Simple Stuff...
Firstly, let me apologise for this blog going somewhat crazy over the last few entries, this is due to the fact I was having a break from BXB and hence was just posting a load of rubbish. Moving back onto commenting upon the Gaming Industry from now on. Honest.
I'm sure many a Community/Fansite owner has come to realisation that the chances of them making it to IGN kind of levels on their own is pretty remote. I'm also sure that these same people have thought about working with other fansites to create a bigger and better community for everyone. It's an idea which is discussed and re-discussed over and over again.
However, often, the one thing that stops this from happening is the desire to make it to IGN kind of levels without the help of others. A typical arrogant and egotistical reaction to creating your own endeavour.
Even if you're willing to tend to these egos and relent certain things to them, just because you know it would serve the greater good, these egos will still end up warring against you. So, when I meet someone who genuinely wants to do something for Gamers, the most important people in this industry, it's very refreshing.
My first experience was with Dan from Game Network. He struck me immediately as a genuine guy that loved games and wanted to work with BXB to make things better for everyone. We share goals and we share loves. BXB's affiliation with Game Network was without a doubt a very positive move in the right direction.
So, with this little success under BXB's belt, I started hunt round for other people to work with and once again I stumbled across someone who obviously shares my love of gaming and has the same goals - to give something great to gamers.
After some initial difficulty in discussing my plans for BXB Tournaments run by fellow XCN site www.xboxgamezone.co.uk with it's Competition and Event Specialist Lisa Bidder, I found that our discussion was short, to the point and basically incredibly easy and simple. Essentially, it was ego free.
Both parties involved knew that the other party has something to offer to the relationship and that this relationship would be beneficial to everyone involved. Hence, in the coming weeks, XGZ will be featuring on BXB and will be running a Project Gotham Racing 3 knockout Tournament which will be broadcast on Game Network.
The other end of the scale is a different story and ultimately more disappointing and troubling. Last year, I offered to work with www.thelastmanstanding.net in helping them organise a joint LAN event. A LAN event that would be bigger and better for everyone visiting because we would work together.
Sadly, after a number of frustrating discussions with the representatives of LMS, I decided to give up. The breaking point being perhaps when they asked me: "Why do we need your help?" My frustration knew no bounds because I couldn't convince these guys that BXB and LMS working together would be good for both parties. "We want to do it on our own..." They added. It's a fine example of where someone's ego gets in the way of everyone getting a better deal.
So, Lisa Bidder, I salute you for you ego free approach to this Industry and I look forward to more pleasantly simple stuff between XGZ and BXB!
5 comments:
I used to keep all my cards clutched close to my chest. Cor! Tongue Twister! Was scared other people would knick ideas, or beat me to something.
Then I realised, if you tell someone your idea, they might be able to help. And sometimes it's better to get a good idea out there to be talked about, than save it to yourself, when you may lack the resources to pursue it.
At the same time, I was doing music stuff, and slaving away in my bedroom painstaking producing stuff layer by layer...a quick jam with a friend's band, where they instantly put bass guitar, lead, drums, to my keyboard melody, and it was a full song within seconds, reminded me what a shortcut collaboration and pooling efforts can be.
So it's good to hear of you collaborating recently.
Regarding LMS, I feel it odd you mention them in this way, as I'm surprised at their reaction, the way you depict it. At the same time, highlighting them as an example, almost looks like a public denounciation. Perhaps poisioning reader's minds against them, in some ego war that is still raging, perhaps subconsciously?
Somethings, however, are just down to chemistry between the personas and characters driving each enterprise. People always like to work with those they think they can get on well with, and if you've had these problems in the past, maybe the two organisations are best left seperate. If together they might implode under internal arguments.
Just my thoughts on your post.
~AJ~
Interesting suggestion that my own ego made me write about LMS in an attempt to denounce them. Perhaps there is a subconscious aspect to it but consciously I was attempting to portray the two sides of the egos at play within the Gaming Industry. However, I'll admit I found their reaction disspointing, frustrating and surprising!
"However, often, the one thing that stops this from happening is the desire to make it to IGN kind of levels without the help of others. A typical arrogant and egotistical reaction to creating your own endeavour."
Nice to know you can self reflect on your own faults...
Anonymity - The face of all internet insults...
Hi, it's Andrew here, not the other anonymous - I was only surprised by the LMS comment, 'cos I met a couple of the old Xequted staff last year, and they were really nice people, although also I should add the two people I'm thinking of have both left now.
There's interesting theories I came across on my Media Studies degree, about constructing your identity in contrast or opposition to others.
Arguably online communities are subcultures in their own right, that can be fussy about who they work with and who they don't.
Sorry...am reading a book on club cultures atm, and door policies, and social heirarchies, and underground media ( Sarah Thornton: Club Culture - Music, Media, and Subcultural Capital ). So that's influencing my current thinking a bit. Sorry if the link appears tenuous.
Am surprised you picked out this element however. Moreover, the point I was trying to make was the bedroom one - slaving away as an individual, when teamwork often does get you where you wish to be faster.
However, you need to work with people you can get on with. Partnerships need to be two way, or they don't go anywhere. If a potential partner turned you down, move on, and find someone else to collaborate with.
Sorry - just came out of unrequited love with a lady who led me on for a while, so another metaphor!
Probably not cool to mention LMS in a: "Wish we had worked with them 'cos they're so cool" sort of way. It seems you already have another partner to fill their shoes. So work with who you can work with, and just get the job done.
"If you build it, they will come". Lol.
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