• Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.

Penny-Arcade: "Marketers of the Avenger Controller are thieves and liars".

E

elrechazado

Banned
echoshifting said:
DrForester posted a link to a public youtube video

Should be bannable imo
Click to expand...

He needs psychological help for being such an internet sleuth.

rhino4evr said:
This guy was a dick and got attacked by the Internet gamer community until his entire life was put out to the public. Can you guys give it a rest. There is a line to cross here. Plus, doesnt GAF have strict rules about "Internet detectives"

I could have sworn I've seen stuff like this closed once things get personal.
Click to expand...

Every page lol
 
Dr. Kitty Muffins

Dr. Kitty Muffins

Member
Lost in all of this is the fact that these people have paid for a product they still haven't received. Everyone wants to focus on the other issue of the company using a bad PR guy.
 
shaowebb

shaowebb

Member
PairOfFilthySocks said:
Christ, that thread hurt my fucking brain. Internet tough guys everywhere, sheesh.
Click to expand...

Best thing was when another thread opened up about an author who plagiarized a ton of other spybooks to make his own came up and said plagiarist landed himself in trouble for his deeds I brought that old thread up about the defense force-ing of those plagiarists in college. No one said a fucking word in defense of plagiarists then. Just what do people think happens to those folks when they have to make a living? They keep ripping people off.

Apparently they make a wwebsite as on the internet and rip off customers too...oh wait thats indian freelancers right guys *rolls eyes at angrypimp*
 
R

Roto13

Member
rhino4evr said:
This guy was a dick and got attacked by the Internet gamer community until his entire life was put out to the public. Can you guys give it a rest. There is a line to cross here. Plus, doesnt GAF have strict rules about "Internet detectives"

I could have sworn I've seen stuff like this closed once things get personal.
Click to expand...

For the millionth time today, what exactly has been made public that wasn't public before? The fact that he's an asshole?

shaowebb said:
Best thing was when another thread opened up about an author who plagiarized a ton of other spybooks to make his own came up and said plagiarist landed himself in trouble for his deeds I brought that old thread up about the defense force-ing of those plagiarists in college. No one said a fucking word in defense of plagiarists then. Just what do people think happens to those folks when they have to make a living? They keep ripping people off.

Apparently they make a wwebsite as on the internet and rip off customers too...oh wait thats indian freelancers right guys *rolls eyes at angrypimp*
Click to expand...

No, dude, wwebsite is a verb.
 
B

br0ken_shad0w

Member
Anzan said:
I hope Mike gives N-Control another chance since they've removed Paul and have taken steps to improve the situation. I hate the "guilty by association" mentality of the internet. We can't always control the actions of the people we hire and work with, and companies shouldn't be considered wholly irredeemable any time they have some sort of screw up. What a dark world we would live in if there were zero second chances, especially considering Paul, once again, was an outside contractor and not part of their company. :-/
Click to expand...

N-Control should just lay low for a while and restart as another name. Maybe during that time they could figure out why it takes several months to ship a product and learn what customer advocacy is about. (Paul is not some outsider and the guy that replaced him doesn't seem to be any better)

They're just as much as to blame for this fiasco as Paul is.
 
M

Mxrz

Member
I call bullshit. Every time someone fucks up and the Internet exposes them, they rush for the victim card. The company has a history of fucking with customers, and then they pull the victim card too. Admit the mistake and move on? Noo, its all "Death threats! my family! We help disabled kids" bullshit. People want to defend that?

There are people, kids even, out there that are real victims of cyber-bullying, invasions of privacy, blackmail, stalking, etc. Trying to paint this fucktwat as a victim is belittling to an actual problem. Bleeeeergh.
 
C

Card Boy

Banned
rhino4evr said:
There is a line to cross here. Plus, doesnt GAF have strict rules about "Internet detectives"
Click to expand...

If it wasn't for 'Internet detectives' Meeru would be $2000 richer, still have his HoN and Gaf account for selling DOTA2 Keys and he would of got away with it too.

Also lets not forget about docpan.
 
B

Baraka in the White House

2-Terms of Kombat
One day after all this is said and done Paul will hopefully have learned why it usually doesn't pay to be an asshole. Because one day you're almost certain to meet someone who's an even bigger asshole than you.
 
A

Amagon

Member
DOO13ER said:
One day after all this is said and done Paul will hopefully have learned why it usually doesn't pay to be an asshole. Because one day you're almost certain to meet someone who's an even bigger asshole than you.
Click to expand...
Yea, I don't think that is ever gonna happen here
 
N

Neuromancer

Member
rhino4evr said:
This guy was a dick and got attacked by the Internet gamer community until his entire life was put out to the public. Can you guys give it a rest. There is a line to cross here. Plus, doesnt GAF have strict rules about "Internet detectives"

I could have sworn I've seen stuff like this closed once things get personal.
Click to expand...

I think anti-Internet detective rules here only apply to members.
 
G

Gaspode_T

Member
Like I said before this dude reminds me of what non-engineering management folks are like in the industry, and you rightly should be scared out of your mind for the future of the industry because of them.
 
T

The Technomancer

card-carrying scientician
Why does anyone think that not liking the way some people behave in situations like this is in any way, shape, or form a "defense force" for the guy? Can you really not comprehend any situation without a clear hero and villain, any situation in which maybe both sides are somewhat in the wrong?
 
E

elrechazado

Banned
The_Technomancer said:
Why does anyone think that not liking the way some people behave in situations like this is in any way, shape, or form a "defense force" for the guy? Can you really not comprehend any situation without a clear hero and villain, any situation in which maybe both sides are somewhat in the wrong?
Click to expand...

Yes. If this were such a situation, we might even be able to recognize such a thing happening here. Fortunately it isn't.

That said, we have multiple posts in this thread saying not that both parties are somewhat to blame, but in fact saying that either PA is "just as bad", or "worse".
 
O

Osiris

I permanently banned my 6 year old daughter from using the PS4 for mistakenly sending grief reports as it's too hard to watch or talk to her
OuterWorldVoice said:
I know the guy who played The Phantom Flan Flinger on Tiswas.
Click to expand...

Hehe, Coincidence, I met the guy (Oliver Spencer) who played his wife, Flanderella and presented a few of the last Tiswas shows when I was younger :)
 
E

echoshifting

Banned
The_Technomancer said:
Why does anyone think that not liking the way some people behave in situations like this is in any way, shape, or form a "defense force" for the guy? Can you really not comprehend any situation without a clear hero and villain, any situation in which maybe both sides are somewhat in the wrong?
Click to expand...

Well, I for one have not used the term "defense force," at least I don't think so. I just think your characterization of the circumstances and behavior of those who continue to criticize this man is grossly inaccurate and off balance.

It's possible to possess the capacity to "comprehend any situation without a clear hero and villain" without agreeing that such an argument applies in this particular situation, you know.
 
T

The Technomancer

card-carrying scientician
elrechazao said:
Yes. If this were such a situation, we might even be able to recognize such a thing happening here. Fortunately it isn't.

That said, we have multiple posts in this thread saying not that both parties are somewhat to blame, but in fact saying that either PA is "just as bad", or "worse".
Click to expand...

I mean, I just keep reading "lol, can't believe people are defending this guy" and similar sentiments and its annoying, because I don't think anyone in this thread, myself included, has ever tried to justify his behavior. Certainly not in the last ten pages or so.
So I'm left with the impression that they think that also criticizing some of the other people involved constitutes "defending" him.
 
P

Parallax Scroll

Banned
Press release from Avenger / N-Control:

AVENGER CONTROLLER DISMISSES MARKETING CONSULTANT,

TAKES BACK MARKETING AND SALES OPERATIONS

Miami, FL--- Wednesday, December 28, 2011--- N-Control, makers of the Avenger Controller accessory, have categorically dismissed third party contractor Paul Christoforo and his marketing operation, known alternately as Ocean Distribution or Ocean Marketing. This separation from Mr. Christoforo extends to all business interests of N-Control, its founders, and its officers. Mr. Christoforo does not and never did own, in whole or in part, a stake in N-Control LLC nor its affiliated companies (Kotkin Enterprises, iControl LLC).

Following the publication of an email chain between Mr. Christoforo and one of N-Control’s customers, punctuated by Mr. Christoforo’s acknowledgement of his conduct, N-Control immediately proceeded to extricate Mr. Christoforo’s access to their email and social media accounts, a process that is still ongoing. In the interim, a Gmail address and Twitter account (AvengerDefender@gmail.com and @AvengerDefender, respectively) have been set up for press inquiries and customer service needs.

David Kotkin, the inventor and founder of the Avenger Controller, created the product to help one of his students who had a physical disability. The student wanted to play games the way that everyone else could. The Avenger evolved from a homemade solution for a deserving child into an even more sophisticated controller accessory, capable of enhancing even the most skilled gamer’s performance.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to be a part of the gaming community in a fun, positive way.” said David Kotkin, Avenger founder. “I created the Avenger to make people happy. I deeply regret that so many people have any negative feelings toward it as a result of what has happened, especially since I’ve seen first-hand what an impact it can have on gameplay.”

Kotkin continued, “What I’m most concerned about is doing right by our customers. We have dropped the ball by giving them delivery estimates that did not come through as expected. We didn’t expect that the demand would be so great, and we should have done a better job communicating that. Our new team is taking all necessary action to correct that going forward. I hope that people will give us a chance to earn back the faith they may have lost.”

All existing orders will be honored, and PS3 Avenger pre-order customers will all be extended the same $10 discount that some have already received. To clarify, customers who have already received $10 off their pre-order are not eligible for an additional discount. N-Control agrees with “Customer Dave” that all of our PS3 early adopters deserve to be rewarded for their trust in the Avenger.

N-Control would like to publicly apologize to existing and potential customers, as well as the gaming community at large, for allowing Mr. Christoforo to abuse his power so unforgivably. The Avenger was invented to provide greater accessibility to disabled gamers, and bullying tactics are the last thing that should be associated with this product.

In the effort to dispel various misconceptions that have been forwarded via news reports and social media, N-Control is offering the following clarifications on a variety of subjects:

N-Control has hired an independent consultant, Austin, Texas-based Moisés Chiullan (@moiseschiu), to field press inquiries and oversee sales and marketing operations going forward. They ask that customers and the press alike bear with them as they field the tens of thousands of emails and other messages that N-Control has received. It is his intent that N-Control should respond personally to everyone who has emailed theinfo@avengercontroller.com address regarding this situation.

“We have to move forward and take care of Avenger’s customers,” Chiullan said. “I can’t worry about the fact that there isn’t a bus big enough for me to throw Paul Christoforo under. The internet did that for me. I think they set him on fire too.” He continued, “I just hope that people will have the common decency to leave his wife and child out of all this. They didn’t send those emails, Paul did.”

All PS3 Avenger pre-orders are currently slated to ship by January 15th at the latest. Some orders will ship in advance of January 15th. In consideration of the events of the past two days, N-Control ask their customers to bear with them as they sort out updating individual order estimates. General updates regarding shipping will be regularly delivered to customers starting next week.

At no time during his tenure with N-Control did Mr. Christoforo have direct access to customer credit card information. N-Control does not retain any customer credit card data for online orders, which are all processed via Google Checkout or Paypal.

Ocean Marketing aka Paul Christoforo owns no stake in the Avenger Controller nor N-Control, and does not stand to profit from further sales of the device either through N-Control or authorized resellers.

Contrary to how Mr. Christoforo may have presented events (in public or private), N-Control never directly endorsed nor had knowledge of his communication with customers in the manner found in his correspondence with “Customer Dave”, who still wants his Avengers, despite everything that has transpired.

Steps have been taken to ensure that all future customer communication is transparently visible to management at N-Control. N-Control regrets sincerely that the trust they placed in Mr. Christoforo was so abused and betrayed and, as a result, may have tainted their reputation with existing and potential customers and partners.

Regarding “Afternoon Artists”, a company registered with the Florida Division of Corporations that lists Paul Christoforo as Treasurer, N-Control has the following statement: “This secondary business has never so much as opened a bank account, much less operated in any form outside of paperwork being filed. It was originally intended that Mr. Christoforo would serve as an investor in this company, which, again, has never operated in any capacity, nor will it in the future.”

N-Control employs Eli Schwartz as a part-time Social Media Consultant. He is an enthusiastic high school student who became one of the Avenger’s earliest super fans, meeting the founder at a trade show. Mr. Kotkin is proud to encourage the development of a bright, enthusiastic young person like Eli.

Eli Schwartz is not, however, in charge of Marketing or PR for N-Control. Previous news reports have credited him as Marketing Manager, a title Mr. Schwartz gave himself without the consent or advance knowledge or N-Control management. This occurred during the period of greatest upheaval following Mr. Christoforo’s dismissal, and N-Control regrets that this mixed messaging reached the public. All press inquiries and media requests should instead be directed to Moisés Chiullan at the AvengerDefender@gmail.com address.

Contrary to rumors and speculation, Eli Schwartz’s Twitter account is his own and not controlled by Paul Christoforo. Mr. Schwartz is a minor, and consequently, N-Control would appreciate the press and the public’s discretion in their dealings with him.

For the foreseeable future, N-Control’s official Twitter account will be “@AvengerControl”, as N-Control does not have access to “@NControlAvenger”. N-Control is not responsible for the content of any Twitter feeds associated with Paul Christoforo.

For the foreseeable future, N-Control requests that customers discontinue use of the toll-free phone number displayed on the AvengerController.com website, as well as any other means of contact found there. Instead, customers should direct communication to AvengerDefender@gmail.com. They ask for patience due to the events of the last two days. Keep an eye on @AvengerControl on Twitter for updates.

For more details regarding N-Control and Avenger Controller, contact press agent Moisés Chiullan, at AvengerDefender@gmail.com.

For more information, follow Avenger Controllers on Twitter: @AvengerControl
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Star Ocean: The Second Story R version 1.1 update is out now – adds highest difficulty mode, new raid enemies, more
News Game Dev
7
1K
Werewolf Jones replied
"We're not blessed with big marketing budgets," Xbox's EMEA marketing lead laments Microsoft's lack of investment - Windows Central
2
65
5K
Roronoa Zoro replied
PS5 Players will be forced to delete their Star Wars: Outlaws save file with the new update
Platform 2 3
120
7K
Spukc replied
Sky Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller Revealed
22
1K
LordBritish replied
Cuisineer has been rated for PS5, Xbox Series, and Switch in Europe
News Platform
2
376
Thick Thighs Save Lives replied
Top Bottom