“It is very rare that I hate someone as much as I do Adam. However I am sure he is a very nice racist man. If you ever find yourself in Vegas Adam stop by BIGGY's BURGER SHACK and I will fix you up a real nice bowl of Dick soup.
Oh and E3 2003 I am the one that threw the T-shirt at your face and me and the crew were screaming SUCK IT SESSMASTER as loud as we could. Fun times I still wish Tina Wood had your job.”
-- From the comments section of the Dante’s Inferno review, posted by GreedyMcNasty
There’s something about (what I assume is) a grown man having so much contempt for me that an incident where I was apparently assaulted by a cotton t-shirt should stand out in this individual’s mind for the past seven years. And enough so that it appears to this day he wants to rape me, but not enough so that he’ll take the effort to find me…I need to make myself available to him.
I remember that E3: I met Robin Williams, we first learned that Paul Allen was soliciting offers from companies to take TechTV off his hands, and Dave Perry waved happily at me, despite the thorough drubbing we had just given his Matrix game. I bet I smiled more.
The modern era of media has mandated that repositories of information must concede their passive authority of objectivity, which has held true for the past few centuries, to a more fluid setting where additional content is blindly solicited. The initial work is now an organic entity continually shaped and contextualized with corroborations, refutations, misinterpretations, personal agendas and declarations of intellectual superiority based upon a singular experience. Somehow that original piece is insufficient. Schopenhauer, never a friend of the democratically-minded, may have finally elicited my sympathies.
Griping about decorum on the Internet is about as useful as asking Margaret Thatcher to stop smelling like sulfur. Less discussed is the complicity of media outlets in bringing about this wonderful state of affairs. Opening up opinion writing on the Internet into a two-way discourse has transformed the art of reasoned thought into sport. While engendering a sense of belonging to help facilitate future pageviews may have been the initial motivation behind, “Leave a comment for Adam :),” the pernicious result is in the skewing of a sense of “audience” or “readership” into only those impassioned enough to post, and then emboldening that minority into having a role in the shaping of future content (please see all recent requests to “fire Abbie Heppe” or “turn Feedback into a television show”). While I can only speak for myself, this phantom “audience” does begin to affect future writing. I have written reviews which indulge in argumentative contortionism in anticipation of the response (RE5), editorials which heighten the rhetoric to elicit strong reactions (Killzone 2 Soapbox), and reliably spend the day with review, Soapbox, or Feedback posts reading the comments section, compulsively refreshing, looking for the elusive satisfaction of having had enough of an impact on some anonymous individual to make the effort worthwhile as my existence was recognized. The writer-commentor relationship is nothing more than a digital glory-hole of discourse in a solipsistic coffee-house made of nightmares.
This call-and-response mentality is only further abated by the need to simplify the moments of controversy and expedite the inflammation. Numerical scores, over-simplified pros/cons and headlines all help focus the theatrics at the bottom of the page which can be counted on with Pavlovian certainty. Whatever therapy it affords, we seem to need it and there’s little to indicate it will be changing anytime soon. We all have something to prove and we’re all proving it at the same time. Reading the comments for not just the Dante’s review but just about every other one on the site can be like peering into the cacophonous abyss of linearity: Established truths must endure, contrary is heresy, individualism is sedition.
I have to say, it’s hard for me at times to know that I’m part of the problem.
If you need me, I’ll be slurping some dick over at Biggy’s.
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Comments
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Warrior567
adam has some of the best comebacks i've ever heard of
blueboykc
one thing in mcnastys post im really curious about...he says "me and the crew were screaming"..by crew does he mean other escaped lunatics from the mental ward or the crew of the uss imajerkwad?
in ll seriousness i am curious..
but im sure there just the fevered ramblings of a madman..who knows...
Ikarus
Thanks to the anonymity of the internet, it's incredibly easy to voice your true opinion with little to know repercussion, unless you're afraid of some guy named "NarutoRox64" thinking you're dumb. Many people get carried away with this ability, and voice their opinions more harshly than they really feel. It's a virus that has plagued Xbox Live since day 1, which is one of the few downfalls of Xbox. But not really their fault.
My point is even the harsh feelings of this commenter are not this strong. He may not like or respect you, but in reality he probably doesn't care that much. The internet tends to amplify opinions.
As for your work, I've been a fan of G4 and X-Play since the day I got cable and stumbled upon the channel. I regularly watch the show and look forward to your reviews, as they have helped me find a few games I love that I wouldn't have found normally (Tales of Vesperia). I appreciate the effort you've put forth on G4's behalf and I am very excited to see what the future holds. After watching the X-play 1000 marathon I've seen how far the show has come and how much it has improved. I am very happy you've done such a great job. Also glad to see that you guys actually read our comments, as well. Even the harsh ones.
Congratulations on X-plays 1000th episode. Think you have another thousand in you?
alexsmerch
Adam is one of the very few internet personalities I have great respect for. That said, I would really like to stop by Biggy's Burger Shack and hit that guy in the face repeatedly until he bleeds from all openings. Ahh . . just thinking about it makes me smile on the inside.
MaVannas
I find internet communication to be rather fun. Sure we get the feeling we're 'talking' to someone, but I find that it's more of a tool to display a feeling on the matter. To me I think typing to 'you' is more of a way of getting an idea out there. I don't mind if anyone reads it, but it helps to put things out there. Much in the way reviews work. There is no obligation for a person to read a review but it is there if a person wants to read it and as internet 'residents' we want to get a word in.
IMHO it can be as 'you' believe, a 'problem' or it can be a 'gift' depending on the way people use it. the way I see it it's like those school assignment's where you have to write a persuasive essay addressed to no one. The author knows that no one is likely to read it but just feels the need to get a word in. XD
fabio2112
screw that guy adam your the in the biz and i think you should run for president adam sessler 2012
Grave_Chapel
Jealousy and hatred are wasteful emotions, with the instant satisfaction, along with demands of free content (damn hippies and commies), services that many are demanding it seems like anyone with a high speed connection believes they have the most important and correct opinion in the history of the world. I know jobs like these are normally thankless, going through a slew of new blood or talent like clock work. Still there are rewards that many in our video game and internet culture would love to have. Everyone seems to know the reasoning of the complaints, they have been addressed in the Soapbox before such as seeking validation in these reviews. But as formatting and running an organization such as this, few have the ability or the mindset to be up to such a task. G4 is not the only site providing this service if they have such an issue they can find another, but they don't. I enjoy the site, the content online and the shows, each reviewer is not a carbon copy of the one before and that's a good thing. Also enjoy the soup some pepper will counter the extra vinegar flavor and aroma.
blindsideofthesun
I think this really brings to light two very different commentor types when it comes to sites like this.
You have your first type, which I'd like to believe I fall into, that would genuinely enjoy just plopping down in an easy chair/bean bag chair/seat of choice, and just have some good back and forth convo with the likes of Sessler, Heppe, Gaskill, Pfister, Klepek, etc over some drinks and pizza, all while hammering eachother on some games, whilst debating their merits (and of course, usual mid-game trash talk ensuing). Oh, and to talk about Mr. Johnson's swell goat. Wish I could pull that off without looking like a wierdo.
Then you have the other type. You know, the type that, if this were a real room, would pop their head in the door just to yell how idiotic everyone is, and how superior they are, then close the door. Almost like ding dong ditching a good party just because nobody there wants to talk to you. It's like everyone else is having some good back and forth, and even though they don't always agree, still remaining respectful (like a mature adult should be), then having a high schooler equivalent to a frat boy mixed with a full of himself variety snob come in and just start trying to tear everyone down who's not agreeing with him. Really?
I actually really like that someone brought to mind the point that these sites only have these people due to the anonymity they offer. There's a reason someone like the second type mentioned isn't really around in normal society, because they would be severely beaten and/or tossed out the front door. However, solely because they don't actually have to look anyone in the face, they get to feel some false sense of having a pair by ranting on the net. Oh well, what're you gonna do?
By the way? I think the idea of just having a game day with the staff would be a totally awesome way to spend a Saturday. Maybe a prize idea for some contest? "Chill With The Staff" maybe? Local residents of course...
niksah
I've always wondered if the internet brought out borderline personalities or just the borderline-like traits in normal people. I honestly am curious as to the type or person who makes posts like that because I don't think I've ever interacted with someone like that. About the only demographic information we have is that he flips burgers in Las Vegas. I guess that's enough?
By the way the line "The writer-commentor relationship is nothing more than a digital glory-hole of discourse in a solipsistic coffee-house made of nightmares" is possibly the funniest single sentence I've ever seen on the internet...
Bluestreak2
I'll just say that I watched Xplay for years, most of high school life. But after G4 took over, and the dik dik jokes went away, I also grew apart from both the network and the program. I had realized that I no longer needed to watch a show to validate my opinions, to learn about what upcoming games I should be excited over, or get angry at unfair reviews. (Finally having a job to provide me the games surely helped.)
And after a few years of not watching Xplay I stumbled upon your soapbox, and I enjoyed these small rants and raves. And eventually I even found myself enjoying Feedback.
I don't always like or agree with what you say(Fable II winning GotY), but I still enjoy the jokes and perspective you provide to the gaming scene.
burningstrength
Adam, don't let those kinds of people get to you. Life is too short to waste on them since they obviously can't enjoy it themselves. Sadly that's "part of the job" so to speak. People will love you and people will hate you. Make no mistake though that the people who love you, including myself, value your brutal honesty and detailed observations. Personally I grew tired of the sugar coated reviews that many people put out there, because it confuses me at times. Why would someone give a game a 4.5/10 but praise it so much with that "sugar coating"? Your make your point, tell the truth, and aren't afraid to speak your mind.
You inspire me to continue my journalistic endeavors. Keep on doing what you do Adam, and be sure you order that Dick Soup to go. Lord knows you can't eat in public being a racist and all.
deliacorgrace
I like that people want there to be a Feedback t.v. show but also want one of the main members of that program (Abbie Heppe) to be fired. It's like there's a bunch of G4 network execs running around the forums trying to pretend to be real people. Anyway don't let the kids on the forums get you mad guys. It's the ying and yang of the internet: A bunch of idiots write mean ignorant stuff and then the nice thoughtful people spend 3 pages detailing why their idiots. It's some not so deep seeded need for us humans to make ourselves heard and feel unique. For god's sake we had a congressman shout you lie at the president during a speech. It's pretty much the same thing. Anyway if you weren't doing a good job you wouldn't have anyone paying attention so keep up the good work. Oh and Abbie whenever someone puts you down on the boards just remember you could kick their ass in guitar hero.
Matt731
im not the ranting type, so ill just be honest. G4 is my most trusted source, and i love ALL the employees there. in fact Abbie is actually one of my favorites because not only is she hot (as others have mentioned) but she has very similar tastes in videogames as I do. I think the people saying Abbie should be fired are the ignorant fools who dont want girls reviewing their games and compare G4's scores to other company's scores (i believe Adam addressed this in a soapbox a while back: people have different opinions). basically what im trying to say is you guys do a great job, don't change anything, and I REALLY want to get a job at G4 and work alongside you. (what should I do to work toward that?)
pazuzu414
He takes internet insults and comments much too seriously. People are especially nasty and malicious when in the webs of cyberspace. I'm sure he knows this well enough by now. On top of that, McNasty is obviously a crazy person with an unhealthy obsession with the man. Nothing but pure, unadulterated sexual innuendo was intended by the dick soup "joke"; he is quite clearly a mad man who wants to sleep with Mr. Sessler. But while the piece was most likely written out of self-esteem preserving defense, it is perceptive. What is this a review of the letter? Yes. Yes it is. A four...out of five.
crocodilius
lol who throws a shirt at someone?
grow some ballz.
Canid117
If you want to stop people from trolling the internet then you would have to end anonymity. Sure it is never going to happen but imagine how much more polite everyone would be if their words on the net could cause someone to hunt them down and kick their ass when they step over the line. You know, just like in real life.
Cathartic Denoument
@Greedy McNasty (& other contributing comments):
Look what you did!
You've angered and/or hurt Adam!
What's wrong with you?!
Its no coincidence that your comment just happened to fall in the Dante's Inferno Review comments section - 'cause thats exactly where you deserves to be, for that comment - in the Inferno (and in more than one circle).
@Adam Sessler:
Ignore those hateful comments, Adam; they're just showing their ugly horns of jealousy.
I'll admit, at first, you weren't exactly my favorite co-host on X-Play, but over the years, you've proven yourself many times over & have gained my respect & favor for it. (Transferred to you, actually)
Without your insightful words (& otherwise entertaining banter) towards the gaming industry (& miscellaneous things) [X-Play reviews, Sessler's Soapbox, Feedback, & Game Break], the diamond-in-the-rough (among other reviews sources) that is X-Play, would lose it's spark/soul - the substance/quality that makes X-Play, at the very least, tolerable to watch (if not quite enjoyable; a source of meaning within the videogame-verse).
Thats not to say that the other staff at X-Play pales in comparison with what they have to contribute, but come on - there's a reason why YOU became Editor-in-Chief at X-Play, and (with all due respect) it couldn't have only been because of "staff seniority".
X-Play 1K is a testament, as well as a monument, to all of X-Play staff's combined hardwork & injected passion for all their accomplishments. And for that I commend & congratulate you all; you especially, Adam.
Case in point:
Dust it off.
Drink some (non-alcoholic) champagne. (LoL)
You're awesome. (A considerably famous TV/Cable & Internet personality; and an accomplished writer to boot, for a former banker)
He (Greedy McNasty) isn't.
You have an awesome job/career.
He (obviously) doesn't.
Smile at your blessings, 'cuz we all know HE isn't (with his own misfortunes).
Now with all of that said..
..You should exercise your ability to wield/swing/slam the BanHammer on Greedy McNasty.
And by "slurping", I hope you meant *swinging at, with a sledgehammer* (a la Red Faction Guerilla).
=)
In Loyalty & Defense of Your Honor,
Rion Vanguard - "Chrome Knight of Verity"
shaggysasquach
ok so first off who the hell has a problem with abbie heppe? shes awesome, i disagree with her about half the time but she can always make a valid case for her point of view and thats all that should be asked of someone who is stating an opinion. second, feedback should not be its own tv show. but that being said i do think it would be good as thurs or fridays episode of x play instead of re-runs. and last but not least please realize that these people usually post these things simply for the purpose of watching people get angry at them. its what makes them happy. and i think its what any of us would do if we were so hideously lonely, crippled with all the personality of a burning, wet, ti food bowl movement..
orlandomagic1214
Adam Sessler = Awesome!
Screw you Mr. Greedy!
Phas3Sh1ft
Sess, the thing that I like most about x-play's reviews is that I can trust them, but also there is a transparency between reviewer and viewer. For example, there have been a couple of times where I didn't agree with your original review but then you explain your rationale on Sessler's Soapbox or Feedback and I can understand how you got to your conclusion (also happened for GOTY last year). I might disagree with you, but if video games are art then everybody's tastes are different; your catharsis differs from mine. Personally my only gripe is that if you truly see video games as an art form then why don't you use the sophisticated language in your reviews as you used in this post? You're a highly intelligent man and I feel like you shouldn't downplay that (level yourself down?) in your reviews.
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