Forums | MacLife

What he did was unwise. He messed with the internet.

*scrolls down to see last two cells and sprays milk out nose*

Thanks.  REAL funny there, Phy... *grumble*

He's baaaaaaaaaaack...

Comment: Media ignorance adds fuel to Thompson's fire
Rob Fahey 13:40 21/10/2005

The videogames industry's most persistent bogeyman, Jack Thompson, is back in his favoured position as the number one topic of conversation among game creators and fans this week. Admittedly, Thompson might prefer if they were discussing something other than the finely orchestrated drubbing he has received at the hands of the creators of satirical webcomic Penny-Arcade, who went so far as to donate $10,000 to charity on his behalf when he refused to stump up the cash he had offered if anyone would create a violent game which he proposed.

The proposal, he claimed, was satirical; so too, presumably, was his offer to donate money to charity. Mike Krauhulik and Jerry Holkins at Penny-Arcade, long-term supporters of charity efforts (and tireless promoters of Child's Play, the videogames charity which they founded and which has donated $500,000 worth of toys, books and games to children's hospitals around the United States in the past year), didn't quite see the joke, and donated $10,000 in Thompson's name - to the Entertainment Software Association Foundation, a games industry children's charity in the USA.

Thompson unquestionably has egg on his face over the whole affair, and having recently lost the support of the National Institute on Media and the Family, it might look like this tireless crusader for censorship is taking a tumble. However, Thompson seems to be a strong believer in the idea that no publicity is bad publicity - and even in the thick of these latest disputes, he's found time to go onto CNN and spout outright misinformation about Midway's new sports game, Blitz: The League.

This is why Thompson is dangerous; not because he's accurate, well-researched, logical or clever, or because any of his legal threats hold the slightest amount of water, but because no matter how many times he's proven wrong or outfoxed by the legions of gamers and game companies who dispute his every move, he will still be an ideal soundbite provider for the mainstream media.

He is angry, controversial and media-savvy enough to know that the facts are less important than the hyperbole when it comes to America's rapid-fire news coverage. A reasoned argument about videogame censorship will always be less popular with the news channels than someone who can shout this week's version of "ban this sick filth" as loudly as possible, and having the assumed respectability of an attorney - however unsuccessful he may be in reality - is an added bonus.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=12435

Bat wrote:

He's baaaaaaaaaaack...

That assumes he ever left...

Heh, it's in the Wiki now 'eh?

Strange.  I thought the Bible told you to love others, and isn't there some list where it says not to lie? 

Last edited by ABigSmall (2005-10-24 9:03 pm)

Many of his actions are clearly not motivated out of love, and just as clearly he seems to knowingly... fib about many matters. Whether he believes the bigger picture issue is more debatable. More Wiki:

On October 17, 2005, Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins of Penny Arcade donated the promised $10,000 to charity on Jack Thompson's behalf. Krahulik and Holkins donated the money, under Thompson's name, to the ESA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Entertainment Software Association. Thompson e-mailed both Penny Arcade and Joystiq, who ran a story about the donation, demanding that the articles be taken down "or else." The check, presented to the ESA Foundation, was delivered at an ESAF fundraising dinner in San Francisco and said, For Jack Thompson, because Jack Thompson won't. [21]

He seems to use "or else" a lot in his emails.

In retaliation, Jack Thompson faxed a letter to Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske, requesting assistance in halting the activities of Krahulik and Holkins [22]. In his letter, he described how personnel within Penny Arcade were harassing him: the sale of an "I Hate Jack Thompson" shirt and frequent postings on their website where they allegedly admitted to harassment.

According to GameSpot, as of 9:55AM PDT October 18, 2005, the Seattle Police Department had not received Thompson's fax, which at that point had been sent to GameSpot, Penny Arcade, and other sites. Thompson emailed GameSpot, claiming that he had fixed the URL for Penny Arcade and faxed the letter, commenting, "They have it now." Thompson also told GameSpot that he was not a "pixelated piñata in a game." He ended by saying that the "moral midgets" at Penny Arcade had chosen "the wrong target" and "I've been at this longer than he has." These vague threats have been deemed "nothing to worry about" by Penny Arcade. The Seattle Police Department confirmed to GameSpot on October 21 that they had received a complaint from Thompson.

My under... been at what- charity? Harassment? Publicity? Or...

On October 21, 2005, Thompson claimed to have sent a letter to John McKay, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington, in an attempt to get the FBI involved. Thompson reiterated his claims of "extortion" and accuses Penny Arcade of using "their Internet site and various other means to encourage and solicit criminal harassment". [23] Penny Arcade denies the charge of "extortion", noting that they paid the $10,000 to charity, and are asking nothing in return. [24]

Thompson also contacted the office of Washington State Legislature Representative Mary Lou Dickerson, and her office confirms they asked John McKay to look into the matter. Thompson has not clarified how he is being "extorted," but accuses Penny Arcade's Mike Krahulik of soliciting Florida Bar complaints against him through Mike posting the Florida Bar's link on Penny Arcade's website. The link, however, is in a post asking fans to stop sending letters to the Bar because the Bar is fully aware of the current situation [25].

..."extortion?"

...medical malpractice attorney in Florida since 1977.

"Ambulance chaser" indeed.

In a perfect world, GUI would install an ignore button on him.

Bat wrote:

I'll hold him down. You get the bone saw...

He is so sending the Justice League on your ass...

Bat wrote:

Thompson is threatening to sue MS about forthcoming Xbox games.

The thought of MS Legal countersuits keeping JT in court until 2017 is hilarity itself.

I don't know what side I want to win that one.

NintApple?

So do you have to say his name three times in front of a mirror for him to appear?

And you can't wear red because otherwise you are a commie?