Well, it's been some time since all that nastiness happened, and I'd like to think I made some point, in some small way. I canceled my paid account and I know I wasn't the only one. I'm Basic.. er.. Free, now, and that suits me just fine for the forseeable future.

I'd like to make something very clear -- the reason I continue to hang around here, on the forums, writing blogs, whatever else, is because I love GameSpot. I've been a fan for years and years, well before my three or four year tenure. Why was I so vocal? Because I was very angry. It's not anger toward GameSpot -- but instead at someone who put GameSpot, and the great people I knew who still worked there, at risk. I wanted to telegraph a message to that person that this wasn't gonna be the kind of issue that just blows over. But more than that, I wanted to defend the people I knew, the people that were so dedicated and passionate, and who put integrity above all else. I hope I was able to do at least that, if not anything else.

I have no ill-will or vendetta against GameSpot whatsoever. Yes, it's true that a blog post of mine was deleted in the middle of all that craziness, but I can't really blame that person in his situation. It was up long enough to make an impression, and for that I am grateful.

So, what now? I'm curious what a Jeff-less GameSpot will be like. Don't get me wrong, everyone who's on staff now is great, and I know Alex will do a great job. But Jeff had the ability to be an entertaining live presence. I still think that there's some really awesome stuff to be conjured up. (Dear Alex, Whatever happened to Burning Questions? By the way, do you play Rock Band? Or are you sticking with the real, non-achievement-point-awarding set that's not even compatible with.. well.. ANY video game system?? Sincerely, KarlBFan11)

At any rate, I hope that this is the opportunity for the editorial staff to shine. And I don't mean a lame new series that's designed for an advertiser ("Welcome to Zane's Diamond in the Rough, where we feature games you may not know about. But don't get too addicted or you'll have to grovel to that special someone for neglecting her! Fortunately for you, if that happens, we can help you find the perfect gift, the gift that says 'I just got you a diamond, so let me play Halo 3 in peace for 5 freaking minutes!'")

Yikes, that sounds like it could almost be real. So GS, I look forward to seeing you guys continue to adapt and grow and innovate. I'll even pitch another segment for you: Every week, we watch some poor, randomly selected soul face everything the DDR machine has to offer. You could call it "Dance or Die Revolution." Okay, well, the name needs work. Or perhaps Alex can give his next review while totally doing some awesomely irrelevant drum solo.

I think this blog might start to return to normal ol' Adam B. Kind of already looking forward to writing my next entry. Someone gave me and a friend the best Christmas gift ever. We got tickets to go see Van Halen - David Lee Roth style! It was this past Friday, and it was freaking awesome. I hope some of my photos turned out.