NEGATIVE FANBOYISM
Negative Fanboyism - time to give it the boot?
It’s human nature to favour the things we admire most in life, whether it’s a particular make of car, a rock band, a certain operating system or a football team. Most of us are fanboys of something or other, even if we don’t always admit it. And there’s nothing really wrong with that. After all, it’s only a positive thing, and something companies fight hardest for - brand loyalty, the holy grail of marketing.
The gaming community has often been the setting for fierce brand loyalty – largely, it has to be said, dictated by sheer economics (let’s be honest, not everyone can afford to own all of the next-gen consoles at the same time). Over recent years, this has turned the market into an increasingly tribal arena, giving birth to what we now see on almost every gaming site you go on, ‘negative fanboyism’.
Where trolling was once an easy-to-spot irritant of community sites, today’s disruptors are somewhat more insidious, sheltering under the guise of ‘genuinely interested’. It may take several posts, but sooner or later, their agenda becomes apparent: to berate a particular system.
Not content with being fans of their preferred system, negative fanboys have an innate desire to continually attack other systems at every given opportunity, albeit under the guise of opinion/concern/interest. Of course by them pretending to be genuinely interested, there’s not much that can be done about it.
Well, not quite. A new generation of gaming websites is beginning to surface, where negative fanboyism is identified, isolated and locked up. This is what I aim to achieve with a new site, www.gamesey.com.
The concept is very simple. The site revolves around the idea of clubs, if you’re a fan of a particular system, you join its club. If not, you don’t. This not only helps prevent the crossover from one system’s fans to another, but makes it much easier to spot negative fanboys.
So will we see more sites that take on board these values? Yes and no.
You see, one thing that negative fanboyism is good for is generating traffic and post counts. Loyal fans can’t help but defend their preferred systems, and sometimes inadvertently end up looking like negative fanboys themselves. This leads others who originally stayed off the thread to get involved to defend their system. And so it perpetuates.
Sadly, many webmasters love it. It means more page impressions, which means more ad impressions, which means more revenue! So don’t expect the major players to put their foot down anytime soon. Ironically, those who are funding this negativity are those being hurt by it the most, the industry itself. (Who else advertises on gaming sites?)
Sooner or later, more will join the ranks and say enough’s enough - we’re sorry, but frankly we have better things to do with our time than get caught up in a tirade that leaves us under a cloud. We want to go on gaming sites to feel good about our chosen hobby, not leave frustrated and annoyed because negative fanboys just keep on attacking our choices or keep dragging us down to their level. So we’ll make a statement, by joining communities which are different, and finally get back to what matters most – games. And how much we love them.
By Azz Hassan (Part of the team @ www.gamesey.com)
This is Three Speech...
Three Speech isn't part of PlayStation, but it does get to speak to PlayStation. You could say we're 'semi official'.
We bring together people who have something valid and engaging to say about gaming and digital entertainment. Anyone’s invited to respond to threads; also to contact us about coming on board as a guest blogger. People are free to say what they want here. We won’t censor content so long as this space is used constructively. We can’t promise that PlayStation will respond to everything but they will get involved along the way.
Let us know what you think of Three Speech. We value your feedback and hope you find this blog of use.
Get in touch - 
I must admit I’m a fanboy. yeah, why hide it? Like the article says, we are all fans of something, be games or football, for example.
In my case, I just can’t stand all those negative comments about Sony, so I reply to them. Just the same way as if you say that Real Madrid is rubbish to some Real Madrid fan, he will respond.
Here’s one good example of it:
http://www.pspain.com/foro/showpost.php?p=487566&postcount=67
LOL
Gonna check out that website.
Comment by Macrike — February 2, 2007 @ 6:25 pm
I usually defend any “system” that is attacked at the current time. Nowadays it’s PS3 that is mostly attacked so…
Comment by Fivos — February 2, 2007 @ 7:07 pm
Great article Azz!
Gamesey is a great site - if you’re thinking the same as us about negative fanboysim, head on over and check it out people.
Comment by Tom Eccles — February 2, 2007 @ 7:14 pm
I agree theres too much negative fanboysim on the web, and I’ll be checking out the new site aswell.
Comment by Tim — February 2, 2007 @ 11:39 pm
Thanks Tom, it was a pleasure writing the piece for Three Speech.
*Note to Three Speech, there is a typo in the hyper-links (should simply be http://www.gamesey.com)
Comment by Azz — February 3, 2007 @ 12:15 am
Why use Liverpool FC fans to illustrate your point?
Surely you could have found a neutral looking picture of sports fans to use in your piece.
As an LFC fan, I am upset that you choose to use our fans as an example (even if it wasn’t intended) of negative fanboyism.
Comment by Silent_Shark — February 3, 2007 @ 1:57 am
Hi Silent_shark - just a note to say I didn’t choose the image. I guess it was the first one that came to hand for the Three Speech team when they published the article.
There also seems to be a problem with the comments as they are not all showing. I guess they are in a moderation queue awaiting to be actioned.
Also the url to the site is: http://www.gamesey.com (the links above do not work at present)
Comment by Azz — February 3, 2007 @ 2:10 am
Great article. Gamesey is a great site. I am sick to death reading fanboy’s idiotic comments and tired of defending a system (I usually end up defending the system that is getting attacked). This looks like a great idea to stop fanboys. I hope the idea catches on.
Comment by Tearless SKy — February 3, 2007 @ 3:08 am
Yeh right cos a pic of ‘neutral’ sports fans would look really exciting. and anyway… LFC are s***T
Comment by THFC — February 3, 2007 @ 8:41 am
I was waiting for that :p . Congrats on your result this wednesday btw
.
Anyway, I didn’t mean ‘neutral’ fans, I meant a picture of fans that didn’t show who they were supporting
Thanks Azz. I was sure it wasn’t intentional (unless you were an Everton/Man U/Chelsea fan). It’s just with the giant Liverpool logo in the middle, it came across as “Look, Liverpool fans -> Negative Fanboyism”
Comment by Silent_Shark — February 3, 2007 @ 12:20 pm
If you look at it, negative fanboysim isn’t exclusive to just gaming anyway. Football could easily be as high up on the list (just look at football hooliganism) and I guess it didn’t matter which team was shown, it could have been any of the major FCs - but by showing ‘a side’ it emphasizes the loyalty aspect, and Three Speech being Three Speech, are not about to hold back. Also, although the article is quite frank, the pic is open to interpretation;
Perhaps it echoes that the majority of fans are just that, loyal fans, and only some are negative fanboys? (Time to give them the boot?)
Perhaps it echoes that that particular team are subjected to more negative fanboyism than others? (Bit like this industry at the moment?).
Perhaps it was to highlight a possible reaction like you gave? (Loyal fan inadvertently sticking up for what he believes is negativity… even if it really wasn’t.)
Either way, I take my hat off to Three Speech, intentional or not, certainly made me think.
Comment by Timeless — February 3, 2007 @ 4:00 pm
Wow. Rather than do what most reasonable people do, you’ve instead created your own soap box to stand on. The only thing more annoying than a fanboy is an anti-fanboy. The internet is full of jerks (myself included). Get over it. Seriously if you were so butt hurt about someone knocking your lil video game system that you’ve gone this far, you’re more laughable and pathetic than the 13 year olds who are getting your goat. Good luck with your “no fanboys!” club. I’m sure you’ll be wildly successful at completing your objective of keeping argumentative people off your forums.
Comment by justin — February 4, 2007 @ 1:09 am
I hate fanboys, completely.
If Sony is watching right now, I’d like to know when we will get the pre-paid PNP cards for the PLAYSTATION Store.
Comment by Stunt — February 4, 2007 @ 1:34 am
Heh. Sony could learn something from this.
Comment by anon — February 4, 2007 @ 1:06 pm
Justin - No offence, but thank you for reminding us of the type of person we hope to avoid on such sites. In response to your points, you said, “Rather than do what most reasonable people do..”
What do most people do? Keep on putting up with the constant digs, snidey remarks and abuse? (Pretty impossible these days.) Or stoop to the same level and retaliate? (Waste of time and energy). Or log-off tired and bored with it all?
And what’s with the implication that we should do “what most people do” anyway?! Just because ‘most people’ sit and put up with the atmosphere of negativity, essentially conceding that there’s nothing they can do about it, doesn’t mean it’s the *only* reasonable thing to do.
You said: “The internet is full of jerks (myself included). Get over it.”
As I mentioned above, just because something is a common occurrence, doesn’t mean we have to put up with it. In a free world we have choice. We can either choose to be surrounded by ‘jerks’ or we can choose to avoid them. I know which I would choose.
You said: “Seriously if you were so butt hurt about someone knocking your lil video game system that you’ve gone this far, you’re more laughable and pathetic than the 13 year olds who are getting your goat.”
Not about being hurt, just bored and tired of it all. If I was hurt, I’d likely be out there stooping to the same level, or crying helplessly into my keyboard. I’m happy to report I’m doing neither. Instead, I’m trying to do something constructive, and creating an alternative place for like-minded people. Individuals who just don’t have the same kind of insecurity you see elsewhere. People who are happy with the choices they made and don’t need to ‘prove’ anything, least of all to themselves.
If that aint your bag, that’s fine.
Comment by Timeless — February 4, 2007 @ 1:37 pm
And you are also illustrating my point already about how difficult and unrealistic your goals are. I haven’t knocked any video game system, I simply don’t agree with you. I think you get “fanboys” because you choose to talk about something poplular. Everyone is going to disagree and they will do so on varying levels of maturity. I haven’t stooped to just insulting you for the sake of insulting you. I am mocking you because you sound defeated about people expressing their point of view and it not working out the way you want it to. THAT is imho, pathetic. You are absolutely right though, pointless arguing just to get someone fired up is silly and I’d like to see less of it also. I’m just suprised anyone thinks that this is something that is:
a) possible
and more importantly
b) an undertaking someone is volunteering for.
It wont be long before your mods are considered nazi’s for banning users and deleting posts because where do you draw the line on something as stupid sounding as “negative fanboyism?” Free speech is a great thing and unfortunately untenable fanboys are just part of the package. Thats the conclusion that I’m referring to when I say “what most people do” - ignore it.
I do however realize its your right to create your own forums if you see fit. If you want to make it your personal goal to ensure that immature arguing isn’t going on there that’s also of course up to you. Good luck. I think you’ll find it much easier to let it ride than censor people (which in my mind is what you are talking about).
Comment by justin — February 4, 2007 @ 5:37 pm
Refer to Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back…
Holden: If the buzz is any indicator, that movie’s gonna make some huge bank.
Jay: What buzz?
Holden: The Internet buzz.
Jay: What the fuck is the Internet?
Holden: The Internet is a communication tool used the world over where people can come together to bitch about movies and share pornography with one another.
Replace the word movies with, well - anything at all.
I’m pretty bored of the constant bitching about PS3. I know many PS3 fanboys have given up after so many Sony PR blunders, delays and over-hype for the PS3, and they’ve got some hate for Sony now.
I don’t mind healthy debate from people with opinions. But the senseless bitching really gets tiring after a while.
People will say what they want to say. Evidently it seems, even looking at this comments thread, people are getting upset or disgreeing with the idea of trying to cut out some of the bitching.
Why can’t everyone just chill out a bit anyway?
Comment by Tony Nibbles — February 4, 2007 @ 7:42 pm
It seems some people feel comfortable judging what is and isn’t negative fanboyism. Apparantly me calling the idea laughable and pathetic puts me in that category. I don’t see much difference between someone whining about other peoples immature whining, and “negative fanboyism” in the first place. now you just have someone wandering around with a morality stick saying what is and isn’t welcome - ya I can see how thats so much better than some dork telling me what to think about my purchase. *shrugs* I applaud people who are trying to be mature about this, I apologize if my comments have come across as immature or “negative fanboyish” that’s not my intention. I’m simply pointing out that censorship and members only clubs aren’t great things in my mind. Fight immature taunts with maturity (as you already have with my previous and admittedly rude - I apologize btw) and you’ll get productive discussions and arguements out of it all. Thanks for the ear and again good luck.
Comment by justin — February 4, 2007 @ 8:23 pm
Justin - You said: “I am mocking you because you sound defeated about people expressing their point of view and it not working out the way you want it to. THAT is imho, pathetic.”
I think we need to make a distinction here, we’re not talking about just ‘fanboys’ or people expressing their opinion in an adult, non-condescending/confrontational manner, we’re talking about ‘negative fanboys’ (please re-read my article if you’re not sure about the distinction between the two).
You said: “You are absolutely right though, pointless arguing just to get someone fired up is silly and I’d like to see less of it also.”
Glad we agree on that.
You said: “I’m just suprised anyone thinks that this is something that is: a) possible, and more importantly b) an undertaking someone is volunteering for. ”
Yes it’s possible. It’s based on a very simple concept. The site is for gaming fans only. No ifs, no buts. Once someone registers at the site, they’ll need to join a platforms club before they can post in it’s sections. However, they may only join that club if they are a genuine fan of the system. If they’re not a fan of any of the systems, the site’s not for them. Simple.
Yes, I am doing it off my own back, no-one asked me to do it, or paid me to do it. I work in the web industry so I’m familiar with the whole set-up, and I have also worked in hr so have a good understanding of how to manage an online community - which is why I am confident I can pull it off. I’m a normal person like you, just one that wants to make this kind of community a better place
You said: “It wont be long before your mods are considered nazi’s for banning users and deleting posts because where do you draw the line on something as stupid sounding as “negative fanboyism?” ”
My mods will have a set of guidelines that I’m sure they’ll do a great job in following - but it really isn’t that difficult to spot a non-fan in a fan site. You can judge things not only by what people say, but more importantly, how they say it. You probably need to read the About us section on the site to see how we are going to tackle it though, it would be too much for me to go into here.
You said: “Free speech is a great thing and unfortunately untenable fanboys are just part of the package. Thats the conclusion that I’m referring to when I say “what most people do” - ignore it.”
Free Speech doesn’t come without responsibility. People who don’t show respect to their fellow community members or our ethos, can take their free speech elsewhere.
You said: “I do however realize its your right to create your own forums if you see fit. If you want to make it your personal goal to ensure that immature arguing isn’t going on there that’s also of course up to you. Good luck. I think you’ll find it much easier to let it ride than censor people (which in my mind is what you are talking about).”
Yes it would be much easier to breed a battleground (by “letting it ride”) and go the same way as many other sites, but that’s not why I started Gamesey. Besides, I like a challenge and have never been one to just accept things ‘as they are’, if I don’t agree with them. The great thing is, I’m finding there are lots of people who feel the same way.
Comment by Timeless — February 4, 2007 @ 9:55 pm
Oops - didn’t notice you posted again.
No need to apologise btw, you actually helped by posting what you did, as I’m sure others may have liked clarification too.
Take care, and maybe see you round at Gamesey
Comment by Timeless — February 4, 2007 @ 10:01 pm
The only problem with “Gamesey” is that it’s absolutely DEAD. What’s the point of visiting, even if you’ve somehow did away with all the “negative fanboys”, when there are plain no fans there at all?
Another thing that sounds really silly about this “concept” is that who are you to determine who is actually a “troll” (as you so naively put it) and who isn’t?
So if I’m a owner and fan of PS3, but I’m upset that it doesn’t upscale 720p games to 1080i and therefore with my 1080i native CRT HDTV, I can only play PS3 games in 480p that somehow I shouldn’t be upset? And that I shouldn’t have a forum to communicate my frustration because then I would be a “negative fanboy troll”?
So what you’re saying is “Gamesey” is like the Stepford Wives for easily manipulated fanboys, a utopia of “positive fanboys” where people are bludgeoned and lobotomized by corporate marketing and have no opinions or thoughts of their own, but rather think, feel and do what [insert company name here] wants them to do?
Yes, “Timeless”, that’s a brilliant idea. I’m pretty sure you know you’re full of it, too. All you are is just another hack trying to cash in on the industry by launching a new forum to grab those same “industry advertising dollars” that you claim are hurting the industry, and your “negative fanboy-free zone” is just your silly gimmick that you’ve added in the business plan and which you think could fool 9 year-old “positive fanboys”. Best of luck with your venture, it’s doomed to fail, but kudos to you for at least trying.
Comment by NoEl — February 5, 2007 @ 2:46 pm
NoEl -
Gamesey is brand new, it’s only been up a week. No money has been spent on advertising or marketing. On our sixth day we hit 600 posts and 70 people had joined. Btw, viewing the site as a guest doesn’t show you all the sections (more on that in a bit). So I’m very happy with what we’ve achieved in just a week
You said: “Another thing that sounds really silly about this “concept” is that who are you to determine who is actually a “troll” (as you so naively put it) and who isn’t?”
No special skills are needed, even a 10 year old can spot a troll. And being a fan site, it’s not hard to view a persons last ten posts to determine whether they are or not. If the posts contain just ‘hate’, it’s pretty obvious.
You said: “So if I’m a owner and fan of PS3, but I’m upset that it doesn’t upscale 720p games to 1080i and therefore with my 1080i native CRT HDTV, I can only play PS3 games in 480p that somehow I shouldn’t be upset? And that I shouldn’t have a forum to communicate my frustration because then I would be a “negative fanboy troll”?”
As I mentioned above, not all sections are shown to guests. Each of the platforms have a Criticism & Rants section that are only shown to that clubs members (please read our About Us section for more info). So, you can let off steam and you can post your criticism. It’s just that we isolate it into one section, so it doesn’t spoil all the other threads and discussions in the rest of the forums. More importantly, it doesn’t give negative fanboys an open, public platform for their vitriol.
You said: “Yes, “Timeless”, that’s a brilliant idea. I’m pretty sure you know you’re full of it, too. All you are is just another hack trying to cash in on the industry by launching a new forum to grab those same “industry advertising dollars” that you claim are hurting the industry, and your “negative fanboy-free zone” is just your silly gimmick that you’ve added in the business plan and which you think could fool 9 year-old “positive fanboys”. Best of luck with your venture, it’s doomed to fail, but kudos to you for at least trying.”
As I said in a response to Justin, if I was trying to cash-in, I’d breed a battleground - because those kind of sites are great for page impressions. The site is for over-16’s only, so again, we’re hardly doing it for the money or trying to “fool” the young and impressionable.
Thanks for posting your comments, I’m sure other people will have questions about the site too and maybe my replies to your points cover some of them. I know the site might sound alien to some, but that’s only because we are doing something completely different. Perhaps Three Speech will allow me to submit a follow up a year down the line? I’d be happy to report on our progress.
Comment by Timeless — February 5, 2007 @ 5:02 pm
Part of the problem is the internet. Honestly peoples IQ drops when they start posting on forums and the like. Anonymity equals stupidity. Most of those who come out with the drivel that they do would never be so cocky if speaking to someone in person. They would’nt have the guts for one. But the internet really does drain your intelligence after a while. I can feel it slipping away now…Daisy, daaisy…giiive..meee yourr ansssweeerr doooooo….
Comment by Slacky — February 5, 2007 @ 10:43 pm
Wow. First “All I want for Xmas is a PSP”, and now this?
What the hell?
Comment by Djiem — February 6, 2007 @ 1:49 pm
I couldn’t have said it better myself. If its a Nintendo thread someone quickly jumps with a NINTENDO IS FOR KIDS SONY HAS BETER GRAPHIX, if it’s a Sony thread IT COSTS SO MUCH BLAH BLAH.
Why can’t we all love something, but be acceptive of other things.
Comment by Shakezoola — February 6, 2007 @ 10:02 pm
Good read and i like this blog alot,good stuff.for me i was never a fanboy of anything back two years ago, now im a Sony fan, i remenber when i 1st got into this whole gaming internet vibe, i started going into gaming forums and watching gaming blogs,at early 2005 when i was really interested in the Sony PSP.all i find pretty much everywhere is nintendo and microsoft fanboys trashing Sony system even in websites only for PS video games.
Comment by Balthier — February 7, 2007 @ 12:42 am
I am really starting to become sick of this growing sespool we call the internet. Why does some fanboy p**** always have to come and ruin something for everyone else. It is almost painful to go onto gaming forums anymore. I used to frequently visit that regression of civil behaivor known as Gamespot’s System wars when I was younger. Every competitor used to have their fair share of fanboys, however now the tables have turned with the PS3. Now everyone on there is against sony. Somtimes it feels like all of America hates sony and the PS3. I even find this ignorant fanboyism in GameFAQs boards of PS3 Exclusive games. Now what is wrong with this picture? Why are people bashing the PS3 in the MGS4 of DMC4 forum, a forum dedicated to a PS3-only title. Its not just every once in a while, it is every day that this negative fanboyism strikes.
What is even more pathetic is the press, particularly Ziff-Davis and C-net, are constantly publishing these stories that can only be labeld as “Anti-Sony”. It makes me wonder if people really hate Sony that much or if Microsoft is finally starting to demonstrate their infamous “cut-throat” PR tactics in the gaming industry. I find it very dfficult to beleive that an entire group of editors on a website hate sony that much, they have to be getting paid under the table or somthing. The press even goes as far as starting these outlandish rumors about highly-anticipated PS3 exclusives jumping ship on sony just to take hype away from the PS3. That is just pathetic on so many levels.
I happen to own a PS3 and I am very pleased with the hardware and I think Sony has put together an excellent product. I only have to wait for the software now. But otherwise I think this console is worth more than the $600 as it is. I would also appreciate it if Sony would update the PS store more frequently, I am finding it hard to have faith in their online service when they are barely getting any demos especially from 3rd parties. I mean, XBL already has a ton of 3rd party demos of games that are also coming to PS3. where are the PS3 demos? why don’t we get a THP8, FEAR, Def jam Icon, or even a VF5 demo on the sony download service? It does not seem like it should be that hard to put a free demo up on your download service. It does not help that I can no longer get demo discs from OPM, which was recently shut down (probably another strike at sony from Ziff-Davis). I hope sony can get this stuff sorted out becuase the PS3 really is a great peice of hardware, now sony just needs to prove it to the non-beleivers.
Comment by DevilWillcry — February 8, 2007 @ 11:40 pm