Re: [HOE] Re: Long time lurker (JOHN GOFF)

["twilight@vbe.com" <twilight@vbe.com>]

John Goff wrote:

> I think anyone that's ever seen me post to this list will agree that I
> usually keep my responses as polite and respectful as possible. However,
> this one _really_ rubbed me the wrong way. Guy, I realize you're not
> personally angry with any of the folks at PEG, but your post expressed an
> attitude that I'd like to address.

Before I begin, please don't believe me to be some snide and ignorant dolt.  At
least, not snide and not wholly ignorant.  I admit that my language was harsh in
describing the buyout/sellout/deal situation but I still remain saddened that it
all had to happen.  I'm willing to eat some crow since you and David Wilson have
illuminated the situation.  I did not desire to pull open any personal wounds
for anyone.

What I did desire was to express a sentiment which I have felt and I was
surprised was not being touted elsewhere.  Recognize that all the public knew
was that PEG was sold to cybergames.  In a world of WOTCs gobbling little TSRs,
what do you expect but a feeling of revulsion from the fan?  Or a few fans?
Maybe I'm just too much of idealist.


> PEG staff has gone the extra step to forge a friendship with their
> customers, but that doesn't make it a moral imperative for the company to go
> under instead of "selling out." There are ethics and morals, and then
> there's just foolish pride.

Again, maybe this is my youthful idealism speaking and when I'm older and
financially knowledgeable I'll be more "realistic" in my judgment calls.
Regardless,  It's a judgment call to label the buyout/sellout crummy and I'm
going to make it.  I honestly don't know how I'd feel about PEG's obliteration
over this, obviously I wouldn't want this to occur, but if the cybergames
situation goes sour, what then?  Sort of anticlimactic, kind of depressing, no?
I think this is what some of us fear, if not just my gaming group.

> If it helps any, rest assured _none_ of us (Shane included) got rich as a
> result of the sale. All we got was that we got to keep our jobs and try to
> continue to keep the company rolling. Nobody walked away with a big check or
> a red Ferrari. Nor did anyone walk away with any sort of ethical stain or in
> any way worthy of being looked upon with "disgust.

Granted.

> If that was a little harsh, my apologies. It was not my intent to offend,
> but I do take a bit of offense at seeing a group of folks I like and have as
> great respect for as I do Shane, John, and the rest of the PEG folks painted
> in such a light.

It wasn't harsh, John, thanks for being civil with me.  Furthermore, neither
did/do I have designs to show PEG as evil losers.  Despite sounding like the
same old fanboy mushyness, I love their work.  I'm glad you guys walk the
earth.  However, I did express that sellouts suck and stand by it.  I'm sure you
would agree with me that such events (if not simply have the tendency to) mar
the image of the company consumed.

Thanks,

-Guy