Hi there everyone, just thought I'd join the party as it's been an interesting debate.
As has been pointed out by some here already. There is a lot less Spectrum content then there was when the magazine was first picked up by Imagine. I'd also like to point out though that that was 10 years ago and a lot happens in 10 years. Heck, popular magazines like Crash and Zzap 64 didn't last 10 years. It's an insane amount of time, particularly in the fast moving world of videogames.
In the last decade a lot of systems that weren't considered retro are considered retro now, meaning they need to go into the magazine, meaning other sections of the magazine are pruned back to ensure a fair balance. Of course you may not consider them retro, but that's an argument no one is ever going to win as retro means different things to different people :)
Now a lot of people won't consider the PlayStation and GameCube and Xbox to be retro, and I get that, I really do. However, judging by our continual sales, a lot of people do and all you can do is hope to strike a suitable balancing act that will keep everyone happy. Having said that, if you do look at the mag, these articles make up a small percentage of each issue. The mag remains predominantly focused on 8 and 16-bit stuff (although admittedly not all Spectrum-based).
In the next couple of issues you can expect to read articles on Ranarama, Highway Encounter, Automata UK, Elite, Combat School, Adventure Soft, Deflektor, Jez San, Cauldron and a few other games that link directly or indirectly to the Spectrum in some way. Of course, owners of Dragon 32, Vic 20, Oric, etc will argue that they're even more ignored than the Spectrum, which is why we've been making a focus on these systems for recent minority reports.
As people have pointed out magazines have to evolve or they will die out. I knew that the Pokemon cover was going to be controversial, but it's already our best selling issue this year. Interestingly, the knightlore cover was one of our weakest, possibly because it has no real appeal to people stateside.
If you ever visit the retro gamer forum you'll see that every reader wants different things from the magazine. Even when it comes to spectrum games there are now discussions on whether a spectrum game is too obscure or not. I guess what I'm saying is that it's very, very difficult to create a specialist magazine that appeals to everyone.
I'm going to point out Mark Wright's cool new magazine idea, mainly because it looks great, but also because it highlights a potential issue. We've looked at doing this in the past. It's a great idea in practice, but it does have some problems. Say you have the magazine evenly split into sections. All you're doing is immediately highlighting to the reader just how much of the magazine isn't relevant to them. If you firmly believe that retro gaming is 8-bit only then (which you're perfectly entitled to do) a good three quarters of the mag is suddenly a waste of money to you. Now let's look at that 8-bit section in a bit more depth. Yes it's cool to theme it up as old C64 and Spectrum magazines, but then you're ignoring all the other systems (something which we'll admittedly do as well). All of a sudden you're trying to cram even more varied 8-bit stuff into an even smaller amount of pages, which is going to cause you problems and again upset your readers.
There's no right or wrong way to make a magazine and we're lucky that there are all sorts of homebrew projects out there that can give you the relevant retro buzz you're looking for. I've worked on retro magazines for over 13 years now and it's a tough audience to have, but also a satisfying one. All you can ever hope to do is create a successful magazine that brings your shared passion to like-minded people. Even if you don't always agree with Retro Gamer's content, surely you can see that the magazine obviously does appeal to that large number of people.
I don't really hang out on WOS to much but I'm more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you have about the mag. Either here or by PM.
I'm going to point out Mark Wright's cool new magazine idea, mainly because it looks great, but also because it highlights a potential issue. We've looked at doing this in the past. It's a great idea in practice, but it does have some problems. Say you have the magazine evenly split into sections. All you're doing is immediately highlighting to the reader just how much of the magazine isn't relevant to them. If you firmly believe that retro gaming is 8-bit only then (which you're perfectly entitled to do) a good three quarters of the mag is suddenly a waste of money to you. Now let's look at that 8-bit section in a bit more depth. Yes it's cool to theme it up as old C64 and Spectrum magazines, but then you're ignoring all the other systems (something which we'll admittedly do as well). All of a sudden you're trying to cram even more varied 8-bit stuff into an even smaller amount of pages, which is going to cause you problems and again upset your readers.
Darran
Thanks for reading and commenting on my post, Darran. Can I just clarify that my flight of fancy was offered in order to emphasise my original point: what I would *personally* like from RG (as described) is entirely different from what I think is good for the magazine - for all the reasons you mention. I like to think that I'd *personally* buy such a magazine, but I wasn't suggesting my way was better; just different. Too different. You're clearly pursuing a course of evolution not revolution.
I stand by my assessment of current RG, though. I worry that RG's editorial eschewing of the accepted formula for mags covering "vintage" and "classic" subject matter (as previously outlined) could spell its downfall. Maybe I'm wrong; I don't know the figures. But I would've thought there are now enough rumblings in the interior to warrant pro-active engagement with the core readership, as opposed to what often comes across as lip-service just to keep the hardcore zealots on-side. Possibly you don't see a problem.
Whatever I think, there's no disputing the fact that RG (and Darran in particular) must be doing something right. A decade on the newsstand for any magazine is no mean feat. But for a glossy with minimal advertising that's held its coverprice for years, concerned with such obscure, niche material? That's a phenomenal achievement. I hope it's understood that the various diatribes I've contributed are delivered out of a passion and respect for the mag.
My final thoughts on RG (and these really are finally final, before I'm banned for causing an outbreak of narcolepsy) and these are not my own personal preferences, rather some arrogant advice I think is worth heeding:
- Never lose sight of your USP, namely nostalgia. It's a powerful drug that, when prescribed in the correct dose, is capable of mobilising armies of dewy-eyed retro romantics - high on stirred emotions - into needing their next fix. In the sort of way that a six-page spread on the Sord M-5 never could.
- Measure appreciation and consumption of the mag the old fashioned way, by regularly seeking solus feedback in isolation, away from internet forums and solicited emails. Poll a sample of your subscriber database with direct (and not leading) questions without their replies being derailed by others. Act on them.
- Don't assume your average reader has "Comic Book Guy" levels of knowledge and pedantry. The obvious is obvious, but reading phrases like, "of course", "as we know," and "it goes without saying" in articles about consoles and games that sold in single figures can be alienating.
- Consider fostering a "chummier" editorial narrative throughout the magazine. Reading RG can sometimes prove a cold experience, with little attempt to address the reader in a human way among the gush of technical essay. RG may be the product of a disparate bunch of contributors, but more effort to connect everything together would make it a warmer read: less like Byte and more like Crash or Amiga Power.
Thanks for reading and commenting on my post, Darran. Can I just clarify that my flight of fancy was offered in order to emphasise my original point: what I would *personally* like from RG (as described) is entirely different from what I think is good for the magazine - for all the reasons you mention. I like to think that I'd *personally* buy such a magazine, but I wasn't suggesting my way was better; just different. Too different. You're clearly pursuing a course of evolution not revolution.
I stand by my assessment of current RG, though. I worry that RG's editorial eschewing of the accepted formula for mags covering "vintage" and "classic" subject matter (as previously outlined) could spell its downfall. Maybe I'm wrong; I don't know the figures. But I would've thought there are now enough rumblings in the interior to warrant pro-active engagement with the core readership, as opposed to what often comes across as lip-service just to keep the hardcore zealots on-side. Possibly you don't see a problem.
Whatever I think, there's no disputing the fact that RG (and Darran in particular) must be doing something right. A decade on the newsstand for any magazine is no mean feat. But for a glossy with minimal advertising that's held its coverprice for years, concerned with such obscure, niche material? That's a phenomenal achievement. I hope it's understood that the various diatribes I've contributed are delivered out of a passion and respect for the mag.
My final thoughts on RG (and these really are finally final, before I'm banned for causing an outbreak of narcolepsy) and these are not my own personal preferences, rather some arrogant advice I think is worth heeding:
- Never lose sight of your USP, namely nostalgia. It's a powerful drug that, when prescribed in the correct dose, is capable of mobilising armies of dewy-eyed retro romantics - high on stirred emotions - into needing their next fix. In the sort of way that a six-page spread on the Sord M-5 never could.
- Measure appreciation and consumption of the mag the old fashioned way, by regularly seeking solus feedback in isolation, away from internet forums and solicited emails. Poll a sample of your subscriber database with direct (and not leading) questions without their replies being derailed by others. Act on them.
- Don't assume your average reader has "Comic Book Guy" levels of knowledge and pedantry. The obvious is obvious, but reading phrases like, "of course", "as we know," and "it goes without saying" in articles about consoles and games that sold in single figures can be alienating.
- Consider fostering a "chummier" editorial narrative throughout the magazine. Reading RG can sometimes prove a cold experience, with little attempt to address the reader in a human way among the gush of technical essay. RG may be the product of a disparate bunch of contributors, but more effort to connect everything together would make it a warmer read: less like Byte and more like Crash or Amiga Power.
And that's my 99p.
Oh, I got the whole point you were making. I just wanted to highlight why it's a great idea that wouldn't really work.
It's interesting that you mention that our USP is fuelled primarily by nostalgia. Do you have actual proof of this or are you basing your reasoning because that's why you and a few other readers here buy the magazine?
To me there seems to be three different types of Retro Gamer readers. Nostalgia seekers, people who just love reading about classic games and a combination of the two (people who want to learn new things about their specific systems). I'd also argue that the large amount of exclusive content that isn't available anywhere else is another reason why the magazine is still doing well.
I guess the biggest issue you're going is that if you're simply in it for the Spectrum love then you're inevitably going to be disappointed when a magazine you read isn't filled with it. The years are grinding on and the net sadly has to be cast wider in order to ensure you appeal to everyone.
I'll address your other points when I have a bit more spare time (writing about Combat School on the Speccy at the moment).
With regard to Mark's fantasy layout, the biggest problem I see is not just the perception that an individual may see a chunk of the mag as not relevant, but that this may then follow through to them not reading the alien sections.
If I bought a mag like that, I'd skip straight to the 8 bit section, read all of that, then just skim the rest. Mixing things up blurs that delineation and I've gone on to read some interesting and intriguing articles on subjects I'd have considered 'not for me'.
When I bought PC Zone, I'd read the retro section and mostof the rest of the mag was surplus.
Which is what Retro Gamer does?
Edit. I can't work out if you're agreeing with me or not (stupid internet).
Neither really, I'm just saying that we should be grateful there is even a magazine that bothers to write about 30 year old computers that 98% of the population don't care or even know about.
At some point in the not too distant future I suspect there'll be 2 magazines, Retro Gamer which caters for the console fanboys (N64, PS1,PS2 etc, Xbox...) and Antique Gamer which deals with all the 8 bit machines!!
Neither really, I'm just saying that we should be grateful there is even a magazine that bothers to write about 30 year old computers that 98% of the population don't care or even know about.
At some point in the not too distant future I suspect there'll be 2 magazines, Retro Gamer which caters for the console fanboys (N64, PS1,PS2 etc, Xbox...) and Antique Gamer which deals with all the 8 bit machines!!
I like this idea (although not the idea of the games I played as a kid and therefore myself being labelled antique!)
Neither really, I'm just saying that we should be grateful there is even a magazine that bothers to write about 30 year old computers that 98% of the population don't care or even know about.
Agreed.
At some point in the not too distant future I suspect there'll be 2 magazines, Retro Gamer which caters for the console fanboys (N64, PS1,PS2 etc, Xbox...) and Antique Gamer which deals with all the 8 bit machines!!
Antique Gamer would be a great name for such a magazine!
Blimey, me and Karingal agreeing on two things in the same day. Must be the end of the world or something. :o
The next time you boys have a whinge about we mods just be lucky we're not like the moronic mods on the Retro Gamer forums.
I also notice that the mod who removed Chris's link wasn't brave enough to reveal himself.
Retro Game mods - making the WoS mods look good...
As much as it pains me to admit it, it's actually true. :) I will never complain about WoS's mods again (actually, I don't think I ever have, BICBW...). Anyway, they've deleted the entire thread now as I guess they felt it was making them look like the idiots they truly are. Bunch of clowns.
Is that the one where you spammed the forum with your app on your first post? :-P
It was the one where the only two regular posters who posted, the_hawk and confu53d (may have got the mix of letters and numbers wrong there, sorry if so) expressed their disdain for the moderators and asked if the game name/link could be reinstated. Then the mods deleted the thread.
They're a bunch of complete chumps over there. Karingal and foggy are moderating heroes by comparison.
The next time you boys have a whinge about we mods just be lucky we're not like the moronic mods on the Retro Gamer forums.
We just joke about the mods on WOS - you and Foggy make humorous comments too, and if it's about us then we don't complain, as we know it's meant in fun. Life is boring, and the WOS forums provide some good humour that helps pass the time.
The rule of thumb is 50 posts before spamming links, otherwise the place is just riddled with junk. If it's free games with no iap, I tend to turn a blind eye, but sometimes other mods are stricter with it.
There are loads of 1 post wonders who just link to their soon to be dead youtube channels and the like, so I do bin those and did a load this morning. You might have got caught in the crossfire, though I don't recall that particular thread, pretty sure it was al youtube junk.
We just joke about the mods on WOS - you and Foggy make humorous comments too, and if it's about us then we don't complain, as we know it's meant in fun. Life is boring, and the WOS forums provide some good humour that helps pass the time.
The rule of thumb is 50 posts before spamming links, otherwise the place is just riddled with junk. If it's free games with no iap, I tend to turn a blind eye, but sometimes other mods are stricter with it.
Whatever... I made a perfectly polite, sensible, on-topic introductory post -- it was fairly obvious to anyone reading it that it was from a genuine (now former) reader of the mag, and had the multi-paragraph post trimmed down to about 5 words with a big red message from a nameless bellend mod on a power trip calling me a spammer.
Anyway, enough of polluting WoS with Retro Gamer bulls**t. I definitely won't be posting there again... screw you guys, I'm going home :p
Hi there everyone, just thought I'd join the party as it's been an interesting debate.
As has been pointed out by some here already. There is a lot less Spectrum content then there was when the magazine was first picked up by Imagine. I'd also like to point out though that that was 10 years ago and a lot happens in 10 years. Heck, popular magazines like Crash and Zzap 64 didn't last 10 years. It's an insane amount of time, particularly in the fast moving world of videogames.
Now a lot of people won't consider the PlayStation and GameCube and Xbox to be retro, and I get that, I really do. However, judging by our continual sales, a lot of people do and all you can do is hope to strike a suitable balancing act that will keep everyone happy. Having said that, if you do look at the mag, these articles make up a small percentage of each issue. The mag remains predominantly focused on 8 and 16-bit stuff (although admittedly not all Spectrum-based).
As people have pointed out magazines have to evolve or they will die out. I knew that the Pokemon cover was going to be controversial, but it's already our best selling issue this year. Interestingly, the knightlore cover was one of our weakest, possibly because it has no real appeal to people stateside.
There's no right or wrong way to make a magazine and we're lucky that there are all sorts of homebrew projects out there that can give you the relevant retro buzz you're looking for. I've worked on retro magazines for over 13 years now and it's a tough audience to have, but also a satisfying one. All you can ever hope to do is create a successful magazine that brings your shared passion to like-minded people. Even if you don't always agree with Retro Gamer's content, surely you can see that the magazine obviously does appeal to that large number of people.
I don't really hang out on WOS to much but I'm more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you have about the mag. Either here or by PM.
Darran
Great post, and I have to say it sounds like you are doing a really good job. Well done for keeping it going.
I read the thread, it certainly wasn't spam. It was a link to a free game, nothing more than that.
I notice psj3809 is a mod on there, says it all really...
Ah, a free game. How dare he spam a retro forum with a free retro style game. Shocking :p
You can leave PSJ out of it mind. He was such an easy target to laugh at on WoS, and I miss his bumbling posts. Oh and he did bring about the marvellous Speccy Bible.
The rule of thumb is 50 posts before spamming links, otherwise the place is just riddled with junk. If it's free games with no iap, I tend to turn a blind eye, but sometimes other mods are stricter with it.
There are loads of 1 post wonders who just link to their soon to be dead youtube channels and the like, so I do bin those and did a load this morning. You might have got caught in the crossfire, though I don't recall that particular thread, pretty sure it was al youtube junk.
Hmm, well a youtube link isn't desperately offensive really. Links to viagra/porn/phishing/Fraud etc are more the kind of think that you would want to be binning. Not so much somebody's lovingly crafted speed run of Donkey Kong or whatever. I think you (or RG policy) may be mistaking moderation for 'arbiter of taste.'
'Caught in the crossfire' makes you sound like quite a super-dynamic-gunslinger modster though. Do you have a special uniform to wear when moderating?
Yeah, 'proper' spam of inappropriate material is binned immediately.
New users posting links are usually edited with a note requesting that's not done, but typically the text is edited to say 'PM for a link'.
That way, the body text remains, and if the poster is genuinely interested in the forum community and promoting their wares, they'll respond to a PM should anyone be interested
Funny you mention the uniform, I'm wearing it now. I'd post a pic but I don't want a ban.
Forum moderation is a (usually) thankless task, a bit like being a ref in a football match
An appropriate analogy when it comes to dealing with messy arguments, maybe.
Not sure anyone would be impressed if a ref booked a player for taking the kick off, then cancelled the game when it was questioned though :rolleyes:
An appropriate analogy when it comes to dealing with messy arguments, maybe.
Not sure anyone would be impressed if a ref booked a player for taking the kick off, then cancelled the game when it was questioned though :rolleyes:
But also an analogy there; be too lenient and things can get out of hand, too strict and you spoil the game. Where to draw the line? Whatever you do , you can't please everyone.
But also an analogy there; be too lenient and things can get out of hand, too strict and you spoil the game. Where to draw the line? Whatever you do , you can't please everyone.
That was kind of my point. Yes, there are going to be situations where the moderators are "damned if they do and damned if they don't", but this wasn't one of them. Having to make tough decisions is no excuse for getting the easy ones wrong.
Comments
As has been pointed out by some here already. There is a lot less Spectrum content then there was when the magazine was first picked up by Imagine. I'd also like to point out though that that was 10 years ago and a lot happens in 10 years. Heck, popular magazines like Crash and Zzap 64 didn't last 10 years. It's an insane amount of time, particularly in the fast moving world of videogames.
In the last decade a lot of systems that weren't considered retro are considered retro now, meaning they need to go into the magazine, meaning other sections of the magazine are pruned back to ensure a fair balance. Of course you may not consider them retro, but that's an argument no one is ever going to win as retro means different things to different people :)
Now a lot of people won't consider the PlayStation and GameCube and Xbox to be retro, and I get that, I really do. However, judging by our continual sales, a lot of people do and all you can do is hope to strike a suitable balancing act that will keep everyone happy. Having said that, if you do look at the mag, these articles make up a small percentage of each issue. The mag remains predominantly focused on 8 and 16-bit stuff (although admittedly not all Spectrum-based).
In the next couple of issues you can expect to read articles on Ranarama, Highway Encounter, Automata UK, Elite, Combat School, Adventure Soft, Deflektor, Jez San, Cauldron and a few other games that link directly or indirectly to the Spectrum in some way. Of course, owners of Dragon 32, Vic 20, Oric, etc will argue that they're even more ignored than the Spectrum, which is why we've been making a focus on these systems for recent minority reports.
As people have pointed out magazines have to evolve or they will die out. I knew that the Pokemon cover was going to be controversial, but it's already our best selling issue this year. Interestingly, the knightlore cover was one of our weakest, possibly because it has no real appeal to people stateside.
If you ever visit the retro gamer forum you'll see that every reader wants different things from the magazine. Even when it comes to spectrum games there are now discussions on whether a spectrum game is too obscure or not. I guess what I'm saying is that it's very, very difficult to create a specialist magazine that appeals to everyone.
I'm going to point out Mark Wright's cool new magazine idea, mainly because it looks great, but also because it highlights a potential issue. We've looked at doing this in the past. It's a great idea in practice, but it does have some problems. Say you have the magazine evenly split into sections. All you're doing is immediately highlighting to the reader just how much of the magazine isn't relevant to them. If you firmly believe that retro gaming is 8-bit only then (which you're perfectly entitled to do) a good three quarters of the mag is suddenly a waste of money to you. Now let's look at that 8-bit section in a bit more depth. Yes it's cool to theme it up as old C64 and Spectrum magazines, but then you're ignoring all the other systems (something which we'll admittedly do as well). All of a sudden you're trying to cram even more varied 8-bit stuff into an even smaller amount of pages, which is going to cause you problems and again upset your readers.
There's no right or wrong way to make a magazine and we're lucky that there are all sorts of homebrew projects out there that can give you the relevant retro buzz you're looking for. I've worked on retro magazines for over 13 years now and it's a tough audience to have, but also a satisfying one. All you can ever hope to do is create a successful magazine that brings your shared passion to like-minded people. Even if you don't always agree with Retro Gamer's content, surely you can see that the magazine obviously does appeal to that large number of people.
I don't really hang out on WOS to much but I'm more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you have about the mag. Either here or by PM.
Darran
Thanks for reading and commenting on my post, Darran. Can I just clarify that my flight of fancy was offered in order to emphasise my original point: what I would *personally* like from RG (as described) is entirely different from what I think is good for the magazine - for all the reasons you mention. I like to think that I'd *personally* buy such a magazine, but I wasn't suggesting my way was better; just different. Too different. You're clearly pursuing a course of evolution not revolution.
I stand by my assessment of current RG, though. I worry that RG's editorial eschewing of the accepted formula for mags covering "vintage" and "classic" subject matter (as previously outlined) could spell its downfall. Maybe I'm wrong; I don't know the figures. But I would've thought there are now enough rumblings in the interior to warrant pro-active engagement with the core readership, as opposed to what often comes across as lip-service just to keep the hardcore zealots on-side. Possibly you don't see a problem.
Whatever I think, there's no disputing the fact that RG (and Darran in particular) must be doing something right. A decade on the newsstand for any magazine is no mean feat. But for a glossy with minimal advertising that's held its coverprice for years, concerned with such obscure, niche material? That's a phenomenal achievement. I hope it's understood that the various diatribes I've contributed are delivered out of a passion and respect for the mag.
My final thoughts on RG (and these really are finally final, before I'm banned for causing an outbreak of narcolepsy) and these are not my own personal preferences, rather some arrogant advice I think is worth heeding:
- Never lose sight of your USP, namely nostalgia. It's a powerful drug that, when prescribed in the correct dose, is capable of mobilising armies of dewy-eyed retro romantics - high on stirred emotions - into needing their next fix. In the sort of way that a six-page spread on the Sord M-5 never could.
- Measure appreciation and consumption of the mag the old fashioned way, by regularly seeking solus feedback in isolation, away from internet forums and solicited emails. Poll a sample of your subscriber database with direct (and not leading) questions without their replies being derailed by others. Act on them.
- Don't assume your average reader has "Comic Book Guy" levels of knowledge and pedantry. The obvious is obvious, but reading phrases like, "of course", "as we know," and "it goes without saying" in articles about consoles and games that sold in single figures can be alienating.
- Consider fostering a "chummier" editorial narrative throughout the magazine. Reading RG can sometimes prove a cold experience, with little attempt to address the reader in a human way among the gush of technical essay. RG may be the product of a disparate bunch of contributors, but more effort to connect everything together would make it a warmer read: less like Byte and more like Crash or Amiga Power.
And that's my 99p.
Oh, I got the whole point you were making. I just wanted to highlight why it's a great idea that wouldn't really work.
It's interesting that you mention that our USP is fuelled primarily by nostalgia. Do you have actual proof of this or are you basing your reasoning because that's why you and a few other readers here buy the magazine?
To me there seems to be three different types of Retro Gamer readers. Nostalgia seekers, people who just love reading about classic games and a combination of the two (people who want to learn new things about their specific systems). I'd also argue that the large amount of exclusive content that isn't available anywhere else is another reason why the magazine is still doing well.
I guess the biggest issue you're going is that if you're simply in it for the Spectrum love then you're inevitably going to be disappointed when a magazine you read isn't filled with it. The years are grinding on and the net sadly has to be cast wider in order to ensure you appeal to everyone.
I'll address your other points when I have a bit more spare time (writing about Combat School on the Speccy at the moment).
If I bought a mag like that, I'd skip straight to the 8 bit section, read all of that, then just skim the rest. Mixing things up blurs that delineation and I've gone on to read some interesting and intriguing articles on subjects I'd have considered 'not for me'.
When I bought PC Zone, I'd read the retro section and mostof the rest of the mag was surplus.
Edit. I can't work out if you're agreeing with me or not (stupid internet).
At some point in the not too distant future I suspect there'll be 2 magazines, Retro Gamer which caters for the console fanboys (N64, PS1,PS2 etc, Xbox...) and Antique Gamer which deals with all the 8 bit machines!!
Was thinking the same. I'm quite glad to see it's not just me.
I like this idea (although not the idea of the games I played as a kid and therefore myself being labelled antique!)
Agreed.
Antique Gamer would be a great name for such a magazine!
Blimey, me and Karingal agreeing on two things in the same day. Must be the end of the world or something. :o
glad that you're not the only old granny?
I also notice that the mod who removed Chris's link wasn't brave enough to reveal himself.
Retro Game mods - making the WoS mods look good...
More irony! :lol:
Is that the one where you spammed the forum with your app on your first post? :-P
Everyone loves that.
I notice psj3809 is a mod on there, says it all really...
They're a bunch of complete chumps over there. Karingal and foggy are moderating heroes by comparison.
We just joke about the mods on WOS - you and Foggy make humorous comments too, and if it's about us then we don't complain, as we know it's meant in fun. Life is boring, and the WOS forums provide some good humour that helps pass the time.
There are loads of 1 post wonders who just link to their soon to be dead youtube channels and the like, so I do bin those and did a load this morning. You might have got caught in the crossfire, though I don't recall that particular thread, pretty sure it was al youtube junk.
Whatever... I made a perfectly polite, sensible, on-topic introductory post -- it was fairly obvious to anyone reading it that it was from a genuine (now former) reader of the mag, and had the multi-paragraph post trimmed down to about 5 words with a big red message from a nameless bellend mod on a power trip calling me a spammer.
Anyway, enough of polluting WoS with Retro Gamer bulls**t. I definitely won't be posting there again... screw you guys, I'm going home :p
Great post, and I have to say it sounds like you are doing a really good job. Well done for keeping it going.
Ouch!
If its spam, presumably the app was about something with no retro game appeal?
Ah, a free game. How dare he spam a retro forum with a free retro style game. Shocking :p
You can leave PSJ out of it mind. He was such an easy target to laugh at on WoS, and I miss his bumbling posts. Oh and he did bring about the marvellous Speccy Bible.
Oh dear :lol:
Hmm, well a youtube link isn't desperately offensive really. Links to viagra/porn/phishing/Fraud etc are more the kind of think that you would want to be binning. Not so much somebody's lovingly crafted speed run of Donkey Kong or whatever. I think you (or RG policy) may be mistaking moderation for 'arbiter of taste.'
'Caught in the crossfire' makes you sound like quite a super-dynamic-gunslinger modster though. Do you have a special uniform to wear when moderating?
New users posting links are usually edited with a note requesting that's not done, but typically the text is edited to say 'PM for a link'.
That way, the body text remains, and if the poster is genuinely interested in the forum community and promoting their wares, they'll respond to a PM should anyone be interested
Funny you mention the uniform, I'm wearing it now. I'd post a pic but I don't want a ban.
Makes a change from all the kitchen spam that was appearing over there on a daily basis a while back.
Forum moderation is a (usually) thankless task, a bit like being a ref in a football match
An appropriate analogy when it comes to dealing with messy arguments, maybe.
Not sure anyone would be impressed if a ref booked a player for taking the kick off, then cancelled the game when it was questioned though :rolleyes:
But also an analogy there; be too lenient and things can get out of hand, too strict and you spoil the game. Where to draw the line? Whatever you do , you can't please everyone.
That was kind of my point. Yes, there are going to be situations where the moderators are "damned if they do and damned if they don't", but this wasn't one of them. Having to make tough decisions is no excuse for getting the easy ones wrong.