I've been on this site for nigh on 8 years now. I've been through three site designs, many reviews, and of course, Trivia Robot (voiced by Jeff).

This is probably the worst moment in the site's history. Or at least, the most shameful.

I have not always agreed with his reviews, (nor Greg's or Alex's), but I have always respected them and at least considered the qualities of their arguments. When Jeff got fired, Gamespot (and Cnet) effectively said "Being honest in a review is against site policy". Jeff didn't say anything that was "off the wall", he didn't bring up stuff from out of left field, and he most certainly didn't say "I don't like this game because Eidos is lining my office with shwag".

Eidos simply didn't make a good game. Jeff pointed this out. Now Jeff has to explain to his bank why he can't pay the mortgage next month.

I have further lost respect for Gamespot for their backhanded story in the news about his severance. I don't for a minute think that either G-spot staffer were actually interviewed. Their quotes reek of spin and PR bolstering.

I also find it shameful that the remaining staff cannot post in their blogs specifically, for fear of losing their jobs. I think Bob, Greg and Adam, who worked with Jeff for a good amount of time have considerably aided the endeavour for thought and information into this matter. Unfortunately, none of them work at Gamespot (or for Cnet).

In the end though, this further proves that Gamespot is indeed no longer serving the people who matter most, the user (people like myself). Gamespot was established to provide the home user with meaningful information as it pertains to video games. Gamespot today it seems, exists to spew advertising from big name publishers, Mountain Dew and Toyota. I'm really quite sick of being branded. It seemed like Gamespot was too, as in game advertising is now something they look at. I really wish they'd look at on-site advertising and say "Gee, maybe our users hate being bombarded on the internet as much as they do in-game".

I suppose my last point was more of a quibble than anything.

If they ever offered Jeff work again, I would hope he turns them down, lest he look like a schill for doing so. I respect his thoughts, find him humourous, and will greatly miss his Points Report. (although he hasn't done one for a while).

I'd stop listening to the Hotspot and watching On the Spot if I hadn't already in probably September 2006. I'll probably shun this website from now on. I'm sorry for the editors and staff remaining, I really do enjoy your work, especially Brian's sports related stuff and anything by Alex. It's your company that has me annoyed. I also highly respect Tim for presumably quitting over this contentious issue. That takes guts. And a lot of grindcore.