(I've always wanted to watch this movie. =P)
If there is one topic that I always wanted to talk about for years but never got the chance to do so because of my forgetfulness, this has got to be it.
In fact, I've always wanted to talk about this one certain topic since the inception of the next generation consoles (PS3, 360, Wii) some years ago, back when the 360 took initiative by being the first console of the next generation to be released. Actually... come to think of it, this act of fanaticism has been around for quite a long time now.
Yes, the art of the Fanboy.
If I may quote Wikipedia on this one (Yes, Wikipedia, the tabloid of the interwebs):
"Fanboy is a term used to describe any individual who is devoted to a single subject in an emotional or fanatical manner, or to a single point of view within that subject, often to the point where it is considered an obsession."
Taking this into context, what do Fanboys and Terrorists have in common these days? They tend to take it to the extremes.
With all due respect, all of us are fans of many things around us. After all, to each, his or her own, and that should be respected in all aspects. Personally, I appreciate what Naruto has contributed to today's modern pop culture in general, for taking the bullet as the next Dragon Ball. And like everyone, I also love Final Fantasy VII, but I will always have a special place in my heart for Final Fantasy VI for its major contributions in shaping how RPG gaming would become in the next number of years. I am not talking about what the greatest Final Fantasy game is, ever, but every game has some degree of credibility that makes it stand out. And I don't like Michael Phelps for being hyped as the "Greatest Olympian of all time" by winning eight medals if other athletes are unable to garner eight medals by virtue of their sports being limited in terms of categories. But that does not mean I do not respect him for his incredible work ethic, which, by all means, should be hailed by health enthusiasts (though he totally lost me with the whole Marijuana thing. Now, he's the greatest Olympian of all time... in Atlantis, and now officially a national hero... in Jamaica).
But when it comes to the act of fanboy (or girl)-ism, when things are taken to the extreme and to the extent of offending people by going out of line, it is of now wonder why the interwebs, once touted as the dream world where information is exchanged and good will is promoted, is now a place filled with lots of bad vibes. Is it a wonder why people do not see the internet in a better light these days? So instead of promoting good will between fans and what-have-you, all we see are acts of bigotry, hate, flames, and well, you get the picture.
Do not get me wrong, I have nothing against fans, fanboys, and the act of being a fan per se. We all learn from the exchange of information and the sharing of opinions. We all have the right to express our opinions and points of view, as intended to be. But when it comes right down to it, there is one thing everyone should bring back to the plate: RESPECT
I'm very sure everyone will not agree in just about every topic we can think of. What is the greatest console of the current generation and why? Who is the greatest pound-for-pound fighter in mixed martial arts and boxing history? Which music simulation game is the best, Rock Band or Guitar Hero? We will not agree to everything in life, and we all feel strongly about something we believe in. But we should all remember that we are talking to people who wishes to deliver their own say and wants to be treated with respect the same way we want to be treated with respect as well. We will not agree to everything in our lifetime, that's for sure. But we could at least compromise to something, and excercise some tact and respect to people we know and don't know in what we say or share to them. After all, a little respect goes a long way.
Come to think of it, if we could all learn to do that, maybe the world will learn from this and help Obama in his new endeavor of making this world better again from the Bush screwjob. Okay, at least the world can agree with me on one thing: W. Bush will not get our respect, period.
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2 comments:
Hmmm... I agree with everything you wrote except for the Bush part. But hey, there is no room for politics in gaming:D
Fanboys really get on my nerve. I was once in the U.S. and I wanted to buy a game, but the clerk at gamestop kept delaying my purchase all because I was getting the game for "the inferior console." Sucks ei?
You see, competition is great. If every generation, there would only be one console, then a number of negative things would happen.
1) No variations or choices
2) The manufacturer of that console can easily manipulate the market. (Aka Taco Bell in Demolition Man)
Sad though that people don't seem to see the need for competition.
That's why it sucks to see a solely dominating market, and the over encouragement of fanboys as a result. People tend to forget that the more an industry is monopolized, more or less, the whole industry suffers one way or another.
And who is to say that one console is inferior to another? That's just talking with utmost ignorance, and to be frank, they deserve to be fired for manipulating customers to be one-sided. Choices make for a profitable and worthwhile competitive market, allows for many jobs, and allow the exertion of lots of effort in game development.
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