dont really know what hes banging on about TBH, but w/e thought I would post for anyone who hasn't seen it or can't read PSP posts on fb
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I'm often amazed at how many parallels exist between what I used to do in the wrestling business and what I do now in the gaming world. I'm grateful to have learned those lessons, as they are why I get some of the opportunities that I do in what I do today.
I'm going to take some time here to draw one of those parallels as I don't like something I'm seeing within the classic arcade gaming community right now. In particular... this applies to several of the Donkey Kong players. It's not meant to be preachy, though it will probably come off that way. It's not meant to sound upset or angry, though I'm sure some will choose to take it that way. I'm simply stating what I feel.
There were two types of people in the wrestling world. There were those who appreciated the promotions that booked them and were willing to help out those companies. To me, it only made sense to do so. After all, running a live event is damn hard and damn expensive... and I figured if I helped take care of the place giving me the stage to perform it would ensure that I had plenty more chances to do so.
Sometimes that meant that, even on nights when I was in the main event, I'd help set up some chairs or pick up some trash in the dressing room. Sometimes that meant helping promote the company on my own website and by posting flyers. Sometimes that meant wrestling two, even three times in a night to cover no-shows so that the fans would get a full card. Whatever it took.
Others didn't work that way. They'd show up to the show long enough to dress out, go do the match they way they wanted, get paid and leave. They weren't willing to come in at midnight to film vignettes or commercial bumpers for TV. They weren't willing to talk to the press or make the personal appearances. They only wanted the stage and wanted it for their own purposes. Some didn't even care about the size of the crowd... as long as they got their stuff on tape as part of the package they wanted to mail to New York, Atlanta or Philly in hopes of getting a "real booking" as I once heard one call it.
What THAT type failed to realize is that the show wasn't happening because of them... they had opportunities because that live event was giving it to them. If it wasn't them getting the spotlight it would be someone else in their place.
I'm seeing this exact same stuff from some (keyword: SOME) as the Kong-Off 3 event comes closer. Here's an event taking place because of people who are busting their asses to create it. Tens of thousands of dollars are being invested into it. Hell, the media package for it alone is the most professional thing released under the Twin Galaxies banner in at least ten years... and took months to put together.
That's right... last time I checked the Twin Galaxies name was among those bringing this event to life. I also see Richie's name on that... as well as the 1Up.
What I don't see is support for those names from a number of people who are participants in the event and/or participants in this walled off clique that the DK "community" has allowed to be created. I see ill remarks made about the very people who have created the event, are working to promote the event, etc.
Just like the wrestling story above... these DK players (again, not all of them... but a notable number of them) fail to realize that this event isn't happening because of them... this event is FOR THEM. The very people who that "community" is pissing on are the ones who created the very stage they have for themselves here. They just as easily could have put the champions of Pac-Man or Frogger or Q*bert center stage and run an event. Yes, it would have the same support and hype... perhaps even MORE media attention.
But I see no appreciation for that from far too many people. All I see is them believing their own self-created press and letting their egos run amok. I fully believe a large number of those who are being given the stage at that event don't give a damn if it makes money or even breaks even... and that's just plain foolish. All they want is the stage... seemingly convinced that they created it.
They didn't create it. It was created for them.
The least they can do is return the favor and support those who did that for them. It's short-sighted and senseless to bite the hand that feeds... as it can always stop feeding.
Anyone who wishes to speak on this below can do so. If you want to cut and paste it somewhere else, feel free do to so... just ensure you cut and paste the whole damn thing.
I will only speak to/reply to remarks on my feelings to those who call me personally. Number is on my website. No desire to belabor the subject online beyond my remarks here.
