A battle that got locked

[slownerveaction]

I think mine is the complete opposite of yours LOL

Second'd! Zelda and 360 are about the only things I'm looking forward to this year. I'm a bit excited about Wanda and the Colossus (don't know if it'll be at E3) and possible PSP/DS stuff.


Please define "flawless" sales for me.

I'm gonna guess he was just trying to say it'll say well? It's stupid to pick out one word and whine about semantics like that.

[zmweasel]

I'm gonna guess he was just trying to say it'll say well? It's stupid to pick out one word and whine about semantics like that.

Geoff, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could keep your personal issues with me from spilling over into the DP forums. Thanks.

-- Z.

[slownerveaction]

Geoff, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could keep your personal issues with me from spilling over into the DP forums. Thanks.

-- Z.

I don't know what you're getting at, but I have no personal issue with you. Whatever issues you might have with me should be resolved. I said that if I did anything that was out of bounds or offensive, I was sorry, even though almost anyone who knew our personal situation would say you were in the wrong. Regardless, I talked to Shawn about that situation, and the ball is in your court regarding further personal or business dealings

But I will come here and make whatever points I want pertintent to the discussion. I think you were trying to pick a fight over semantics, so I pointed it out. If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen?

[zmweasel]

Geoff, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could keep your personal issues with me from spilling over into the DP forums. Thanks.

-- Z.

I don't know what you're getting at, but I have no personal issue with you. Whatever issues you might have with me should be resolved. I said that if I did anything that was out of bounds or offensive, I was sorry, even though almost anyone who knew our personal situation would say you were in the wrong. Regardless, I talked to Shawn about that situation, and the ball is in your court regarding further personal or business dealings

But I will come here and make whatever points I want pertintent to the discussion. I think you were trying to pick a fight over semantics, so I pointed it out. If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen?

You're not making pertinent points, Geoff. You're calling me names ("stupid" in your previous post, "bitch" in an IM) and declaring your intent to disrupt and derail threads in which I participate, to gain "revenge" upon me. It's sad behavior, and makes me glad you're no longer (and will never again be) affiliated with VGC. You're a good writer, but you've filled me with regret for having ever dealt with you, and that's a shame.

As for "semantics," I genuinely want a definition of "flawless" sales. One million copies? Two million copies? And where did Graham come up with the thought of "another system seller," when the GameCube hasn't had a single killer app yet? Not even GOTY candidate Resident Evil 4 could make GameCubes sell.

-- Z.

[zmweasel]

Meaning they will have no problem unloading every copy of the game before the end of the holiday season, ala Ocarina of Time.

"Every copy of the game" could be very or not very impressive, depending on how many copies Nintendo manufactures and sells through.

What do you think would be impressive? Two million copies sold through by the end of the year?

-- Z.

[slownerveaction]

You're not making pertinent points, Geoff. You're calling me names ("stupid" in your previous post, "bitch" in an IM) and declaring your intent to disrupt and derail threads in which I participate, to gain "revenge" upon me. It's sad behavior, and makes me glad you're no longer (and will never again be) affiliated with VGC. You're a good writer, but you've filled me with regret for having ever dealt with you, and that's a shame.-- Z.

I'm not interested in getting into a fight, but since you seem interested in dragging my name through the mud I need to explain myself here in public. I did not call you a bitch. My full statement was "Don't be a bitch, and I won't be a bitch." I did not mean that in the sense of "you're being a bitch." I meant that as, "Let's cool down before this gets too heated and be nice to each other." Unfortunately, you decided to twist it in the worst way possible, and refuse to let me discuss anything further with you.

But here, I'll offer a solution:

I'm fine with moving on from VGC. I like the magazine greatly. The last we left off before you told me you were getting rid of me was that I'd be working on the next issue and you'd get in contact with me then. So I decided to leave it at that and wait for you to reach me. Then you came out of nowhere dissolving our friendship and business relationship.

Because I could see how we could cross paths on here and negatively affect the board, I'm willing to stop visiting here. Joe can delete my account. If you want, he can even ban my IP. But you need to offer me a personal apology for your actions against me first. I apologized for anything out of line I said, and I'm willing to do that again right now in public. I'm sorry if I offended you in any way. I sincerely regret using rhetoric that, while misconstrued, was inflammatory in nature. Admit that you wronged me and treated me unfairly. That's all I ask. I think you're cutting off your nose to spite your face in this matter, because I'm willing to try and mend fences. But since you don't want to that, I'm sacrificing visiting a board I enjoy for an apology and closure.

[zmweasel]

I'm not interested in getting into a fight, but since you seem interested in dragging my name through the mud I need to explain myself here in public. I did not call you a bitch. My full statement was "Don't be a bitch, and I won't be a bitch." I did not mean that in the sense of "you're being a bitch." I meant that as, "Let's cool down before this gets too heated and be nice to each other." Unfortunately, you decided to twist it in the worst way possible, and refuse to let me discuss anything further with you.

You're absolutely interested in a confrontation, Geoff, which is why you posted in this thread to begin with. I'm not (and won't be) responding to your emails or PMs, and I blocked your IMs, so this was your last resort.

I'm not slandering you. I'm explaining to anyone reading this thread why you've injected yourself into it.


I'm fine with moving on from VGC. I like the magazine greatly. The last we left off before you told me you were getting rid of me was that I'd be working on the next issue and you'd get in contact with me then. So I decided to leave it at that and wait for you to reach me. Then you came out of nowhere dissolving our friendship and business relationship.

You misunderstand. You didn't "move on" from VGC. VGC moved on from you. You expressed disinterest with the magazine, and I need writers who are excited about VGC and willing to do what it takes to make it work, so I let you know that your services were no longer required. That's it and that's all.

I've been a freelance journo for 16 years, Geoff. I've been on your side of this situation more than once. And I assure you that acting like a petulant child and demanding apologies from editors for nonexistent offenses won't lead to a long and fruitful writing career.

As I stated above, VGC has moved on. You need to do the same.

-- Z.

[slownerveaction]

You misunderstand. You didn't "move on" from VGC. VGC moved on from you. You expressed disinterest with the magazine, and I need writers who are excited about VGC and willing to do what it takes to make it work, so I let you know that your services were no longer required. That's it and that's all.

You misunderstand, on multiple levels. I did express interest in the magazine. In fact, before you decided to get rid of me, I had IMed you with a hot tip about a rare game I thought deserved some coverage in the mag. Of course, I got no response. How does that equal disinterest in the mag?

And I have no problem with the business side of things. I simply think it was immature to burn bridges when we had a friendship beyond dealing with the mag before. That's what I'd like to see an apology for: ruining a friendship for no good reason. Trust me, I have dealt with many people who I remained friends with after a dissolution of a business relationship. I even mended things with Jaysen, because I believe in doing those sorts of things. That you'd so immaturely burn bridges shows your true, duplicitous nature.


I've been a freelance journo for 16 years, Geoff. I've been on your side of this situation more than once. And I assure you that acting like a petulant child and demanding apologies from editors for nonexistent offenses won't lead to a long and fruitful writing career.

And you've made a lot of enemies in your time too, I've noticed.

[zmweasel]

You misunderstand, on multiple levels. I did express interest in the magazine. In fact, before you decided to get rid of me, I had IMed you with a hot tip about a rare game I thought deserved some coverage in the mag. Of course, I got no response. How does that equal disinterest in the mag?

Again, your phrasing is wrong. I didn't "get rid of you." You make it sound as if you've been fired. You're a freelancer. Freelancers aren't gotten rid of. They're simply not used anymore. It's not just a matter of semantics--it's an important legal distinction, as well.


And you've made a lot of enemies in your time too, I've noticed.

Indeed, and I'm certainly not proud of it. Most of those enemies were made when I was young and angry, much like you are right now. Avoid making the same mistakes I did, and move on from this terminated relationship.

-- Z.

[TheRedEye]

Avoid making the same mistakes I did, and move on from this terminated relationship.

Yeah, having sex with your ex always just ends in tears. Don't make my mistake.

[slownerveaction]

Indeed, and I'm certainly not proud of it. Most of those enemies were made when I was young and angry, much like you are right now. Avoid making the same mistakes I did, and move on from this terminated relationship.

Oh, the irony! LOL

I don't need an apology anymore. The laughs were good enough. And if anyone wants to know what it's like work with Zach Meston, now they know all about the experience: feigned friendship, followed by a swift knife in the back!

[zmweasel]

Indeed, and I'm certainly not proud of it. Most of those enemies were made when I was young and angry, much like you are right now. Avoid making the same mistakes I did, and move on from this terminated relationship.

Oh, the irony! LOL

I don't need an apology anymore. The laughs were good enough. And if anyone wants to know what it's like work with Zach Meston, now they know all about the experience: feigned friendship, followed by a swift knife in the back!

It sounds like you're about to move on, which is good. The anger and resentment will subside over time. If you plan to freelance as a hobby or career, you need to learn how to rebound after losing a writing gig. Venting your frustrations upon your former editors isn't the proper approach. Been there, done that.

-- Z.

[slownerveaction]

It sounds like you're about to move on, which is good. The anger and resentment will subside over time. If you plan to freelance as a hobby or career, you need to learn how to rebound after losing a writing gig. Venting your frustrations upon your former editors isn't the proper approach. Been there, done that.

I already moved on way before that, boy-o. I just wanted to point out your poor character for all to see. Now, everyone knows that you have no problem taking a friendship and relationship that was formerly healthy and destroying it for petty reasons. I know you like to recruit a lot of people who frequent the board, so I consider it a public service.

Thanks for the opportunity to do that, though. I couldn't have done it without you. LOL

[BigGeorgeJohnson]

Indeed, and I'm certainly not proud of it. Most of those enemies were made when I was young and angry, much like you are right now. Avoid making the same mistakes I did, and move on from this terminated relationship.

Oh, the irony! LOL

I don't need an apology anymore. The laughs were good enough. And if anyone wants to know what it's like work with Zach Meston, now they know all about the experience: feigned friendship, followed by a swift knife in the back!

It sounds like you're about to move on, which is good. The anger and resentment will subside over time. If you plan to freelance as a hobby or career, you need to learn how to rebound after losing a writing gig. Venting your frustrations upon your former editors isn't the proper approach. Been there, done that.

-- Z.


Maybe you should learn about something called "class", there is no reason to behave like an asshole, who do you think you are anyway? Newsflash! You're not some hotshot editor! Why don't you grow the fuck up? You have already proven yourself to be someone of very poor character and little... if any class. Now I don't know what was said in your personal conversations, but to me it looks like you didn't have enough balls or decency to be a man and talk to Geoff directly and tell him of the changing situation.

[zmweasel]

I already moved on way before that, boy-o. I just wanted to point out your poor character for all to see. Now, everyone knows that you have no problem taking a friendship and relationship that was formerly healthy and destroying it for petty reasons. I know you like to recruit a lot of people who frequent the board, so I consider it a public service.

Thanks for the opportunity to do that, though. I couldn't have done it without you. LOL

If you'd "already moved on," Geoff, you wouldn't have posted in this thread to begin with.

And I sincerely doubt that your behavior in this particular thread will dissuade anyone from contributing to VGC. You're projecting a level of importance upon yourself that you don't actually possess--a personality trait I also shared as an angry young man.

-- Z.

[zmweasel]

Maybe you should learn about something called "class", there is no reason to behave like an asshole, who do you think you are anyway? Newsflash! You're not some hotshot editor! Why don't you grow the fuck up? You have already proven yourself to be someone of very poor character and little... if any class. Now I don't know what was said in your personal conversations, but to me it looks like you didn't have enough balls or decency to be a man and talk to Geoff directly and tell him of the changing situation.

The average person would correctly reason that your post, in which you call me an "asshole" and tell me to "grow the fuck up," is completely devoid of the very "class" which you admonish me to learn about.

-- Z.

[slownerveaction]

Maybe you should learn about something called "class", there is no reason to behave like an asshole, who do you think you are anyway? Newsflash! You're not some hotshot editor! Why don't you grow the fuck up? You have already proven yourself to be someone of very poor character and little... if any class. Now I don't know what was said in your personal conversations, but to me it looks like you didn't have enough balls or decency to be a man and talk to Geoff directly and tell him of the changing situation.

Thanks for your sympathy/support, although there's no need to use such strong language. You're not the only person who has expressed similar sentiments (I won't disclose names, unless they want to reveal themselves).


If you'd "already moved on," Geoff, you wouldn't have posted in this thread to begin with.

If you want to think that, then fine. But that would mean you still have issues with me as well, now, doesn't it?


And I sincerely doubt that your behavior in this particular thread will dissuade anyone from contributing to VGC. You're projecting a level of importance upon yourself that you don't actually possess--a personality trait I also shared as an angry young man.

I am in no way attempting to project a level of importance upon myself. That I am, in fact, just a guy who enjoys writing who has received a stunning amount of vitriol from someone who loves to flaunt his supposedly impressive gaming journalism credentials makes my point more than anything I could ever say.

What I do know is that just about everyone here has dealt with someone in a business/working situation who had poor character and treated them poorly. That's a universal experience everyone relates to, and I've never met a person who didn't loath that sort of situation. I'm letting everyone know that's the kind of situation they'll be in working with when dealing with you, and you have kept proving my point in this thread with your callousness and egotism. If it saves one person from having a bad experience, then I'm happy about what's happened.

And as far as being an "angry young man" -- I may be an angry young man (or maybe not, I don't think I'm any more hot-headed than the average person), but one day I will be happy old man. You, on the other hand, will always be Zach Meston. I think I got the better end of the deal.

[BigGeorgeJohnson]

Maybe you should learn about something called "class", there is no reason to behave like an asshole, who do you think you are anyway? Newsflash! You're not some hotshot editor! Why don't you grow the fuck up? You have already proven yourself to be someone of very poor character and little... if any class. Now I don't know what was said in your personal conversations, but to me it looks like you didn't have enough balls or decency to be a man and talk to Geoff directly and tell him of the changing situation.

The average person would correctly reason that your post, in which you call me an "asshole" and tell me to "grow the fuck up," is completely devoid of the very "class" which you admonish me to learn about.

-- Z.


Say what you will, but respect is earned not freely given. In any case, what I said in no way excuses your own behavior.

[GrandAmChandler]

We need to move this to the BattleZon.... Er... Umm.. Nevermind.

[zmweasel]

If you want to think that, then fine. But that would mean you still have issues with me as well, now, doesn't it?

I have no issues with you at all, since I no longer deal with you on a personal or professional basis. I'm responding to your posts only out of necessity, and I won't be communicating with you when this thread ends.

With less than a month before E3, and with a ton of freelance work on my desk, I have neither the time nor the desire to indulge you--but I'm doing so because I enjoy these forums, and don't want you to ruin them for me, and want to help you realize that you'll move on from this.


I am in no way attempting to project a level of importance upon myself. That I am, in fact, just a guy who enjoys writing who has received a stunning amount of vitriol from someone who loves to flaunt his supposedly impressive gaming journalism credentials makes my point more than anything I could ever say.

I have never directed any anger at you, Geoff. You brought yourself into this thread and essentially declared your intention to spoil every thread in which I participate, because of your bitterness at no longer being a contributor to VGC.

I'm responding to your claims and charges in an even, moderate tone. I haven't called you names, and I haven't belitted or berated you. I'm just waiting for your tirade to end (whether of your own accord or a thread-lock), and for you to move on with your life.

I derive no joy from this. It's sad, and it's a shame. I've been on your side of this situation, and I've felt exactly what you're feeling, but getting mad at me won't help anything.


I'm letting everyone know that's the kind of situation they'll be in working with when dealing with you, and you have kept proving my point in this thread with your callousness and egotism. If it saves one person from having a bad experience, then I'm happy about what's happened.

You seem to think that your personal experience will be the same as everyone else's experience, which is ridiculous. I've dealt with dozens of editors and writers and other game-industry people over the past 16 years who've had no problems with me, and who'd be baffled at your claims of "callousness" and "egotism" on my part.


And as far as being an "angry young man" -- I may be an angry young man (or maybe not, I don't think I'm any more hot-headed than the average person), but one day I will be happy old man. You, on the other hand, will always be Zach Meston. I think I got the better end of the deal.

I hope you do find happiness one day, Geoff, because you seem to be very far away from it at the moment.

-- Z.

[zmweasel]

Say what you will, but respect is earned not freely given. In any case, what I said in no way excuses your own behavior.

Calling me names and incorrectly analyzing a situation about which you know next to nothing will not earn my respect.

As for my own behavior, please point out a post in which I addressed Geoff with the same hostile, profane tone in which you addressed me.

-- Z.

[digitalpress]

Come on, you guys. You killed the thread!

Now I gotta try to pick the good bits out and split it up. This is the administrative stuff I hate having to do.

Please resolve your personal differences privately in future, thanks.