Kell

I hate the 'geared towards children' argument. It gets pulled out every time a story is weak or a plot doesn't make sense. It's the same as saying 'It's just a show' or 'It's just a movie'. I doubt the writers of the story would use that excuse if they had any pride in what they created.

An audience is an audience. If the story is fun, and makes you experience something or think about something, then that's good enough. If something doesn't make sense, it won't make sense to an audience regardless of age.

I think the tone of the article is not only excessively defensive (and completely lacking in any objectivity) but the writer needs a reality check about their own importance. You're a *blogger*. The only difference between you and me is that i'm using a comments page, and you''re using a web page. Even if you had a fraction of the training and integrity of a proper journalist, you're not due the respect you seem to be asking for. But when you pitch your article as though you're actually in a position to even have a dialogue with Bateman, and pretend you're just reporting when your tone and your headlines are deliberately provocative and self-righteous, I think we all know the exact amount of respect that you're due.

I don't think anyone except movie critics have anything to worry about...

Have to admit, if it wasn't for the fact that this guy was taking over, I would have bailed on this show, given the quality of the last season

One thing jumped out at me from this article. It wasn't the stats, or the history lesson, or any intended reflection on society. It was the use of the word "our", as in "Behold our distressingly minimal success". Up until that point, I had been a participating reader. Then all of a sudden, I was detached - clearly excluded. "Our" is quite obviously not meant for men - it was quite obviously a gender-specific comment, directed towards your fellow female kind. It was also quite obviously supposing that everyone should agree that success = greater female star power.

I won't comment on the pros and cons of gender related star power. But intentional, unintentional, or subconscious - this sort of prejudiced writing really needs some second thoughts.

Yeah, this was really lame. He didn't sound like he swore, and even if he did, big deal.

Haha! You guys crack me up! First of all, i'm not the guy who wrote the original article. I would have thought my user name might have been a hint. Secondly, i'm being sarcastic! I'm paying the guy out! What dude in his right mind would want his 'manhood' compared to a worm?? I mean, the guy's obviously a loser for even making that reference, like he even has a chance at a decent girl, good luck if he thinks he'd catch anything with that potty mouth.

And finally, yes I do apologise for the article. It was made on the spur of the moment and completely tasteless and insensitive. I await your responses with baited breath...

Oh come on, there's nothing wrong with a bit of self-deprecating humour. And you can't get more self-deprecating than referring to your manhood as a 'worm' :)

I think we have another Troy McClure!

Ok, I haven't been keeping track of this column or how many articles have been posted under this theme (I only noticed it after the editor article).

All I can do is agree with the quiet minority - PLEASE KEEP THIS COLUMN. There is something more important than empirically based critical analysis or even-handed interpretations at stake here. The backlash seems to be based on a reaction against the idea that people shouldn't talk about what they won't see and why. Some posts even seem to imply that the blogger is violating some rule of journalistic integrity by voicing their opinion.

The important reason to keep this column is that people should be allowed to discuss movies without being coerced into complying with someone else's standards of what should be written, and how someone reaches an opinion. Can you decide you won't see a movie and have reasons for doing so? Yes. Would other people want to hear and discuss those reasons? I know I do. Do I want to hear someone else say "your decision doesn't count, you have to watch it first before you know what you're talking about?" That's the last thing I want to hear.

So keep the column and keep OUT the snobs.

Shame on you gamers who are criticising Eliza Dushku for simply speaking her mind. This is a beautiful, smart, talented girl whose work is pure geek fodder, and she's nice enough to say "Hey, games aren't for losers, they're for everyone!" and you guys can't just take it at face value.