Support NeoGAF

[1-D_FTW]

Gerstmann responds to 1-on-1 cancellations.

http://blog.jeffgerstmann.net/post/52324436702/still-think-microsoft-canceling-things-is-no-big-deal

Good stuff. How did GB get on MS' shit list again? It must be a really low bar if exxy's innocent comments got them blacklisted.

 

[Pug]

I've read some shit on GAF over the years but some of the crap in this thread on a total non story is hilarious.

 

[Javier]

Guess this still fits.

 

[Stuart444]

It's because twitter has a switch that shows either "No Replies" or "All".

Click All to see his replies to people including the tweet that mentions the scheduling conflict.

 

[Dragon]

He's right though.

Maybe in and of itself it's not a big deal. But when put into perspective with all this other news I think it's pretty telling.

 

[Bgamer90]

I wouldn't look too much into this, unless of course there is absolutely no interviews with any Microsoft exec at all during E3. That's when we could classify it as a dodge. If I were running Microsoft, I would do the same thing.

Way too many people are saying way too many conflicting and confusing things. They need a clear, straightforward message. It's better they send one guy to do the major interviews, as opposed to having like 5 or more people saying different things.

Bingo.

 

[bassman2112]

He has not deleted the tweet - here is a direct link to the tweet for future reference:

https://twitter.com/majornelson/status/342727561459154944

 

[PhatSaqs]

Gerstmann responds to 1-on-1 cancellations.

http://blog.jeffgerstmann.net/post/52324436702/still-think-microsoft-canceling-things-is-no-big-deal

Lol.

 

[stktt]

Maybe he didn't get the memo. And then he got it.

This is crazy.

https://twitter.com/majornelson/with_replies

It's still there. By default, Twitter doesn't show replies.

 

[Officerrob]

It's because twitter has a switch that shows either "No Replies" or "All".

Click All to see his replies to people including the tweet that mentions the scheduling conflict.

Thanks, I suck at Twitter

 

[JABEE]

Good stuff. How did GB get on MS' shit list again? It must be a really low bar if exxy's innocent comments got them blacklisted.

http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/microsoft-digs-bigger-hole-over-used-games/1100-4647/

The person that was assigned to doing the interview.

The statement itself is a joke, too.

“Reports about our policies for trade in and resale are inaccurate and incomplete.”

Microsoft is the one who put its executives and representatives in front of the press earlier this week, and presented increasingly conflicted information. The problem has been getting anything remotely resembling a clear answer out of them. The press hasn’t mangled Microsoft’s message, it’s that Microsoft has very little to say, and wants to point the blame at someone else with the wave of a hand. It won't work.

Sorry, Microsoft. It’s your problem, not mine. Try a little honesty next time?

I don't even know if it's true that they were only picking certain outlets.

 

[L1NETT]

In an ideal world one would hope that they would rather clear everything up directly at the press conference, with one guy straight talking to everyone than 5 execs saying different things like last time.

Here is hoping though.

 

[Neuromancer]

Gerstman don't give a fuck

 

[Eusis]

He has not deleted the tweet - here is a direct link to the tweet for future reference:

https://twitter.com/majornelson/status/342727561459154944

Right, then I guess that was just a false alarm.

 

[Tamanon]

It's because twitter has a switch that shows either "No Replies" or "All".

Click All to see his replies to people including the tweet that mentions the scheduling conflict.

That's a silly default switch for Twitter, but yeah it's still there and he links to an article about the Roundtable being cancelled.

 

[chadskin]

Gerstmann responds to 1-on-1 cancellations.

http://blog.jeffgerstmann.net/post/52324436702/still-think-microsoft-canceling-things-is-no-big-deal

I do agree with him, things always change around at E3, that's nothing new. What's new this time is there's a) a brand new console launching this year and b) Microsoft is doing the very exact opposite of what's to be expected under those circumstances.

I believe they want to get a clear message out via a few selected media outlets, thus amplifying the impact. It still doesn't come across as very professional.

 

[SenjutsuSage]

Aaaaaaaaand here it is again.

What? Too reasonable sounding? I don't think it's a dodge until E3 actually comes and no Microsoft exec sits down and talks with anybody in the press. I like to judge something when it actually happens, not based on what people think might happen. If no Microsoft exec actually sits down and answers questions from the press at E3 in any capacity, or even at an acceptable level, then I will be right there criticizing them for it with everybody else, but until they actually dodge interviews like people suspect they are planning to, I'm taking a wait and see approach.

Make sense?

 

[PJV3]

Bingo.

How can there be more than one message?, and how can executives and pr people not know the right one.

They must be employing some dopey fuckers.

 

[1-D_FTW]

http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/microsoft-digs-bigger-hole-over-used-games/1100-4647/

The person that was assigned to doing the interview.

Yeah. That's neogaf's exxy. I just find it strange. It's not that bad. It's not like he's been pulling any Jim Sterlings.

 

[Feorax]

In an ideal world one would hope that they would rather clear everything up directly at the press conference, with one guy straight talking to everyone than 5 execs saying different things like last time.

Here is hoping though.

I don't see any way they would announce something like this at the conference itself.

 

[Fixed1979]

absolutely right.

Maybe I'm just cynical, but (while ignoring the childish bickering) it reads like "it's strange and concerning that they've cancelled 1-1 interviews, but I don't care there'll be other things to report on."

Maybe he's right, and he would know better than most what it's like as a "games reporter" going into E3. It just seem odd for anyone reporting on the games industry to shrug off the cancellation of what I believe to be standard interviews in the wake of such a large PR disaster.

 

[mephixto]

Good stuff. How did GB get on MS' shit list again? It must be a really low bar if exxy's innocent comments got them blacklisted.

I remember Patrick tweeting a lot about the lack of info MS was giving about their DRM plans and always online the. He also wrote an article about it.

 

[Marty Chinn]

All these cancellations with talking to the execs just make me think of a scene in a TV show or movie where they're practicing someone being put on the stand for a trial and they keep blowing it during the practice session and the lawyers turn to each other saying, we can't put them on the stand.

 

[Outrage247]

So sites no one has ever heard of can't get an interview, non story.

 

[BigDug13]

I wouldn't look too much into this, unless of course there is absolutely no interviews with any Microsoft exec at all during E3. That's when we could classify it as a dodge. If I were running Microsoft, I would do the same thing.

Way too many people are saying way too many conflicting and confusing things. They need a clear, straightforward message. It's better they send one guy to do the major interviews, as opposed to having like 5 or more people saying different things.

These are executives, right? They get paid 6 figures or more because of their superior intellect and skill. They can't be taught a script of canned, PR-approved answers before E3 starts?

Maybe the script is still being written? They still have no clue how much lube they're going to apply first or if at all?

 

[Tamanon]

Bingo.

Eh, I'd disagree with that. It makes no difference how many people you send out for interviews, as long as they're all briefed on all major possible questions and understand how to table a question they're not sure on and have someone get back to the interviewer later. It's a simple talking points concept.

 

[Neuromancer]

made from the first result for bone cloud

surprised no one did it before

Wow! That's crazy.

 

[Bgamer90]

How can there be more than one message?, and how can executives and pr people not know the right one.

They must be employing some dopey fuckers.

Did you see what happened 2 weeks ago?

 

[Krakn3Dfx]

I dunno what this is all about, but anyone who thinks Microsoft won't lock out specific media based on past negative articles/comments about Microsoft hasn't been paying attention.

 

[Geek]

I actually think it's SUPER weird that they canceled the roundtable thing, because in previous years, it was a good venue for answering a bunch of technical, nitty gritty questions related to a more vague press conference announcement.

You'd think Microsoft would have its messaging buttoned up at its roundtable, instead of through various executive interviews, so it could deliver consistent language in one sitting on a number of miserably unclear topics.

 

[Bgamer90]

Eh, I'd disagree with that. It makes no difference how many people you send out for interviews, as long as they're all briefed on all major possible questions and understand how to table a question they're not sure on and have someone get back to the interviewer later. It's a simple talking points concept.

All of this seemingly shows to me is that they don't want a repeat of what happened 2 weeks ago.

On top of the various different messages, various people (e.g.: readers) were mixing things up too (due to the different messages).

Seems like MS wants to make sure that everything will be clear.

 

[J-Rzez]

What is worse?

a. the condition of Sony in the years of their long powerpoint conferences where they talked about the lightyears they were ahead in sales on Gamecube and Xbox and about the next gen that doesn't start when we say so crap?

or

b. Microsoft these days?

I don't know.

Anyway it shows that succes can do bad things to people.

Hmm, well, anti-consumer acts, Online MP tax, and lack of focus as a game console is pretty bad for a gamer. But not sure it that's all worse than power point...

 

[Phreaker]

It's because twitter has a switch that shows either "No Replies" or "All".

Click All to see his replies to people including the tweet that mentions the scheduling conflict.

Thanks, why are Twitter so hard?

 

[BRocknRolla]

Who was the idiot who asked that question that way? Geeze...

His tumblr is full of idiots trying to antagonize him. He had an opinion about it that he was willing to share. There wasn't any reason for the questioner to call Jeff an asshole.

 

[Daingurse]

Ah, this PA strip never loses it's relevance. This truly is sad. I guess we'll simply have to accept all our spoon-fed info about this console through a PR-filter. This is as transparent as a goddamn clear glass window. WTF Microsoft?

He has not deleted the tweet - here is a direct link to the tweet for future reference:

https://twitter.com/majornelson/status/342727561459154944

Edit:


So this isn't a real issue then? Gah. Shit is so conflicting nowadays.

 

[SenjutsuSage]

These are executives, right? They get paid 6 figures or more because of their superior intellect and skill. They can't be taught a script of canned, PR-approved answers before E3 starts?

Maybe the script is still being written? They still have no clue how much lube they're going to apply first or if at all?

Clearly if the reveal is any indication, it was a gigantic clusterfuck of confusion, so if I were in charge, I'd sure as hell be yanking the chain and taking charge. Getting my ducks in a row and limiting the number of people who are out there shooting off at the mouth. I'd want a very clear, straightforward message to all the possible and potential questions that does not change in any meaningful way depending on who's asking it, or who's answering it.

Microsoft has to get their message straight, and if it means having one person, and only one person, making the rounds to 2 or more major news outlets, and this leads to very clear and unambiguous answers to the questions people want answered, then I'd have no complaints, and I think reasonable people wouldn't have many complaints, either. They need someone to do what Reggie does for Nintendo so successfully year after year, or what Peter Moore did so successfully for Microsoft when he was in charge. We have all these people we've never heard of before giving all kinds of conflicting information, and on some level the execs not making complete asses of themselves have to be thinking "Seriously, I can't do my job with 5 or 6 other people stepping on my message, leading me to get blindsided with a question from a reporter that is backed up with an actual quote from someone inside Microsoft, which just so happens to contradict what I'm saying in that very moment."

I think that's how they see it.

 

[PJV3]

Didn't you see what happened 2 weeks ago?

If they can't get it right on the second attempt after weeks of preparation, then there is something really wrong in X box land.

 

[PsychoSoldier]

All of this seemingly shows to me is that they don't want a repeat of what happened 2 weeks ago.

On top of the various different messages, various people (e.g.: readers) were mixing things up too (due to the different messages).

Seems like MS wants to make sure that everything will be clear.

Based on what we know thus far, clarity appears to be the last thing they want.

They probably want a consistent message from people who won't let slip any of the nastier details like Phil Harrison did though.

 

[SenjutsuSage]

If they can't get it right on the second attempt after weeks of preparation, then there is something really wrong in X box land.

I see these cancelations as their attempt to get it right. Bout time someone took charge on messaging, and it seems like that's what's about to happen. If they flat out don't answer any questions at all at E3, or simply avoids answering the important ones, then they rightfully deserve to be torn a new asshole for doing so.

 

[weekend_warrior]

Gerstmann responds to 1-on-1 cancellations.

http://blog.jeffgerstmann.net/post/52324436702/still-think-microsoft-canceling-things-is-no-big-deal

Jeff going ham on folks.

 

[Chabbs0]

So sites no one has ever heard of can't get an interview, non story.

Almost all GAFers have heard of most of those sites.

 

[Liamario]

That link in major nelsons tweet referred to the round table Q&As, not 1:1s.

 

[JABEE]

I actually think it's SUPER weird that they canceled the roundtable thing, because in previous years, it was a good venue for answering a bunch of technical, nitty gritty questions related to a more vague press conference announcement.

You'd think Microsoft would have its messaging buttoned up at its roundtable, instead of through various executive interviews, so it could deliver consistent language in one sitting on a number of miserably unclear topics.

Do you guys still have a one-on-one interview set up?

 

[3rdamention]

All of the questions are going to start falling on the Media after E3. All the major gaming websites are going to be asking "What about the DRM? Can I play used games? Can I borrow or rent games? Can I loan them to my friend? Is the system always going to be connected online? If not, will it have to check online during a set period of time?"


If a lot of the gaming sites do not get answers, their frustration will show through. They will get so sick of being hampered with these questions, it will start to spill out in their Previews and Stories from E3.


They are not going to want to say "Well, Microsoft still will not tell us anything about any of those questions!"

 

[watership]

Holy shit, Major Nelson is such an arrogant lying piece of shit. Microsoft's PR is fucking obnoxious.

We're calling people "Arrorgant, lying pieces of shit" now? For doing their jobs? What the hell is wrong with this place lately!?

 

[Pikma]

So sites no one has ever heard of can't get an interview, non story.

You haven't heard about GiantBomb or GamesIndustry.biz? Patrick Star, is that you?

 

[Liamario]

If it is indeed about having better control over the answers been given, then perhaps this is the right decision. By having only a couple of suits answering questions, there is less of a chance of conflicting answers.

 

[PJV3]

I see these cancelations as their attempt to get it right. Bout time someone took charge on messaging, and it seems like that's what's about to happen. If they flat out don't answer any questions at all at E3, or simply avoids answering the important ones, then they rightfully deserve to be torn a new asshole for doing so.

It's a product, if they don't all know what it is, what it does and how, then why are they executives?

 

[Tomcat]

We're calling people "Arrorgant, lying pieces of shit" now? For doing their jobs? What the hell is wrong with this place lately!?

getting ready for the system wars

 

[Jmanunknown]

I see these cancelations as their attempt to get it right. Bout time someone took charge on messaging, and it seems like that's what's about to happen. If they flat out don't answer any questions at all at E3, or simply avoids answering the important ones, then they rightfully deserve to be torn a new asshole for doing so.

They will probably answer questions at E3 because they can not dodge all the media it would look really bad. Whether anyone likes the answers they give is real question.