because it's a very good product, I'll play PS3 if it proves to deserve my hard earned money, never, ever, ever, ever, for the sake of some Jap, or American or whatever filthy rich guy needs to drive a Ferrari and drink Cristal by the pool.
Open your eyes dudes, it's your money, it's your life.
Support you football club, don't support a brand, it's silly!
Borat @ Feb 2nd 2007 7:29AM
Someone above just proved that Xbox360 fanboys are pathetic. Or well, at least the ones that come here for Schadenfreude. Seriously, how pathetic is it to have pleasure in someone else's misfortune? Is your life *THAT* miserable? You mention that you got pissed at Sony's PR commentaries. Are you retarded? Why would you take that personally? "I don't buy good products because the employee of the company which doesn't know me and I don't either, happens to make commentaries which I take personally". Idiot.
Furthermore, being miserable because the original Xbox had ports of PS2 that "looked like crap" (LOL) makes you even more of a tard, not to mention being pissed because PS2 had more exclusives. Seriously, why didn't you buy a PS2 then? Are you a fucking moron? That's a rhetorical question, by the way. Unless you were a gamer that couldn't afford another console, which would make you a complete loser (not loser because you're "Poor", but loser because you have a hobby you can't really enjoy). But hey, that's what happens for taking early decisions in the console wars when you lack the funds (but in someway it wasn't that dumb of a decision though, you didn't have to spend so much money in the huge amount of games, right? lol); I bet you already bought a 360, which has no guarantees of having a library of games as wide as a PS2. I don't have a problem with buying any console since I can afford the other consoles, in case the others get more games. Also, there are no "squandered" titles, you dipshit. Developers want money, period.
Personally, I'm not pissed that X360 is getting a lot of PS3 ports of former exclusives, and viceversa. I couldn't care less. The titles that matter to me the most are the exclusives, and that's why I will eventually own all three consoles.
On another note, even if it's Schadenfreude on some part, some trolls are still part of viral marketing.
docsavage @ Feb 4th 2007 5:36AM
My personal faviourite of the virial campain (and yes it does happen I know people who do.) is the "fall from grace." it takes a while and is not that fair from a couple of "con jobs" where the person is a big fan.. huge.. will hear nothing bad about his "company" I've been a hard core fan since such and such a time I've playied all the games even the obscure ones you've never heard of I'm that hard core. Then over time, the seeds of doubt slip in, the "ooh well yeah but I liked the look of this as well." bit of bad news? "pfft just typical of them they were better way back when" the play on nostalga and how good it used to be. and then it's the full on.. "I've lost complete faith in this company, they have broken my 'hard core' back." and thus make others think "wow if this guy can loose faith then what kind of a company is this and what about me?"
Another favourite is the "considered opionion" where the person can put forward the information and argue with you logically, however all the terminology is derogatory in nature (talking the company/product down or using dismissive language.) even though is it supposed to be 'bigging' the item up. I have also seen two "workers" both arguing against each other on this and other board having almost the same argument, but both coming to the same conclusion that the one company is better than the other.
it's interesting stuff, just a have a look for it, over time other people will start to use the same argument technique without realising it. ;)
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