Extra credits leaves the escapist [Archive]

lostleader

08-10-2011, 01:11 AM

QUICK JOE! Get them to come over here! They are totally awesome!

I like extra credits a lot and a lot of the things they say I can, mostly agree with. They are like the MML3 of gaming videos. They kinda give you a peak at what developers and others in the gaming industry think about the issues of today's industry. They would make an awesome addition to any site. And I say we make them ours! heheh

havoc_91

08-10-2011, 01:15 AM

i second that motion

Lex54

08-10-2011, 01:56 AM

I third that!
One of the best industry analysis on the internet. And their challenger is....Patch Attacks. Yep get them and get the only reliable source on the net!

Wibbers

08-10-2011, 02:02 AM

Huh. I was just about to put a thread imploring Joe to snatch up the show ASAP in suggestions. Clearly others think in the same way.

It is an extremely informative show, one that I do think we need more of, both as a this site and gaming as a whole.

Lex54

08-10-2011, 02:04 AM

The community has spoken.
Please if someone emails joe please say it here or i shall spam his inbox. And no one would like that....I know how to be an troll.

HollowAsterisk

08-10-2011, 02:11 AM

Time to start using Bt forums instead of Escapist i'm not going back there even though the community there was beyond great :(

Damn you corporate for infecting escapist with douchebaggery!

Lex54

08-10-2011, 02:18 AM

MODS sorry for posting every 5 seconds, it's just I'm watching closely as this topic goes.
And Asterisk, Channel Awesome has fallen in some touchy subjects some time ago(won't bring that up please) but BT is an straight up site with no money intentions and I doubt that something similar will happen. Welcome to the site hope you enjoy your stay that will hopefully be an long one! ::applause::

HollowAsterisk

08-10-2011, 02:24 AM

Yes i know, i've been coming to this site since day one but i have never really liked the way these forums look so i haven't made an account until recently. :)

Wibbers

08-10-2011, 02:34 AM

Time to start using Bt forums instead of Escapist i'm not going back there even though the community there was beyond great :(

Damn you corporate for infecting escapist with douchebaggery!Why not just lead the community there, here? Theres about 50 threads there right now saying they're gonna leave, give them a link to Blistered Thumbs for a transition.

StratRat1956

08-10-2011, 02:40 AM

Certainly there must be two sides to this story. They raised like 3x what was required for surgery. Was that just supposed to go to the Escapist?

Lex54

08-10-2011, 02:51 AM

Certainly there must be two sides to this story. They raised like 3x what was required for surgery. Was that just supposed to go to the Escapist?
No, to give back to the fans they wanted to do an contest/giveaway to the fans who donated.

BookwormOtaku

08-10-2011, 02:54 AM

Let's hope these guys join BT

HollowAsterisk

08-10-2011, 03:04 AM

Why not just lead the community there, here? Theres about 50 threads there right now saying they're gonna leave, give them a link to Blistered Thumbs for a transition.

I have actually done that already but i doubt that many will come because of my post there:).

havoc_91

08-10-2011, 03:19 AM

Certainly there must be two sides to this story. They raised like 3x what was required for surgery. Was that just supposed to go to the Escapist?

http://www.facebook.com/notes/alexander-macris/a-response-on-extra-credits/10150287107583910

to which i reply PDF. files or GTFO!

Lex54

08-10-2011, 03:27 AM

So from my point of view James needed the money for some reason, not Allison's surgery even though part of it.And this is the gray area that we have no information about.Hmm weird.

AgentBJ

08-10-2011, 03:40 AM

So from my point of view James needed the money for some reason, not Allison's surgery even though part of it.And this is the gray area that we have no information about.Hmm weird.

James asked for the funds at that time because of familial reasons. He is also the person paying Allison's commision fees, which the Escapist is supposed to cover for their work.

In short, The Escapist pays James for their work, just enough to cover Allison's commisions with a bit more for each of their contributions, and then James pays Allision what they owe her. If they didn't pay him for so long a time, then that sucks money out of his pocket, which he did say a few times already.

And it looks like Good Ol' Lisa Foiles is backing them up as well.

Lex54

08-10-2011, 03:43 AM

James asked for the funds at that time because of familial reasons. He is also the person paying Allison's commision fees, which the Escapist is supposed to cover for their work.

In short, The Escapist pays James for their work, just enough to cover Allison's commisions with a bit more for each of their contributions, and then James pays Allision what they owe her. If they didn't pay him for so long a time, then that sucks money out of his pocket, which he did say a few times already.

And it looks like Good Ol' Lisa Foiles is backing them up as well.
Thank you very much!!!!!!

OzzieArcane

08-10-2011, 03:44 AM

There have been a lot of people from escapist posting on twitter saying they haven't been paid money that Escapist was contractually obligated to pay them. I'm gonna guess that also means their videos don't work like blip and all the ad revenue goes straight to the Escapist.

Heck, I'd ask them to come over to Reviewers Unknown but with my lack of Traffic, they'd just laugh in my face.

HollowAsterisk

08-10-2011, 03:49 AM

What happened to Lisa Foiles? Is she still part of "angry-joe team"? And what about her top 5 show?

AgentBJ

08-10-2011, 03:52 AM

Thank you very much!!!!!!

You're welcome. I support these guys all the way, even if I joined the Escapist well before they came onboard.

What happened to Lisa Foiles? Is she still part of "angry-joe team"? And what about her top 5 show?

From all the tweets being made on the EC feed, she may also have been hit with non payments for her work. At least seven contributors have said this same thing happened to them also.

Lex54

08-10-2011, 03:55 AM

From all the tweets being made on the EC feed, she may also have been hit with non payments for her work. At least seven contributors have said this same thing happened to them also.
So form what it seems Extra Credits has the reason...too soon to judge but I believe it will be the conclusion as this has happened before.

AgentBJ

08-10-2011, 04:09 AM

So form what it seems Extra Credits has the reason...too soon to judge but I believe it will be the conclusion as this has happened before.

Both James and one of their publishers have agreed to publish all the e-mails about this so the slate is clear for understanding.

The problem is that e-mails, unless certain statements are detailed within them, are usually not contracts in their own rights. They can be, but they need to be written in a way that makes it clear a contractual obligation exists between the parties involved.

In this case, what the excess funds were supposed to be going towards.

Wibbers

08-10-2011, 04:18 AM

AgentBJ

08-10-2011, 04:39 AM

Even if they try to claim their idea that the money was supposed to go back into making Extra Credits, they don't have a legal point. Making the games under the name of the show is in itself producing content for the show, in that its a practical showing of the concepts and ideas shown by the show.

I'm assuming you mean The Escapist for this reply.

James's idea of creating a publishing house for games is indeed a creation of content under the name of the show, and you're also correct about them not having a true legal point, because Alex, whom I believe is the CEO, assumed that the excess funds would be used to fund more episodes. By extension, I'm guessing he was thinking the funds would also repay some of the debt James was owed.

It still comes back to who has the legal rights to decide how those funds are to be used, but looking at everything so far, if this was speculation and assumption on the side of the Escapist without legal or contract binding from both sides, James is in the right here.

ArkhamJester

08-10-2011, 08:28 AM

I can't make a complete judgement yet but I can say one thing. Both sides screwed up by NOT. SPECIFING. TERMS! Seriously, the entire debacle could have been avoided if either side took the time to iron out the kinks of the arrangement of the charity and where the excess would go. From what I can see extra credits seem to have the law on their side, but it still smells rotten that james started a label, even if under the context of helping indie developers. James really should have specified what he would have used, the then theoretical, excess for besides "Put back into the show" whether he mean't the payment he was due or otherwise. And Escapist really dropped the ball by generalizing what they wanted in reparations. As even half-assed lawyers and college teachers say "Define your terms!"

CBrown

08-10-2011, 10:49 AM

I think it's pretty poor form from both sides, stuff like this shouldn't go public since it only becomes a political shit-flinging contest if it keeps going. James was obviously trying to get the publics' support on this by posting first and The Escapist tried their best to discredit him in their reply, hoping at least some of the public would disagree with James and save some of The Escapist's face. The right way to do something like this would be to get all the corporation stuff out of the way then simply say "We're leaving the Escapist due to unfortunate complications and circumstances." I have to be honest and say I lost some respect for both parties simply for how this was handled, I especially expected better from James.

I'm not going to side with anyone, regardless of how many mails or contracts they publish, this was obviously a problem of miscommunication from both sides. I do enjoy Extra Credits from time to time so I do hope they find a new place on the net to call home, possibly even here.

saint23thomas

08-10-2011, 06:08 PM

What happened to Lisa Foiles? Is she still part of "angry-joe team"? And what about her top 5 show?

From all the tweets being made on the EC feed, she may also have been hit with non payments for her work. At least seven contributors have said this same thing happened to them also.

Seven contributors weren't getting paid, and that's just ones that have come forward, so far. There might be enough of them for case action lawsuit.

I think it's pretty poor form from both sides, stuff like this shouldn't go public since it only becomes a political shit-flinging contest if it keeps going. James was obviously trying to get the publics' support on this by posting first and The Escapist tried their best to discredit him in their reply, hoping at least some of the public would disagree with James and save some of The Escapist's face. The right way to do something like this would be to get all the corporation stuff out of the way then simply say "We're leaving the Escapist due to unfortunate complications and circumstances." I have to be honest and say I lost some respect for both parties simply for how this was handled, I especially expected better from James.

I'm not going to side with anyone, regardless of how many mails or contracts they publish, this was obviously a problem of miscommunication from both sides. I do enjoy Extra Credits from time to time so I do hope they find a new place on the net to call home, possibly even here.

People keeping quiet, when this happened to them, is how the The Escapist kept getting away with it.

Lex54

08-10-2011, 06:31 PM

Seven contributors weren't getting paid, and that's just ones that have come forward, so far. There might be enough of them for case action lawsuit.

People keeping quiet, when this happened to them, is how the The Escapist kept getting away with it.
Yay finally another Thomas in BT! ::applause::
But I even though BOTH sides did make mistakes Extra Credits was in my sight the right one. This is not me being an fanboy, I analysed the facts and saw that.
What kinda made my mind was EC response to the escapist (http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=204423762946634)

AngryJoe

08-10-2011, 06:57 PM

Copied from my response in the "Bug, Suggestions, and Feedback" Thread:

I'm monitoring the events as we speak!

I saw this all happen over twitter and this post here:
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/foru...TED-WITH-REPLY

ExtraCreditz is great, its one of the smartest, most thought provoking shows out there. I enjoy it myself!
I'm talking with Mike the CEO of Channel Awesome about this situation, we've got to learn more about what happened and what their status is.

You should send them a tweet and let them know who we are! But we've got some digging to do ;)
From what I gather it seems like things are still up in the air, legal battles, IP ownership still withstanding.
(though if you ask me their show could just as easy work by changing its name and not even miss a beat)

So while I can say theres stuff happening behind the scenes here and the situation is being monitored, the official response in regard to Extra Creditz has to be: "Extra Creditz is a fantastic show with a very loyal following, they'd be an asset anywhere they'd end up!"

Channel Awesome lets producers own 100% of their show and IP AND keep 100% of their revenue, lol! The opposite of the situation they seem to be in. We just enjoy working with our peoples and everyone mutually benefits from the increased traffic and additions to the community, sounds like just what they are looking for.

I've actually already made moves independently of Channel Awesome to help get them partnered on Youtube, while they get sorted out. (I noticed neither of their channels seem to be partnered).

Does anyone know their email address?

Lex54

08-10-2011, 07:01 PM

If you say that we should talk to them first I would ask before anyone talks to them they post their message here so that it doesn't end up with my only idea of an message:
"@ExtraCredits, I have something that might help you out! There is an website called blisteredthumbs.net where there is an website that allows all revenue of their personalities to go directly to them with no IP restrictions, with an amazing community, medium-high traffic so that you guys don't starve ;) They are an part of channel awesome, witch the owner is Doug Walker A.K.A. the Nostalgia Critic and even Spoony is an active member! Your fans are recommending this to you so please come to us!"

After reading that on tweetdeck I canceled the tweet and copied here. Because it sounded too unprofessional as we are kinda talking buiseness here and in the sense that it looks like the website is really small. While it is not!

saint23thomas

08-10-2011, 07:08 PM

Also, since they seem to be in the market for a new home, we need more people to help encourage the Extra Credits people to come here to Blistered Thumbs.

http://www.facebook.com/ExtraCredits/posts/231104830268085

K7Sniper

08-10-2011, 07:16 PM

Wow... that really is a dick move.

"Oh hey, we saw that you raised a ton of money, and you have some extra after the surgery... We want it or you can't come back LOL"

I really only went on that site for Zero Punctuation and EC... but I'm not sure if the awesomeness of Yahtzee can make me want to come back there. That really is a dick move...

CBrown

08-10-2011, 08:22 PM

People keeping quiet, when this happened to them, is how the The Escapist kept getting away with it.

I wasn't saying they shouldn't speak up about it, I was saying that the public has nothing to do with this. They should've kept the dealings behind closed doors until things were settled then broken the news as to how, when and why they were leaving. The public is and never will be aware of all the facts so getting them involved is just stupid because that generally leads to a lot of misinformed people rushing to the defense of either side. This isn't about keeping quiet, this is about treating each other with respect and being adults. Extra Credits entered a business agreement with The Escapist and this should be handled as such. At least in my opinion, let the people who are aware of the entire situation and are privy to all of the information sort through the bullshit and garbage and come to some sort of conclusion.

We're nothing but blind hens roaming about the countryside here.

havoc_91

08-10-2011, 08:34 PM

well i PMed Joe their email address (at least according to the end of their show that is their email) so hopefully he'll get them before someone else does

Lex54

08-10-2011, 08:46 PM

well i PMed Joe their email address (at least according to the end of their show that is their email) so hopefully he'll get them before someone else does
Check page 3, last comment ^^

Ductos

08-10-2011, 10:41 PM

I have to admit: I've never even heard from them before until this day.

But they seem to be talented. Will have to watch more of their older stuff.

Micah C.

08-10-2011, 11:14 PM

well i PMed Joe their email address (at least according to the end of their show that is their email) so hopefully he'll get them before someone else does

Don't worry. He's now got a way to get in touch with them. :)

Lex54

08-10-2011, 11:36 PM

JEEEESUS we are close to snatching them in the site :)

CBrown

08-11-2011, 12:18 AM

JEEEESUS we are close to snatching them in the site :)

Getting a little ahead of yourself there? I can assure they're getting a lot of offers at this point, some no doubt from sites claiming they can pay them on a regular basis. Considering their popularity they may even get snatched up by a network. Not trying to crush anyone's spirit here, just curb it a little bit.

Lex54

08-11-2011, 12:59 AM

Getting a little ahead of yourself there? I can assure they're getting a lot of offers at this point, some no doubt from sites claiming they can pay them on a regular basis. Considering their popularity they may even get snatched up by a network. Not trying to crush anyone's spirit here, just curb it a little bit.
I would analyse the situation first: they are on an situation were they are traumatized with an "mastermind" of an website owning their show.They have no way at all to fund it. Then Joe comes and tries to help them by supporting them on getting an youtube partnership. Then after the sandstorm settles down the same guy who helped them from the same website that's pretty much spamming their facebook page with an quite an lot of thumbs up on the comments related to that site that will pretty much let them be auto-sufficient with no restrictions.
And even IF another website snatches them Joe can still communicate to them so that they can link the video here because, again, they can be independent. But what would be really nice is if they could have their own website with their own written articles and forums. They deserve ir

havoc_91

08-11-2011, 01:44 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UD1nvP-DTw

just my thoughts on the subject with what know so far

AgentBJ

08-11-2011, 03:43 AM

just my thoughts on the subject with what know so far

Ouch. Can't say I 100% agree on some of the other things outside the central discussion points, but this was the way I felt after reading over much of the info from this heated debate.

Even as a businessman with little experience running an actual company or group, I know that if you are in the red, or not paying your contributors, who can be called employees in certain senses, for long lengths of time, you should not keep spending what you do not have. You tighten your budget, cut out things which are not working, pay your employees, and work your way back up.

havoc_91

08-11-2011, 04:09 AM

Ouch. Can't say I 100% agree on some of the other things outside the central discussion points, but this was the way I felt after reading over much of the info from this heated debate.

Even as a businessman with little experience running an actual company or group, I know that if you are in the red, or not paying your contributors, who can be called employees in certain senses, for long lengths of time, you should not keep spending what you do not have. You tighten your budget, cut out things which are not working, pay your employees, and work your way back up.

yeah i may have gone a bit over the top but when i see such irresponsibility like what we see from the escapist i just lose it

AgentBJ

08-11-2011, 04:31 AM

yeah i may have gone a bit over the top but when i see such irresponsibility like what we see from the escapist i just lose it

Believe me, that's plenty fair. I've had similar bouts of outrage in other venues, for various reasons but none relating to something like this.

Lex54

08-11-2011, 04:23 PM

I say this: this could have happened in an different way and it could be worse. But still the escapist was an dick:p

AgentBJ

08-11-2011, 04:56 PM

I say this: this could have happened in an different way and it could be worse. But still the escapist was an dick:p

Agreed on that one.

I haven't commented on the subject in those threads on the site yet, but I am considering shutting down my account because of a number of things that have come to light; It's on the fence because I have several active forum RPGs there.

OzzieArcane

08-11-2011, 05:40 PM

They've got a new episode up over on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5rh2OYQLZA

AgentBJ

08-11-2011, 05:53 PM

They've got a new episode up over on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5rh2OYQLZA

MMORTSs? Nice topic. I've always wondered about those.

And Dan's statement of, "This is going to set a terrible precident but, You Win." made me laugh.

K7Sniper

08-11-2011, 06:04 PM

MMORTS games? That End of Days game looks interesting

Count_Zero

08-11-2011, 07:03 PM

AgentBJ

08-11-2011, 08:28 PM

I'm very pleased to see that Extra Credits will be continuing on YouTube, and I've already subscribed to their channel. I really hope they get enough traffic to become ad supported and they can use that to pay Allison (and any substitute artists they need as she recovers).

Their views are through the roof right now. If I had to guess, they've hit maybe 10,000 views already, and the video has only been out for five or six hours.

Since we're still waiting for news about the rest of this event, what kinds of topics would you guys what to see from them at some point?

Myself, I would like them to address something about DLC offered after Day 1. Or, something that covers what Capcom is doing with UMVC3 disk-only sales, and what Bethesda and others have been doing with expansion packs or add-on content. (Joe, if you read this, I can imagine you'd like to hear about this as well.)

BookwormOtaku

08-11-2011, 10:33 PM

Anyone been able to give Joe their contact info?

AgentBJ

08-11-2011, 10:43 PM

Anyone been able to give Joe their contact info?

I believe Templar Gamer has already.

whatever

08-12-2011, 12:56 AM

I'd also like to say that, no matter where they go after this, I hope things go well for them. They really have a very intelligent approach to pretty much any subject they cover and I always learn a bit when I listen.

Anyway, I don't really have a particular topic I can think of right now that I would want them to cover. I am interested in hearing what the rest of you want to hear about though.

Lex54

08-12-2011, 01:17 AM

I'd also like to say that, no matter where they go after this, I hope things go well for them. They really have a very intelligent approach to pretty much any subject they cover and I always learn a bit when I listen.
One website(even though I know has some controversies behind it) that I wouldn't have an problem for them to go if they don't come here would be screwattack. I mean their community is great an on an very rare occasion they will not stand up for what's right you know

AngryJoe

08-12-2011, 02:15 AM

Yes I got the contact info yesterday, thanks.
Spoke with James briefly just as he was stepping out, he directed me to his business manager.

Lex54

08-12-2011, 02:16 AM

Yes I got the contact info yesterday, thanks.
Spoke with James briefly just as he was stepping out, he directed me to his business manager.
Ok....so good luck Joe! We're counting on ya ;)

AgentBJ

08-12-2011, 02:32 AM

Yes I got the contact info yesterday, thanks.
Spoke with James briefly just as he was stepping out, he directed me to his business manager.

Awesome. I'm crossing my fingers on this one, and I really hope they choose to come here.

KPShadow

08-12-2011, 05:59 AM

I guess that as for topics I'd like to see, I can't wait until they make a video on video game remakes and ports, since I had suggested making that video last year, and earlier this week, I asked if I could make the art for an episode based on that topic if they made it during the guest artist marathon that's going on.

bojak90

08-12-2011, 04:13 PM

Lex54

08-12-2011, 04:28 PM

and not let it reach the amount it did.
On the first 6 hours they already had like 5 thousand dollars. It was out of control!

AgentBJ

08-12-2011, 09:30 PM

Hmmm...I'm not quite sure what to think. On the one hand, Escapist doesn't have the right to order how the money should be used...on the other hand, EC should have capped the donations to around the projected cost of the surgery (maybe a few thousand more in case of complications or to compensate Allison for lost time and work) and not let it reach the amount it did.

That might have worked, if RocketHub didn't have a rule in place that says any project on their site must run it's course, lest they give all the donations back and cancel the event. In hindsight, Dan said the 60 days was far longer than needed, but also that he never expected such generosity beyond that 15,000 mark.

However, on the subject of the excess, Allison, Dan and James talked with each other about how best to use the excess funds. When they came to a conclusion, they added the idea on RocketHub to detail what the excess was going to be going towards once Allison was well enough to continue working. People still donated knowing this, so it's not shady.

That said, at this point, Allison's surgery is paid, and retracting those funds now by stopping the project would be a disaster.

CBrown

08-12-2011, 09:59 PM

The problem is that it wasn't just their decision to make, from what I understand. The Escapist helped set this fund raiser up and from the sound of things James bypassed them and made the decision without asking The Escapist what they thought. I think that's where the legal issues are coming from.

Micah C.

08-13-2011, 12:24 AM

I believe Templar Gamer has already.

What am I, chopped liver?!

havoc_91

08-13-2011, 12:51 AM

more like quietly swept under the rug :P

"The problem is that it wasn't just their decision to make, from what I understand. The Escapist helped set this fund raiser up and from the sound of things James bypassed them and made the decision without asking The Escapist what they thought. I think that's where the legal issues are coming from. "

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/2250/anopenlettertojamesanda.png

their CEO admitted there was no formal agreement so quite frankly no "bypassing" was done

AgentBJ

08-13-2011, 01:23 AM

What am I, chopped liver?!

Had no idea you'd told him. Nice to know, though.

That said, I would imagine 70% or more of the people on this site watch Extra Credits in some fashion.

TheEvilAlex

08-14-2011, 08:55 AM

Extra Credits is an amazingly educational show. I was immediately on board with them when they released the episode about the horror genre, very good episode. It would defiantly be awesome for everyone if they decided to join BT.

nyuuron

08-14-2011, 11:27 AM

From what I've read, Extra Credits had been having issues for awhile, and it just culminated with the donation drive. The EC team wasn't getting paid for their work -- not because they didn't want to be paid, but because Escapist couldn't. They were okay with not getting paid right away until James had family troubles and Alison needed surgery. Prior to both of those, EC tried to buy back the rights to their IP (i.e. the show Extra Credits) in exchange for some of the money Escapist owed them, but nothing really came of that deal so far.

The confusion lies in that Escapist thought that the donation drive would be to make more Extra Credits episodes, but EC was under the impression that Escapist would still be paying them to make those episodes.

As far as EC on Blistered Thumbs is concerned, I'm not sure how that would work. My understanding is that most of the talent on this site run their shows independently, whereas Escapist seems to work more like an actual newspaper/magazine publisher and paying them regular salaries and/or costs of production. I could be wrong on that though.

havoc_91

08-17-2011, 02:23 AM

and even after 2 giant failures what happens? this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgKAdDz-9kE

spot 41 on the times magazine's top 50 websites of 2011::banghead::::banghead::::banghead::

Robert G.

08-17-2011, 02:53 AM

Wow...

You would think Time Warner would be smarter...

AgentBJ

08-17-2011, 03:59 AM

and even after 2 giant failures what happens? this:

spot 41 on the times magazine's top 50 websites of 2011::banghead::::banghead::::banghead::

Just don't break your wall down if you're smashing your head against it.

I was a bit surprised as well to see Time place The Escapist on their list considering what happened, but those magazines were already off the printers by the time that mess came to light. Still, the news has gotten around to an extent that they won't recover from this until they can prove they're moving back into stability.

OzzieArcane

08-17-2011, 08:35 AM

and even after 2 giant failures what happens? this:

spot 41 on the times magazine's top 50 websites of 2011::banghead::::banghead::::banghead::

Well the numbers don't lie and if you check on Alexa (a site that measures traffic) The Escapist gets more traffic then thatguywiththeglasses.

K7Sniper

08-17-2011, 02:16 PM

those magazines were already off the printers by the time that mess came to light.

This.

If that list came out, say, a month later, it wouldn't be that high up with the recent fallout.

Just poor timing really. No need to go all bonkers over it.

OzzieArcane

08-17-2011, 05:01 PM

We'll see how much this really effects their traffic. I have a feeling a ton of people aren't gonna be willing to just stop watching Yahtzee over this and as I already said, the site still has more traffic then thatguywiththeglasses. Course knowing that and knowing they're having money troubles just further proves the guy in charge is an imbecile.

For the record
Escapist
http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/escapistmagazine.com#

thatguywiththeglasses
http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/thatguywiththeglasses.com#

Robert G.

08-17-2011, 09:30 PM

How do we rank, out of curiosity?

saint23thomas

08-18-2011, 03:30 AM

What am I, chopped liver?!
Yes... with onions.

AgentBJ

08-18-2011, 04:27 AM

How do we rank, out of curiosity?

http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/blisteredthumbs.net

According to the ratings, BT's U.S. rank is 21,591. The Global ranking is 48,518.

Robert G.

08-18-2011, 04:28 PM

Well...that isn't good at all now is it.

Start telling your friends Blistered Thumbs is here to stay.

AgentBJ

08-18-2011, 04:39 PM

Way ahead of you. I've been bringing up Blistered Thumbs with many of my game enthusiast co-workers and friends for a while. The site is around 10 months old now, so I suspect it'll see some serious growth in the next few months.

Oh, also...

The new Episode of Extra Credits is live. They're going over Gaming Addiction in a two-parter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00SvIIualUw

Also, judging by the credits at the end, they have narrowed down the sites they want to move to. It's heavily implied they'll use their own site, but still, keep your fingers crossed that they come here.

K7Sniper

09-07-2011, 01:22 PM

*dusts this off*

Seems EC is on Penny Arcade right now.

Lowlander

09-07-2011, 03:15 PM

Yep, saw their latest ep there.

Lex54

09-07-2011, 03:23 PM

Well at least they're on an good website

lostleader

09-07-2011, 04:10 PM

*dusts this off*

Seems EC is on Penny Arcade right now.

laaaaammmmmmmmmmmmmeeeeeeeee

I rather they stick to youtube personally or go with us. I just don't like Penny Acrade. I suppose if I get bored enough Ill go over there and watch, but it really is disappointing. Perhaps we should use a trap next time?
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SeRXQsJvHj0/S2pyrxG3TjI/AAAAAAAAAdE/Z-6PvS1ILDg/s320/box+trap.jpg

K7Sniper

09-07-2011, 04:15 PM

lostleader

09-07-2011, 04:18 PM

Were they even pursued by the guys here?

I know there was talk from us on the forums, but not sure the details on whether or not some like Joe or the other higher ups had the time to really go and talk with them.
from what I recall Joe contacted them and their lawyer (or manager or whatever it was). I guess Penny Arcade gave them a better offer, or approached them first.

K7Sniper

09-07-2011, 04:35 PM

Gotcha, well, guess that just means that one of us needs to be that next big thing haha.

Lowlander

09-07-2011, 04:55 PM

I'm doing my best, but there's only so far you can go with text.

Unless your name is Jim Sterling.

CBrown

09-07-2011, 05:08 PM

from what I recall Joe contacted them and their lawyer (or manager or whatever it was). I guess Penny Arcade gave them a better offer, or approached them first.

Yeah, why on Earth would they ever go to Penny Arcade who can actually pay them for their material? Extra Credits wanted to be paid, that was the whole reason they left The Escapist, they were never going to come here for that reason alone.

lostleader

09-07-2011, 05:33 PM

Yeah, why on Earth would they ever go to Penny Arcade who can actually pay them for their material? Extra Credits wanted to be paid, that was the whole reason they left The Escapist, they were never going to come here for that reason alone.
As I recall, the reason why they left was the donation thing, Escapist never seemed to want to be paid, I mean they continued the show on youtube for a few weeks so I honestly don't think that Blistered thumbs could be ruled out. And like I said in the post you quoted, I guess they made a better offer, being paid being a better offer >.> . I'm not saying that they didn't also want to get paid, but it wasn't has big as a factor compared to that donation disaster between escapist and them. Can't I dare to dream? Blistered Thumbs isn't a bad hosting site or anything, not like we're chomp liver. Have a little pride in your site...jeez...

havoc_91

09-07-2011, 06:00 PM

unless their contract with PATV forbids them from posting their episodes on other sites i wouldn't rule out them never coming on board this site ever *cough*clanofthegreywolf*cough*

CBrown

09-08-2011, 05:28 AM

Can't I dare to dream?

No.

Blistered Thumbs isn't a bad hosting site or anything, not like we're chomp liver. Have a little pride in your site...jeez...

Pick the fights you can win. One of big points of issues between The Escapist and Extra Credits was that James had been paying Alison out of his own pocket and it was a pretty decent chunk too. The donation-thing did set things off which brought the whole "we haven't been paid for over a year" to light and couple that with some of the personal issues James had been having lately that required money, paying Alison out of his own pocket and that he wasn't even going to get the money back because they considered the donation money a way to make good on their debt and you got a pretty pissed off James.

I'm not saying Blistered Thumbs is small fry but I am pointing out that they operate differently and Extra Credits was always going to go for the other business model.

saint23thomas

09-10-2011, 01:16 AM

Yeah, why on Earth would they ever go to Penny Arcade who can actually pay them for their material? Extra Credits wanted to be paid, that was the whole reason they left The Escapist, they were never going to come here for that reason alone.

What the heck are you talking about? They'd be getting paid here.

If they use a video hosting site like Blip, as most video producers here do, they wouldn't really need to negotiate, or renegotiate, pay. They're pay would come from Blip, and it would always be proportional to number of advertisement views Blip got with their videos.

As far I as I know, that's how this site works. Producers get paid by their video host for its ads, and Blistered Thumbs makes money from the other ads that are here on the site that.

CBrown

09-10-2011, 12:41 PM

What the heck are you talking about? They'd be getting paid here.

Yeah, I'm pretty certain that Extra Credits were getting paid a lot more than the ad revenues from blip would pull in. I mean, the amount of money James was saying was owed to him by The Escapist wasn't in the three or four digit area but in the five digit area.

Joe_Roscoe

09-24-2011, 03:48 AM

lostleader

09-24-2011, 04:11 AM

honestly, I'm glad Extra Credits left The Escapist, there was something that place I didn't like, maybe it was because they suspend and ban people for no good reason or maybe its because they scammed money from fans to try and fly out Yahtzee to PAX or maybe its because they gave that piece of shit, Moviebob, 2 shows for some reason

anyways, I am happy that Extra Credits went to Penny Arcade instead of this site, I doubt this site could be pay them anyways for all the work (and it was all coming from blip anyways) plus Penny Arcade knows how to be consummate professionals and knows how to handle the business stuff unlike certain websites

No reason uh? well you certainly are a "lovely person" aren't you? I happen to like Moviebob and can agree to a lot of his views. And Extra Credits doesn't want payment, hence how they continued on youtube or the start it had, on youtube...the place that doesn't pay you for Deedlie poo, not that they don't deserve money or payment, just that they were never about that.

Joe_Roscoe

09-24-2011, 04:26 AM

they didn't want the payment but then Escapist wanted most of the donations for Allison's injured arms

as for Moviebob, he's that piece of shit intellectual type who is bitter that he was bulled in school and wants to put his hang ups in his videos

as for Escapist banning people for no reason, what does this look like then?

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.314402-The-guys-at-CERN-broke-physics#12754026
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.314394-Miracle-of-Sound-Appreciation-Thread#12753750

AgentBJ

09-25-2011, 06:45 PM

unless their contract with PATV forbids them from posting their episodes on other sites i wouldn't rule out them never coming on board this site ever *cough*clanofthegreywolf*cough*

True. There's not much holding them back from hosting their show here if they're using blip.tv, unless PATV doesn't allow them to do so, which I highly doubt.

Although, what I find funny is how the show moved one day earlier to Wednesday instead of Thursday. ZP is The Escapist's biggest show, and EC will likely be PA's before long.

lostleader

09-25-2011, 06:51 PM

K7Sniper

09-25-2011, 07:14 PM

I second lost's request on the context here.

I'm a tad confused as to what you are getting at.

Joe_Roscoe

09-26-2011, 05:08 AM

lots of my problem with Moviebob is the guy seems to defend everything Japan and blames every on western gaming, especially with Halo and Metroid, these videos put everything into perspective for me on the issues Moviebob continues to ignore

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZSxcUZfwCM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgN2klk7sF4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWLFbcsXKcA

lostleader

09-26-2011, 06:57 AM

lots of my problem with Moviebob is the guy seems to defend everything Japan and blames every on western gaming, especially with Halo and Metroid, these videos put everything into perspective for me on the issues Moviebob continues to ignore

He's no worse than a certain person I know and follow on tweeter, in fact the tweeter guy is probably far worse. I don't really see Moviebob defending japan avidly either, although at the same time, I don't really watch or read his video game stuff. I usually hang out in the movie reviews or big picture side. And while others may consider it unprofessional to talk about their past and what happen, I don't. I like hearing about people and what makes them tick, and in fact gives more depth to their opinion and personality. It really just seems to me that you guys just don't like him for some reason, perhaps because he is an attention whore, but as a fellow attention whore I honestly don't have such a problem with that. As well, I think I probably identify more with movie bob then any other contributor I have seen on sites.

Joe_Roscoe

09-26-2011, 07:48 PM

He's no worse than a certain person I know and follow on tweeter, in fact the tweeter guy is probably far worse.
don't worry, Spoony is just as bad as Moviebob as well, maybe worse, which I agree with

K7Sniper

09-28-2011, 03:22 PM

LEt's get this back off of the flame-fest and back to fun.

This week's EC!
http://penny-arcade.com/patv/episode/games-you-might-not-have-tried-2

Lots of interesting titles in here :)

Lowlander

09-28-2011, 03:53 PM

The Stanley Parable, wasn't that the "sequel" to Dear Esther?

AgentBJ

10-01-2011, 03:48 AM

LEt's get this back off of the flame-fest and back to fun.

This week's EC!
http://penny-arcade.com/patv/episode/games-you-might-not-have-tried-2

Lots of interesting titles in here :)

Terarria and Stanley Parable I am hoping to try soon. The others I REALLY want to try given how fun they look, especially PanzerCorps. I've enjoyed strategy games for years, although not as much as Western RPGs and older shooters like Quake 3 and Unreal Tournament 2004.

Speaking of, Epic Games, now that Gears of War's book is closed in terms of games, please, please, PLEASE start working on another Unreal Tournament. Specifically one with 10+ modes and hundreds of hours of tournament shooter thrills.

Lowlander

10-01-2011, 12:10 PM

Bought Outlands on their recommendation while it was on sale.

StratRat1956

10-12-2011, 05:56 PM

Oh, THERE (http://penny-arcade.com/patv/episode/art-is-not-the-opposite-of-fun)they are! Boy, I am way behind!

Afr0Blu3

10-13-2011, 07:32 PM

Lowlander

10-19-2011, 10:17 AM

Thought the latest Call of Juarez was just a poorly made knock-off?

Think again. (http://penny-arcade.com/patv/episode/call-of-juarez-the-cartel)

Chaosdirge

10-19-2011, 01:54 PM

Interesting, very interesting, I don't go to the escapist much, in fact I hardly even come here often something I have been doing more and more of though however. I did watch "Extra Creditz" a bit though I really liked the show an the messages it spread about the industry. I hope they do find a place to set up their show again, and I saw a couple pages back that Joe was planning to help them partner with youtube until the legal battles settled down. Got to say so far I like the events I see going on in this case.

Lowlander

10-19-2011, 02:34 PM

You're a little late, they're already torn...away fromm this site and onto Penny Arcade.

K7Sniper

10-19-2011, 02:49 PM

Perhaps we should create a new EC thread to avoid confusion

Lowlander

10-19-2011, 03:01 PM

Hmmm.....

Naaa.

Lex54

10-19-2011, 03:05 PM

I have no idea of what's going on this topic but episode:
http://penny-arcade.com/patv/episode/call-of-juarez-the-cartel

I just discovered about mexican drug war...

Chaosdirge

10-19-2011, 04:11 PM

Thats fine, I don't go to penny arcade either though much. I try to find interesting news but sometimes I'm a little late to the party like alot of people. XD Can't keep up to date with everyone. Still is there any news about what is going on legally as of this moment other than their move?

havoc_91

10-19-2011, 09:54 PM

I have no idea of what's going on this topic but episode:
http://penny-arcade.com/patv/episode/call-of-juarez-the-cartel

I just discovered about mexican drug war...

and i'm really pissed right now at EC for how much shit they just got wrong or misrepresented

oh don't get me wrong, CoJtC is a TERRIBLE game that shittly explores this conflict, but EC got plenty wrong such as the "they say minorities are EVIL!! AHFOAGHIOGHAFSF!!"

http://www.indexmundi.com/mexico/demographics_profile.html

"Ethnic groups

mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) 60%, Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian 30%, white 9%, other 1%"

^with demographics like that, does it make sense for a game set in mexico to have hordes of white guys to shoot up?

(amerindian is basically native american)

and yes, this will be getting a commentary on by me

Chaosdirge

10-20-2011, 05:25 AM

I would like to point out the game doesn't completely take place in Mexico, it also takes place in Los Angles so their is a bit more variety in some parts of the game. I think that the topic they hit is just a bit too heavy on their part. At the least, its a interesting topic. I don't think there intention was to say Minorities are evil entirely but what they said could have been handled better. I could see a variety of reasons as to why the Cartel would want to entice gang violence. However, I know very little about the game, it never appealed to me so I never played it. I don't know in the least what I am talking about on this subject, I've never played the game or even watched a play through. In the end I think this game is a case of so many issues in a game that its easy to misinterpret by anyone. From what I see in Call of Juarez: The Cartel is all I can say is it sounds like a poorly made action movie in gaming, and thats all I think needs to be said about it. When I learn something in a game, I prefer to look it up and understand more about it so even if the game sends a false message I learn the truth eventually. In the end do that many people complain about something being wrong as much if its entertaining to them? Dynasty Warriors for instance has tons of things wrong with it, historically, but its a entertaining and well put together game series. Still, I found myself interested in looking up who the characters were based off of in life. Games like this could be viewed the same way if it peeks a persons interest. In the end it isn't just about the art or the messages a game spreads its about if you had fun playing it for what ever reason. The game could be turned into a unintentional parody, rather than the developers just becoming villains. Laugh at your mistakes, and have confidence in what you learn, thats what I believe.

havoc_91

11-04-2011, 08:52 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nrpylemGls

oh man, the gloves are coming off for this one...::grumpy::

StratRat1956

11-04-2011, 04:02 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nrpylemGls
oh man, the gloves are coming off for this one...::grumpy::
Well crafted response to subject Extra Credits video. Also goes to show how ridiculous (and dangerous) politically correct sensitivities can be. There is a drug war going on the borders of five states that has claimed the lives of tens of thousands, and yet our esteemed administration takes the individual states to court whenever they try to get a handle on the situation.