VGXPO 2007 - Official DP Thread

[Ed-Fleming]

He there folks...

Lots and lots of info about VGXPO is starting to hit.

// We've made a MAJOR website update - info for attendees, media and exhibitors is now online. Be sure to look through the site, there are pictures
on every page (and you might be in one).

// Pre-registation tickets are on sale... Online tickets are just $12.50 for adult and $7.50 for kids 8-14. Kids under 7 are free!

// Regarding posting on DP - we've talked with Joe and he's all for us posting - there are lots of folks on the site looking for info.

// This thread is the official VGXPO 2007 DP tread. So, if you're a fan of VGXPO be sure to check it out from time-to-time.

// If you have any questions about the show, post them up

// Last thing for now - We will be at CGE this year! Hope to see you there too.

[portnoyd]

ROFLRROFOORLROFOROLFL

Excellent job promoting VGExpo at PAX this year. WELL PLAYED

If you're wondering what me and Snidermeister are soiling our britches about, for insane lulz, check out the 2nd news post for 8/29 on Penny Arcade.

We NEED to see stonic's response. OMG HILARIOUS

[Sniderman]

OMFG LOL ROFL LOLZZZZZZ

http://i17.tinypic.com/4uszd51.jpg

[RCM]

@Portnoyd

I don't exactly know what you're referring to but it's not uncommon to promote "your event" at other shows. They do it a lot in the media, NBC will buy time on Fox, and so on and so forth. When I ran ECGXpo we traded tables with other more successful shows. Don't see the big deal.

I wish Ed luck, after last year he's going to need it (and then some).

[portnoyd]

@Portnoyd

I don't exactly know what you're referring to but it's not uncommon to promote "your event" at other shows. They do it a lot in the media, NBC will buy time on Fox, and so on and so forth. When I ran ECGXpo we traded tables with other more successful shows. Don't see the big deal.

I wish Ed luck, after last year he's going to need it (and then some).

Does hitting on PAX event staff count as promoting? LOL


Late Friday night Amber was called down to the lobby of the convention center to deal with a drunk and belligerent member of the media who was apparently yelling at a couple of our Enforcers. Amber arrived to find the man obviously hammered and harassing our security. She approached him and explained that the show was over (which it wasn't) and that he should just go home and sleep. Upon seeing Amber his behavior changed quite drastically. He stopped arguing with the Enforcers and instead stared hitting on her. He bragged that he'd been out all night drinking with Incubus. Then he suggested the two of them go see a movie, get some drinks and "see where it goes." I think we all know where it goes. Sloppy drunks twice her age really aren't Amber's type so she politely declined the offer while still trying to move him towards the door. He leaned in at this point and said "this Penny Arcade shit is weak!" and then asked her if she wanted to know a secret. He said it would "impress her" and with that he produced his business card.

*IMAGE OF ED FLEMING'S BUSINESS CARD*

He pointed at it and slurred "this is where it's at baby."

Now we'd seen this guy all weekend taking photos of our game rooms and exhibition hall. Since he was pretending to be media he also interviewed all our Enforcers about how the show was organized and managed. A few of our Exhibitors even complained that he was in the exhibition hall trying to sell them on his convention.

Amber took the card and asked him to find her the next day after he had sobered up. She had every right to pull his badge right then but was a little worried about how he might react. The next morning she happened to meet up with him on the escalators in the main hall. "Hey I remember you" he said, "but I don't remember your name."

"I'm Amber the event coordinator for PAX and I need you to give me your badge." she replied.

He looked around at the group of colleagues around him and laughed. I guess he thought she was joking. Security arrived and she pressed him again for his badge. He tried to apologize for hitting on her but she informed him that while that was certainly inappropriate it was the drunken tirade that we didn't appreciate at PAX. He reluctantly handed over his badge and was escorted out by a group of Enforcers.

I was told this story by a dozen or so other Enforcers who witnessed or took part in the event. When they gave me Ed's business card as physical proof of their encounter I couldn't believe it. I was already laughing when I turned the card over and noticed the back.

[Kid Ice]

Comment retracted. Good luck with Game Jam.

[RCM]

As mentioned, I didn't know what you were referring to Portnoyd. If half the details are true it's pretty dumb. I doubt it'll stop the locals from coming but severely damages the last strings of cred. VGXpo has.

[Sniderman]

And VGXPO's forum area is starting to fill with...opinions.

"Opinions" (http://groups.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=groups.groupProfile&groupID=102573999&Mytoken=0953D1C2-3283-4E7B-9C01683AF7E7C25C27123761)

[Apollo]

ROFLRROFOORLROFOROLFL

Excellent job promoting VGExpo at PAX this year. WELL PLAYED

If you're wondering what me and Snidermeister are soiling our britches about, for insane lulz, check out the 2nd news post for 8/29 on Penny Arcade.

We NEED to see stonic's response. OMG HILARIOUS

Oh.My.God.

Words can not begin to describe the level of humor present...

[Sniderman]

// Last thing for now - We will be at CGE this year! Hope to see you there too.Was he there? I don't remember anyone getting drunk and kicked out after badmouthing the show to an organizer while pimping his own show. Or did I miss that?

[Muscelli]

I can see why he was "spying" at the PAX expo. He NEEDS ideas. Last time I went to VGxpo, I felt cheated even though admission was free.

[TVs Hasselhoff]

So will the business cards handed out at PAX still be honored for the discount?

[Apollo]

http://web.comporium.net/~scottith/ED1.JPG

"Excuse me, but you do realize that your drinking Root Beer, Mr. Fleming? Your not actually drunk."

"Shh! It's my cover! The chicks love this!"

[Sothy]

I wouldnt hang with that guy... and I was drinking by 9am at CGE.

[intvsama]

... ...

[Lady Jaye]

Who was event coordinator at CGE? Did Fleming hit on him? *has this mental image of a drunk Fleming hitting on John Hardie*


He was. I found out about it after the show. He went from table to table, hitting up all the vendors to promote his show. The word "scumbag" comes to mind...

[intvsama]

Who was event coordinator at CGE? Did Fleming hit on him? *has this mental image of a drunk Fleming hitting on John Hardie*

Hardie is a DAMN sexy beast. 8*)

[ubersaurus]

Well played sir.

[Muscelli]

hahah look at ed fleming deleting the posts on the myspace relating to his drunk adventure.. Poor guy =P

[intvsama]

hahah look at ed fleming deleting the posts on the myspace relating to his drunk adventure.. Poor guy =P

Can't help but wonder how his wife is taking to all this, if she even knows what happened.

[Cyan]

Mr. Flemming;

Thanks for the promotion of your event at this year's Penny Arcade Expo. Be assured that your efforts did not go un.. 'rewarded' ;)

Sincerely;
Mr. Sommerfeld

[Sniderman]

And VGXPO's forum area is starting to fill with...opinions.

"Opinions" (http://groups.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=groups.groupProfile&groupID=102573999&Mytoken=0953D1C2-3283-4E7B-9C01683AF7E7C25C27123761)

It appears that the posts in question are now being deleted as fast as they pop up. Damage control is fully in progress, apparently, as VGXPO's in - what? - a little over 2 months?

[TVs Hasselhoff]

This thread seems to be more like the "Official VGXPO Intervention Thread" than anything else.

The first step in solving the problem is acknowledging that you have a problem.

...or was that what the "Volunteer" thread was about?

[Lady Jaye]

Man, I thought that this was shot off-hours.... till I spotted a lone person playing one of the arcade games.


Video of last year's VGXPO:

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

Kinda hard to see what's going on, what with all the THOUSANDS of people there.

Now, who's got pics & video of Ed being thrown out of PAX? LOL


http://web.comporium.net/~scottith/stumblebum.jpg

[Cyan]

Man, I thought that this was shot off-hours.... till I spotted a lone person playing one of the arcade games.

That's what I thought, too. "It must be some kind of preview," I thought. The place looks dead. When you combine that along with people who say they felt like they were ripped off even though the event was free -- drunken organizers not withstanding -- it just seems like a poorly executed show.

But what's up with that ninja-like guy or, whatever he is, hitting the guy playing the arcade machine near the end of the video? The guy on the machine turns around and gives the biggest look of, "WTF?" I've ever seen ;)

-RS.

[portnoyd]

I think stonic is going to have a stroke, lulz. Pure awesomeness.

[kaedesdisciple]

I miss the Philly Classic. Shame how a good thing dies...

[ubersaurus]

I think stonic is going to have a stroke, lulz. Pure awesomeness.

I think Ed's gonna have a stroke over all the bad PR :P

[rolenta]

That's what I thought, too. "It must be some kind of preview," I thought. The place looks dead. When you combine that along with people who say they felt like they were ripped off even though the event was free -- drunken organizers not withstanding -- it just seems like a poorly executed show

For the record, the show was free in 2005, and the attendence was pretty good (in Philadelphia at least - The D.C. and Texas shows were dead).

Last year people had to pay to get in and those are the ones who were ripped off - in my opinion. However from the vantage point of my table in the back, not too many people appeared to have been 'ripped off'

[nimbus2]

deleted

[Cyan]

However from the vantage point of my table in the back, not too many people appeared to have been 'ripped off'

I was simply referring to this:


Last time I went to VGxpo, I felt cheated even though admission was free.

In the interests of full disclosure, I've never been to VGXPO, nor will I ever be. My post above is literally heresy. However, given the gravity of the situation that Mr. Fleming has put himself into, I think it's somewhat appropriate ;)

-RS.

[intvsama]

VGXpo's Wikipedia entry was deleted today.

[16-bit]

As P-A recount the incident:

1. He was partying ALL NIGHT, but the movie theatre was still open.

2. He was taking pictures and social engineering ALL WEEKEND, but had his badge revoked Saturday morning.

I'm not calling shenanigans, but lack of clarity in the timeline intrigues me enough that I'd like to hear Ed's side of the story before I draw any conclusions.

If he does have an issue with alcohol, I hope he gets help. Alcoholism is a terrible and devastating disease that knows no age, class, or race. If you've never experienced it in your family or friends, consider yourself BLESSED.

[Apollo]

Being an alcoholic isn't a disease. It's an addiction.

Now I have that episode of South park stuck in my head...

[Sniderman]

VGXpo's Wikipedia entry was deleted today.

No it isn't.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/America's_VideoGame_Expo

[mezrabad]

I think that's a really good point. Have we heard Ed's side of the story yet? Anywhere? There's a difference between "hitting on" a woman and "schmoozing" an event organizer, but I'd bet alchohol can blur that distinction.

As for promoting VGXpo, regardless of his reported behavior: how many people who hadn't heard of VGXpo now know about it because they read P-A? I'd say that's a pretty good job done promoting, despite the negative publicity he's receiving for his actions as an individual.

I don't care if he's the biggest jerk on the planet, what does that have to do with a videogame expo? I mean do people go to CGE because the organizers niether drink excessively nor have an appreciation for attractive women?

That being said, I don't know the history behind Ed Fleming and the VGXpo. It sounds like many of you have bad blood towards the event. Other than someone acting like an ass when they were drunk (oh, and I'm sure NONE of us has ever done that...) what's the real story here? Point me to some threads if you don't feel like typing.

[Sniderman]

Personally, I could care less about the drunken tomfollery. Who here hasn't gotten drunk and done something stupid? But to get drunk, do something stupid, and then immediately identify one's self as a competing con's organizer? And, at the same time, shit-talk the con you're curently at to one of the con's movers-and-shakers? Oh, that's just galactically stupid.

And, before all of this happens, to be identified as someone who is looking to take notes, snap pictures, and - in effect - copy "what works" at the con he's attendingfor his own con later in the year? You now enter "Death-Star-Level galactic stupidity."

So, as I said, the drunkeness doesn't really come into play. But antagonizing the con organizers, then IDENTIFYING himself as a competing con organizer? "This is where it's at" indeed.


what's the real story here? Point me to some threads if you don't feel like typing.

Oh dear heavens. Pop "VGXPO" into the thread search above and read some of the older ones for what you're looking for. It started with DP being banned from the first VGXPO event, and went downhill from there.

[Cyan]

I think that's a really good point. Have we heard Ed's side of the story yet? Anywhere? There's a difference between "hitting on" a woman and "schmoozing" an event organizer, but I'd bet alchohol can blur that distinction.

But that's the point entirely, really. By deleting any forum post on his site that mentions the event, by cowering in his hole, wherever he is, he's speaking volumes about what really happened.

If what happened was materially different than what Gabe represented, then we would've heard about it by now. Anyone in the type of business that Mr. Fleming is in knows that it's important to clear the air as soon as possible. Make a statement on the web site, explain what happened.

Or, at the very least, if it did happen as Gabe describes, it's time for Mr. Fleming to do the right thing. It's time for him to man up, admit that he did what he did, and do the honourable thing and resign from VGXPO.

Instead, if he continues to hide and be a coward about the incident, then the show will always be known as "the show represented by that drunk guy at PAX." At least with Mr. Fleming gone, the show can continue on its own merits.

Saying that Mr. Fleming and VGXPO have nothing to do with one another is like saying Bush has nothing to do with Iraq.

-RS

[intvsama]

No it isn't.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/America's_VideoGame_Expo

Yes it is.

[MonoTekETeA]

America's Video Game Expo my bootie. Lol, forget VGExpo, from every body I talk to, I hear about trashy this place is. I like to improve conventions, but in order to improve conventions, you need to have a good foundation. Last time I checked, Bill Cosby's Jell-O doesn't make a good foundation, which is what replicates Ed professionalism on all fronts.

[stonic]

As for promoting VGXpo, regardless of his reported behavior: how many people who hadn't heard of VGXpo now know about it because they read P-A? I'd say that's a pretty good job done promoting, despite the negative publicity he's receiving for his actions as an individual.

Mel Gibson did a "good job" of promoting himself as well... and look what it did for his career. :cheers:



I don't care if he's the biggest jerk on the planet, what does that have to do with a videogame expo?

You'd be supporting the "big jerk" by going to his show. If you don't have a problem with that, then by all means go. I'll use another famous actor as an example- Tom Cruise. He did such a good job at self promotion that Paramount dropped him, and he's one of the most bank-able actors in the biz. You see this happen all the time in the entertainment world - some model gets caught doing drugs or an athlete is busted for cheating, sponsors can't drop them fast enough.



That being said, I don't know the history behind Ed Fleming and the VGXpo. It sounds like many of you have bad blood towards the event. Other than someone acting like an ass when they were drunk (oh, and I'm sure NONE of us has ever done that...) what's the real story here? Point me to some threads if you don't feel like typing.

Have fun:
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67384
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56401
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=90949
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=97299

As I said in another thread, the fact that Fleming has said nothing publicly and has been busy erasing people's comments about it does nothing but reinforce the fact that it happened just as P-A reported. Otherwise he would have posted a rebuttal on his site last night.

And I can say that I've never acted like a drunken fool. Then again, I don't need alcohol to do that :monkey:


PS: Here's some more interesting reading:
http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=34142

[mezrabad]

As I said in another thread, the fact that Fleming has said nothing publicly and has been busy erasing people's comments about it does nothing but reinforce the fact that it happened just as P-A reported. Otherwise he would have posted a rebuttal on his site last night.

If he had posted his version of events (if his version differed any) then I think many people would just accuse him of perpetrating a different sort of damage control.

Regarding Mr. Ed: I'm sure there's a line somewhere which, if crossed, I might say, "well, fuck him and his crapxpo", but from the incident at PAX as described by Gabe, I wouldn't consider that undefined line crossed. If he starts eating babies, electrocuting puppies or systematically eliminating certain ethnic groups, I'm sure I'll hear about it here and will reconsider my stance.

Thanks for the links, I'm looking forward to reading about all the other the atrocities against humanity this guy must've committed.

Here in Texas, I'm feeling pretty damn far away from most videogame expos. The last one I hit in TX was VGXpo in Dallas in 2005, which my son and I enjoyed. Even though it wasn't nearly as good as OVGE 2006 or CGE 2007, it was quite a bit closer. If the success of an expo (even one promoted by an alleged jerk) presents a remote possibility of a recurring expo in Texas, even a mediocre expo, then I'd like it to succeed. After travel and lodging costs for CGE, I can't afford to hit another expo any further away than OK for the next few years.

[Sothy]

Ya I can kinda see what mezrabad is talking about. I like to drink and be an asshole. And did a bit of both at CGE.

I did not however Drunkenly try to bang Joes wife, call him an asshole and say the expo sucked and then give out business card for Sothy Squad Convention "which would fucking pwn by the way" but you know whatever.

[ubikuberalles]

But what's up with that ninja-like guy or, whatever he is, hitting the guy playing the arcade machine near the end of the video? The guy on the machine turns around and gives the biggest look of, "WTF?" I've ever seen ;)

I figured he was a Monty Python Knight who says Ni! and he tried to cut down the mightiest gamer in the arcade with...A HERRING!

[Kid Ice]

Thanks for the links, I'm looking forward to reading about all the other the atrocities against humanity this guy must've committed.

He banned DP from his show, so that explains why we don't like him. It's really pretty simple.

[Vectorman0]

The wikipedia entry for VGXPO still comes up for me.

It doesn't show up for me. The deletion log says this:

18:04, 30 August 2007 TexasAndroid (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:TexasAndroid) (Talk (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:TexasAndroid) | contribs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/TexasAndroid)) deleted "America's VideoGame Expo (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=America%27s_VideoGame_Expo&action=edit)" ‎ (CSD G11 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WP:CSD#G11): Blatant Advertising (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WP:SPAM))I'm guessing since it was deleted recently, maybe certain people can still see it. (maybe those who do some wikipedia editing?)

[rolenta]

I was able to read it yesterday. Now it's gone.

[PapaStu]

I can read the Wiki article just fine right now (8/31/07 930 am PST) and i'm no Wiki editor or anything of that nature.

[intvsama]

I can read the Wiki article just fine right now (8/31/07 930 am PST) and i'm no Wiki editor or anything of that nature.

Try deleting your cache and reloading, it's definitely gone. If you can still view it, try to undo and older edit, maybe it will bring the article back online.

[digitalpress]

I don't care if he's the biggest jerk on the planet, what does that have to do with a videogame expo? I mean do people go to CGE because the organizers niether drink excessively nor have an appreciation for attractive women?

For the record, at least one of the CGE organizers drinks excessively and has an appreciation for attractive women.

*raises hand*

Maybe he's just trying to take a page from my book. I never shared my secret with him though: be a lovable drunk who is irresistable to the ladies :)

[Lady Jaye]

...because you know, us the DP girls are secretly part of Joe's harem. Just don't tell Liz. :P

[rolenta]

For the record, at least one of the CGE organizers drinks excessively and has an appreciation for attractive women.

Well Joe, if you're one, then I guess at least two of the CGE organizers drink excessively and have an appreciation for attractive women :)

[intvsama]

Well Joe, if you're one, then I guess at least two of the CGE organizers drink excessively and have an appreciation for attractive women :)

I think that's a prerequisite for running a video game convention. 8*) *wink wink drink drink*

[Ed-Fleming]

The PAX story is a significant embellishment of what really happened... I am not going to go into details, but I was at PAX and, for the most part, had a fantastic time at the show.

For the record:

- The story on the PA site is contrived.

- I never talked shit about PAX, its was a great show. First and foremost, like you, I am a gamer, so attending shows like PAX and CGE are fun for me. With regard to CGE - I never had the chance to say, your show rocked! I look forward to your next event.

- I am a journalist (I write a few articles each year and have written since I was in high school - for about 15 year), and was invited by the PAX PR team to attend as a member of the media. Sure, at the show I was also talking up VGXPO, but I also had meetings with media reps from a few companies. I often joke about wearing two hats - one as a member of the press and the other as an evangelist for VGXPO - that's why I am bald :) --- It's crazy for them to say I was at their show spying. I talked with Jeff and Robert at the show. In addition, staff from PAX were at VGXPO last year.

- When I see a pretty girl sometimes I'll flirt with her. I was flirting with Amber, but she wasn't happy with that. However, in hindsight, it was 2:30 in the morning and Amber probably was up all day and it was the last thing she wanted to hear. My behavior wasn't out of control and I was just trying to make these people laugh, they were all very serious and very tiered. Also for the record, Sue (my wife) is aware of what happened and she knows that I am flirtatious.

- On Saturday night, around midnight (not the morning before), I saw Amber and wanted to apologize to her for being forward with her the night before. I could see that she was tiered and wasn't in a chipper mood - we talked for a few minutes and then asked me to leave the convention. I was a little flabbergasted at first, but my friend and I left.

- Last, I've asked PA to take the post off of the site, but they wont. In emails back and forth, they recently sent me, and my staff, emails saying I was also smoking pot at the show and was high. It's just a bunch of craziness.

I am pissed off, and it is a bunch of BS. I've talked to a lot of people to gage how I should react. Right now, I'm taking the advice to not do anything, just focus on making VGXPO bigger and better. And that's what I'm going to do.

So, for the moment, I am not going to be posting on the forums. If you want to get in contact with me, feel free to email.

- Ed Fleming

[Apollo]

Give the guy a break.

[Pantechnicon]

{Bold emphasis added by me, your friendly and helpful forum grammar cop.}




- I am a journalist (I write a few articles each year and have written since I was in high school - for about 15 year)...

...I could see that she was tiered and wasn't in a chipper mood...

...I've talked to a lot of people to gage how I should react.

- Ed Fleming

Perhaps if you're not too tired, you can grab a dictionary so as to better gauge your relative abilities as a self-purported professional writer.

Hunter S. Thompson probably drank a lot more than you do over a period of more than 15 years and never seemed to have trouble finding the spell checker.

Carry on.

[Apollo]

{Bold emphasis added by me, your friendly and helpful forum grammar cop.}



Perhaps if you're not too tired, you can grab a dictionary so as to better gauge your relative abilities as a self-purported professional writer.

Hunter S. Thompson probably drank a lot more than you do over a period of more than 15 years and never seemed to have trouble finding the spell checker.

Carry on.

Pantechnicon, when you decide to pick apart someone's grammar on the internet, your getting pretty pathetic.

For fucks sake. For all the people who blame Ed of not being able to forgive people since the whole DP-banning tirade are being pretty hippocritical right now. Lets leave this all behind us, as it's getting no one anywhere by acting childish. How many of you have never done something you regret? How many of you are perfect?

Answer: None of us.

Simply put, grow the fuck up.

[PoorSpinJobEd]

This is my first exposure to the abortion-in-progress that is "VGXPO". While some cock-jockey like Ed Phlegming is at the helm, I'll not be attending. Not until the cock-jockery ends.

I'd like to paste a snippet from a post in a thread over at PA titled "So, Ed Fleming is pretty much a douchebag"


What really hacks me off about this whole VGXPO thing is how easy it would have been for Ed Fleming to make friends with the PA Community instead of making himself look like an asshat.

...

Hell, imagine the difference in attendance at his con if instead of a story about what a jerk he is, Gabe had posted a note telling everyone on the East Coast about the opportunity to meet this nice guy Ed Fleming at his gaming con.

Sheesh, why did the guy have to act so dishonestly?* - i emboldened a part I really want to sink in with you, Ed. Gabe and Tycho love gamers, they love their audience. I'd be damn surprised if they weren't open to the idea of sharing some of their awesomeness with you to improve things at your convention for East coast gamers. Well, before the drunken spectacle, that is.

That shamefully inept attempt to spin this story is... laughable. You didn't even bother to deny the drunk aspect of this sordid tale.

Heh, you're like the Larry Craig of the video game industry.

We're all just waiting for you to resign. :bareass:

[Pantechnicon]

Pantechnicon, when you decide to pick apart someone's grammar on the internet, your getting pretty pathetic.

No one is above the occasional typographical or spelling error. For instance, there are six of them in your last response. If, however, you're going to write a post in the midst of a public credibility crisis wherein you declare yourself to be - of all things - a journalist, then it probably doesn't hurt to double-check the spelling before you click the "Submit" button.

I'll leave now. Please, carry on.

[PoorSpinJobEd]

For the record:

- The story on the PA site is contrived.

- Ed Fleming

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=contrived


con·trive /kənˈtraɪv/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[kuhn-trahyv] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, -trived, -triv·ing.
–verb (used with object)
1. to plan with ingenuity; devise; invent: The author contrived a clever plot.
2. to bring about or effect by a plan, scheme, or the like; manage: He contrived to gain their votes.
3. to plot (evil, treachery, etc.).
–verb (used without object)
4. to form designs; plan.
5. to plot.

Please elaborate on your first comment there.

Specifically, how did PA plan for you to show up to PAX drunk and act like a total boob?

[RCM]

There's a news item about this on Kotaku that's essentially regurgitating the PA post.

If I were Ed and really didn't do anything wrong (as he claims) I'd issue a release, do the rounds in the press, and perhaps sue PA for defamation.

[portnoyd]

Nothing will change the fact that Ed acted like a total boob and he's not even denying it. He set himself up by being drunk in public and hitting on a event staffer. End of story.

What did he expect? PA to sweep it under the carpet?

LAUGHING ON-LINE Ed Fleming LAUGHING ON-LINE

[Sniderman]

Give the guy a break....

For fucks sake.... Lets leave this all behind us, as it's getting no one anywhere by acting childish....

Simply put, grow the fuck up.

And yet, earlier in this same thread, posted on Wednesday...


Oh.My.God.

Words can not begin to describe the level of humor present...

"Excuse me, but you do realize that your drinking Root Beer, Mr. Fleming? Your not actually drunk."

"Shh! It's my cover! The chicks love this!"

Careful you don't break something falling off your high horse there. Apparently, 48 hours is the time limit on how long things are funny.

[Apollo]

And yet, earlier in this same thread, posted on Wednesday...

Careful you don't break something falling off your high horse there. Apparently, 48 hours is the time limit on how long things are funny.

I'll admit, when I posted those, I didn't know the full story, and hadn't checked some older threads.

I first found the story funny, I'll admit. But when I saw how viscously he was being, for lack of a better word, attacked, I felt sorry for him. I think we all need to take a step back, and think about what has happened. Hear me out for a sec...

Think about the concept of Karma. Bad things happen to bad people, good things happen to good people, etc;

While there definitely was some poor decision making on VGXPO's behalf (whether or not it was by Ed or a different member of the team), I like to believe that he received his punishment by the gaming community as a whole finding out about what happened at PAX, whether it was true or slightly embellished or not.

However, I feel that the actions that are currently taking place by DP members are overly harsh, and should put bad blood aside and try to either be somewhat supportive of someone in the gaming community who tries to organize a con. If not, then just be quiet and try to be respectful. I hate to use this phrase, but be the better man. People make mistakes. After seeing some of the posts made about this topic, it makes me think quite differently about some of the people on this forum.


Just my 2 cents.



And now, I'm just going to enjoy the show.
:popcorn:

[mezrabad]

stonic: your Mel Gibson picture made me laugh tears into my eyes. After reading what I've read of some of the threads you posted, I can also understand why you'd be hacked off at this guy. I vaguely remember DP having been banned from some expo, but I hadn't remembered who had been responsible for it.

I guess, while I don't see Mr. Ed as evil, I can see where you're coming from. I'm the last person who can blame you for holding a grudge, as I'm very guilty of that myself, often. I suck at forgiving people (though it would be much better for me if I learned how to, as it is no good for my blood pressure).

I can also understand (now seeing his actions within a larger context) how his behavior as described at PAX would be immediate "laughing stock" as cartoon people used to say.

pantech: six? dang, I could only count three. I...am...inferior... :( ( ;) )

sothy: I'd be first in line for a Sothy Squad Convention! First in line, hell, I'd pre-order! I'd even bring my wife so people could drunkenly hit on her and she could ask them to turn over their badges.

kid ice: you're right. That was the bit I was missing.

DP: actually, the only thing that could probably make me ever be energetic and brave enough to organize a gaming expo would be some assurance of there being attractive women somewhere in the mix. (yes, I'm married, too, but it's a ring, not a blindfold. :) )

It's a bummer about the whole previously-DP-banned thing. My first expo was Philly Classic 2002 (I was there with my four year old boy and my three month old girl) and that show helped me discover DP, and this community helped to encourage me to become pretty obsessed with old console games. PC 2002 literally changed my life, not to mention the amount of storage space I need for all my crap, but that's another story.

I'm not saying everyone should go kum-by-yah and group hug 'ol Mr. Ed, but as far as there being video gaming expos, shouldn't our attitude be "the more the merrier?" I mean, there might be people out there who haven't heard of DP and who haven't thought about their Ataris, Intellivisions or Odyssey^2s for years who stumble upon information about VGXpo, attend and are reminded how much fun they had playing those old games. There's no substitute for going to an expo and seeing a wall of old arcade machines on freeplay (yeah, something Dallas VGXpo 2005 sorely lacked, but I digress) as that was pretty much a videogamer's wet-dream in 1982.

I want VGXpo to do well (as do some of you, as some are calling for Ed's resignation and aren't really trying to kill the event per se.) I want any gaming expo to do well. So, even if Mr. Ed is guilty of everything said about PAX and previously (and I don't see reason to believe otherwise) I wouldn't let it keep me away from VGXpo (were I living in the Phila area and hadn't just shot my gaming expense wad for the next half-decade at CGE).

ubik: I really need to rent MP and the Holy Grail. I can no longer quote the holy hand grenade benediction and it's really bugging me. :)

[Kid Ice]

However, I feel that the actions that are currently taking place by DP members are overly harsh, and should put bad blood aside and try to either be somewhat supportive of someone in the gaming community who tries to organize a con. If not, then just be quiet and try to be respectful. I hate to use this phrase, but be the better man. People make mistakes. After seeing some of the posts made about this topic, it makes me think quite differently about some of the people on this forum.

I was sort of with you until we got here. First of all I don't know what "actions" are taking place. He could simply stop posting here and we would just forget about him and that would be the end of it. I don't see anyone here going out of their way to give him a hard time, or doing something "vicious". In fact if this happened to someone we LIKED I don't imagine the posts would be all that much different. To me "vicious" is slashing his tires, threatening his life, sabotaging his expo, etc. At worst what's happening in this thread is childish (kinda like playing videogames).

Secondly, your advice to "put bad blood aside" and "be the better men" is uninformed, and really pretty arrogant. You already acknowledged you "didn't know the whole story", and it's pretty clear to me you don't know the whole story.

Since you chose to mention what you think of some of the people on this forum, allow me to inform you that I think you spend an awful lot of time correcting others for someone who has only been around a couple months. And I'm one of the ones who likes you.

[J2games]

this topic has gotten quite a bit of heated discussion on our boards as well, almost feud like!

http://j2games.com/new/forum/index.php?topic=317.0

odd this MW guy is...

[Cyan]

I think what's getting confused here is the difference between "evil" and "stupid." Adolf Hitler was evil. Nobody's claiming that Ed is "evil", they all just think that he's stupid.

I don't know about you guys, but what makes this whole thing so incredibly funny is the fact that, you know, if you're promoting your event at another event.. say, the second-largest video game event in the *world*, don't you think you'd be on your best behaviour? In particular, don't you think that you'd follow a few basic common sense rules, say, the same sort of rules that you impose at your own convention, particularly about being intoxicated while on the premises?

But if it was just about intoxication, that wouldn't be such a big deal, right? I mean, that's stupid enough in its own right, but hey, there's a ton of drinking that goes on at PAX, so who cares, right? No, it goes further. He then slams PAX *while he's there promoting his own event* and then boldy declares something along the lines of, "this is where it's at, baby."

But that's okay, right? I mean, he was drunk, right? So, that's okay, right? Well, it goes even further! He then begins hitting on the girl running the whole event, while intoxicated! But that's okay, right? I mean, all us guys like talking to a pretty woman, right? Right?

So, while there's nothing *wrong* with Ed's actions, they sure are stupid.

Now, what makes this even more retarded is that Ed should've been doing the exact *opposite* of what he was doing! I don't know about you guys, but if I'm promoting my event at another, I'm going to treat that place like a church in the fucking Vatican. There's no way I'd be having drinks, because I'd be too busy out and about gladhanding everyone and promoting my event. I'd want to be as sharp as possible and look my absolute best to anyone I was talking to. I'd be treating everyone, *especially* the event manager, with the greatest amount of respect.

Some people think that Ed's sneaking around and promoting his event in the exhibitors hall was wrong. I think that, had he managed to pull in at least one exhibitor to his event, it would've been a brilliant idea. But in light of what happened, it just adds more fuel to the stupidity fire.

Last, but not least, I am really sick of hearing about how we haven't "heard Ed's side." Fortunately, he's posted here and put that bit to rest. He says that Gabe's story is materially different than how it really went down. I disagree.

Why do I disagree? Because, when it comes down to it, this is a "he said, she said" sort of thing. If it were just "Ed vs. Amber" involving a discussion in her office, then I'd believe that there's perhaps more that isn't being said. But, it was "Ed vs. Amber plus countless PAX security." When there were that many Enforcers around who actually saw the event first hand, it's hard to believe that not one of them has come forward and said, "Hey, actually, that's not really how it happened."

To make matters worse for Ed, when you consider the amount of animosity which already existed towards VGXPO (between DP members, for example), it just sounds like Ed may not be the best businessman out there.

That's okay, fortunately for Ed, it's not a crime to be stupid.

-RS.

[captainspotlight]

Why do I disagree? Because, when it comes down to it, this is a "he said, she said" sort of thing. If it were just "Ed vs. Amber" involving a discussion in her office, then I'd believe that there's perhaps more that isn't being said. But, it was "Ed vs. Amber plus countless PAX security." When there were that many Enforcers around who actually saw the event first hand, it's hard to believe that not one of them has come forward and said, "Hey, actually, that's not really how it happened."



I will have you to know that those Enforcers that you give so much credit to happened to be a bunch of teenagers who were half asleep that evening!

I saw a lot of it. From what I saw it looked like Ed was just having a good time and just trying bring levity to those sleepy "enforcers". There were others around also, not just the Enforcers.

And where are those Enforcers? Why don't they come forward and tell the truth. He seemed like a nice enough guy from out of town.

You guys have got to cool it with Ed and give him some slack until you know what really happened. God, I wish I had a camcorder that night so you guys could see. Something seems to be going on with this story that is out. They made him out to be the stupid beast. He was no more intoxicated then a lot of the others. I just had to sign up and write what I saw because I am getting sick and tired of it.

[Vectorman0]

Why do I disagree? Because, when it comes down to it, this is a "he said, she said" sort of thing. If it were just "Ed vs. Amber" involving a discussion in her office, then I'd believe that there's perhaps more that isn't being said. But, it was "Ed vs. Amber plus countless PAX security." When there were that many Enforcers around who actually saw the event first hand, it's hard to believe that not one of them has come forward and said, "Hey, actually, that's not really how it happened."



I will have you to know that those Enforcers that you give so much credit to happened to be a bunch of teenagers who were half asleep that evening!

I saw a lot of it. From what I saw it looked like Ed was just having a good time and just trying bring levity to those sleepy "enforcers". There were others around also, not just the Enforcers.

And where are those Enforcers? Why don't they come forward and tell the truth. He seemed like a nice enough guy from out of town.

You guys have got to cool it with Ed and give him some slack until you know what really happened. God, I wish I had a camcorder that night so you guys could see. Something seems to be going on with this story that is out. They made him out to be the stupid beast. He was no more intoxicated then a lot of the others. I just had to sign up and write what I saw because I am getting sick and tired of it.

Have you been drinking again, Ed?

I ask because making an alternate account, posing as someone else, and proceeding to make up some story is probably not in your best interests at this point.

[ubikuberalles]

captainspotlight? More like captainobvious!

I did an IP search and guess what? captainspotlight and Ed-Fleming's IP match!

Thank you Ed for creating the most pathetic and lame post I've seen in weeks.

Thank you! Thank you very much!

[Cyan]

I did an IP search and guess what? captainspotlight and Ed-Fleming's IP match!

Are you serious? My god.


I will have you to know that those Enforcers that you give so much credit to happened to be a bunch of teenagers who were half asleep that evening!

You're right. It's a shame that those volunteers worked so hard that they were bloody tired at the end of it all, isn't it?

But, they're still witnesses. It's called a "balance of probabilities." Since there's more of them recounting the story one way as opposed to your way, guess which story has more credit? (Not withstanding that your story, so far, seems to be "it didn't happen that way.")

Dude. If the IP thing is true, stop now. You're really, really starting to not look good, here :)

-RS.

[Kid Ice]

I will have you to know that those Enforcers that you give so much credit to happened to be a bunch of teenagers who were half asleep that evening!

I saw a lot of it. From what I saw it looked like Ed was just having a good time and just trying bring levity to those sleepy "enforcers". There were others around also, not just the Enforcers.

And where are those Enforcers? Why don't they come forward and tell the truth. He seemed like a nice enough guy from out of town.

You guys have got to cool it with Ed and give him some slack until you know what really happened. God, I wish I had a camcorder that night so you guys could see. Something seems to be going on with this story that is out. They made him out to be the stupid beast. He was no more intoxicated then a lot of the others. I just had to sign up and write what I saw because I am getting sick and tired of it.

Did you really think we wouldn't be able to match the IP?

Although I'm sure you will spin this as a "joke" later.

If you are going to provide as much entertainment at your expo as you have been on the web this week, I'm going!

[Apollo]

Holy shit, Ed Fleming. You are pathetic. Before, I tried to be fair enough to give you a second chance and redeem yourself, at least in my eyes. But then you go and make an alt account and do this. Words to describe this level of both stupidity and lack of shame simply escape me.

[I-Am-Not-EdFleming]

Hey guys.. someone who is not Ed Fleming here (really!) who wants to weigh in on what went down at PAX. I was right there and saw it all happen.

What really happened is this. Ed had just come back winning every after hours PAX tournament when he spotted this Amber chick who was clearly on her period. Ed kindly offered to fill her Enforcer role and everyone else's role as PAX Enforcer for the night so they could get a break - because you know Ed can do that, he runs The Greatest Gaming Show Ever... Ever, VGExpo, because that's where it's at. Such a task is easy for the virile Ed. He once inpregnated 30 women without pulling down his pants.

So Amber responds for him to fuck off because she knows PAX sucks and VGExpo is where it's at. Ed was not offended though, because he knows VGExpo is where it's at. Ed, being the great, great man he is, offers to buy Amber dinner and a movie to make her feel better and then he can offer her pleasure like no woman before her has ever felt.

This causes Amber to smash Ed's nuts with a Guitar Hero guitar which doesn't phase Ed, because his balls are made out of the remains of Nolan Bushnell's personal Atari 2600. This is because Ed is a great man, for he runs VGExpo, the only gaming convention to boast an attendance record greater than the entire population of Japan.

Ed, feeling her pain, buys everyone who is still there several rounds of drinks, which makes them hate him even more, because it reinforces just how bad PAX is in comparison to the Gaming Tour De Force which is VGExpo. Ed, realizing that he has to go across the street and cure cancer, because he can, gives up on the hopeless Enforcers and retires for the night, dreaming of whatever good things he can do for the world.

The next day, he arrives at PAX and finds that Tycho and Gabe, fresh from their morning Satanic ritual, are there with Amber and want to remove him from the show. How can this be? Who would want to remove Ed Fleming, a great and honorable man who is fair to all those who want to bask in the glory of VGExpo, The Greatest Gaming Convention Ever... Ever.

So they take his badge and are quickly singed for touching such a holy object. Ed then turns to them and apologizes for the atrocities he knows he did not commit. When he does this, heaven itself opens up and lifts Ed back to PA on a pillow on angels, for even heaven knows that VGExpo, with its near infinite attendance record, is better than PAX or anything else in this universe.

This is all true and this is all how it happened. And I am most definitely NOT Ed Fleming.