EA rejects 'impossible' collaboration with Jack Thompson
by Ludwig Kietzmann 
{ Mar 6th 2008 at 10:50AM }
Responding via e-mail (posted by GamesIndustry.biz), EA's Mariam Sughayer politely turns down the offer, saying, "In response to your offer to assist in the proposed acquisition of Take-Two, we would strongly prefer that you not get involved in this matter." Sughayer goes on to cite Thompson's past behavior towards gaming, "including false claims about content in [EA's] games," as a source of enmity, rendering any possible collaboration "impossible."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
opifex @ Mar 6th 2008 10:58AM
expected.
Fernando Rocker @ Mar 6th 2008 10:58AM
I was expecting another Jack Thompson pic =(
You know... for another photoshop =p
THE WICKER MAN (BWF) (GT: Dalek Prime) @ Mar 6th 2008 12:11PM
I would suggest you create a photoshop piece entitled, "Wacko Jacko" with Jacks head on MJs body or something.
THE WICKER MAN (BWF) (GT: Dalek Prime) @ Mar 6th 2008 12:11PM
I would suggest you create a photoshop piece entitled, "Wacko Jacko" with Jacks head on MJs body or something.
The Artist formally known as Jesus @ Mar 6th 2008 12:55PM
I was expecting you Fernando to make another Jack Thompson photoshop
With penises
Rususeruru @ Mar 6th 2008 1:28PM
the monkey more than makes up for it.
Gerwurztraminer @ Mar 6th 2008 11:09AM
For some reason it made me think of this:
http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/funny-pictures-cat-punches-dog.jpg
But then again, everything makes me think of that these days.
DangerMouse @ Mar 6th 2008 3:23PM
Goddamn cats are everywhere!
Curtis the Claw Game Master V2 @ Mar 6th 2008 11:10AM
"attorney at lawl"
That made me lol for a while haha.
bAssackwards @ Mar 6th 2008 11:14AM
Me too. It was pure genius!
copa @ Mar 6th 2008 11:14AM
JT knew full well that EA would not take his offer seriously for a second.
But he also knew that Joystiq and other blogs would lap it up, posting multiple stories about it and linking to his press release. Yay free publicity.
Ludwig Kietzmann @ Mar 6th 2008 11:21AM
He knew we would report news related to one of the industry's largest publishers? The man is a master of manipulation!
copa @ Mar 6th 2008 11:30AM
OK, Ludwig, I am offering my services to collaborate with EA on the Take-Two acquisition. If I send you my press release, will you give me a featured blog posting?
Matt B @ Mar 6th 2008 11:38AM
Because your constant PS3 bashing and Sheppy stalking are much better contributions to Joystiq. amirite?
Ludwig Kietzmann @ Mar 6th 2008 11:40AM
I don't know, copa -- are you someone EA would bother responding to?
FidliousWong (Oatmeal Defense Force) @ Mar 6th 2008 11:51AM
I have a stalker?!? Yay, a stalker!
*does the nervously looking out windows dance*
copa @ Mar 6th 2008 11:53AM
"are you someone EA would bother responding to?"
I promise that if you reported on my rantings and ravings every few days on your blog, I would eventually build up enough artificial credibility in the Internet community, that EA would bother responding to me.
THE WICKER MAN (BWF) (GT: Dalek Prime) @ Mar 6th 2008 11:59AM
OMG Joystiq you idiots, why are you not reporting on this hot new commodity and internet wunderkind, "Copa" looks like we need to hit the tips line ASAP! Copa is very new and exciting!
Ludwig Kietzmann @ Mar 6th 2008 12:15PM
Copa, Jack Thompson was not created by the media. His actions and stance against the industry have made him relevant -- which is exactly why blogs and news sites report on his activities. It's quite a stretch to label him as "just some ranting guy." That may be your method of dismissing his dubious opinions, but he's widely recognized as a figurehead in opposition to this industry.
If the same description applied to you, I'm sure we'd reporting on your moves too.
copa @ Mar 6th 2008 12:36PM
My suggestion would be to count the number of JT stories run over the last two months.
Then compare that to the number stories run about credible critics of the videogames industry. The ones that aren't facing disbarment, and who don't rant about how violence against abortion clinics is justified, and that the homosexuals are taking over America.
Once you run that count, I would ask myself: "Am I running all these stories because JT is a significant thought leader in the debate about videogames and society? Or am I running these stories because he makes my job easier by mailing his press releases directly to Joystiq?"
Peter @ Mar 6th 2008 1:13PM
Copa, +1.
How many times have we seen Joystiq criticize CNN or Fox News turning to Jack Thompson as an "expert" every time a teenager shoots someone? Yet, when Thompson offers M&A financial advice, a subject matter on which he indisputably has ZERO expertise, it's news? When Old Media does it, it's wrong. When Joystiq does it, it's upholding the sacred principles of journalism.
Sir Fidlious Wong (Zeon Defense Force) @ Mar 6th 2008 1:24PM
Why are you even trying to make a point about this, copa? Tell you what, I'll take your challenge except here is where we differ. Because I'll take that list and then I'll narrow it down by people who are currently not involved in legislation practices, called on TV constantly for their expertise, or heroes of millions of droning soccer moms who believe the last step to protecting their children should be actual parenting. Now how many suvived that list? Jack Thompson has the advantage above some professor in Canada hating on Army of Two. But let's roll back the clock a bit...
David Grossman and his Killology platform. And diseased whore with downs syndrome could tell you Killology was based on myths proven false. Essentially that there is no difference between firing a gun in Doom and real life and the idea that, according to him, Michael Carneal never touched a weapon before that Padukah shooting. Both are horseshit. However, david Grossman was a leading expert and was very buddy buddy with the White House at the time even before Columbine which many believe strongly shaped Hillary's current opinions on the matter. David Grossman was an illinformed muppet spouting off as an expert. But the power he had at the time made him a threat. He was worth watching.
Now take Jack Thompson who, to us and most reasonably thinking people, is completely batshit retarded. The man's head is sooo filled with Guanno, it peppers his hair. But here's the trick of it, WE'RE not in the position of power. We're not like Yee and Clinton trying to draft laws. But they do pay attention to Jack, so Jack is relevant. Jack has power of influence, thus he should be watched from time to time. When Jack Thompson offered to help EA taking over Take2, despite calling Sims 2 a pedophile simulation, it became a matter of his ethics being of filmsy grade and watching a publisher essentially point this out to him instead of politely bowing away, that's significant as well.
Now, as I mentioned before, the number of JT related stories on this website is very low compared to the actual number of JT stories. Only the more important ones get posted as as Ludwig said, you can enjoy the rest of the website without viewing this. Simple choice.
Ludwig Kietzmann @ Mar 6th 2008 1:30PM
I'm not sure what purpose such a comparison would serve, aside from perhaps highlighting the most active critics in a relatively short list of major detractors. Your summary of Thompson leads me to believe that you disagree and dismiss his opinions -- which is fine. But that's a poor basis for ignoring him entirely when reporting industry news.
Joystiq reports and comments on news, but it's hardly in a position to outright dismiss public figures based on a judgment of perceived credibility. The simple fact is that Thompson is a lawyer who has a sordid history with the companies in question, has displayed a vendetta against Zelnick, taken multiple legal actions against them and continues to be an outspoken critic of the industry at large. Whether we like it or not, he is significant -- but take care not to mistake acknowledgment for endorsement.
The quip about making "my job easier" is quite baseless, as I believe the majority of JT stories do not originate from his press releases. Certainly not this one, which actually originates from an EA statement.
Nik @ Mar 6th 2008 11:23AM
What did the EA say to the Jack Thompson?
SLAP!
JS Beckerist @ Mar 6th 2008 12:32PM
Heh.
I'm Mariam "RJ" Sughayer, bitch.
THE WICKER MAN (BWF) (GT: Dalek Prime) @ Mar 6th 2008 11:20AM
What a sad, insignificant little shell of a man.
Zootittles @ Mar 6th 2008 11:37AM
Jack Thompson is weird.
Peter @ Mar 6th 2008 11:41AM
Why doesn't Joystiq exercise its editorial judgment and stop reporting on every move by Thompson? Isn't it obvious to the brain trust that he does this for publicity and attention? Is Joystiq starved for real news or is it lazy? His statements and actions are no more newsworthy than the crackpot who files a lawsuit suing the CIA for staging the moon landing. Just because a nut files lawsuits and shoots off rants doesn't mean it has to be covered. I'm sure Joystiq gets lots of emails from crazies which it chooses wisely and appropriately to ignore. So why does Thompson get a free pass? The fact the sun rose in the east this morning isn't news. Neither is Thompson writing a letter to a gaming company. So why does Joystiq report the latter?
THE WICKER MAN (BWF) (GT: Dalek Prime) @ Mar 6th 2008 11:48AM
See above comment by Kietzmann. Further I like reading about deranged little shits like Thompson as they tear their little lives to shreds on some crazed crusade. Its hard not to stare at the village idiot as he pisses himself whilst wearing a aluminum foil helmet to stop others from reading his thoughts. Fact is to some he is an enemy of a hobby we adore and watching him make a fool of himself is irresitable.
Ludwig Kietzmann @ Mar 6th 2008 11:50AM
I'd say our editorial judgment would be lacking if we chose to ignore one of gaming's most notable opponents -- notable enough to warrant a response from one of the world's largest publishers -- commenting on a major buyout proposal. Deeming something newsworthy does not hinge on personal feelings towards the subject, nor does it revolve around the frequency of its appearance in headlines.
You're free to personally ignore Thompson as you wish. There are plenty of other news stories on our front page.
FidliousWong (Oatmeal Defense Force) @ Mar 6th 2008 11:55AM
If Joystiq was truly posting every JT story, they would have gotten JT's response which equates to "I gots a shareholder on Take2 and you filthy bastards and your dirty Sims 2 mods should know better" or his fourth lawsuit against the Florida bar...
But they don't. In fact, Joystiq probably gets 1 in six JT stories. if that. But all you twats get upset at any mentioning of the guy.
News flash, his movements and the industries reactions are gaming news. It effects us because he's helping states to write laws. So get over your own JT boycott and quite whining.
Just_a_guy @ Mar 6th 2008 11:43AM
come on EA! Why couldn't you have "befrended him", merged, and then back stabbed him with tons of more hot coffee modes?
Sora267 @ Mar 6th 2008 12:16PM
If my eyes are correct, it seems as if you're very...thirsty.
Blazur @ Mar 6th 2008 12:05PM
Eat it, Jacko! FOR GREAT JUSTICE!
Peter @ Mar 6th 2008 12:34PM
Ludwig Kietzmann:
Joystiq's response is circular. Essentially, it boils down to, because Jack Thompson has garnered a lot of press in the past, anything he says or does, no matter how irrelevant or tangential, is hereafter newsworthy. This is the same kind of logic that leads to press coverage of Britney Spears' trip to Starbucks. I happen to think Spears' custody or mental health issues are newsworthy and should be covered by the press because they touch on a whole bunch of legal and social issues. But trips to Starbucks or Fred Segal aren't newsworthy, they're gossip. The fact that Britney Spears was involved doesn't make them any more newsworthy or any less gossip. They're fine for sites that are devoted to gossip but not for self-proclaimed "news" sites.
The same goes with Thompson. Some of his stuff is newsworthy. Most aren't. Thompson's offer to lend his expertise and support to help close a complex, multibillion takeover offer? I'm sorry but when did Thompson because an authority on mergers and acquisitions? Hey, I have some thoughts about Microsoft and Yahoo. If I send out a press release, can you cover that too?
And the "you can choose to ignore it" reply is a BS dodge and obfuscation. The issue isn't whether the item can be avoided easily; it's whether the item meets the standards that merit whether or not it should be published on a site practicing good journalism. If Joystiq wants to traffic in gossip, that's fine. But Joystiq can't have it both ways, wanting the access and respect accorded professional journalists, which carries the obligation of exercising the judgment of professionals, and also traffic in gaming gossip muck.
Rususeruru @ Mar 6th 2008 1:27PM
Perhaps a JT free RSS feed would please everyone? Why not, Engadget and some other blogs did it for the iPhone launch.
That being said OPINION TIME! Joystiq and other sites are blogs, not journals or print rags that claim to be unbiased pure news. Approach these sites as you would an editorial, granted Joystiq typically does a decent job of presenting news without excessive spin, but this is the INTERWEBS! Opinionated skewing gets traffic and traffic builds revenue and revenue provides a pay check.
Ludwig Kietzmann @ Mar 6th 2008 1:51PM
There is nothing circular about the response. Understanding it requires awareness of the fact that the individual, Jack Thompson, occupies a physical space in the real world and does not solely exist as a creation of the media. The reason he is in the headlines is not "because he is in the headlines," but because of his occupation, continued actions and publicly expressed opinion. This is the man who has a documented history with the publisher in question, a demonstrable enmity with regards to the gaming industry and a precedent for taking legal action against entities like Take-Two. Those are the very reasons you've even heard of the man to begin with, and I can't see how one could brush it off into irrelevance. Comparing his commentary and personal gain in a proposed merger to irrelevant Britney Spears gossip is, quite frankly, absurd.
The "why don't you report my press releases then lolz" argument flies about as well a crocodile tied to a kite. You are *not* Jack Thompson (or even someone like him), and it's bizarre that anybody would even attempt to lump themselves into the same category with him. Though you may consider his actions and theories as being of the "crackpot" variety, your belief doesn't transform him into a nerd sitting in his mom's basement, furiously sending out weightless internet messages.
And how exactly is my advice to personally ignore Thompson obfuscatory? The complaint was about our editorial selection, was it not? When the story is up on the front page, it means we've already exercised our decision. Since we cater to more than one reader and are in disagreement with you on the matter, ignoring Thompson is something that you'll have to do yourself.
The funny thing is that this post is based on a statement released by EA, not Thompson. Is EA less newsworthy now because they dare acknowledge and respond to Thompson?
ThornedVenom (Harley Quinn Defense Force) @ Mar 6th 2008 3:09PM
Congrats EA.
They found the extremely efficient way to create positive advertising for themselves.
Psaakyrn @ Mar 6th 2008 3:57PM
Wants to see JT vs PW/AJ. With JT as the prosecutor in the first mission just for the lawls.
Sam @ Mar 6th 2008 6:14PM
He then replied stating that he has a clients that have cause to damage/take down take two and if not acquired by ea would do so if they agreed to collaborate, at least thats what I got from the email kotaku posted, Isn't that blackmail?
Batzarro @ Mar 6th 2008 10:33PM
EA should by Jack Thompson...then water him down a bit.
And all you guys who think Thompson exists because of blogs like this, good luck blindfolding your eyes then crossing a busy street. What, if don't give it attention, it's not moving at you with great speed, right?
Protip:Wrong
Look, Thompson exists. His attempts ARN'T all media based. So if he wants to be involved in the EA takeover attempts, If he sends a letter to a mayor, if he's rallying a group to boycott a game, I wanna know. As for y'all, just cover your ears and eyes with pillows and think happy thoughts or something.
Steve @ Mar 7th 2008 1:23AM
Yeah sure Jack, because EA's looking too buy Take-Two so that they can NOT have all that juicy GTA IV money.
I can't wait until old Jack sees how this motherfucker is going to sell in it's first week alone. I'm thinking Halo big at least. Not to mention when the friggin' thing starts winning awards. Maybe this will do him in once and for all.
hvnlysoldr @ Mar 11th 2008 2:57PM
Anyone ever watch a movie where they say look out behind you! and there's something behind them but it's a cliche and is not believed? Yeah that's JT trying to take away games.
Rabid Cheese Monkey @ May 12th 2008 4:57PM
One word summarizes it all:
PWNED