Bionic Commando

Professionalism and the Podcast

Guys,

Hey, a little comment, first off after listening to the last podcast I was a little taken aback with the opening first five minutes of the show, and as much as I am a supporter and fan of what you guys have started, I found myself wary of the mood of things, if this is the way things are headed with this podcast.

The profanity laden insults aimed at Gearroid were way off base, especially since you guys are Professionals and more importantly representing Capcom as a WHOLE. I will issue a public apology over my comment in a minute as I didn't mean to insinuate that he (Gearroid) did anything underhanded in changing the PC specs post, which it was not intended to be as such. (It was intened to be in good fun) However on reflecting on the last podcast over the last few days, I am still agitated over the tone of the show and the vibe of the way things are getting here in the last few months. (And felt my comment was not something I would be appropriate where it was, if I didn't make things clear and remove myself from the Gearroid bashing, which I did not want to associate myself with)

When I listen to Simon's Podcast (#7) compared to Lars (#15) only a few short months later, the tone has turned into a snarky, almost head biting atmosphere, (even enough to turn on the guests as well) and sadly enough that does convey over the airwaves to those of us who listen and have listened for a long time now.

I don't mind if you guys have fun with each other, but strictly gunning or picking on one person in fun (and I use that term loosely) or not is right close to crossing a line that unfortunately as Capcom representatives you CANNOT cross. Sorry, but it's true.

Regardless of stress levels, how much your balls are in the vice, it doesn't matter, that kind of behavior is not something you want to associate yourself with. Hell if even your coworkers at Capcom USA are distancing themselves, and even Insomniac's podcast crew were uncomfortable during your "visit" you seriously have to take a step back and reassess what's the best for everybody and the company. If this podcast will continue past BC's launch then your going to have to do some restructuring internally (or mentally) to keep it in mind about your place, and "the face" you portray as the company's public figureheads.

And I don't mean to point fingers but Ben, you and John are the main culprits. I'm not saying Mr. Cortini, is totally of innocence, but I can't always differentiate the voices when the bleeping is going on. And I can't totally remember Gearroid blasting anyone with any venomous insults in the past. Bluntly, it makes me wonder if this is why Andrew has been suspiciously absent for more than a few months as he was tired of being the whipping boy/butt of the jokes.

The only reason I am taking the time to email you guys is not to be an ass, and say I told you so, but more to be a voice of reasoning saying, hey stuff better change otherwise you are going to get more than slapped on the hand (maybe pink slipped) and if you start to wonder why, then the podcast will be the first place people will refer you too, and that all comes down to unprofessional behavior that was left unchecked and running wild. (as it currently is)

One last comment, after listening to Player One, Insomniac, and Kojima Productions podcasts in addition to yours I'd say Player One is the model you guys want to aspire too. They take some shots at each other, but it's never hurtful or spiteful, they manage to have fun (they sometimes go on way too long on tangents that lead nowhere) but it's never a big issue to any of them. But it's always entertaining to listen too, overall.

And in closing, there is only one Dave Jaffe, and as much as I have respect for him, his tirades sometimes become tiresome too, but at least I can't fault him for telling the truth, even though sometimes his logic is flawed in his reasoning. But my point here is there is only one Jaffe, and I don't suggest that you follow his lead and go from the head of Capcom translation & new rookie Producer, to outspoken renegade commentator of Capcom as your new role. Jaffe understands his limitations, so honestly I think you need to assess what yours are as well.

I hope I wasn't too harsh, and that you guys will take my suggestions to heart, I don't want to see someone make a stupid error in judgment and piss off someone and either the podcast gets canceled without a word, or someone gets canned.

P.S. I was disappointed that BCR was delayed, all I can ask is that it comes out as soon as possible and in top form. And Gearroid, look for my public apology soon...well actually in a few minutes.

Thanks for reading,
Brian