http://www.40kradio.com/archives/937

Spencer wrote:What a long crazy journey this has been! I want to thank each and everyone who listened to the show. You truly made it an enjoyable experience. Meeting you all at live events or on the chat or on the phone has been amazing. It is something I will never forget. In light of recent threats to myself and my family I have decided to close down the show. I did not start this to allow people a platform to attack my family. This is a show about little toy men….moving on little toy worlds. It was supposed to be fun. Personal attacks and threats take that fun away.

I will miss all of you.

Thanks for listening.

The show and all of its contents are for sale. If you are interested please send me an email

When did people feel the need to threaten people over a toy soldier game podcast? What the hell, people?

Not only that, what could they have possibly said that proved controversial or offending enough to warrant someone issuing threats? Bizarre...

So anyone got the cliff notes on this internet drama?

I think people were upset that Spencer gave his two cohosts the boot.

No reason to post threats, but this is the internet and people in general are jackasses.

Anyone else got anything to add? I don't follow 40k radio, but I don't like to see someone chased off the interwebs because people are threatening his family. If you don't like him kicking off his co-hosts, don't you stop listening and not bother with threats?

Ozymandias wrote:I think people were upset that Spencer gave his two cohosts the boot.

No reason to post threats, but this is the internet and people in general are jackasses.

Where did this info come from? I just DL the latest ep and over halfway through, no mention of this.

Also, I am not surprised he would be sensitive to the family thing, considering their recent loss.

The gist of it is this, the hosts of 40k radio had a falling out. In the interim while their issues were being resolved Spencer brought back a Jar Jar, a host who had formerly been banned because he used the n-word during the marathon show. He was drunk, it was some 20 odd hours in but they felt strongly enough about keeping the show user friendly that they banned him temporarily. Because they brought back Jar Jar, someone started sending threatening e-mails.

The text of the e-mail is on the main page of 40kradio.com

Spencer decided that if people were going to start sending him messages telling him that he was a racist, blaming him for his wife's miscarrage, and threatening his family it wasn't worth it to him to keep the podcast running.

Like Spencer or hate him, sending him e-mails threatening his family and blaming him for his wife's miscarriage is not cool.

Everyone involved in this is incredibly lame. Nerds on the internet (I understand the hypocrisy here, no need to point it out) always have the stupidest and pettiest drama bombs.

Ixquic wrote:Everyone involved in this is incredibly lame. Nerds on the internet (I understand the hypocrisy here, no need to point it out) always have the stupidest and pettiest drama bombs.

Welcome to the internet, here is your complementary basket of pornography and one free coupon for a lobotomy of the frontal lobe.

Thanks. I had read the 40k radio front page, but the message makes a lot more sense understanding the context. What a loss. I didn't listen to 40k radio, but it promoted the hobby, and I see that as a good thing.

To Quote:

http://www.40kradio.com/archives/933

I recieved this email today.

Stephen Hope wrote:Thanks for bringing the racist donkey-cave back. Just so you know I have chatted with your sponsors regarding this and am trying to get them to drop you. I have a few others online doing the same. We have started a following and will try to topple and undermine you. I also hope that your affairs are all in order.

Ever think that your wife’s miscarriage is due to your actions? I say good riddance, one less racist to be raised in the world. Its Instant Karma in my mind.
Again, I hope your affairs are in order. Seriously.

Wow! This is the type of people that play Warhammer 40K? Jar Jar is back because I believe in giving people second chances. What kind of world do we live in, that you cannot give someone a second chance? He made a huge mistake and he apologized for it. I feel that he has a lot of knowledge to bring to this show and over the past 3 shows he has shown that.
I am always open to listen to listeners opinions…..but you Stephen Hope and Jack the Rippa and your cult like followers are just complete fething idiots!
Feel free to give your thoughts here……

weirdness in the nets. editted doublepost and original disappeared.

Do they rely on sponsors so badly now that the threat is actually is a concern?

Being on the net this long, I would have thought he would have a thicker skin, but I guess recent events make it thin.

I hope he takes time away and re-evaluates.

Either way, the show will be missed. Even with the up and down quality, I still enjoyed it.

Because of the sound quality, I can only listen to other Podcasts that are similar in quality. ie, D6G and Iron Agenda.

Again I hope he takes some time away and makes a less emotional reaction.

Speechless.

Douchey? Yes.
Threatening? Huh?

welcome to the internet... where the crazies hang out

btw... so I don't get threats... I specifically mean the people that would get upset over something minor

The show was basically unwatchable anyway. No real loss. D6 and Worlds End are far more entertaining.

That is beyond stupid.
1. Just because he used a term, does not make him a racist. It does make him stupid, but not a racist. (I know they are often one and the same, but my understanding was he used it a passing way and was not actually attacking a person or groups of people.
2. Why would you bring someones personal life (that truly had nothing to do with the incident) into this. I would love to know who sent that email. I would think people would be just as upset with him for his stupidity as he is with 40K.

I have my issues with 40k Radio. Not the people themselves, just how they ran it. I would never bring into the situation someones family, especially given the circumstances of what has happened to him over the last few weeks.
I personally would not wish what happened to Spencer and his family on anyone.
I hope he knows that not every critic is out to hurt him personally. Some of us just disagree with what the show has evolved into, that doesnt mean we dislike you Spence
Heck I owe alot of what my game has evolved into to you Chipley, Scott, and Jar Jar. Thanks Guys

Surreal.

But the comment about his wife is totally deplorable.
I don't know the family or have ever heard of 40KRadio but am upset by those comments.

"I hope your affairs are in order?" Wha.. !?

Do some people spend so much time in an imaginary Grimdark they can't disassociate it from the real world or something?

I believe there may actually be more to the email and that there is another person who sent crap emails as well. This is one of those rare times people on the net need point out and identify who these idiots are. Not saying posting information or anything but they need to be banned from everything. IF these guys enter your tourney give them their money back and send them on the way. They play at the local FLGS, not anymore go somewhere (like hell) and play. Having a 40k party everyone but these losers get to come. They do not get to be a part of this community anymore. They want to join a forum....nope don't let them on. IF they are members here......ban them. We can all get on here and rail about how bad this is and how wrong these guys are. THis is also where we should step up and defend what is right. Like Spencer or hate him this is way over the line.

Chris Bryant
Blade n Bolter Boyz
Nashville TN

Racists don't get second chances. I wouldn't of touched the guy with a bargepole after kicking him off the show. Look at Big Ron Atkinson.


Schoolboy error.

His affairs needing to be in order can be a number of things.
Without knowing anything else I dont think that can be thought of as a threat.
It could mean that he is going to make spencer lose all his sponsors, and his affairs could mean his bank accounts, money, cash flow etc.

If using the "n-word" is the definition of racism, then every African American rapper and pro athlete is a racist. Using or not using deragatory words does or doesn't make you a racist, what's in your mind and heart does.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
The point of that threat was very clear. Whether it was serious or not, we don't know. But the point was clear. If the sender just wanted to make him lose sponsors, he wouldn't have used that language.

Wow, so apparently it's okay to respond to people who use "hate speech" (I cringe as I type that) with more hateful speech that actually is hateful and not just a taboo word? Saying things that are "bad words" is one thing, but I feel as though the language used in that email is far more vile. Not cool, Mr. Hope. Not cool.

To Spencer: That email from him seems irrational at best, threatening at worst. If this is worrying you enough to stop the show, I'd consider contacting authorities.

Chibi Bodge-Battle wrote:
Do some people spend so much time in an imaginary Grimdark they can't disassociate it from the real world or something?

I would of killed him with me chainsaw BFTBG..

Some of this thread responses are hilarious also.

dietrich wrote:If using the "n-word" is the definition of racism, then every African American rapper and pro athlete is a racist. Using or not using deragatory words does or doesn't make you a racist, what's in your mind and heart does.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
The point of that threat was very clear. Whether it was serious or not, we don't know. But the point was clear. If the sender just wanted to make him lose sponsors, he wouldn't have used that language.

Whether you like it or not that simply isn't the case. You cannot use that word, as you yourself can attest to with the "n-word" abbreviation.

Blasphemers don't get second chances. I wouldn't of touched the guy with a bargepole after kicking him off the show. Look at Nicolaus Copernicus.

Fixed that for you, leejerrum. I could also have gone with lawbreakers, homosexuals, intolerants, left-handed, right-handed, colorblind, or disabled people. Good thing you're so just and mighty that you've never done a thing requiring forgiveness.

Wow. Just wow. That dude is out of line big time. You can like, or dislike the show, but making a comment about a private matter like that is classless and deplorable. What I'd like to know is what the hell happened that caused a falling out with Chipley, Scott, and Spencer? I thought they were all really good friends? I for one have been a listener from the beginning. They provided me with free entertainment at their cost. Something I am thankful for. Like it or not, they did good things with that show. Something to be proud of. Their community celebrity status and its effects would be my guess of what caused any rifts amongst the hosts. Well, hopefully, someone can take hold of the reigns and forge ahead. If not, good job you guys. You had a great run.

leejerrum wrote:

dietrich wrote:If using the "n-word" is the definition of racism, then every African American rapper and pro athlete is a racist. Using or not using deragatory words does or doesn't make you a racist, what's in your mind and heart does.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
The point of that threat was very clear. Whether it was serious or not, we don't know. But the point was clear. If the sender just wanted to make him lose sponsors, he wouldn't have used that language.

Whether you like it or not that simply isn't the case. You cannot use that word, as you yourself can attest to with the "n-word" abbreviation.

If you want to call Jar Jar a racist that's all well and good but it doesn't justify blaming someone for the still birth of their child because a word was said... that's beyond uncool.

What the hell is this crap? I mean seriously. Giving people second chances is wrong all of a sudden? And not even criminals, just people who commit some of the gravest social faux pas in our society. Wasn't there some guy going around the place in a toga and sandals saying something about throwing stones at people?

I didn't even like 40k Radio, and I still think this is deplorable.

But as Spencer pointed out once, apologizing over making cracks about someone else's miscarriages makes it all good and the offended parties accept it. The guy should just apologize for it and then he'll be back.

leejerrum wrote:

dietrich wrote:If using the "n-word" is the definition of racism, then every African American rapper and pro athlete is a racist. Using or not using deragatory words does or doesn't make you a racist, what's in your mind and heart does.

Whether you like it or not that simply isn't the case. You cannot use that word, as you yourself can attest to with the "n-word" abbreviation.

Considering this is a family-friendly board, I avoided it. Just as I avoid any of Carlin's 7 dirty words (which grew into like 800 words and phrases).

12thRonin wrote:But as Spencer pointed out once, apologizing over making cracks about someone else's miscarriages makes it all good and the offended parties accept it. The guy should just apologize for it and then he'll be back.

It would be a start at least.

daedalus wrote:

Blasphemers don't get second chances. I wouldn't of touched the guy with a bargepole after kicking him off the show. Look at Nicolaus Copernicus.

Fixed that for you, leejerrum. I could also have gone with lawbreakers, homosexuals, intolerants, left-handed, right-handed, colorblind, or disabled people. Good thing you're so just and mighty that you've never done a thing requiring forgiveness.

He's not saying the N-Word because over-sensitive people like you would start jumping up and down calling him a racist.

Yes, saying the N-word is wrong because of the conotations associated with it. I know it's been said before, but how many times have you acted self-rightous when a black rapper used the term?

For crying out loud - Jar jar was drunk, up for 20 hours straight and was Tazered. What you then saw and heard wasn't a secret veil being lifted where he used the opportunity to voice his distain of all black people; He said a naughty word which he and everyone apologised for. Move on with your life.

Honestly, it's like we're living in a Harry Potter novel "DON'T SAY HIS NAME AARUGHHGHGH etc."

todeswind wrote:

leejerrum wrote:

dietrich wrote:If using the "n-word" is the definition of racism, then every African American rapper and pro athlete is a racist. Using or not using deragatory words does or doesn't make you a racist, what's in your mind and heart does.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
The point of that threat was very clear. Whether it was serious or not, we don't know. But the point was clear. If the sender just wanted to make him lose sponsors, he wouldn't have used that language.

Whether you like it or not that simply isn't the case. You cannot use that word, as you yourself can attest to with the "n-word" abbreviation.

If you want to call Jar Jar a racist that's all well and good but it doesn't justify blaming someone for the still birth of their child because a word was said... that's beyond uncool.

Don't get me wrong here mate, I agree with you fully. They're idiots pure and simple - I'm just pointing out the root cause of the issue, Spencer made an error in judgement bringing him back on the show, whether he was pissed, high, strung out or lacking sleep - words to that effect should of ended his time with the crew.

If you think I'm over sensitive you obviously don't know me, check out my forum... I'm just being realistic here.

leejerrum wrote:

todeswind wrote:

leejerrum wrote:

dietrich wrote:If using the "n-word" is the definition of racism, then every African American rapper and pro athlete is a racist. Using or not using deragatory words does or doesn't make you a racist, what's in your mind and heart does.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
The point of that threat was very clear. Whether it was serious or not, we don't know. But the point was clear. If the sender just wanted to make him lose sponsors, he wouldn't have used that language.

Whether you like it or not that simply isn't the case. You cannot use that word, as you yourself can attest to with the "n-word" abbreviation.

If you want to call Jar Jar a racist that's all well and good but it doesn't justify blaming someone for the still birth of their child because a word was said... that's beyond uncool.

Don't get me wrong here mate, I agree with you fully. They're idiots pure and simple - I'm just pointing out the root cause of the issue, Spencer made an error in judgement bringing him back on the show, whether he was pissed, high, strung out or lacking sleep - words to that effect should of ended his time with the crew.

If you think I'm over sensitive you obviously don't know me, check out my forum... I'm just being realistic here.

I can see where you are coming from, but Jar-Jar's slip of the tongue isn't the issue at hand.

If Jar-Jar gave a sincere apology on-air for his mistakes, I see no reason not to have him back.

I don't listen to 40k radio. I knew what it was, but I honestly didn't even know the host's name until today.

I don't know who Jar Jar is. He may be a total moron and even be a cross-burning KKK member. That doesn't mean using an offensive slur should result in Life without Parole. People need to realize that 1) in general, people do deserve a second chance, 2) there is a thing called freedom of speech, however repulsive that speech might be, and 3) it's Spencer's show, if you don't like it - don't listen to it. As much as one person has freedom of speech, the other person has the freedom to not listen (especially when you consider, this isn't a guy in front of your home yelling at you, this is a podcast you have to choose to download and listen to).

CaptKaruthors wrote:What I'd like to know is what the hell happened that caused a falling out with Chipley, Scott, and Spencer? I thought they were all really good friends?

I couldn't say for sure, but it might have had something to do with them announcing his wife's miscarriage to the internet the previous week. Regardless of whether he even gave them the go-ahead, that's not their information to disperse.

Ultimately, using the n-word on the air is a really bad move regardless of who you are and what your attitudes may be.

If this had been television, the dude would have been canned in a heartbeat with no second chance. Have you seen Michael Richards around recently?

I just can't believe that they felt the need to have a 20 hour show anyway. Look at how much dumb crap they put on Fox News just to fill the 24 hour news cycle. I can't even imagine talking about GW games for 20 hours straight.

40k Radio was always hindered by the fact that one of the commentators (don't know which one) was extremely annoying on the air. While I admire the gumption it took to put together a regular podcast, it also is essential to have decent content, likeable on-air personalities, and decent production values.

It seems like you could chalk this up as a learning experience and hopefully the community as a whole can learn from the experience and put together a better show in the future.

Fix wrote:

CaptKaruthors wrote:What I'd like to know is what the hell happened that caused a falling out with Chipley, Scott, and Spencer? I thought they were all really good friends?

I couldn't say for sure, but it might have had something to do with them announcing his wife's miscarriage to the internet the previous week. Regardless of whether he even gave them the go-ahead, that's not their information to disperse.

But that makes no sense. Spencer was in contact with them while they did the show, and the latest ep there was no mention of Scott and Chipley not coming back.

skrulnik wrote:
But that makes no sense. Spencer was in contact with them while they did the show, and the latest ep there was no mention of Scott and Chipley not coming back.

But when did his wife find out?

Samwise158 wrote:Ultimately, using the n-word on the air is a really bad move regardless of who you are and what your attitudes may be.

If this had been television, the dude would have been canned in a heartbeat with no second chance. Have you seen Michael Richards around recently?

I just can't believe that they felt the need to have a 20 hour show anyway. Look at how much dumb crap they put on Fox News just to fill the 24 hour news cycle. I can't even imagine talking about GW games for 20 hours straight.

40k Radio was always hindered by the fact that one of the commentators (don't know which one) was extremely annoying on the air. While I admire the gumption it took to put together a regular podcast, it also is essential to have decent content, likeable on-air personalities, and decent production values.

It seems like you could chalk this up as a learning experience and hopefully the community as a whole can learn from the experience and put together a better show in the future.

And what was Michael Richards doing before that story hit? Standup in small clubs. He was on a downward trend already.

The 20 hour show was driven by donation. When they hit a certain value, they continued another hour. Most of it was getting people who listened to the show to talk for a bit.

You are welcome to your opinion. I enjoyed the show. Even the off topic train they seemed to be on alot lately. Its not like they were charging me to listen.

Well, rumour has it that spencer for some odd reason decided to temporaily kick off scott and chipley via text message. they were pretty upset about it and both decided not to come back, end of story.

but you can read all about that here: http://bloodofkittens.com/?p=3444

concerning jarjar... i really dont mind second chances. but i just find the guy plain annoying. he appearently cant go through a sentence or two without some sort of profanity and it just annoys the hell out of me.

i think its sad, i liked the show.

You can't say the n-word but Rush Limbaugh can say things like this?

“Have you ever noticed how all composite pictures of wanted criminals resemble Jesse Jackson?”

“Look, let me put it to you this way: the NFL all too often looks like a game between the Bloods and the Crips without any weapons. There, I said it.”

“The NAACP should have riot rehearsal. They should get a liquor store and practice robberies.”

[To an African American female caller]: “Take that bone out of your nose and call me back.”

“Let the unskilled jobs that take absolutely no knowledge whatsoever to do — let stupid and unskilled Mexicans do that work.”


Yeah, you're right. Some gamer dude says the n-word one time and he should just roll over and die.

leejerrum wrote:Racists don't get second chances. I wouldn't of touched the guy with a bargepole after kicking him off the show. Look at Big Ron Atkinson.


Schoolboy error.

Really? I mean he said the word [see forum posting rules], he didn't rape a toddler. Saying hurtful words falls firmly in the 'redeemable' camp for me.

40k radio has never been a good podcast, and Spencer literally taking his toys and going home because someone on the internet said mean words to him is a testament to what a prima donna he is (not that i'm defending the person who made the remarks, but he should grow a thicker skin)

mike_houghton98 wrote:His affairs needing to be in order can be a number of things.
Without knowing anything else I dont think that can be thought of as a threat.
It could mean that he is going to make spencer lose all his sponsors, and his affairs could mean his bank accounts, money, cash flow etc.

That's got to be the lamest defense of hate speech I've ever heard.

"Get your affairs in order" is a well known euphemism for "You are going to die". When Funeral Houses, Will Attorneys and Doctors ask the question "Are your affairs in order" they aren't talking about sponsors or cash flow. They are talking about Wills, Funeral Plots and Estates. They are talking about death and you know it, I know it, and everyone reading this knows it.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

evilsponge wrote:40k radio has never been a good podcast, and Spencer literally taking his toys and going home because someone on the internet said mean words to him is a testament to what a prima donna he is (not that i'm defending the person who made the remarks, but he should grow a thicker skin)

I'd say bringing up your wife's recent miscarriage and making death threats are a little more serious than telling you to play 40K better. There's thick skin and there's turning a blind eye to personal, serious attacks. While I don't know Spencer from Adam if a hobby ever got to where lives and family were being attacked... I think he did the right thing.

agnosto wrote:You can't say the n-word but Rush Limbaugh can say things like this?

“Have you ever noticed how all composite pictures of wanted criminals resemble Jesse Jackson?”

“Look, let me put it to you this way: the NFL all too often looks like a game between the Bloods and the Crips without any weapons. There, I said it.”

“The NAACP should have riot rehearsal. They should get a liquor store and practice robberies.”

[To an African American female caller]: “Take that bone out of your nose and call me back.”

“Let the unskilled jobs that take absolutely no knowledge whatsoever to do — let stupid and unskilled Mexicans do that work.”


Yeah, you're right. Some gamer dude says the n-word one time and he should just roll over and die.

No one who would be offended by overt racism listens to Rush .. There is money in that kind of talk after all, even if people deny it

However, the difference is most programs are listened to by a multi-cultural group of people who dont like hearing racial slurs. I do think people take words way too seriously and the internet age has caused people to get "offended" for the sake of gaining attention. It does amuse me on an academic level that people can say one "racist" word and be labeled a racist forever, yet people forgive MUCH worse offenses quite easily. Probably falls into the "Im holier than thou" category in that it makes people feel better about themselves in that they may have less money, fame, etc.. but at least they didnt get caught on air saying racist stuff!

Let he who has no sins throw the first rock, right?

I drop N bombs all the time and I'm not racist, my best friend in high school was black. It's a fething word, whopedy doo. People need to stop with the drama crap. They just want to feel important.

The Green Git wrote:

mike_houghton98 wrote:His affairs needing to be in order can be a number of things.
Without knowing anything else I dont think that can be thought of as a threat.
It could mean that he is going to make spencer lose all his sponsors, and his affairs could mean his bank accounts, money, cash flow etc.

That's got to be the lamest defense of hate speech I've ever heard.

"Get your affairs in order" is a well known euphemism for "You are going to die". When Funeral Houses, Will Attorneys and Doctors ask the question "Are your affairs in order" they aren't talking about sponsors or cash flow. They are talking about Wills, Funeral Plots and Estates. They are talking about death and you know it, I know it, and everyone reading this knows it.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

evilsponge wrote:40k radio has never been a good podcast, and Spencer literally taking his toys and going home because someone on the internet said mean words to him is a testament to what a prima donna he is (not that i'm defending the person who made the remarks, but he should grow a thicker skin)

I'd say bringing up your wife's recent miscarriage and making death threats are a little more serious than telling you to play 40K better. There's thick skin and there's turning a blind eye to personal, serious attacks. While I don't know Spencer from Adam if a hobby ever got to where lives and family were being attacked... I think he did the right thing.

No calling the cops and going on with your life would've been the right thing, not throwing a tantrum and shutting down your website

evilsponge wrote:No calling the cops and going on with your life would've been the right thing, not throwing a tantrum and shutting down your website

Calling the cops would do what? Fill out a police report, subpoena the ISP for logs, look up the user that posted the threat and do what?

I think just removing yourself from the situation is more time and cost effective. If anyone is throwing a tantrum it's the person making the threats and insults.

Atleast from my perspective.. giving into threats and fear is no way to live my life. If I ENJOYED broadcasting I wouldnt shut down cause some fool made threats. Doing so would let them win.. Perhaps he simply WANTED to stop broadcasting and this was a convenient catalyst? Reminds me of the whole vassal drama.. Somehow people believed that GW sending a silly threatening letter meant a damn thing. Instead the person who ran it just didnt want to deal with it and update it all the time.. so others took over. Succeeding is the best way to beat people who push you around

We'd be in a bad place as a society if the bullies made us do whatever they wanted

Either way I won't miss the show, I honestly doubt it had much life left in it after Spence alienated just about all his friends

eNvY wrote:I drop N bombs all the time and I'm not racist, my best friend in high school was black. It's a fething word, whopedy doo. People need to stop with the drama crap. They just want to feel important.

What you say with your friends and what you publish for the whole world to see are two different things.

Phil left for a reason.

All I'm going to say.

Lets get something straight.

Whether or not 40kradio had good content is pretty much irrelevant. The fact is that it added to the 40k community in a generally positive way.

Sure, humans made mistakes on the show, but thats what humans do.

Now its gone because some silly fool decided to take it personally and e-mail Spencer an irate, insulting and threatening letter during a known time of bereivement.

Now the 40k community is lessened thanx to this moron's nerdrage.

Good job.

it added to the community in a positive way? I felt pretty embarrassed knowing I had something in common with them.

Deadshane1 wrote:Lets get something straight.

Whether or not 40kradio had good content is pretty much irrelevant. The fact is that it added to the 40k community in a generally positive way.

Sure, humans made mistakes on the show, but thats what humans do.

Now its gone because some silly fool decided to take it personally and e-mail Spencer an irate, insulting and threatening letter during a known time of bereivement.

Now the 40k community is lessened thanx to this moron's nerdrage.

Good job.

QFT

Nah calling it quits after those personal attacks seem like nothing more than a cop-out. In reality its because 40k Radio (aka Spencer) made dumb decisions in the heat of the moment like Spencer firing his hosts and bringing back the controversial and infamous Jar Jar Kramer.

Spencer's also a guy that dishes out heated nonsense as well. I do agree that personal attacks isn't cool but he basically does that to his friends and a big reason why the other hosts left. Bringing back Jar Jar was a move in desperation and Spencer knew of the controversy regarding him; not much sympathy for lifting a lifetime ban and then again him trying to cop-out with the "second chance" nonsense when its really because he has no other hosts to call upon...

Spencer has a history of basically deflecting everything negative to him right back to others; his personality is the main downfall of 40k Radio.

RIP.

Used to be Tau-riffic. More drama on why Spencer's an asshat here: http://bloodofkittens.com/?p=3444

Deleted by modqusiitor Frazzled. This is not appropriate on Dakka.

"Get your affairs in order" is a well known euphemism for "You are going to die". When Funeral Houses, Will Attorneys and Doctors ask the question "Are your affairs in order" they aren't talking about sponsors or cash flow. They are talking about Wills, Funeral Plots and Estates. They are talking about death and you know it, I know it, and everyone reading this knows it.

Not this side of the pond mate. To me that means "make sure the missus doesn't find out you're smashing the neighbour".

I'd say bringing up your wife's recent miscarriage and making death threats are a little more serious than telling you to play 40K better. There's thick skin and there's turning a blind eye to personal, serious attacks. While I don't know Spencer from Adam if a hobby ever got to where lives and family were being attacked... I think he did the right thing.

Wait a minute....

Was there any need to publicise the email? As a forum admin I've had some slowed hate mail. Funny hate mail and pathetic hate mail. Here's what I do... I send them my address.

As another poster said, grow a thicker skin or take it up with the authorities, not share it with wargamers.

I think just removing yourself from the situation is more time and cost effective. If anyone is throwing a tantrum it's the person making the threats and insults.

You actually believe it costs them money to run the show?!!

evilsponge wrote:it added to the community in a positive way? I felt pretty embarrassed knowing I had something in common with them.

Good for you. And you are absolutely entitled to your own opinion. However, so is everybody else, and some people actually enjoyed the show.

Get your affairs in order is the threat part?!?

OMG hahaha

Like leejerrum, to me that was talking about the household.. not funerals..

Crazy americans.

Flachzange wrote:

evilsponge wrote:it added to the community in a positive way? I felt pretty embarrassed knowing I had something in common with them.

Good for you. And you are absolutely entitled to your own opinion. However, so is everybody else, and some people actually enjoyed the show.

Not to mention all the GW and Black Library guys that actually did the show.

Gotta feel sorry for the people who paid for the podcast and/or got 40k Radio tattoo's...

Well - sad day for our hobby. Love em or hate em - 40K Radio did work HARD to promote our hobby and bring us free entertainment. I'll personally miss them.

The comments to Spencer personally were totally off base and over the line. Unfortunately Spencer probably did more harm than good by publicizing them - I'm sure it was all for attention anyway.

Seems like they've had some internal issues building for a long time - first Phil, then the Jar-Jar N word fiasco, then firing Chipley and Scott and bringing back Jar-Jar. Maybe it was just getting to stressful.

Regardless - nothing but the best for all the 40K radio hosts past and present. Thanks for the fun topics over the years.

RogueMarket wrote:Phil left for a reason.

All I'm going to say.

Clearly you want to say more....



I'm called Tripod by my mates... for a reason. All I'm going to say.

Cane wrote: Bringing back Jar Jar was a move in desperation and Spencer knew of the controversy regarding him; not much sympathy for lifting a lifetime ban and then again him trying to cop-out with the "second chance" nonsense when its really because he has no other hosts to call upon...

snipped for brevity.

JarJar was on the episode previously that Spencer was not on. The lift of the ban was already happening.

So if your view is truth, he would have been planning to get rid of the other guys.

I think the constant upheaval with the rest of the hosts is caused by profit.




Oh why I have your attention I recently did a War movie with Sean Bean and Danny Dyer.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1590950/

Check it out. http://www.heresy-online.net/miscellaneous/my-time-on-the-age-of-heroes-movie/

Can I be a prima donna too?

skrulnik wrote:

Cane wrote: Bringing back Jar Jar was a move in desperation and Spencer knew of the controversy regarding him; not much sympathy for lifting a lifetime ban and then again him trying to cop-out with the "second chance" nonsense when its really because he has no other hosts to call upon...

snipped for brevity.

JarJar was on the episode previously that Spencer was not on. The lift of the ban was already happening.

So if your view is truth, he would have been planning to get rid of the other guys.

Seems like they were on their way out because Spencer started to get mad at their lack of 40k playtime. They also started to really piss him off with that whole "you didn't paint your army" thing a while back but I'm not sure if that has had much of an affect:

Spencer wrote:

NEVER ONCE did I say that they were no longer needed. Scott is taking the bitch route here and does not have the balls to argue with someone without turning it into something more than it is.
He is quitting. I just said in last nights show that we need him on the show. I sent out an email trying to make this show better and the result is that Scott took his toys and went home.

I have not removed either of their email or forum access. And did not plan to.

I was asking for help and my “friends” or so I thought they were, bailed on me.


No no. this will be kept open.
Scott wanted to air the dirty laundry. Now he can be man enough to stand up and handle this.

n a nut shell it comes down to this. Lack of playing the game. Scott and Chipley have not played a game of 40K……. well for at least 6 months. I have been harping on them to play the game. How can you talk about it if you never play? Each time I brought it up there were promises to play but nothing happened. So I gave them a one show suspenstion, to really bring home the fact that you have to play this game to be on a podcast about it.
I gave them options, such as being on every other show, to allow room for playing. But Scott did not want that option, he thru a hissy fit and quit the show. I gave Scott the option to come on for one last show to say good bye and he declined that offer, which further pissed me off because I feel that you guys deserve that. that to me shows a blatnet disrespect to the fans of this show.
Again I did not force him off the show. But I did give him the ultimatium, play or leave. And he chose to leave.


More @ http://bloodofkittens.com/?p=3444

Spencer seems like an attention whoring asshat that just won't ever take blame without making you feel sorry for it...but he was entertaining on 40k Radio. He just doesn't handle negativity well and with what he's been going through...definitely doesn't help when it comes to making decisions. All of this seems like heat of the moment kind of stuff and stinks of cop-out.

It was good while it lasted, thanks for all the fish.

Personally i see nothing wrong with using a racial slur, I see something wrong when there is a big deal made about using that racial slur is consider such a big deal while homophobic slurs and insults about retardation are given carte Blanche.

The hate mail towards jar jar is ironic with its hypocrisy calling him out for his insensitivity for using racist terms and calling him a cracker, a racist derogatory term used against white people. So essentially all his detractors are just the same as him if not worse.

It was a good show while it lasted, it gave money to charity and worthy causes created a community and helped expand knowledge of the hobby in general not to say it was without faults but it added more positivity to the universe than negativity which in the end i think is something we all want to achieve.

So the speculation that it was because of the announcement of the loss of the baby was just that, speculation.

Generally I don't care what happens behind the scenes of my entertainment.

But these are just regular 40k players that decided to spend their time to share with the rest of us what they thought.

Any feeling of celebrity they got, we listeners gave them, and from some of the callins I heard encouraged.

I really feel that if people are going to throw the info out there, the truth, or at least enough sides of the story need to get out there.

..

RogueMarket wrote:
3. One of my friends was friends with Phil. Was told that Phil left due to Spencer - also due to money handling all to Spencer.

Some even went as far and claimed that 40kRadio is registered a Non-Profit. Who knows. Could be a rumor.

So, hearsay.

...

What I don't understand is if it's a podcast why wasn't the N word deleted?

Sharpasaspoon wrote:What I don't understand is if it's a podcast why wasn't the N word deleted?

To my knowledge it has been, for many months now.

People have stretched the event to this far.

And he's got his own podcast, and has opened his own store as well.

Speculation helps no one. People leave good projects all the time for their own personal reasons. Spencer and Phil had a personal disagreement that led to their separation. That's all we'll likely know.

Valhallan42nd wrote:And he's got his own podcast, and has opened his own store as well.

Speculation helps no one. People leave good projects all the time for their own personal reasons. Spencer and Phil had a personal disagreement that led to their separation. That's all we'll likely know.

QFT you are right.

I commend 40k radio for the charity work & promotion of the hobby.

However, with the amount of slurs and other homophobic behavior that I listened to I'm glad 40kradio is done.

Also, after making SUCH a big deal about the banning of Jar Jar for LIFE I find it pretty dumb that the guy was back on a show less then 6 months later.

Either way, no one should make threats or trample on another's loss.

Now I'll have to figure out where else I can listen to a person with poor rules comprehension read entries out of the codex.

I'm left with the impression that Cohosts aren't getting paid or paid to the extent they play a part to the community.

Thats my thinking Just didn't want to say it!

Did I mention that I did a war film...

In response,

The n-word is just a word, but it is a loaded word that causes intense emotional reactions among many people. It doesn't make any sense to introduce it into a minatures podcast. That reflects very poor judgement, something that a public speaker must avoid if they wish to retain the ears and the respect of those listening to them.

Rush Limbaugh clearly has squandered that respect multiple times. He got canned without a second chance from ESPN for implying that Donovan McNabb was not intelligent enough to be a quarterback because he is black. Putting him on ESPN in the first place was probably a bad idea anyway, given his track record.

He still has a radio show because his style of rhetoric appeals to some people. Unlike Rush, 40K radio was a solid show in a lot of respects, and I did enjoy it. The marathon for charity makes sense, and it really is an accomplishment to put on a show period.

It just sounds like things got a bit toxic for a lot of the key people involved, so in that case why not disband, regroup, and try it again in a new format after learning from one's mistakes?

With all the accusations and suchlike flying around, I can't help wondering if the attack that caused the final shutdown is even genuine, or just a manufactured outrage that lets Spencer shut everything down under a pretense.

Which is a tremendously cynical thought, even by my standards.

I don't know any of the principals involved personally... but my impression of the situation is that Spencer had no idea that firing S & C would blow up in his face the way it did. To all appearances, he acted rashly and then got slapped down *hard* by the vast majority of his audience.

The email that has 'triggered' his ending of the show strikes me as a way for him to say, "I didn't sign on for THIS," and hit the parachute cord. I.e., if the show is 'over,' then he can just pick up his ball and go home as the injured party.

Does this excuse or in any way condone the donkey-cave that wrote the email in question? Of course not.

It does, however, strike me as a reaction far out of scale to an email.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Ahhh--ninja'd!

Any further personal attacks on anyone in this thread will result in a temporary suspension (sorry CatPeeler, this isn't directed at you; you're just the post above mine).

Just because people aren't posters here doesn't mean that you can violate the Dakka rules. I don't have a dog in this fight, but save the vitriol for your friends or other forums.

Agamemnon2 wrote:With all the accusations and suchlike flying around, I can't help wondering if the attack that caused the final shutdown is even genuine, or just a manufactured outrage that lets Spencer shut everything down under a pretense.

Which is a tremendously cynical thought, even by my standards.

You know, I had wondered the exact same thing with it just happening to be sourced from a guy who sponsored eps of DLT. Get out of it and take the "competition " out with you.

leejerrum wrote:

I'm left with the impression that Cohosts aren't getting paid or paid to the extent they play a part to the community.

Thats my thinking Just didn't want to say it!

Paid?

While I can't say for certain, I believe all of the 'profit' 40K Radio made was spent on paying their way for conventions and other hobby related trips, like their trip to Warhammer World.

Lorek wrote:Any further personal attacks on anyone in this thread will result in a temporary suspension (sorry CatPeeler, this isn't directed at you; you're just the post above mine).

Just because people aren't posters here doesn't mean that you can violate the Dakka rules. I don't have a dog in this fight, but save the vitriol for your friends or other forums.

I haven't noticed a single personal attack in this thread. Saying someone "seems" like an asshat isn't calling them an asshat.

Say whatever else about 'the drama', the vile comments about the loss of a child, directed to a man who's wife has recently miscarried, were entirely despicable. They are of a magnitude and cruelty entirely beyond the scope of arguing about a toy themed podcast.

Ugh, this story is filled with the worst of gamers. you should never drink on a job or when dealing with radio, you should refrain from hurtful names, and you should never threaten kids, and never rehire people fired for these things

todeswind wrote:

leejerrum wrote:

dietrich wrote:If using the "n-word" is the definition of racism, then every African American rapper and pro athlete is a racist. Using or not using deragatory words does or doesn't make you a racist, what's in your mind and heart does.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
The point of that threat was very clear. Whether it was serious or not, we don't know. But the point was clear. If the sender just wanted to make him lose sponsors, he wouldn't have used that language.

Whether you like it or not that simply isn't the case. You cannot use that word, as you yourself can attest to with the "n-word" abbreviation.

If you want to call Jar Jar a racist that's all well and good but it doesn't justify blaming someone for the still birth of their child because a word was said... that's beyond uncool.

QFT, two wrongs don't make a right

This thread seems ladden with people suffering a serious case of internet tall poppy syndrome.

So where does this leave the people who signed up to go on the tour with 40k radio? Is that still happening or did I miss something

I'll miss it if only for world wide war. That was about the only properly organised tournament in Japan. Though I'm going thome soon so it's not as bad as it could have been.

It seems like pretty much everyone involved in this story is in some way to blame.

Cohosts, you can't really keep a podcast going if you don't play the game.

Jar Jar - I sincerely doubt he is a racist. Stupid, yes. The N-word is not in itself inherently racist but it conjures racist connotations that can offend. Its all based on context. In an academic discussion of language it would be fine to use that word. In a rap song, it seems fine. In the context of talking about toy soldiers, no excuse. But that doesn't mean Jar Jar hates black people, it means he is an idiot who made a mistake. We've all made mistakes and after a short suspension and a contrite apology I don't see why he shouldn't be brought back.

I'm assuming that he has other faults despite idiocy that are the root cause of the hatred against him and the n-word thing just served as a valid excuse and a focal point for the complaining

Spencer - firing his cohosts was a bit of a dick move, rehiring Jar Jar in the face of community support was not the noble 2nd chance he claimed but a desperation move but both of these actions have actual sensible reasons behind them too.

I don't blame him for quitting. running the show seems to havegarnered him threats and hatred and caused a falling out with his mates. I doubt it is much fun for him to do the show now. And this isn't his job so if it isn't fun considering the time he must spend recording and editing it makes sense that if it isn't fun anymore don't do it. Sure its taking his ball home but not because he's losing but because it isn't fun.

I know nothing about any money scandals and don't care.

And the guy making remarks about a man whose wife recently miscarried. Scum. The N-word JarJar used may have caused offense but probably wasn't intended to. That kind of language is deployed to do nothing but hurt.

I liked the podcast.

I feel sorry for the Freebooters and the people who got the 40k Radio Tattoos.

It sad to see it go ,but this stuff happens someone will make another 40k podcast that will take its place I am willing to be in new future.

I would like to thank everyone involved in making the podcast and wish them all well in the future.

OK... This angers me a great deal. Below is Dice Like Thunder's official response.

We are deeply troubled by the loss of 40K Radio today and we are saddened by the events that ultimately led to Spencer closing his doors. While it is no secret we had professional disagreements, we had no personal conflicts with Spencer. We are just learning about the events of the last few days and we are appalled!

The actions of the person or persons responsible for sending Spencer threats are, indeed, cowardly on an unthinkable scale. There has been much misinformation going around as to who is responsible and it appears that it may never be clear. While it is hard for us to fathom anyone making this threat, rather than engage upon a witch hunt we are going to drop it. It’s a sad enough day. This persons actions are not condoned by Dice Like Thunder or its hosts. Personal attacks and threats have no place in the 40k Podcasting community and is not something we have or will engage in. We whole heartedly condemn the letter that caused this chain of events.

To the rumor mill: You have our official response. Your services are no longer required. We will delete posts about this topic from our forums that involve any name calling or attacks on anyone who might be involved.

To Spencer and 40K Radio: We wish you luck in your future endeavors. While we may not have always seen eye to eye, you set a standard. You blazed a trail for other podcasts to follow and you inspired us weekly to keep podcasting. You are welcome on our show any time.

To everyone else out there: Break out your models and let’s roll some dice!

They're official response is to ignore it. Yea... catch that? "rather than engage upon a witch hunt we are going to drop it" Let me fix that for you DLT "...we are going to ignore it". IMO they want to sweep it under the rug and ignore it and hope that the drama will just go away. "We will delete posts about this topic from our forums" = Blatant deflection.

DLT, like it or not you have been dragged into this and your 'official response' is complete gak.

/end rant

I want all followers of the show boota or not to find out who Jack is and shut him down make sure he never plays 40k or ANY table top game again. If he lives in your area don’t play him. If its a tournament make it the worst time in his life. Spread the word on any/all 40k forums and sights make this guy regret being born.

Perhaps he is lucky to be pulling the show anyways, as GW will certainly sue him next after Warhammer Online for using the term "40K" in his show name and engendering IP ownership confusion.

oni wrote:They're official response is to ignore it. Yea... catch that? "rather than engage upon a witch hunt we are going to drop it" Let me fix that for you DLT "...we are going to ignore it". IMO they want to sweep it under the rug and ignore it and hope that the drama will just go away. "We will delete posts about this topic from our forums" = Blatant deflection.

DLT, like it or not you have been dragged into this and your 'official response' is complete gak.

What would you have them do? We have only Spencer's word that the message exists, and even if it does, it's incredibly unlikely that the sender's information is correct (I doubt most people would send something like that under their own name, no matter what the circumstances). What DLT seems to be doing is not allowing 40K Radio's mess contaminate them as well, since there's no reason it should.

The drama will go away. That's what drama does. If people got over Michael Jackson's death, this won't even be a blip by comparison.

This is truly sad news.

It is so very easy to sign onto the internet, find a forum/comment page and spout angry nonsense about how much something sucks and is terrible, which is why the internet is constantly filled with that kind of drivel. However, it takes a whole lot of time, energy, passion and conviction to actually create something, particularly when a clear attempt is made to elevate the quality of that product. Regardless of how you felt about the content of 40K Radio, the fact is that the crew involved in its creation put an incredible amount of time, energy and money into making it the most technically proficient 40K podcast.

There are many, many people out there who did love 40K radio and the chance that someone else will come along and put the same kind of time, money and energy into making a similar project is incredibly slim, especially in the face of constant negative criticism that anybody who actually creates something on the internet gets. If you are one of those people who didn't care for 40K radio, there was obviously nobody forcing you to listen to the show so it seems very strange and callous to say that it is somehow a good thing that the show might be ending, especially considering how many other people are losing something they enjoy.

I personally wish all the best to everyone involved in making the show. It gave me many hours of enjoyment and for that I would only like to applaud you guys for making the effort to create something for me to consume and enjoy. If more people took the time and energy to create instead of simply criticize others, we would all have that much more to enjoy!

I have to ponder those people who, irregardless of their feelings towards 40k radio and its host(s) have tried to turn this into a conversation abut the merits of the show (I have no point of view to offer, here, as I never listened to their material).

The issue for me is a simple one. Having lived through the tragedy of my own wife's miscarriage I have nothing but sympathy for Spencer and his family. It is a truly awful experience and I would not wish it upon anyone. For someone to use this for their own purposes in order to spitefully hurt and bully someone whom they in all probability have never even met is abhorrent and cowardly.

Ultimately, you had to chose to listen to 40k radio and if you didn't like what you heard you could chose to stop. You could even act in an adult fashion and contact the show expressing your views in a considered manner. In this case, we have a coward whose internet-based nerdrage has caused a wholly unwarranted level of distress.

For those who enjoyed 40k radio, its unfortunate you have lost something that enhanced your enjoyment of the hobby. For Spencer, whatever professional disagreements may have arisen from your show should have no bearing on your loss. All I can offer you is 'hang in there'. Its not much, but you'll never feel more helpless - trust me that time really does help.

C_C

I’m not sure what to say. I’m shocked by the actions of certain web dwellers and saddened by the news. I’m kinda hoping that when I visit the site in a couple of weeks I will find that everything is back to normal
although I think that won’t be the case. Spencer has been through hell recently and i can only shake my head in disappointment to the types of
people that would target such an individual.

A PROUD SPONSER OF 40K RADIO!
Klaus Teschner
Dark Art Miniatures

Valhallan42nd wrote:To Quote:

http://www.40kradio.com/archives/933

I recieved this email today.

Stephen Hope wrote:Thanks for bringing the racist donkey-cave back. Just so you know I have chatted with your sponsors regarding this and am trying to get them to drop you. I have a few others online doing the same. We have started a following and will try to topple and undermine you. I also hope that your affairs are all in order.

Ever think that your wife’s miscarriage is due to your actions? I say good riddance, one less racist to be raised in the world. Its Instant Karma in my mind.
Again, I hope your affairs are in order. Seriously.

Wow! This is the type of people that play Warhammer 40K? Jar Jar is back because I believe in giving people second chances. What kind of world do we live in, that you cannot give someone a second chance? He made a huge mistake and he apologized for it. I feel that he has a lot of knowledge to bring to this show and over the past 3 shows he has shown that.
I am always open to listen to listeners opinions…..but you Stephen Hope and Jack the Rippa and your cult like followers are just complete fething idiots!
Feel free to give your thoughts here……

It seems a matter for local FBI office for online crimes to take care of if he honestly feels threatened.

Except I'm fairly sure that the FBI has no jurisdiction in Australia, the UK, Canada or anywhere else that this Stephen Hope guy may have come from...



EDIT - LAG!!!

Deleted by Modquisitor Frazzled and poster suspended for five days. Don't post this garbage again.

I enjoyed the show when they actually talked about 40k... Which seemed to be rarely.

The last one I listened to was a bunch of drunk guys babbling about their personal lives and other completely random, non-40k-related nonsense.

Hopefully somebody who actually talks about 40k ends up buying the show.

This guy sending the threatening message to Spencer has really pissed me off. I'm not his biggest fan or anything but Who the hell does this guy think he is - the racism police.

"Instant karma" - F U! If there is such a thing as karma he might find himself suffering some heartache some time soon.

As every other decent person has said or thought, I wish Spencer and his family all the best.

The thing I find most annoying about the message to Spencer is this internet tough guy syndrome. I'd see it on WOW and on other online games all the time, people acting like some kind of cyber tough guy. Making threats and insulting people, saying they're gonna kill em and stuff. I would bet 99% of these cyber hard men making threats are little dweebs that have been bullied most of their life and if they ever came face to face with the people they were threatening they'd crap their pants and become all meek and quiet all of a sudden.

well i only listend to 40kradio a very small amount but i still lthink its a massive pile o'crap that it sbeen taken down fro such a thing..

Imo it wasnt; worth caving to threats and stuff but thats just me.

also anyone feeling that the greater internet scumbag theory is pretyt much being proven in this thread and over this issue?

I first started listening to this show when I was cutting steel for my uncle 2 years ago. I have very limited gaming options in my area and felt that I was part of a bigger community due to this show. Its sad to see it go and I hope the hosts can look forward to a brighter future.
40k Radio, you will be missed

leejerrum wrote:

Lorek wrote:Any further personal attacks on anyone in this thread will result in a temporary suspension (sorry CatPeeler, this isn't directed at you; you're just the post above mine).

Just because people aren't posters here doesn't mean that you can violate the Dakka rules. I don't have a dog in this fight, but save the vitriol for your friends or other forums.

I haven't noticed a single personal attack in this thread. Saying someone "seems" like an asshat isn't calling them an asshat.

The Moderators disagree, but hey its your funeral.

Too bad, everything is too politicaly Correct! (i.e. South Park, Death Threats)

Is someone going to take over?

Despite obviously flagging quality, I will miss the show. It was a few hours a month of 40k talk to fill some of the traveling I have to do, and that counts for something.

What was said to Spencer was completely deplorable, period. Was it a threat? Ehhhhhh...maybe, but I didn't read that into it until I read it here. Still, it was in poor taste, and should serve as a warning to other internet dwellers not to share personal info that might come back around on you, because there is some moron out there who will tweak you with it.

What this reads like, having followed the website discussion and some of the drama, is convenience. The referenced email was up and posted, with Spencer's request for retaliation, last weekend. My guess, and it is admittedly only that, is that something else happened. Maybe he got continued listener backlash, or more SA -inspired responses, or the banhammer from his wife.

The site has been pulled, stemming any more real, or at least first-hand, info. Thankfully for those going on their trip to UKGD, a third party is handling all that. No telling how much this may cost that poor guy's young company in cancellations, though. Also, there are the Freebootaz, who have had their membership rate per show nearly quadrupled in the last 18 months (price increase followed by a halving of content). Now they have paid for nothing, since the forums they are paying to read are gone. This is not to mention the sponsors. There may be contractual obligations there that hopefully get them some of their money back.

Tacky comments or no, Spencer's words and actions made it very clear that he ran this show like a business. Our money (yes I was a Freeboota) paid for things other than web expenses. All that travel to do 40k Radio...we paid for it the same as the sponsors. He was getting heavily subsidized in money and goods for his hobby, and seems to have treated his co-hosts like employees.

So somebody comes along and makes some horrid comments, and he does what any business man would, calls upon his customers to say mean things back, then slams and locks the door...wait....

Let this be a lesson to you kiddos looking to monetize your sweet blog or podcast...

I bear Spencer no ill will. This is just the perspective of somebody who supported the show in both word and wallet. I would sway Spencer's demonstrably mercurial nature means the show may come back, but despite the victim canard, I think his listener backlash and loss of credibility may preclude that.

-C

Who knows, after the tour he might change his mind. Maybe some of the Freebootaz will band together and buy it. I was planing on finally becoming one this month but that went out the window. No offence to the dakka community but I always thought I could get some good advice on there forum as this one is so huge that a lot of posts go unnoticed except for the occasional troll.

Well, the forum is still running, though I don't think we'll be adding too many members. The nicest thing about it was the lack of trolls. I think the fact that it had buy in kept the trolls away.

Chimera_Calvin wrote:Except I'm fairly sure that the FBI has no jurisdiction in Australia, the UK, Canada or anywhere else that this Stephen Hope guy may have come from...

True, but thats for them to investigate and determine. The assumption of his whereabouts are neither her nor there for this discussion.

The website does seem to be back up again. It was down all morning.

Hello all, Geek Nation Tours would like to add its support to Spencer, his family and all the 40K Radio crew. We are shocked at the email Spencer recieved and completely understand his reaction. We would love to see the show back but understand Spencer's desire to keep his family safe.

We would also like to let everyone know that the tour is still going.

Geek Nation Tours will not be held hostage to hate

All the Best

Teras
Geek Nation Tours

TIC wrote:Hello all, Geek Nation Tours would like to add its support to Spencer, his family and all the 40K Radio crew. We are shocked at the email Spencer recieved and completely understand his reaction. We would love to see the show back but understand Spencer's desire to keep his family safe.

We would also like to let everyone know that the tour is still going.

Geek Nation Tours will not be held hostage to hate

All the Best

Teras
Geek Nation Tours

Hey, good for you man. I was actually wondering if this was going to affect your party. Hope all goes well with your trip.

Blasphemers don't get second chances.

I don't know if you meant to, but you've actually hit the nail on the head here.

The reason this person feels justified (besides being a coward hiding behind the interwebs) being so cruel in his language, is because he's in the grips of religious fervor. Political Correctness is functionally equivalent to a religion at this point, and "racist" is the 2010 version of "blasphemer."

We're all 40K players, we know how it works. Purge the heretic. Intolerance is my shield. It's funny that we play a game that is so thickly infused with criticism of this sort of repressive mind control, even as our own High Media Lords of Earth teach that certain words are not to be said, certain thoughts are not to be thought, and any who defy this are no longer worthy of basic human dignity.

This is the price we pay for tolerating political correctness. This is the fallout we experience for allowing anybody to try to control what others say or think, whether we agree with what they're saying or thinking or not.

Phryxis wrote:The reason this person feels justified (besides being a coward hiding behind the interwebs) being so cruel in his language, is because he's in the grips of religious fervor. Political Correctness is functionally equivalent to a religion at this point, and "racist" is the 2010 version of "blasphemer."

What this person did was in no way "political correctness". It was just an incredibly crude, mean-spirited attack on Spencer (so crude even that the question of it being a fake popped into my mind). Your second statement is mind-boggling in itself, and completely incongruous with the way I see the world.

What this person did was in no way "political correctness". It was just an incredibly crude, mean-spirited attack on Spencer

I'm not saying that "political correctness" is about blaming somebody for their wife's miscarriage... Clearly it's not.

What I'm saying, is that it's a constantly recurring failing of human society that we become overly enamoured with the moral highground of the day, to the point that some amongst us completely lose the plot, and think that no matter what they say or do, they're champions of good if they're striking from the moral highground.

Obviously this incident doesn't resonate with you the way it does with me, but when I read it, it struck a major chord. I was just thinking about how we're allowing the word "racist" to become an open invitation to attack the accused, and then I read this thread.

This guy is attacking Spencer for even ASSOCIATING with somebody who said ONE WORD.

I agree with you, the real problem here is the guy attacking Spencer, but there's nothing to be done about somebody who has lost the plot like that. All we can do is ask ourselves if our society is giving these sorts of people the encouragement they need to verbalize their lunacy, and in this case, I think we are.

We, as a society, constantly model the behavior of attacking people for even the most minor verbal transgressions into the realm of "racism." By modelling this behavior, we teach the morally/intellectually challenged amongst us that finding tenuous links to racism, and attacking people for them, is a positive thing to do.

I would have liked them to do a farewell episode at least.

I understand why they don't and I'm truly sorry that this is the way that 40K radio had to end, but in truth the end had come already to 40K radio and we simply didn't realize it.

in truth the end had come already to 40K radio and we simply didn't realize it.

I'm not really involved enough to know, but this is typically how these things go. You can't really exist on the internet for long without some frothing slow saying something incredibly offensive to you... When that sort of thing causes you to cease operations of a site/podcast/webcast, it's most often just the straw that broke the camel's back, not an artillery shell killing an otherwise healthy camel.

Phryxis wrote: Obviously this incident doesn't resonate with you the way it does with me, but when I read it, it struck a major chord. I was just thinking about how we're allowing the word "racist" to become an open invitation to attack the accused, and then I read this thread.

It's not even just "racist" but that word certain sums up the argument. It's like the new "child molester" accusation. You're guilty until proven innocent, except now it's not even of a physical act. It's Thought Crime at it's worst.

Well, I'm assuming this guy did 40kradio as a side thing, and probably wasn't all that devoted to it. He's very eager to "sell" the show, so he can't have been very interested in it in the first place.

People don't quit doing something they because they love over a couple vague Internet Tough Guy comments from some anonymous douchehat unless they're extremely thin-skinned. Granted, whoever wrote that email was a total dick, but that's nothing worth packing up and quitting the show over.

leejerrum wrote:

I think just removing yourself from the situation is more time and cost effective. If anyone is throwing a tantrum it's the person making the threats and insults.

You actually believe it costs them money to run the show?!!

according to Spencer, it did. that's why they raised the cost of membership to $25 a year. In actuality I think they raised it to pay for their hobby. which I heard is why Phil left.
At one point they had about 500 members on their boards. that equals about $12,500 give or take some. plus they had 6 different sponsors (which may not have provided that much support, I don't know) But there is no way that the podcast and site cost them over $1000 a month. There are tons of other forums and podcasts that have just as many listeners or users, and don't charge fees. Just my $.02

Regardless of all that above, The threats should not have been sent to Spencer, and while I have stopped listening to the podcast due to not being that interested in it anymore, I wish the the best of luck, and the loss of the podcast will be missed in the 40k community. and my prayers go out to his family over their loss.

I can't believe people are giving the guy crap for dropping the show. It's one thing to stand up for your principles but another entirely to risk your family.

What should he do?
Sorry honey I know this guys is causing you pain with insensitive comments about our tragedy and threats to our family but if I give up the show he wins. You have to suffer so I can make a stand.

He is protecting his family. If you have family you should understand.

I'm not telling you how to feel, just that for me my family's safety is important.

hm, i must say this man didn't deserve such a threat but quitting may not have been the best thing to do either. in either case it is a lose lose situation

The tall poppy syndrome continues.

Wonder how many people here would say this drivel to Spencer's face, rather than in a nice safe internet forum.
I bet 100% of you would say the exact opposite. And not because Spencer is a violent man. Just because its much harder to look a man in the eye and be a dick than it is to post random things about him on some internet forum.

If you dont have anything nice to say, dont post anything at all.

I dont think anyone really wants to hear your opinions on whether spencer should have or shouldn't have quit. But I'm sure everybody here knows better, than spencer whats best for his family and his own happiness, right?
People on the internet can be such 'everything experts' it is infuriating.

I can't believe people are giving the guy crap for dropping the show. It's one thing to stand up for your principles but another entirely to risk your family.

I'm not giving him crap, I respect his decision to do whatever he felt was best.

I'm just saying that I don't think he would have given it up if he was still passionate about it. The show had its run, it was waiting for an excuse to get done, and internet lunacy was that excuse.

As far as actual danger, I really don't think there is any. As far as his wife being exposed, she doesn't necessarily have to know what people are saying in stupid-ville. I mean, why show her?

No question, if I thought my family was in danger, I would do what it took to make them safe, but I hope Spencer isn't feeling genuinely fearful, because I don't think he needs to.

Oxfordseth wrote:I can't believe people are giving the guy crap for dropping the show. It's one thing to stand up for your principles but another entirely to risk your family.

What should he do?
Sorry honey I know this guys is causing you pain with insensitive comments about our tragedy and threats to our family but if I give up the show he wins. You have to suffer so I can make a stand.

He is protecting his family. If you have family you should understand.

I'm not telling you how to feel, just that for me my family's safety is important.

If his family were actually at risk, I'd agree with you.

Otherwise, yes! That's exactly what you do in that situation! You stand up to idiotic bullies and persevere, because in reality they'll never make good on their threats. You pull a good ol' Cap monologue.

Phryxis wrote:

in truth the end had come already to 40K radio and we simply didn't realize it.

I'm not really involved enough to know, but this is typically how these things go. You can't really exist on the internet for long without some frothing slow saying something incredibly offensive to you... When that sort of thing causes you to cease operations of a site/podcast/webcast, it's most often just the straw that broke the camel's back, not an artillery shell killing an otherwise healthy camel.

Agreed.

CatPeeler wrote:

Phryxis wrote:

in truth the end had come already to 40K radio and we simply didn't realize it.

I'm not really involved enough to know, but this is typically how these things go. You can't really exist on the internet for long without some frothing slow saying something incredibly offensive to you... When that sort of thing causes you to cease operations of a site/podcast/webcast, it's most often just the straw that broke the camel's back, not an artillery shell killing an otherwise healthy camel.

Agreed.

In my opinion you should always stand up to bigots. I am not sure exactly why the show I loved ended. I do know that its sad that this threatening idiot is going to be attributed with ending it.

If it was me who received that I would have stayed on the air just to show him I can't be bullied. Don't get me wrong I would make sure my family is safe but I would fight the accusations, the threats, and any racism to my last breath.

I am sad that such a phenomenon has ended this way. Spencer will always have my respect for being a trailblazer in this industry. He set the standard for a great podcast and a business plan that would actually let it grow.

40k Radio will be missed by my son and I.

I am sorry to say that I don't really care that 40k radio is gone. I was an avid listener since the beginning (episode 3ish), but think the popularity went to spencers head. When phil was around, the show was high quality and very informative. HobbyU, Third Party Products, and tacticas were all favorites of mine. The current show was a waste of time to listen to. It usually took them an hour to begin the show and read a list of new things i could find in 5 minutes on Bols. In became a stage for them to talk about their hobby activities, which is fine, but not appropriate for a podcast, imo.

Im sorry for spencer and the rest of the 40k radio cast, but I think the show should have been cancelled a long time ago.

I saw this coming awhile ago, I just didn't think it would be in this form. The show has been sliding downhill for around a year. Between all the cussing that everyone (besides Scot) did and then Jar Jar dropping the N bomb, and Spencer's nerdrage rants, the show was beginning to seem more like an audio form of White Dwarf. Not a whole lot of content between a lot of drivel.

I mean they even admit time and time again that the show sucked.

I'm not really surprised about the comments made to him about losing his child either. If everyone remembers the whole whole stelak/BOLS incident a few months back, I believe a member of BOLS made a similar comment to stelak.

Anyway that's neither here nor there. What i'm wondering about is all the money tied up in 40k radio. Between people's Boota subscriptions, sponsorship, hell even the swear jar they were all supposed to be contributing to, there's a lot of money that seems like it might be owed.

I also feel that specer's claim that he suspended Scot and chippley because they didn't play the game to be total BS. So what if they don't play the game, half the pople on this forum or BOLS haven't played a game in six months either. Do professional sports casters play baseball? Does Joe Rogan fight in the UFC? No they're entertainers and reviewers which is exactly what Scot and chippley did. Thats a total cop out. I don't think you need to play the game to tell me that the new BA models are sweet looking. Or that a unit of fully loaded Death Company are going to kick some butt. Its not like it was an in depth tactics show.

I had gotten a bit tired with 40k radio in recent times, mainly because of Spencer's tendency to go off on horribly uninformed rants about various topics. The rather poor handling of the Scott/Chipley affair was just the final straw for me; so I had just dropped the podcast with the second to last episode.
But that's the thing, isn't it? It's a free service (unless you were a freebooter) and you can simply stop downloading it if you're dissatisfied with it.

What I don't get, though: How pathetic do you have to be in order to send such an insulting mail to some dude who just produces a gaming podcast and had to deal with personal loss recently? Mind-boggling.

Eddtheman wrote:I am sorry to say that I don't really care that 40k radio is gone. I was an avid listener since the beginning (episode 3ish), but think the popularity went to spencers head. When phil was around, the show was high quality and very informative. HobbyU, Third Party Products, and tacticas were all favorites of mine. The current show was a waste of time to listen to. It usually took them an hour to begin the show and read a list of new things i could find in 5 minutes on Bols. In became a stage for them to talk about their hobby activities, which is fine, but not appropriate for a podcast, imo.

Im sorry for spencer and the rest of the 40k radio cast, but I think the show should have been cancelled a long time ago.

Yeah, I quit listening myself shortly after Phil departed.

Daggermaw wrote:I'm not really surprised about the comments made to him about losing his child either. If everyone remembers the whole whole stelak/BOLS incident a few months back, I believe a member of BOLS made a similar comment to stelak.

I believe it was jwolf in particular who said it. And it's Stelek.

Our hobby really is a sad one sometimes. I can't believe some of the crap people say and do over toys.

It seems to me that despite talking about karma, his internet stalker has no understanding of it. Such a shame, and its even worse than I can't not comment, making the audience for this kind of behavior even bigger.

Never a listener, but some of my friends were, my mother would stab me if I ever said something like that to somebody, even in poorly formed jest.

Daggermaw wrote:
I'm not really surprised about the comments made to him about losing his child either. If everyone remembers the whole whole stelak/BOLS incident a few months back, I believe a member of BOLS made a similar comment to stelak.

Yep. Spencer even mentioned this on air that after the apology was posted that Stelek should accept it and move on. Sorry, things like that aren't that easily washed under the bridge. Hence why I wondered if the guy apologized for it if Spencer would accept it and carry on.

That was the last episode that I listened to of 40k Radio. The fact it had turned into a ramble/interview cast was beside the point since they did occasionally have something interesting to listen to. I know they had a very close (at the time) relationship with BOLS and the attempts at segments on the show, but that was defending the undefendable regardless of who said it.

I think if Spencer hadn't made such a big deal out of banning Jar Jar at the time in order to try to save VGV as a sponsor, bringing him back now wouldn't be that big of a deal to anyone.

Roleplayer wrote:The tall poppy syndrome continues.

Wonder how many people here would say this drivel to Spencer's face, rather than in a nice safe internet forum.
I bet 100% of you would say the exact opposite. And not because Spencer is a violent man. Just because its much harder to look a man in the eye and be a dick than it is to post random things about him on some internet forum.

If you dont have anything nice to say, dont post anything at all.

I dont think anyone really wants to hear your opinions on whether spencer should have or shouldn't have quit. But I'm sure everybody here knows better, than spencer whats best for his family and his own happiness, right?
People on the internet can be such 'everything experts' it is infuriating.

Unture, on both accounts. I've never made personal attacks on Spencer or any of his hosts. What I have attacked is the quality of his show. Why would I be afraid to say that to his face? If he was a good producer he would welcome criticism. You might not want to hear opinions that don't agree with yours, but thankfully this website doesn't adhere to that kind of censorship.


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Phryxis wrote:

Blasphemers don't get second chances.

I don't know if you meant to, but you've actually hit the nail on the head here.

The reason this person feels justified (besides being a coward hiding behind the interwebs) being so cruel in his language, is because he's in the grips of religious fervor. Political Correctness is functionally equivalent to a religion at this point, and "racist" is the 2010 version of "blasphemer."

We're all 40K players, we know how it works. Purge the heretic. Intolerance is my shield. It's funny that we play a game that is so thickly infused with criticism of this sort of repressive mind control, even as our own High Media Lords of Earth teach that certain words are not to be said, certain thoughts are not to be thought, and any who defy this are no longer worthy of basic human dignity.

This is the price we pay for tolerating political correctness. This is the fallout we experience for allowing anybody to try to control what others say or think, whether we agree with what they're saying or thinking or not.

Are these the arguments racism apologists are using these days? Don't be intolerant of my intolerance?

I tried listening to one of their episodes. They talked more about their lives than 40k. It seemed like they wanted their listeners know what other gamers thought by using the things they say about they themselves as an example.

It was very lame listening to grown men speak like high school kids crazed about last night's football game. I only listened through 1 episode when I had enough. It wasn't about 40k. It was about their lives and how immature they can get on their show and only a few mentioning words about 40k.

Thats really terrible.

todeswind wrote:Like Spencer or hate him, sending him e-mails threatening his family and blaming him for his wife's miscarriage is not cool.

Agreed. Those people are worthless trash.

I stopped listening when Phil left and the show became less about the actual game. Its still sad to me, since I was the 5th person to join the Freebooters and actually won their first contest. Good memories listening.

I listen to the D6G now. Just enough of a 40K fix.

Mez

I never liked 40k Radio I thought it was vulgar and frankly a little too arrogant but it's like my dear mum always said "If it ain't your cup if tea don't f**king drink it."

And there is never an excuse to for bringing up the loss of a child under any circumstances. Totally uncalled for.

Oxfordseth wrote:I can't believe people are giving the guy crap for dropping the show. It's one thing to stand up for your principles but another entirely to risk your family.

What should he do?
Sorry honey I know this guys is causing you pain with insensitive comments about our tragedy and threats to our family but if I give up the show he wins. You have to suffer so I can make a stand.

He is protecting his family. If you have family you should understand.

I'm not telling you how to feel, just that for me my family's safety is important.

She has to suffer?

It was one dumbass that said a negative comment on the fething INTERNET.

Spencer has a thin-hide at this moment because of his incident. Don't go saying his wife is suffering because someone insulted her on the internet, where 9 year old kids are 18 year old women.

the internet can be such a violent and sad place.

i mean bringing someone dead child into it is downright disrespectful

evilsponge wrote:Are these the arguments racism apologists are using these days? Don't be intolerant of my intolerance?

He said one word, one time. This is all it takes to make one a racist?

I've said "the N-word" before, too. Without knowing anything at all about the context in which it was used, would you say I'm a racist too?

Sidstyler wrote:

evilsponge wrote:Are these the arguments racism apologists are using these days? Don't be intolerant of my intolerance?

He said one word, one time. This is all it takes to make one a racist?

I've said "the N-word" before, too. Without knowing anything at all about the context in which it was used, would you say I'm a racist too?

Uh, yeah, I would. A person who uses that word is more likely racist than not. Even if you're using it jokingly, it's still an obvious and well-known racial epithet.

Sidstyler wrote:

evilsponge wrote:Are these the arguments racism apologists are using these days? Don't be intolerant of my intolerance?

He said one word, one time. This is all it takes to make one a racist?

I've said "the N-word" before, too. Without knowing anything at all about the context in which it was used, would you say I'm a racist too?

Yes.

There's more to just that he said it but also the context that he said it in. It was clearly said and meant as a racist comment.

Frazzled wrote:

Sidstyler wrote:

evilsponge wrote:Are these the arguments racism apologists are using these days? Don't be intolerant of my intolerance?

He said one word, one time. This is all it takes to make one a racist?

I've said "the N-word" before, too. Without knowing anything at all about the context in which it was used, would you say I'm a racist too?

Yes.

So then that's it? Once a racist, always a racist? What if Sid was doing a report on racism for a sociology class and it was used in some "proper" context? What if he was in a play or reenactment that required him to use that word? What if he was a black guy? For all you know he could be. That last one makes it okay I'm pretty sure. I've seen Boondocks and stand-up comedy before. I know that's acceptable. What about when I'm called a "cracker"? It's old slang, but I've still heard it before. It must be okay though because no one seems to care, because it wasn't directed at a "minority".

I think the PC movement has spiraled out of control.

daedalus wrote:

Frazzled wrote:

Sidstyler wrote:

evilsponge wrote:Are these the arguments racism apologists are using these days? Don't be intolerant of my intolerance?

He said one word, one time. This is all it takes to make one a racist?

I've said "the N-word" before, too. Without knowing anything at all about the context in which it was used, would you say I'm a racist too?

Yes.

So then that's it? Once a racist, always a racist? What if Sid was doing a report on racism for a sociology class and it was used in some "proper" context? What if he was in a play or reenactment that required him to use that word? What if he was a black guy? For all you know he could be. That last one makes it okay I'm pretty sure. I've seen Boondocks and stand-up comedy before. I know that's acceptable. What about when I'm called a "cracker"? It's old slang, but I've still heard it before. It must be okay though because no one seems to care, because it wasn't directed at a "minority".

I think the PC movement has spiraled out of control.

There is no proper cotext.
Once a racist always a racist.

Sorry next time don't ask a question you don't want the answer to.

Explain how then it's not when the comment he made was "On the ground, *" when they were talking about tazering. Kinda hard to take that out of context.

I don't know if Samuel Clemons would agree, but that's how you feel about it and you're as entitled to that feeling as people like JarJar may or may not be about his (assuming he IS racist), just as I'm just as entitled to play the devils advocate.


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12thRonin wrote:Explain how then it's not when the comment he made was "On the ground, *" when they were talking about tazering. Kinda hard to take that out of context.

I wasn't talking about the show. I was talking about Sidstyler.

So if some really weird person names their kid after the N word then that makes all the friends and teachers of that child racists for calling him that?

it isn't easy to define when and why something goes from not being racist to being racist and the other way round. An internet forum is also not the best place to try and talk about these things as you can say what you want as you are far away and nobody know you.

AT-43.CO.UK wrote:it isn't easy to define when and why something goes from not being racist to being racist and the other way round. An internet forum is also not the best place to try and talk about these things as you can say what you want as you are far away and nobody know you.

I think that makes it the perfect place. It's, ironically, much easier to pick the real person out from the facade they hide behind because they're letting you know how they really feel.

why has no one answered the question of why its okay for every rapper, comedian, cartoon to use the N Word in a nonracist way? But its not okay for someone else to use that word and it not be as a racist attack?
I have used the word a number of times as I sing along to my favorite hip hop artists. Since context doesnt matter to you guys, am I a racist? Im being serious too.

Racial/Ethnic/Religious slurs should never be used by anyone, including black/latino/white rappers. They have no place in civilized society. They mark the user as a loser.

Frazzled wrote:
Once a racist always a racist.

This is bs. People can out-grow how they were raised.


That's all I have to say on this subject.

That, and IBL.

AT-43.CO.UK wrote: An internet forum is also not the best place to try and talk about these things as you can say what you want as you are far away and nobody know you.

This board and thread certainly isn't anyway.