So as my little profile whoozits will show, I've been a registered member of Gamespot for about 8 and a half years. I've followed this site through it's transitions, through it's "we're going to charge you to watch any videos here" phase, then the subsequent "our videos are free to watch" phase, I've seen their staff come and go, revolving at times like seasons changing.

Today, I was modded, but that's not the interesting part. No, what's interesting is why.

It started with a news article. In the article we learned a couple of key goings on in the world of the big N, particularly that the remade Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina Of Time was selling with the Nintendo 3DS at a ratio of about 1 to 4, respectively. Another user suggested that remakes do not kill a series. I thought it a strange thing to have to point out, but I agreed, adding that it doesn't further the series either. I also pointed out, rather plainly, that a remake of a popular game will naturally be a top seller when there is little else to choose from. I then proposed that if given the choice between a new Zelda game or a remake, people would more than likely purchase the new game, having already played the remake. Having little to choose from played in the game's favor sales-wise.

For this I was moddded, my comment deleted after a plethora of thumbs down votes from others.

Let me be frank; this practice is terrifying in what it implies. Quite a few years ago I used to frequent another game website some of you may have heard of called 1up. There, with startling regularity, I saw my comments being edited. They literally removed certain word to doctor what I'd posted and then would reprimand me via private message. I abandoned that site as a result of this activity, as it became clear to me that journalism in 1up was dead. It was especially tough for me because prior to this I'd been an avid reader of their various magazines, I'd even had a collection of them going all the way back to Electronic Gaming Monthly #1. I'd seen then that they were just shills on a mission to print fluff pieces for pay; after all, why bite the hand that feeds them? That isn't journalism, that's advertising, and their every article seemed to support this behavior on their website.

Here on Gamespot I've seen a lot of trends move by. I've seen Gamespot, to this day, permit a racially offensive remark on their forum. I even blogged about it, I reported it, nothing was done. Now, for my honest feedback on an article I'm being called a troll, simply because I said, and I will quote myself:

Of course it sells a million, it's not like 3DS owners have much to choose from.

@ some_user_I_won't_name

I wouldn't be as dramatic as to suggest it kills a series, but it certainly isn't doing anything to further it. What if this had been a new Zelda adventure altogether? It's really just lazy, but 3DS owners are desperate enough to buy it.

And before you Nintendo fans give me the thumbs down for not proclaiming this the greatest Zelda that ever existed, ask yourselves, if given the option for a remake of a 10+ year old game, or a whole new Zelda experience, which would you honestly prefer?

Quit kidding yourselves.Icehearted

They called that trolling, and I was modded.

Even though it's honest, sincere, in no way intended to offend anyone deliberately, and it was the truth (however angrily delivered), they called my dissent "trolling". Takes me right back to 1up and their meticulous doctoring of my comments, though to Gamespot's credit I was not edited, I was deleted.

By posting this I imagine they may decide to suspend me, or they might delete this blog entry, or they may even choose to ban me. If they do so I will at least have a clear understanding of my position with Gamespot and it's staff. Honest thoughts, are the only permissible when they aren't in dissent of the majority? That remains to be seen, but I will not cower at having my hand slapped for sharing my thoughts, which were relevant albeit angry. Yes, I was mad when I posted that, but at Nintendo. They play this game a lot; make a system, have little on it to really appeal to the core audience, and watch it sell like mad because people have little else for the system to choose from. They did this with the Game Boy Advance, they did this with the Nintendo 64 for years, it's a questionable practice. If they don't do this deliberately then they're inept rather than shady, but either way it's a slap against the consumer.

Whatever happens, if this is the end, then for those of you that see this before they shut me down, I'd like to say it's been a real honor to know some of you. Believe that if you're on my friends list you're on it for a reason.

Gamespot, the ball's in your court. Have at me.