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Azreal13 wrote: While accepting your point that non-executive staff probably have a friendlier view towards the community, I'd say specifically in the case of Jervis, it would be quite easy to argue he may really dislike it, or at least parts of it.
I've met him, and he was an absolute gentleman. Very polite and friendly and enthusiastic about the hobby and our clubs approach to it. And keys say he dislikes part of the community - so what? I dislike large parts of the community. Gamers as individuals range from some pretty cool guys and girls to some utter morons. 'Gamers' as a brand have large elements that stink of smug self entitlement, as well as being fickle, toxic and unreasonable.
I mean, look at his editorials, he seems to enjoy a lot of the aspects of 40K that are roundly criticised (all the randumb most prominently) and it appears that one can link the rise of that sort of approach with his tenure as head of the studio and custodianship of 40K without what now appears was the balancing influence of Rick et al.
As 40K is now ostensibly his baby, and a lot of people are vocal in their dislike for it, it isn't a leap to consider he may be a bit resentful.
Editorials? PR. where he has to tow the company line. White dwarf etc is a catalogue in order to sell models. And bear in mind - he is a famous face, but has very limited 'real' power. The design studio don't have that much creative freedom, just deadlines and dictates from management.
Well, that paints him either as a corporate puppet, who, unlike his peers, didn't value his creative integrity sufficiently that he needed to move on or that he fundamentally agrees with the direction he endorses.
Alan Merret is in control of 40k, and generally is the final word on everything that the design studio release, not Jervis.
Merret is head of IP, he's not involved with games design.
Alan has the final say in anything that comes out of the studio, games, models and everything else. If he says no, it has to be changed. I never said he was involved in the design process, just that he is in overall control.
Can I ask how you come by such detailed knowledge? Because no info I've read about his role at GW has suggested this.
We find comfort among those who agree with us - growth among those who don't. - Frank Howard Clark
The wise man doubts often, and changes his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubts not; he knows all things but his own ignorance.
The correct statement of individual rights is that everyone has the right to an opinion, but crucially, that opinion can be roundly ignored and even made fun of, particularly if it is demonstrably nonsense!” Professor Brian Cox
We find comfort among those who agree with us - growth among those who don't. - Frank Howard Clark
The wise man doubts often, and changes his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubts not; he knows all things but his own ignorance.
The correct statement of individual rights is that everyone has the right to an opinion, but crucially, that opinion can be roundly ignored and even made fun of, particularly if it is demonstrably nonsense!” Professor Brian Cox
Don't think of it as an attempt to marginalize those with concerns. Think of it instead as an attempt to communicate how some other people see those concerns.
Indeed. But I am objective in my defenses of them elsewhere, I am not an ardent fan boy that will accept any decision they make. They are a multi national company, not my big brother, so I don't get angry about the decisions I don't agree with, I just don't buy the product.
Merett came off very badly when called to testify in the Chapterhouse case, and if he's the gatekeeper for what escapes from the studio, it may explain some of the apparently bizarre decisions on what does and doesn't get releases.
One wonders if, in the face of falling revenue, the likes of Ad Mech etc have made it to release because he's been overruled, considering how long the fans have been dying to see them and there's been no sign, then all of a sudden they appear.
We find comfort among those who agree with us - growth among those who don't. - Frank Howard Clark
The wise man doubts often, and changes his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubts not; he knows all things but his own ignorance.
The correct statement of individual rights is that everyone has the right to an opinion, but crucially, that opinion can be roundly ignored and even made fun of, particularly if it is demonstrably nonsense!” Professor Brian Cox
Merett came off very badly when called to testify in the Chapterhouse case, and if he's the gatekeeper for what escapes from the studio, it may explain some of the apparently bizarre decisions on what does and doesn't get releases.
One wonders if, in the face of falling revenue, the likes of Ad Mech etc have made it to release because he's been overruled, considering how long the fans have been dying to see them and there's been no sign, then all of a sudden they appear.
As I left on good terms and know that people at HQ read through dakka, I won't say anything about a director. I have a few ex colleague friends who have worked for him directly, and so I have heard many tales of the man's behaviour and actions. Your comment that he came off badly doesn't surprise me.
Edit- He got over ruled on the riptide, so you might be right there.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2015/06/19 16:29:22
It's a matter of public record, there'll be a link buried here on Dakka somewhere, but for the Head Of IP his grasp of IP Law was.. tenuous?
Plus he characterised the GW Hobby as "buying things from GW" which has now ascended into legend somewhat!
We find comfort among those who agree with us - growth among those who don't. - Frank Howard Clark
The wise man doubts often, and changes his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubts not; he knows all things but his own ignorance.
The correct statement of individual rights is that everyone has the right to an opinion, but crucially, that opinion can be roundly ignored and even made fun of, particularly if it is demonstrably nonsense!” Professor Brian Cox
I recall some of it. You have guys like him, Jes, John, Jervis, Rick Priestly etc who started off in a small, friendly little company, that have found themselves in senior positions in a corporation. Some, like Jes and Jervis have managed to stay relevant to the current business. Some, like Rick were lost on the way. Others are in positions they would never get interviewed for if they applied today.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2015/06/19 16:41:37
Hey, they recruit for attitude, not skills! I'm sure he would get an interview!
We find comfort among those who agree with us - growth among those who don't. - Frank Howard Clark
The wise man doubts often, and changes his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubts not; he knows all things but his own ignorance.
The correct statement of individual rights is that everyone has the right to an opinion, but crucially, that opinion can be roundly ignored and even made fun of, particularly if it is demonstrably nonsense!” Professor Brian Cox
Azreal13 wrote: It's a matter of public record, there'll be a link buried here on Dakka somewhere, but for the Head Of IP his grasp of IP Law was.. tenuous?
Plus he characterised the GW Hobby as "buying things from GW" which has now ascended into legend somewhat!
He's not wrong. I love buying things from GW. There's something oddly enjoyable about the cycle of rumours, to previews, to getting something in your hands. I'm everyone is familiar with the notion of having a big stash of unassembled, unpainted models in their queue where their enthusiasm for buying a product didn't quite translate into painting and using it.
Azreal13 wrote: It's a matter of public record, there'll be a link buried here on Dakka somewhere, but for the Head Of IP his grasp of IP Law was.. tenuous?
Plus he characterised the GW Hobby as "buying things from GW" which has now ascended into legend somewhat!
He's not wrong. I love buying things from GW. There's something oddly enjoyable about the cycle of rumours, to previews, to getting something in your hands. I'm everyone is familiar with the notion of having a big stash of unassembled, unpainted models in their queue where their enthusiasm for buying a product didn't quite translate into painting and using it.
He's absolutely wrong, unless all you do with the stuff you buy is leave it in a cupboard and never look at it again.
A backlog is one thing, to never do anything with a any models or books except purchase them (which is the inference) is quite another.
You can be a massive fan, that's fine, but if you can't find it in your heart to at least be a little offended by the implication that ALL you do is buy the product unquestioningly and unthinkingly then I don't think you're in a position to have any sort of objective discussion.
Azreal13 wrote: Hey, they recruit for attitude, not skills! I'm sure he would get an interview!
Ha ha ha ha. I think if they could afford to make him a golden farewell offer big enough to make him leave he'd have been booted out years ago.
This is where they're lacking a few professional corporate donkey-caves, somebody to lead him to the edge, and convince him his only option is to jump. Although I suspect that'd be a challenge, key senior figures strike me as dug in deeper than deer ticks.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2015/06/19 17:06:27
We find comfort among those who agree with us - growth among those who don't. - Frank Howard Clark
The wise man doubts often, and changes his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubts not; he knows all things but his own ignorance.
The correct statement of individual rights is that everyone has the right to an opinion, but crucially, that opinion can be roundly ignored and even made fun of, particularly if it is demonstrably nonsense!” Professor Brian Cox
All gw needs to make it a great company are a few more senior external appointments. They know how to make great models, they have no idea how to retail them. I won't comment on the games as people disagree on that. Fresh blood in positions that can make positive changes could completely turn it around.
Absolutely agree, except the people in a position to affect that change see no need for it, and would likely feel threatened by anyone who disagreed with their way of doing things.
We find comfort among those who agree with us - growth among those who don't. - Frank Howard Clark
The wise man doubts often, and changes his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubts not; he knows all things but his own ignorance.
The correct statement of individual rights is that everyone has the right to an opinion, but crucially, that opinion can be roundly ignored and even made fun of, particularly if it is demonstrably nonsense!” Professor Brian Cox
That is exactly the problem, that's why it is senior positions that are needed, people who will make things happen, and remove the blockages that have caused the stagnation.
Well, I've got a few weeks free, management qualifications and experience and access to firearms!
We find comfort among those who agree with us - growth among those who don't. - Frank Howard Clark
The wise man doubts often, and changes his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubts not; he knows all things but his own ignorance.
The correct statement of individual rights is that everyone has the right to an opinion, but crucially, that opinion can be roundly ignored and even made fun of, particularly if it is demonstrably nonsense!” Professor Brian Cox
Azreal13 wrote: It's a matter of public record, there'll be a link buried here on Dakka somewhere, but for the Head Of IP his grasp of IP Law was.. tenuous?
Plus he characterised the GW Hobby as "buying things from GW" which has now ascended into legend somewhat!
He's not wrong. I love buying things from GW. There's something oddly enjoyable about the cycle of rumours, to previews, to getting something in your hands. I'm everyone is familiar with the notion of having a big stash of unassembled, unpainted models in their queue where their enthusiasm for buying a product didn't quite translate into painting and using it.
He's absolutely wrong, unless all you do with the stuff you buy is leave it in a cupboard and never look at it again.
A backlog is one thing, to never do anything with a any models or books except purchase them (which is the inference) is quite another.
You can be a massive fan, that's fine, but if you can't find it in your heart to at least be a little offended by the implication that ALL you do is buy the product unquestioningly and unthinkingly then I don't think you're in a position to have any sort of objective discussion.
I don't think I could have an objective discussion if all I was discussing were my feelings. I think objective discussions are usually open to differing points of view, myself. It seems impossible, to me, to be objective without acknowledging a plurality of perspectives. Acknowledging them doesn't mean accepting or agreeing, just accepting that the conversation starts from an agreement to be able to disagree.
Now the fact is that I own stuff I have indeed bought and never looked at again. I've sold stuff on, like the WFB armies that I regretted buying. And other stuff I will, in theory, someday use, but I haven't looked at in years and don't expect to in the near future. Buying it, however, was always a good experience. Maybe you're offended by the implication that all you do is buy the product unthinkingly and unquestioningly, but I don't think that's the implication. I mean, I realized this only about a year or so ago when buying something (I think it was more Tyranid Warriors or something) that out of all the things I do in the Hobby, buying is definitely at the forefront, and being so reminded of that comment I couldn't help but have that nonplussed moment where I realized "Hey, my hobby really is buying this stuff!" It's certainly a weird feeling.
I think it's more the implication that they don't care what you do, as long as you are buying more. Which, in fairness, is most companies attitude, they don't just blurt it out in such a thoughtless manner.
I don't think it is offensive myself, but it is tactless. Some people are very emotionally attached to the company and products, so to be told that all they are is a wallet could be taken as a slap in the face.
But back on topic, yes I'm still buying. When Nagash came back and undead was undead again (I didn't like the split), I bought this to rebuild my favourite army (I'm 6'2", btw).
Nomeny wrote: I don't really get why that's offensive.
THAT....is why you fail.
We find comfort among those who agree with us - growth among those who don't. - Frank Howard Clark
The wise man doubts often, and changes his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubts not; he knows all things but his own ignorance.
The correct statement of individual rights is that everyone has the right to an opinion, but crucially, that opinion can be roundly ignored and even made fun of, particularly if it is demonstrably nonsense!” Professor Brian Cox
really, Az???
everyone is supossed to share your indignation, or they fail???
the view must be really nice from up on your high horse...
i think JamesY has the right attitude...
it is definitely tactless to blatantly state that customers are basically walking wallets, but i imagine there are plenty of corporations that share that sentiment...
if someone chooses to be offended, that's on them, but acting like everyone HAS to be offended is out of line, as far as i'm concerned...
i collect minis...
that is my hobby...
surfing is my lifestyle, painting is my job, and collecting minis is my hobby...
i am so busy painting other people's minis, that i rarely get a chance to paint my own stuff...
it doesn't stop me from buying the minis that i want...
even dudes need some retail therapy every once in a while...
clipping parts off of sprues, pouring over bits, and imagining the builds and paintjobs that i wish i had time for is a very rewarding hobby to me...
^I thought you said you were leaving this discussion?
In any case, it seems that he wasn't saying they had to be offended, but rather than they needed to understand why others might be. Those are two different things, and the latter is a very reasonable thing to ask for, and he's probably right that you need that understanding to really fully discuss this.
Don't believe me? It's all in the numbers.
Number 1: That's terror.
Number 2: That's terror.
Dark Angels/Angels of Vengeance combo - ???? - Input wanted!
It almost might have been, hold on to your hats here folks, a bit of a joke?
But in the grim darkness of the far Internet, there is no time for humour, only po-faced intense discussion.
We find comfort among those who agree with us - growth among those who don't. - Frank Howard Clark
The wise man doubts often, and changes his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubts not; he knows all things but his own ignorance.
The correct statement of individual rights is that everyone has the right to an opinion, but crucially, that opinion can be roundly ignored and even made fun of, particularly if it is demonstrably nonsense!” Professor Brian Cox
Azreal the tone of many of your posts on this thread have been patronizing, condescending, and at times just plain rude. If your 'joke' was missed, that is probably the reason why.
No, the tone of many of my posts has been misinterpreted, but hey, I'm used to it, they only tend to get misinterpreted that way by people who disagree with me.
We find comfort among those who agree with us - growth among those who don't. - Frank Howard Clark
The wise man doubts often, and changes his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubts not; he knows all things but his own ignorance.
The correct statement of individual rights is that everyone has the right to an opinion, but crucially, that opinion can be roundly ignored and even made fun of, particularly if it is demonstrably nonsense!” Professor Brian Cox
'); 3,000 pointsjavascript:emoticon('
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2,000 points 
265 point detachment
Iron Hands: 1,850 
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