06-03-2007, 11:43 AM
(quick edit by LZ: if you plan on replying to this thread, do NOT reply with an attack on JT. discuss it like you would any other story, or this will get re-locked)
Read!!!
Read!!!
Gaming Today Wrote:
The folks over at Penny Arcade were attempting to set up an epic event: A debate between Jack Thompson and (hopefully) an unnamed knowledgeable video game industry person, perhaps someone like ECA President Hal Halpin.
Apparently, the guys at PA had extended an invitation to Jack Thompson to come to PAX for the debate (at PA's expense). Unfortunately, Jack had a disagreement with PA about how to promote the event. Their plan was to leave the debate as an unannounced, unpublicized part of PAX, mostly because they were worried that so many people would be trying to jam themselves into the room to watch. Jack, on the other hand, wanted to put out a press release announcing the event.
In an email sent to certain media outlets, Thompson basically said that he found the fact that PA wanted to keep the event under wraps "absurd and troubling." Here's a few other choice quotes from the email:
For Penny-Arcade to take the position that there must be a news blackout on this strikes me and others as hypocritical to the max. You guys are the ones who think that even adult entertainment materials should be marketed and sold to children because of “freedom of expression,” and yet I am not allowed to tell media and others of this debate? Come on, how transparently double-standard-bound in your machinations can you all be?
If you want me to come to Seattle and address 6000 hostile people as to why the United States is the only backward nation in the world when it comes to the distribution of adult video games to children, then I will be happy to do it. But your position that only Penny-Arcade gets to tell the world about this event and in the way that only you all get to decide is patently ridiculous.
Finally, he even added this: "I’ve been in far more hostile environs than what you offer. You all need to grow a pair of what a kid can cut off in Manhunt 2."
First, I can't believe the "only backward nation in the world when it comes to the distribution of adult video games to children" comment. I wonder if Jack has visited places like Europe, where pornographic material is in plain view and available for purchase at about every corner store; or Japan, home of manga and hentai. Also, I know lots of gamers. I don't know any who advocate the sale or distribution of adult video games to kids.
Second, one wonders how Jack is so aware of the content coming in Manhunt 2, as the game isn't on store shelves yet. Maybe his gamer son is helping beta test it?
All that aside, I can almost understand Jack's position on this. He needs the publicity, and much like a vampire, grows weak if he can't feed. There's just one little problem: the debate was to take place at PAX. PAX is an event controlled, paid for, and sponsored by Penny Arcade. So, if you want to participate in their event, you follow their rules, just as you would if you were participating in any event that you were not hosting.
Whatever the reason, it appears that this debate won't be happening, and that's too bad. Spewing vitriolic comments makes great copy and headlines for CNN and Fox News, but it's light years away from facing off in a debate against someone who is knowledgeable and well-versed in the game industry.
Widespread coverage of such a debate would really help the mainstream media and the public to realize just how wacky Jack really is, and the chance for it to take place in front of an audience that could see through his half-truths and misrepresentations is almost too much to hope for.
Apparently, the guys at PA had extended an invitation to Jack Thompson to come to PAX for the debate (at PA's expense). Unfortunately, Jack had a disagreement with PA about how to promote the event. Their plan was to leave the debate as an unannounced, unpublicized part of PAX, mostly because they were worried that so many people would be trying to jam themselves into the room to watch. Jack, on the other hand, wanted to put out a press release announcing the event.
In an email sent to certain media outlets, Thompson basically said that he found the fact that PA wanted to keep the event under wraps "absurd and troubling." Here's a few other choice quotes from the email:
For Penny-Arcade to take the position that there must be a news blackout on this strikes me and others as hypocritical to the max. You guys are the ones who think that even adult entertainment materials should be marketed and sold to children because of “freedom of expression,” and yet I am not allowed to tell media and others of this debate? Come on, how transparently double-standard-bound in your machinations can you all be?
If you want me to come to Seattle and address 6000 hostile people as to why the United States is the only backward nation in the world when it comes to the distribution of adult video games to children, then I will be happy to do it. But your position that only Penny-Arcade gets to tell the world about this event and in the way that only you all get to decide is patently ridiculous.
Finally, he even added this: "I’ve been in far more hostile environs than what you offer. You all need to grow a pair of what a kid can cut off in Manhunt 2."
First, I can't believe the "only backward nation in the world when it comes to the distribution of adult video games to children" comment. I wonder if Jack has visited places like Europe, where pornographic material is in plain view and available for purchase at about every corner store; or Japan, home of manga and hentai. Also, I know lots of gamers. I don't know any who advocate the sale or distribution of adult video games to kids.
Second, one wonders how Jack is so aware of the content coming in Manhunt 2, as the game isn't on store shelves yet. Maybe his gamer son is helping beta test it?
All that aside, I can almost understand Jack's position on this. He needs the publicity, and much like a vampire, grows weak if he can't feed. There's just one little problem: the debate was to take place at PAX. PAX is an event controlled, paid for, and sponsored by Penny Arcade. So, if you want to participate in their event, you follow their rules, just as you would if you were participating in any event that you were not hosting.
Whatever the reason, it appears that this debate won't be happening, and that's too bad. Spewing vitriolic comments makes great copy and headlines for CNN and Fox News, but it's light years away from facing off in a debate against someone who is knowledgeable and well-versed in the game industry.
Widespread coverage of such a debate would really help the mainstream media and the public to realize just how wacky Jack really is, and the chance for it to take place in front of an audience that could see through his half-truths and misrepresentations is almost too much to hope for.
LoL they still debated anyways!!!
But still, Man i would've loved to see that official debate!
Source