Attack on PS3 Home, most controversial post ever, but Schlaffer didn’t do it
A recent opinion piece that appeared on GAMER.BLORGE “Sony’s oft delayed Home sure to disappoint PS3 users” has been labelled as the “most controversial post of the 21st century” by some wit on Wikipedia (this entry has since been removed).
With 183 outraged comments and counting, the post certainly is one of the most controversial stories that has ever appeared on the BLORGE.com network.
BLORGE writer Jonathan Schlaffer has found himself at the centre of the storm. It’s not the first time that Jonathan has outraged console fans. In December Wii fans were calling for Jonathan’s dismissal.
However, in this case, there’s been a miscarriage of justice. Jonathan has been slammed by hundreds of angry PS3 fans, and even had an offensive Wikipedia entry written about him (which has now been removed). But the truth of the matter is that Jonathan didn’t write the post.
In the interests of setting the record straight, here are the facts.
On February 2 I received the an unsolicited submission from an aspiring writer named Buckle Gross. I contacted Buckle to find out what his motivation was for the post. Buckled replied that:
I am interested in getting into video game writing, and think your freelance method is a good opportunity to get started.
While the post had some interesting ideas, I didn’t expect it to cause as much outrage as it has. My main motivation for publishing the story was to give encouragement to a new, upcoming writer. I asked Jonathan to review and post the story as I didn’t have time to do it myself.
Jonathan did just that, and within a few hours it became clear that people commenting on the post believed that Jonathan wrote the post. For this reason, I change the “Posted by” to Guest Writer.
Was it wrong for me to accept a unsolicited submission from reader?
No, I don’t think so. While I don’t necessarily agree with Buckle’s ideas, I don’t think it hurts for his ideas to be put forward in what was clearly labelled as an opinion piece.
Was it wrong for me to ask Jonathan to post the story?
With the benefit of hindsight, I should I have posted the story as being from a guest writer from the outset.
Was it wrong for me to change the byline?
No, I don’t think so, as Jonathan was being unfairly targeted as being the writer of the story.
As editor, I take full responsibility for all content that appears on any of the BLORGE sites, and I stand by my decision to publish Buckle’s story.
Our motto is “technology with attitude”, and to live up that motto, we do sometimes find ourselves in the line of fire. But that’s a price we’re willing to pay.
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50 Responses to “Attack on PS3 Home, most controversial post ever, but Schlaffer didn’t do it”
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February 11th, 2008
meh!
February 11th, 2008
“Here are the facts”, ha, you wouldn’t be in this mess if the article in question included a single word of truth.
We don’t give a monkeys about the authors true identity. If “Jonathan” gave his backing to this and saw fit to publish it then he deserves as much scorn and ridicule as this mystery contributor.
“technology with attitude”, that must mean we’ll do anything to get visitors even its supplying them with unreliable information. Enjoy your little bump in traffic but myself and many other wont be returning here again. Blacklisted.
February 11th, 2008
Well Buckle, there’s your first lesson, and you should have learned it after the outrage that surrounded the Mass Effect fiasco. If you’re going to write a piece that attacks a game or a system, you better be sure you have your facts straight. Don’t try to use the internet to attack gamers. Gamers pretty much created the internet, and we can use it to fight back.
There has been a disturbing trend of lax writing on the internet as of late, allowing anyone with even a tiny modicum of writing talent (read: able to sit upright) to spew whatever nonsense they want, with zero accountability. An opinion piece is fine, except that I came across it after inputting that I was looking for “PS3 NEWS” in my seach engine. The post in question was the first thing that came up.
The reaction to this particular post seems to display that this kind of misinformation will not be tolerated by the masses. If you’re insisting on phantom truths, or things that you really, REALLY WANT to be true, but you are clearly wrong (and with most of the points put forward, you were flat out in error) you’re going to hear about it. And in this case, you can’t chalk up your piece as “your opinion” because you chose your words with the clear intent of sounding authoritative. Develop your skills as a writer first, and get some experience. Authority will come on its own.
And for the love of all things holy, learn to provide some sources for your arguments. Pretending you have support that isn’t there isn’t going to help your credibility at all.
This has all sounded very harsh, but I can respect that you are attempting to enter into the world of writing, and it is a shame that this kind of backlash is what resulted (unless you dig that kind of thing). But I would still encourage you to learn from this and try again. I can’t fault anyone for loving their game system of choice, and even really wanting the one released by the competition to fail miserably. But if you are going to write about gaming news, you have to put that aside far enough to ensure that the facts are there. Once that is done, you can put whatever slant you want on it. Good luck in your future posts.
February 11th, 2008
Opinion pieces are fine, but when they’re grounded in misinformation and factual inaccuracy, a line is being crossed. You shouldnt’ want to associate yourself with opinion pieces like that.
Opinion pieces that are well thought out and based on fact are more than welcome.
February 11th, 2008
I might also add, that using pieces like this to act as click-bait, while perhaps tempting, is wrong and that should not be your motivation. I can see why you like stories like this – because they drive outrage, and thus drive traffic, but that would be a disappointing stance to take.
February 11th, 2008
Is that your official response to such a massive error in judgement? Anything less than a full apology shows no respect to your readers if you had any to beforehand or will continue to do so.
I’ve certainly seen enough of how things are run around here.
February 11th, 2008
I read the first 2 paragraphs. it was all a load of crap so i stooped reading. Put the facts ahead of your opinion.
February 11th, 2008
Anyway, I run a blog site and we are doing a piece about Black History month. Oh yeah, some guy named the Grand Wizard sent me an article. I don’t have time to read it but I will post it because obviously he must be sane and screening people is a waste of time…
February 11th, 2008
People are actually asking for apologies for insulting their system? How petty some have become…
Really, this is a blog site. People are allowed to have opinions and such. Regardless of whether they are right or wrong really doesn’t matter, it’s just an opinion. If it offends you to the point that you are demanding an apology from a guy you probably haven’t even met, then you need to get back into touch with reality. May I suggest you go for a walk each day?
February 11th, 2008
Sorry there bigfella. Opinions aren’t Ok when their based off of false information.
Maybe a post bout how the 360 doesn’t support online would be more to your tastes.
February 11th, 2008
“People are actually asking for apologies for insulting their system? How petty some have become…”
People are not asking for apoligies for insulting their system, they are asking for an apology for posting an opinion piece that was not based off facts, I know George Bush makes facts based off opinions, but in the real world, opinions are based off facts.
February 11th, 2008
Quite honestly you can not hide behind the fact you did not publish the story. It appeared on your blog.
Someone stated he found the post after looking for PS3 news. Furthermore everything was written as fact and was not backed up by any.
If you want to alienate gamers, you should definitely keep receiving such pieces and posting them and then hide behind the fact they’re not yours.
Journalistic Integrity anyone?
Please, next time learn to say sorry.
February 11th, 2008
I don’t think anyone’s asking for an apology – we’re all just slating an article that tries to speak with authority and fact when it’s actually completly biased and basically full of crap!
I don’t care who wrote it, that fact that it was published here has discredited the whole website and anyone associated with it.
I (and many others I suspect) will not be visiting again…
February 11th, 2008
Actually – Blorge.com should apologise…
If they want to retain any shred of respectability.
February 11th, 2008
You guys are a micky mouse operation. You can’t even get bylines straight. ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. Try writing comic books.
February 11th, 2008
“I am interested in getting into video game writing, and think your freelance method is a good opportunity to get started.”
translated
“I’m a Microsoft bot ready to bash some more the PS3, and I think you’ll be ignorant enough to trust me”
As someone pointed out in the article, the “home review” was full of contradictions, first it wasn’t possible to use Voice chat and then it was?? All written in a very biased way!!
You shoudn’t be saying “Was it wrong for me”, you should say: I’m Sorry for beeing so blind!
February 11th, 2008
I meant to say that he should definitely apologize instead of trying to justify the first article with a second one by stating “he had reasons” to have the article published on his blog.
Of course he had reasons, mainly getting the unique hits on his blog as the 1st, original, article popped as #1 search item when querying ps3 in the news section at google, yesterday evening at my house.
Since it is his blog and his content was completely biased and devoid of any journalistic value, an apology is certainly in order.
As a side note; the quality of the writing on this blog sucks.
If you want to live by your motto “Technology With Attitude” please backup your outrageous claims by facts, bring guest writers that do the same & please take a few journalism courses or pick up a few books, whatever. You could use the help.
Regardless,
I will definitely not visit this blog again.
February 11th, 2008
that is the funniest excuse for ANYTHING that I’ve ever heard.
LOL idiot
February 11th, 2008
And seriously PS3 fanboys, if you’re pissed off enough to write a lame Wikipedia article, at least know what you’re talking about.
February 11th, 2008
@Matt, isn’t that the irony of it though? I mean, I don’t condone what the fanboi’s did, but you have to admit it’s fitting, Jonathan posts an erroneous article without fact checking so the fanboys post an erroneous piece on wiki. I don’t agree with what they did, though I do feel it is warranted, eye for an eye.
February 11th, 2008
An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. And for that matter, how is posting on a blog comparable to submitting an article to Wikipedia?
I mean… I personally think Wikipedia sucks for anything but useless trivia, but I hear lots of other people use it as a real source for information. This site is just a blog full of silly, biased opinions designed to bring in major amounts of hits… How can you even compare the two?
February 11th, 2008
Games journalists are becoming publicty whores !
February 11th, 2008
It is a reporters responsibility to post FACTS . If you did not post this but gave way to it being posted then it is in FACT you that we should be angry with. Let me make up a story and post it as fact and have damn near everything wrong within the story . THAT IS NOT JOURNALISM. So I for one STILL hold you responsible for bastardizing journalism.
February 11th, 2008
The article was obviously a biased rant against Sony. You have to question the motive behind posting this in the first place.
“While the post had some interesting ideas, I didn’t expect it to cause as much outrage as it has. My main motivation for publishing the story was to give encouragement to a new, upcoming writer.”
Oh, I think you knew what kind of reaction this was going to create. Your ‘main motivation’ in posting this speaks for itself.
February 11th, 2008
Next time why don’t you get someone with half a brain to do the article.
I am a home BETA tester. It’s obvious douchebag doesn’t know shit about PS Home and seems like and Xbox Fag.
February 11th, 2008
Credibility lost.
February 11th, 2008
This is hilarious, now i have my ‘conscience’ writing comments.
Why are you people so up in arms over words on a screen? Are you THAT engrossed in your fanboy wars that it is taking over your lives? I think it’s time that a lot of you grew up and realised that there are more important things in life than video games.
February 11th, 2008
Why the heck would you publish a story like that? I don’t care WHO wrote it, that is one of the most ridiculous, uninformed flame articles I have ever seen and I hope that “aspiring writer’s” short career goes down in flames after that totally false and completely ridiculous post. Are you sure he’s not being paid by Microsoft? Anyway, if you can stand by an article like that, your site just lost all credibility in my opinion
February 11th, 2008
I’m just glad I didn’t write it!
Oh and bigfella, you mean that wasn’t your conscience stealing your keyboard and posting a comment before? :O
February 11th, 2008
Some key points I would like to argue with the idiots above:
1) This is a blog. A blog does not imply some sort of “journalistic integrity” any more than the National Enquirer.
2) Why do you care so much what someone thinks?
3) If you do happen to care, and it bothers you so much, why are you still here?
February 11th, 2008
Hah Dave, I don’t have a conscience!
February 12th, 2008
Um…
o·pin·ion /əˈpɪnyən/ [uh-pin-yuhn]
–noun
1. a belief or judgment that rests on grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty.
2. a personal view, attitude, or appraisal.
Based on incorrect information or not, an opinion is an opinion. Do you all get this worked up when The New York Times writes an opinion piece you don’t agree with?
Apologize? Apologize to whom? Your PS3s? “Um… Mr. Inanimate Object PS3? I’m sorry if I hurt your non-existent feelings.”
It was one guy’s opinion, they’ve explained themselves, there is no need for an “apology”.
(full-disclosure: yes, I used to work here, and left on exceptionally friendly terms, but I would still say this even if I had never worked here)
February 12th, 2008
@ Sean
You and the the rest of the people that work on this site are FUCK WITS.
That is our opinion.
February 12th, 2008
Wow – ps3 fanboys are SOOO sensitive – lmao. It’s a f—ing blog – get a life!
February 12th, 2008
@ Larry
I guess you work here too – FUCK WIT
February 12th, 2008
Blorge.com fails to live up to its promise.
This week Blorge.com posted an article that made a mockery of their mission statement.
http://gamer.blorge.com/2008/02/09/sonys-oft-delayed-home-sure-to-disappoint-ps3-users/
The article has led to ridicule from the internet and blogging community (see above) and a hastily composed response from Blorge.com that tries to distance themselves from the article (see above).
Blorge’s mission statement: “Our team of international writers is dedicated to providing gutsy, honest and informed coverage and comment on key technology news and issues, without fear or favor.” http://www.blorge.com/about-blorgecom/)
So let’s break that down.
Gutsy: I think they pass here – to post such a ridicules article certainly takes guts.
Honest: This has to be a fail, the article could not be more dishonest if it tried.
Informed: Fail – whoever wrote this article clearly knows nothing about the subject matter.
Without Fear: Pass (see gutsy)
Without Favor: Fail – it would hard to find a more biased news story anywhere.
So what next for Blorge.com? Their readership have lost any respect they had for the site and are vowing never to return (see above).
Let this stand as a warning to blog’s across the net.
Without credibility you die!
February 12th, 2008
Fact is you shouldn’t run piecs without “OPINION” or “EDITORIAL” in the headline.
It was bad form, and I expect more from this site.
February 12th, 2008
Even worse form, is that I typo’d “Pieces”.
February 12th, 2008
@The World: I always find people who don’t even put a name to their comments to be the ones I listen to the most. They also always seem to be the source of the highest level of repartee.
And, by the way, I said I “used” to work here.
February 12th, 2008
I still don’t understand why fanboys are so upset over this. If you believe that Home is going to be good, then that’s great, that is your opinion.
But hypothetically, what happens if 90% of the original story somehow becomes true, especially in terms of performance etc? Are you guys going to apologise to Blorge staff? I doubt it. So stop demanding an apology from them.
February 12th, 2008
@biglfella, really? you still don’t understand why people are upset over this? O wait, my mistake, you said fanboys, and while there are fanboys here that are upset, there are also people, people who believe in blogs/journalists/editors sticking to the rules set forth either by them or a higher power. In this case it is the mission statement that “The World” pointed out so eliquently. In fact “The World” sums the case up perfectly.
So perhaps the reason you fail to see why people are upset is that you are asking the wrong question and viewing the situation through a bias eye(you obviously have a pre-determined hate for the ps3, somewhat similar to the original article’s author, Buckle)
The situation is clearly laid out in “The World”’s post, anyone with half a brain can see that, he set out there rules they applied to themselves and illustrated where they “broke” the rules.
In conclusion, though you are right bigfella about there being fanboys here, not everyone here is a fanboy, so the answer is simple; if Triston(the editor) wishes to maintain that mission statement he must say “sorry” to the general population of readers who visit this site, otherwise he must change the mission statement to something like this:
“We post anything that gets hits and makes us money”
“Venture capitalism is more important than the truth”
You get the idea.
February 12th, 2008
Darn, replace “The World” with “Greg” when you read my post, I misread the name of the person who wrote the piece I was refering to, Woooops!
February 12th, 2008
yes they do need to apologise for reporting lies. it has nothing to do with a system. they reported the fictional ramblings of an idiot.and he got the job.and the headline”wtf”you knew it was gonna get attention. just the wrong kind. hey buy the 360,it will never break,themes are free,perfect online stability,full divx support,fully backwards compadible,no racist pre-teenagers,user supported data sharing,great diversifying selection of games,big in japan,true dedicated servers that offer 40+multiplayer,great american production,kind helpful customer service,future bluray player,free online services,1080 picture support, mandatory harddrive,no more fps’s,trusty 3rd party keyboard and mouse,no nickel and diming our users,trusty microsoft…….i could go on but i won’t. now that is a great truthfully inspired news read all summed up in a paragraph. now that is good journalism.(pulling feathers of that flying pig,making a honey ham.)
February 13th, 2008
There’s plenty more information out there for you readers, it’s just you’re too lazy to look for it. If you want honest news, do some work yourself and go to Google News or something. There’s nothing I can do about you people here, but I’m so tired and upset that you act this mean to other people (and to each other)–especially those of you who are younger than the writers here.
Call me what you will, but I’m going to be very honest. You people say that you’ve never seen a worse news sight? I’ve never seen worse news comments. If you don’t like the news here, DO SOME STUPID RESEARCH YOURSELF. If you can’t stand the heat, leave the kitchen instead of cursing it. I’m sick and tired of seeing people show disrespect for others, and there’s nothing that can keep me from doing that.
Thanks to all the writers at gamer.blorge.com, you are very patient with all of us.
February 13th, 2008
@Rebma, Thanks mom. When is supper ready?
February 13th, 2008
What was wrong with my comment? Cencorship rules here I guess eh? You are all no better than Hitler.
February 14th, 2008
“If you want honest news, do some work yourself and go to Google News or something.” – Rebma Boss
Hello?! Thats how most of us found this pathetic excuse for a blog in the first place. First result “PS3″ for two days straight.
“what happens if 90% of the original story somehow becomes true, especially in terms of performance etc? Are you guys going to apologise to Blorge staff? I doubt it. So stop demanding an apology from them.” – bigfella
OK so today I publish a story in the local paper about your dad being a pedophile. I don’t have any insider knowledge, informants at the police station, friends of lawyers who will take him to trial or know any victims of his abuse. I write it regardless and he sues me for liable. Then! What if and this is the good part he is was in fact a Child Abuser! Imagine that I was right all along without even knowing about it. The whole community is forced to apologies to me for temporarily ruining his poor life and what was thought to be an innocent man. Does that same of logic of yours still apply.
The multiple posts that you’ve made alone bigfella, are irrational and naive to say the least. Are you employed by this blog by any chance?
February 14th, 2008
“As editor, I take full responsibility for all content that appears on any of the BLORGE sites, and I stand by my decision to publish Buckle’s story.
Our motto is “technology with attitude”, and to live up that motto, we do sometimes find ourselves in the line of fire. But that’s a price we’re willing to pay.”
What!!!!! even telling us lies and still, you “stand by the decision to publish” this piece of bull???? You are a joke!!!!
What about a instead of “technology with attitude” technology with shit. That sounds better and fits right in with this site.
February 15th, 2008
What the fuck? Jonathan Schlaffer is just as guilty with the article by letting it by in the first place than writing it himself. Lol, that Wikipedia article was hilarious
Either way, that article was bullshit and advertised rimjobs for Bill Gates. 360 fanboy assholes…
April 22nd, 2008
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