The difference in opinion comes from the fact that you are looking at this issue as though it were local and fleeting. The problem is, the internet makes everything global and permanent.

Was this PR guy an asshole? yes. Does he deserve to get his comeuppance? yes.

But does he deserve to have the entire population of 4chan breathing down his neck, calling his home, antagonizing his family, and ruining his life for who knows how long? no.

we all fuck up. this guy made the mistake of fucking up on the internet, and gabe didn't think twice about flinging him to the jackals.

12/28/2011 1:33:13 PM

wow. (just catching up.)

12/28/2011 1:34:28 PM

Sometimes people need a jackal or two.

Worst case, he has to change his phone number and move. Big ramifications from a big mistake.

12/28/2011 1:35:23 PM

X 2

12/28/2011 1:38:05 PM

Quote :

"But does he deserve to have the entire population of 4chan breathing down his neck, calling his home, antagonizing his family, and ruining his life for who knows how long? no. we all fuck up. this guy made the mistake of fucking up on the internet, and gabe didn't think twice about flinging him to the jackals."

yup.

He didn't steal money. They had a shipping delay (very common) and he acted like a dickhead. He said the guy could be patient or he could cancel his order. This nerd wanted the product so badly that he continued to engage the guy rather than cancel his order and walk away.

12/28/2011 2:07:40 PM

But he was also dropping names. That didn't help

12/28/2011 2:09:26 PM

ITT I have learned that name dropping is a mortal internet sin.

12/28/2011 2:09:54 PM

Maybe, just maybe, this guy will learn a lesson from all of this, although I suspect he won't. The good news is that this has probably been a beacon (and soon to be a case study on what not to do) for future individuals that deal with customers.


I advocate all hell that is being unleashed on this guy for he is truly a douchebag.

12/28/2011 2:13:24 PM

Personally I think the guy had some legitimate gripes. Shipments that were supposed to arrive before Christmas were greatly delayed with no notification to people who pre-ordered the product. If the PR guy had half a brain he would have extended the $10 off offer to the guy for the delay that interfered with Christmas gifting plans. Nerd would have been happy with his $10 off and PR guy would have saved himself from this debacle. Instead he decided to be a douche in his emails and now he has to deal with a PR nightmare.

12/28/2011 2:13:48 PM

So, let's say that through a series of events, the PR guy commits suicide due to the bullying that was initiated by Penny Arcade. What then?

12/28/2011 2:14:35 PM

12/28/2011 2:14:40 PM

Quote :

"He said the guy could be patient or he could cancel his order."

The problem is he didn't put it that nicely. He was a complete asshole for no reason when his job is TO NOT BE AN ASSHOLE.

12/28/2011 2:15:23 PM

^^^ Then that's one less mouth for the planet to feed.

12/28/2011 2:18:52 PM

^^^ The world has one less asshole.

12/28/2011 2:18:57 PM

Quote :

"So, let's say that through a series of events, the PR guy commits suicide due to the bullying that was initiated by Penny Arcade. What then?"

Probably would have more to do with mood swings thanks to the Steroids. Of course you could probably equate his whole reaction to this as a violent mood swing thanks to the juice.

12/28/2011 2:31:04 PM

i just read the emails and not the replies here yet but i would have lost it when he sent back "dec. 17" as an email reply. that shit is infuriating to no end.

the dean at nc central law school replied to a paragraph email i sent him with "yes." one time and it forced me to send out 2 further emails asking for clarification.

12/28/2011 2:43:13 PM

If only he had just sent "k."


BubbleBobble for PR rep!

12/28/2011 2:50:43 PM

An MSNBC interview with Christoforo:
http://ingame.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/28/9770514-chastened-gaming-rep-responds-to-internet-infamy

Quote :

""I didn't know who that guy at Penny Arcade was," he admitted. "If I had known, I would have treated the situation a little better. PAX is a great show. What he does is what I've been idolizing since I was a kid. It's admirable he's put that together. He has a lot of connections, ones I want too.""

12/28/2011 3:24:17 PM

IF I HAD KNOWN THE GUY WAS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ME, I WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN SUCH A PRICK


Because being cordial for purely benevolent reasons is silly

12/28/2011 3:26:59 PM

Quote :

"I can not be trolled wench"

False.

12/28/2011 3:30:37 PM

Quote :

"Regarding the litany of names Christoforo's e-mail called up as potential supporters — a list that included everyone from Epic Games' Cliff Bleszinski to the mayor of Boston — he said the tactic was meant to "impress, not to threaten" and didn't come through correctly because "you can't see tone of voice in email.""

CliffyB lol

12/28/2011 3:33:27 PM

Quote :

"I'm just saying that there's a code of honor between purveyors of geek products and as a member of the "creative" or producing community, gabe betrayed that code when he sided with the consumer."

not even looking at a picture of your best work at this point.

12/28/2011 3:38:57 PM

^ 4 hahaha yeah exactly. What an idiot.

12/28/2011 4:00:17 PM

LOL@ Solinari's trolling.

12/28/2011 7:25:35 PM

Quote :

"But does he deserve to have the entire population of 4chan breathing down his neck, calling his home, antagonizing his family, and ruining his life for who knows how long? no."

then your complaint should be with the fucktards that actually ARE taking it too far, not with the guy that exposed this douchebag for the douchebag he really is. Direct your trolling ire at the right place.

Quote :

"He said the guy could be patient or he could cancel his order. This nerd wanted the product so badly that he continued to engage the guy rather than cancel his order and walk away."

you need to go back and read the exchange of emails. the PR guy was an asshole long before the kid did anything that would be considered provocative.

Quote :

"So, let's say that through a series of events, the PR guy commits suicide due to the bullying that was initiated by Penny Arcade. What then?"

Society has a net benefit.

12/28/2011 7:40:15 PM

^ This. Well, the first 2 points, at least.


I don't weigh in on hypothetical situations as such.






Regardless, it's not like the argument needed to be refuted. The validity of it was already dubious by full intent.

12/28/2011 7:43:37 PM

ITT I have learned that customers can do wrong and that if you name drop or get angry at an entitled nerd then you should commit suicide and leave your bereaved wife and child behind - its for the best.


The internet breeds this sort of absolutist retributive mindset and this in particular is why gabe is the one who is more in the wrong.

12/28/2011 7:52:45 PM

12/28/2011 8:02:42 PM

I learned that if you're a rude asshole then you're best career path shouldn't be in public relations.

Also the trolling in this thread is subpar, as a long time lurker I really expected much more from TWW. It's especially disappointing since this topic is basically some dude that trolled the gaming community. I guess the true trollers are all suspended right now.

12/28/2011 8:10:25 PM

^^ Can someone direct me to some classic Solinari trolling... b/c this is just sad.

12/28/2011 8:12:10 PM

^^^^


[Edited on December 28, 2011 at 8:12 PM. Reason : .]

12/28/2011 8:12:38 PM

How the fuck is it trolling just because you don't have the knee jerk mob reaction? Do you guys really think the guy deserves mass harassment (including his family too) and his business ruined over a few asshole emails?

12/28/2011 8:27:19 PM

his family doesn't deserve any harassment

he deserves everything he gets; cockbags reap what they sow

12/28/2011 8:29:41 PM

To tell you guys the truth, I am not convinced this wasn't orchestrated from the beginning. It would be hilarious if it was and if Gabe played right into their hands.

Not saying that's what happened - the preponderance of evidence supports the idea that this was just a roid rage from hell.

Still, there is no way that sales won't increase from this.

12/28/2011 8:56:36 PM

Quote :

"? Do you guys really think the guy deserves mass harassment (including his family too) and his business ruined over a few asshole emails?"

Yes. He knew better. If a cook got people sick, he'd be fired and his family would suffer. If a contractor fucked up a job, he's be fired, his family would suffer and he may go to jail. This douchebag lost 1 client, got into a fight with his wife and has to deal with internet infamy for a few days. He can put on his big boy hat and dealt with it.

12/28/2011 9:00:53 PM

hm

[Edited on December 28, 2011 at 9:26 PM. Reason : hm]

12/28/2011 9:19:06 PM

Quote :

"yup. He didn't steal money. They had a shipping delay (very common) and he acted like a dickhead. He said the guy could be patient or he could cancel his order. This nerd wanted the product so badly that he continued to engage the guy rather than cancel his order and walk away."

well this is stupid, solinari does have a pt in this respect. this guy deserves to go out of business nothing more. his personal life shouldnt be attacked and his fam definitely should not be attacked.

however those things arent really the fault of PA.

edit: ddint realize jocristian was agreeing w/ solinari, my b, but the pt stands

better quote:

Quote :

"Yes. He knew better. If a cook got people sick, he'd be fired and his family would suffer. If a contractor fucked up a job, he's be fired, his family would suffer and he may go to jail. This douchebag lost 1 client, got into a fight with his wife and has to deal with internet infamy for a few days. He can put on his big boy hat and dealt with it."

that is dumb, if a cook got people sick his restaurant would shut down but people wouldnt come to his house and fuck with him and mob his restaurant and harass the staff. also, this seems more akin to getting really rude and bad service than getting someone sick.

[Edited on December 28, 2011 at 9:30 PM. Reason : i always mispell restaurant]

12/28/2011 9:25:38 PM

Quote :

"How the fuck is it trolling just because you don't have the knee jerk mob reaction? Do you guys really think the guy deserves mass harassment (including his family too) and his business ruined over a few asshole emails?"

does he deserve harassment? of course not. does he deserve to have his PR business ruined for talking about the sperm in a customer's father's testicles? FUCK YES. I don't think there was a class on how to insult your customers in business school by talking about the customer when he was a "sperm in his daddy's balls." I sin-fucking-cerely don't believe that phrase was in any textbook as suggested verbiage for customer service.

12/28/2011 10:35:49 PM

It's almost like none of the lily liver nerds in this thread have ever shopped at an independent store up north, say in new jersey or PA...

I guarantee you asshats start throwing around your entitlement bullshit around a shop up there and you'll hear a lot worse than your father's sperm.

12/28/2011 11:11:28 PM

Trust me on this, I watched Sopranos.

12/28/2011 11:11:49 PM

k

12/28/2011 11:23:02 PM

so old

12/28/2011 11:31:51 PM

N-Control released a press release. Lots of words coming. New guy brings some lols

Quote :

"AVENGER CONTROLLER DISMISSES MARKETING CONSULTANT, TAKES BACK MARKETING AND SALES OPERATIONS Miami, FL--- Wednesday, December 28, 2011--- N-Control, makers of the Avenger Controller accessory, have categorically dismissed third party contractor Paul Christoforo and his marketing operation, known alternately as Ocean Distribution or Ocean Marketing. This separation from Mr. Christoforo extends to all business interests of N-Control, its founders, and its officers. Mr. Christoforo does not and never did own, in whole or in part, a stake in N-Control LLC nor its affiliated companies (Kotkin Enterprises, iControl LLC). Following the publication of an email chain between Mr. Christoforo and one of N-Control's customers, punctuated by Mr. Christoforo's acknowledgement of his conduct, N-Control immediately proceeded to extricate Mr. Christoforo's access to their email and social media accounts, a process that is still ongoing. In the interim, a Gmail address and Twitter account (AvengerDefender@gmail.com and @AvengerDefender, respectively) have been set up for press inquiries and customer service needs. David Kotkin, the inventor and founder of the Avenger Controller, created the product to help one of his students who had a physical disability. The student wanted to play games the way that everyone else could. The Avenger evolved from a homemade solution for a deserving child into an even more sophisticated controller accessory, capable of enhancing even the most skilled gamer's performance. "Everyone deserves the opportunity to be a part of the gaming community in a fun, positive way." said David Kotkin, Avenger founder. "I created the Avenger to make people happy. I deeply regret that so many people have any negative feelings toward it as a result of what has happened, especially since I've seen first-hand what an impact it can have on gameplay." Kotkin continued, "What I'm most concerned about is doing right by our customers. We have dropped the ball by giving them delivery estimates that did not come through as expected. We didn't expect that the demand would be so great, and we should have done a better job communicating that. Our new team is taking all necessary action to correct that going forward. I hope that people will give us a chance to earn back the faith they may have lost." All existing orders will be honored, and PS3 Avenger pre-order customers will all be extended the same $10 discount that some have already received. To clarify, customers who have already received $10 off their pre-order are not eligible for an additional discount. N-Control agrees with "Customer Dave" that all of our PS3 early adopters deserve to be rewarded for their trust in the Avenger. N-Control would like to publicly apologize to existing and potential customers, as well as the gaming community at large, for allowing Mr. Christoforo to abuse his power so unforgivably. The Avenger was invented to provide greater accessibility to disabled gamers, and bullying tactics are the last thing that should be associated with this product. In the effort to dispel various misconceptions that have been forwarded via news reports and social media, N-Control is offering the following clarifications on a variety of subjects: N-Control has hired an independent consultant, Austin, Texas-based Moisés Chiullan (@moiseschiu), to field press inquiries and oversee sales and marketing operations going forward. They ask that customers and the press alike bear with them as they field the tens of thousands of emails and other messages that N-Control has received. It is his intent that N-Control should respond personally to everyone who has emailed the info@avengercontroller.com address regarding this situation. "We have to move forward and take care of Avenger's customers," Chiullan said. "I can't worry about the fact that there isn't a bus big enough for me to throw Paul Christoforo under. The internet did that for me. I think they set him on fire too." He continued, "I just hope that people will have the common decency to leave his wife and child out of all this. They didn't send those emails, Paul did." All PS3 Avenger pre-orders are currently slated to ship by January 15th at the latest. Some orders will ship in advance of January 15th. In consideration of the events of the past two days, N-Control ask their customers to bear with them as they sort out updating individual order estimates. General updates regarding shipping will be regularly delivered to customers starting next week. At no time during his tenure with N-Control did Mr. Christoforo have direct access to customer credit card information. N-Control does not retain any customer credit card data for online orders, which are all processed via Google Checkout or Paypal. Ocean Marketing aka Paul Christoforo owns no stake in the Avenger Controller nor N-Control, and does not stand to profit from further sales of the device either through N-Control or authorized resellers. Contrary to how Mr. Christoforo may have presented events (in public or private), N-Control never directly endorsed nor had knowledge of his communication with customers in the manner found in his correspondence with "Customer Dave", who still wants his Avengers, despite everything that has transpired. Steps have been taken to ensure that all future customer communication is transparently visible to management at N-Control. N-Control regrets sincerely that the trust they placed in Mr. Christoforo was so abused and betrayed and, as a result, may have tainted their reputation with existing and potential customers and partners. Regarding "Afternoon Artists", a company registered with the Florida Division of Corporations that lists Paul Christoforo as Treasurer, N-Control has the following statement: "This secondary business has never so much as opened a bank account, much less operated in any form outside of paperwork being filed. It was originally intended that Mr. Christoforo would serve as an investor in this company, which, again, has never operated in any capacity, nor will it in the future." N-Control employs Eli Schwartz as a part-time Social Media Consultant. He is an enthusiastic high school student who became one of the Avenger's earliest super fans, meeting the founder at a trade show. Mr. Kotkin is proud to encourage the development of a bright, enthusiastic young person like Eli. Eli Schwartz is not, however, in charge of Marketing or PR for N-Control. Previous news reports have credited him as Marketing Manager, a title Mr. Schwartz gave himself without the consent or advance knowledge or N-Control management. This occurred during the period of greatest upheaval following Mr. Christoforo's dismissal, and N-Control regrets that this mixed messaging reached the public. All press inquiries and media requests should instead be directed to Moisés Chiullan at the AvengerDefender@gmail.com address. Contrary to rumors and speculation, Eli Schwartz's Twitter account is his own and not controlled by Paul Christoforo. Mr. Schwartz is a minor, and consequently, N-Control would appreciate the press and the public's discretion in their dealings with him. For the foreseeable future, N-Control's official Twitter account will be "@AvengerControl", as N-Control does not have access to "@NControlAvenger". N-Control is not responsible for the content of any Twitter feeds associated with Paul Christoforo. For the foreseeable future, N-Control requests that customers discontinue use of the toll-free phone number displayed on the AvengerController.com website, as well as any other means of contact found there. Instead, customers should direct communication to AvengerDefender@gmail.com. They ask for patience due to the events of the last two days. Keep an eye on @AvengerControl on Twitter for updates."

12/29/2011 8:30:10 AM

Holy endless press release, Batman I tried to read the whole thing but it looks like you bolded the best part lol.

12/29/2011 8:34:09 AM

that was the best press release ever!

12/29/2011 9:14:06 AM

words

12/29/2011 9:22:56 AM

Quote :

"N-Control employs Eli Schwartz as a part-time Social Media Consultant. He is an enthusiastic high school student who became one of the Avenger's earliest super fans, meeting the founder at a trade show. Mr. Kotkin is proud to encourage the development of a bright, enthusiastic young person like Eli. Eli Schwartz is not, however, in charge of Marketing or PR for N-Control. Previous news reports have credited him as Marketing Manager, a title Mr. Schwartz gave himself without the consent or advance knowledge or N-Control management. This occurred during the period of greatest upheaval following Mr. Christoforo's dismissal, and N-Control regrets that this mixed messaging reached the public. All press inquiries and media requests should instead be directed to Moisés Chiullan at the AvengerDefender@gmail.com address."

lulz

12/29/2011 9:30:22 AM

Damn, Schwartz.

12/29/2011 10:31:37 AM

Wait what's the deal with the high school kid

12/29/2011 10:39:54 AM

set em up -------------->

12/29/2011 10:41:42 AM