A political organization for Gamers?

RoboBlue

http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200701/N07.0122.1743.28632.htm
This article talks about the ECA, a political organization designed to protect against political attacks by Jack Thompson and the like. I thinkit would be great to have an advocate against censorship, and joining offers benefits, such as access to resources that would aid in getting a job in the industry, potential discounts on games, and even possible health insurance. There are currently over 200 members, and I'm thinking of joining. What do you guys think?

Edit: here's a list of the current benefits: http://www.theeca.com/membership_benefits.htm

GearSecond

Aside from the PS3, the second link is kinda spread out, I don't know what I'd do with all those discounts for random places.

I like the idea of someone fighting, but can't we gamers just be left in peace for once? Basically, all I want is for non gamers to shut up, get a clue and don't be ignorant, and if they want to try games don't bug gamers in an annoying way to "teach them how to play games".

Then I will be happy. Let them fend off idiots like Jack Thompson, so I can go play the games I want to play.

AWB

Join our political organization and get free stuff! Meet Senator Atari and Senator Colecovision!

I don't see why we need this. Last time I checked, George W. Bush himself was told America to lay off video games. And if some mother sues Nintendo claiming the evil spirits of Super Mario Bros. possessed her child to jump on peoples' heads, then let the case fail in court.

People will always look to blame anything other than themselves for problems. This single organization, which is only covering one tiny piece of the pie (what about those who blame anime, porn, daytime TV, digital cable, etc?) won't convince people to take responsibility and blame themselves when needed to.

RoboBlue

People may never willingly blame themselves, but this will hopefully deter some of them from making outrageous legal claims. Unfortunately, a lot of outragous legal claims are successful. Just look at some of the asbestos Class Action suits; many of the people listed as victims had no injuries whatsoever, but because there were at least a few asbestos victims, a court would rule in their favor. Shady legal practices like this go on every day, and I think that there should be someone to enforce the rule that "you don't have to blame yourself, but you can't blame us if we didn't do it."

Cap'n Carter

I'm kind of tired of the whole POLITCAL GAMER thing

like playing video games makes you some poor oppressed ethnic group

RoboBlue

Old people aren't really opressed and they have a political group, why shouldn't gamers? o.o

AWB

Because gamers aren't an age group, just people who share a common interest. A common interest.

If we give gamers a political group, then we'll have to give stamp collectors a political group too.

GearSecond

Yeah what's next? "I'm suing because his stamp collecitng means there are many stamps out there with designs I like I can no longer get because people like him horde stamps, raising costs and not letting me have free choice of stamp design!"

I want to game in peace people. I've long given up manners and when those ignorant dumbtards decide to say sometihng or make a dumb comment I sit there annoyed and tell them to shut up.

I am sick of those people who just don't understand. They freak out and go "umm..sometihng must be wrong with it, because I don't like it" and they just don't like it, so as soon as you give them a good reason they make excuses to not like it. "Uhhh…I uhhh...I don't like it, jsut I don't ok? And I don't just not like tihngs without a good reason do there must be a problem!"

You've got to be kidding me people!

If anyone makes a dumb comment tell them they are wrong, if they say "but the news said the latest study says all games make people more violent, especially children..." tell them they want ratings and exaggerate a bit, they want you to think whatever they say is true.

Can people just shut up and leave people alone?

The only thing I don't like is the US going after people sending death threats to jack thompson, that guys gotta go sometime, he doesn't look like he has much longer, lets hope people shut up when he stops telling the media there is a problem.

Better yet, just let gamers rate games and let us handle the stuff we play. We play it, we deserve to get our word in. But what's that? We're all irresponsible violent people who are a weight on society and give kids bad impressions that make them violent too? Yeah, that thought is exactyl WHY these people shouldn't be deciding what we do how we do it or what is appropriate.

Janken Jack

You sound like a libertarian, GearSecond. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

I'm too apathetic to give a damn about politics. It's just bound to piss people off like it's doing to some right now.

Cr4zy

It's the anti Jack Thompson guys!

Taleran

I'd probably only ever get invloved if the other side did something really drastic,

GearSecond

@Mr.Prince:

It's the anti Jack Thompson guys!

Darn right it is!

COWMAKAZE

I'd just like to take a moment to state that the word "Gamer" is one of those words that makes me want to rip out my ears. I like books; does that make me a "Booker"? How about a "Reader"? I don't see why liking video games makes you part of this elite squadron of "gamers". It just seems like one of those words used by people that smell their own asses every time they take a crap.

That said, in my opinion this organization is doing more bad in the long run than it is good. Throughout history, every form of media developed has been singled out as a form of brainwashing that is warping the youth of today and killing our society; forget the standards of rock music and video games, books and moving pictures were originally labelled as means of warping the masses. The only way to really take the heat off video games is to show that they are just like every other form of media: a legitimate way of conveying a series of ideas. By saying "we like video games and that gives us certain political standings and views" we're putting a big old Bullseye on video games, showing that they are different and not like every other form of media, and "perhaps this organization only thinks this way because video games have forced them to think so". Like every other form of media, this censorship hype will eventually calm down; like every form of media, video games will most likely be a commonplace way of exchanging ideas; like every other form of media, it's going to be a hell of a bumpy ride.

Because of that opinion, I'm going to have to almost agree with Taleran, but not quite. I am not going to take any action until something drastic happens, as I doubt it will. But, if and when something does happen, any action I take will not be with something as flawed as a politcal organization for video game lovers.

GearSecond

Oh yeah have you ever seen people trying to video tape some way behind on the times country and the people shout(probably in their own language) IT'S A BOX TO STEAL OUR SOULS!!!!! Well, I haven't either, but I've seen the paradies of it.

Anyways, the term Gamer has been used for years. I'm a gamer and ther'es snothing wrong with it. Just because you read books doesn't make you anything specifically but I'd rather be labeled a Gamer, rather than "that guy, he plays video games on a video game playing system" everytime someone wants to describe me.

If you notice, it's the people that are anti-video games that don't use the term Gamer. It's the gamers that call themeselves gamers, and before ayone says it, noone plays boardgames anymore or otherforms of "game' entertainment really, so gaming is now a word for video gaming. Noonew wants to play Risk when they can play Halo 2 and make realistic things each controlled like a real person bleed.

Taleran

how would you possibly know that noone plays board games / not video games anymore because you'd be entirly mistaken.

RoboBlue

@COWMAKAZE:

I'd just like to take a moment to state that the word "Gamer" is one of those words that makes me want to rip out my ears. I like books; does that make me a "Booker"? How about a "Reader"? I don't see why liking video games makes you part of this elite squadron of "gamers". It just seems like one of those words used by people that smell their own asses every time they take a crap.

That said, in my opinion this organization is doing more bad in the long run than it is good. Throughout history, every form of media developed has been singled out as a form of brainwashing that is warping the youth of today and killing our society; forget the standards of rock music and video games, books and moving pictures were originally labelled as means of warping the masses. The only way to really take the heat off video games is to show that they are just like every other form of media: a legitimate way of conveying a series of ideas. By saying "we like video games and that gives us certain political standings and views" we're putting a big old Bullseye on video games, showing that they are different and not like every other form of media, and "perhaps this organization only thinks this way because video games have forced them to think so". Like every other form of media, this censorship hype will eventually calm down; like every form of media, video games will most likely be a commonplace way of exchanging ideas; like every other form of media, it's going to be a hell of a bumpy ride.

Because of that opinion, I'm going to have to almost agree with Taleran, but not quite. I am not going to take any action until something drastic happens, as I doubt it will. But, if and when something does happen, any action I take will not be with something as flawed as a politcal organization for video game lovers.

I respect your well thought-out post, but I have to disagree. Just because you're a member of a political organization does not mean that you have to follow each and every belief that is associated with that group. As far as video games being different from any other medium, in my opinion, they are. No other medium allows for the depth of user interaction as can be found in video games, one of the reasons that they have recieved so much negative press in the last twenty years. It should also be noted that because this is an organization meant to serve consumers, it could conceivably press for greater industry responsibility on issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Taleran

@RoboBlue:

I respect your well thought-out post, but I have to disagree. Just because you're a member of a political organization does not mean that you have to follow each and every belief that is associated with that group.

As far as video games being different from any other medium, in my opinion, they are. No other medium allows for the depth of user interaction as can be found in video games, one of the reasons that they have recieved so much negative press in the last twenty years.

It should also be noted that because this is an organization meant to serve consumers, it could conceivably press for greater industry responsibility on issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

I'm breaking up the quote to make this easy

1. Why be in a group if you don't fully believe in all of thats groups beliefs, it'd be nothing but idiotic otherwise, with the obviously exception of your life being at stake.

2. Have you never been to a Rock show?

3. uhhhh the Movie industry is meant to serve the customers aswell…..

The other thing to note is if you hardcore gamers would just leave Thompson and these others alone for about a month then they'll fade into obsucirty neway, and besides any sane judge who Thompson has tried to go to court with the stuff has kicked his ass and thrown him to the curb neway, by forming this people are showing that the other sides opinions are valid enough to deserve an organization to stand against it.

EDIT: I just read this page http://www.theeca.com/video_game_regulations.htm

and WTF are these people on…..

it must not be common knowledge to them that CD's and Movies already contain warning labels and retailers are supposed to inforce those aswell.

then there are these 2

Children and Media Research Advancement Act (CAMRA): S 1902 and HR 4124

SUMMARY: Introduced by Sen. Lieberman (D-CT) and Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA), this legislation orders a federal study on the effects of electronic media on minors.
STATUS: The Senate version was passed in committee, while the House companion is still in committee, status pending.
WHY THE ECA OPPOSES THIS BILL: Although this bill does not impose restrictions, it is clearly aimed at paving the way for future anti-gaming restrictions.
Software Accuracy and Fraud Evaluation Rating Act (SAFE Rating Act): HR 1145

SUMMARY: Sponsored by Rep. Joe Baca (D-CA), this legislation requires a study of video game rating systems to determine if those systems are "unfair or deceptive."
STATUS: Referred to Committee on Energy & Commerce, status pending.
WHY THE ECA OPPOSES THIS BILL: Similar to CAMRA, this bill is preparatory to future anti-gaming legislation.

so the potential risk of laws is scaring them away, have they ever thought that these studies could help their side of the argument aswell?

and also WTF at a random polictial group charging 20 bucks a year to even allow people to join…

Cap'n Carter

we must band together to end the ethic purges of people who play video games

COWMAKAZE

@GearSecond:

If you notice, it's the people that are anti-video games that don't use the term Gamer. It's the gamers that call themeselves gamers, and before ayone says it, noone plays boardgames anymore or otherforms of "game' entertainment really, so gaming is now a word for video gaming. Noonew wants to play Risk when they can play Halo 2 and make realistic things each controlled like a real person bleed.

Woo, generalizations. I, for one, love video games, and I refuse to use that word. Also, who's to say that nobody plays board games anymore? When did "noone" become shorthand for "I"? There are some board games that will always remain better than any videogame in their own way for all of time, games like Chess, Checkers, or Monopoly and Risk. You can have a good time with a videogame, but not the same brand of fun. Better technology does not equal more fun.

And Taleran, those studies that they oppose are rather revealing. Sounds like a used car dealer that won't let anyone look under the hood; these guys are a little too nervous, methinks.

GearSecond

a loong time ago.

THe age of boards games is gone.

You should be ashamed! Beg for the gaming god's forgiveness!

We don't need a group, I JUST WANT TO GAME IN PEACE AND TALK WITH OTHER GAMERS AND IF THAT'S TOO MUCH TOO ASK!!!! then shut up and go away, uhh..like, now. AND GET OFF MY INTERNETZ!!!1!!!!1!!111!1

Taleran

I seriously doubt that any of this gaming legislation is actually affecting you and you can talk with people about it everywhere

so your bitching is pointless and stupid.

and what ever you may say or try and convince yourself of Chess and Risk will never be gone, never.

gaara d. lucci

Games are teh devilsz. Gamers r teh suxxor.

I got a game we can play, It's called "Drink the stuff under the kitchen sink." You guys go first

RoboBlue

How is the movie industry meant to serve customers? From shitty sequels to overpriced repeat special editions, I think that the majority of the industry is out to make a cheap buck at the consumer's expense, and unfortunately a lot of the game industry is the same.

Bounty1Berry

@Pass:

Because gamers aren't an age group, just people who share a common interest. A common interest.

If we give gamers a political group, then we'll have to give stamp collectors a political group too.

It wouldn't surprise me if they have a lobby.

The coin collectors definitely have a fair amount of political influence, because there's a lot of legislation associated with coins, especially commemorative coins, and cos they're primarily 92 years old, prime voting demographic.

so the potential risk of laws is scaring them away, have they ever thought that these studies could help their side of the argument aswell?

Well, part of the problem is that they're coming from loaded sources. If you know Senator X doesn't really like product Y, is it likely he'd want to encourage research if he figured the odds were that it might make Y look good?

I'd love to string up all the "Won't somebody think of the children?!" people and slap them and say "Yes. You!"

It is not the job of the state to raise our children. Obviously it isn't. We don't give them the necessary authority to prevent child abuse, provide adequate nutrition, sex ed, schooling, or health care. So why does it become their job when it turns to keeping the evils of GTA from little Timmy?

taboo

1. Why be in a group if you don't fully believe in all of thats groups beliefs, it'd be nothing but idiotic otherwise, with the obviously exception of your life being at stake.

You know, it's quite easy to belong to a group and not believe every ideal. Why do you think they're so many branches of Christianity?

Taleran

@RoboBlue:

How is the movie industry meant to serve customers? From shitty sequels to overpriced repeat special editions, I think that the majority of the industry is out to make a cheap buck at the consumer's expense, and unfortunately a lot of the game industry is the same.

you just answered it for yourself right there.

captain usopp

ok, about board games, they're still around. My friends made a whole board game group at a local game store for people to meet and play board games with people.

anyways, All these people complaining about videogames, are naive, because the media likes to "play" with the truth, to make interesting stories, and not tell the whole story.

I had a conversation with my dad one day, who aperently was one of these anti gamers. I said to him" dad, the average age of a gamer, is 29 now a days. All the little boys that played games at my age, have grown up and are making games that they want to play now. I personally don't want to play violent games, but there are people out there who do. The movie industry makes porn, and violent movies, and that's ok. We just don't let little kids see those movies.

My dad replied "oh. well, they should have a rating system, so people don't buy these games for their kids." Me, "dad, they do have a rating system, unfortanetly it is not enforsed like it is for movies."

I told him about my friend who worked in a movie rental store. A dad came to rent a game for his kid. His kid wanted an M rated game. My friend said, that game is not for kids. The dad said my kid can rent any damn game he wants. Later that day, the dad comes back and tries to get mad at my friend for renting his kid a bad game.

My dad was amused by that story and got the point after that. I'd like to tell him, that last time I was in EB games, they now have bright pink stickers on M rated games that say "are you 17" Good step in the right direction. :)

Taleran

thats been happening for a while though I remember when my friend had to ask his older brother to buy him Perfect Dark because he wasn't old enough and they refused to sell it to him.

captain usopp

but they're making more of an effort all the time now, and more and more places are actually enforcing it. They have a ways to go, but they are improving.

Ubiq

I think that the most likely result of a political organization for gamers would be the following:

@The:

Los Angeles Times
Dateline May 20, 2008.

The first Entertainment Software Association National Convention ended with widespread discord and animosity today. The organizers had high hopes that the event would foster interest in the group and increase media exposure.

The discord apparently began when one of the delegates said "Sony sucks!" and escalated wildly after that point to the point where several delegates had to be ejected by security. Officials for neither the ESA nor the Los Angeles Convention Center were available for comment.