I really wish that if people wanted to do an expose of inappropriate workplace culture they should do it with integrity. Presented in a readable format, corroboration, professionally presented, right of reply, we’d then have some idea of whether this was the words of a disgruntled ex-employee courting controversy or something we could justifiably use to form a fair opinion on Paizo as a business.
I was reading about some of the testimony from influencers made to the parliamentary Select Committee where they were asking for protections and recognition as part of the advertising sector or journalism profession. It reminded me that both those industries have self/regulated codes of ethics and standard to protect the public from mis-information.
Ms Price paints a damning picture of Paizo but aside from the detailed descriptions of her attempting to get a carpet clean organized (something I’ve not seen sensationalized to that level before) the rest of the allegations are one line or two/three word veiled accusations, drop ins or insinuations. There’s no evidence, no corroborating statements (at time of publication) no attempt to present even the slightest point of view from Paizo’s point of view. That makes me very suspicious.
The sad thing is, this all might be true and maybe people should be very wary of supporting Paizo. I’d want to see something resembling integrity first though. Describing yourself as a ‘howling maenad’ or a demagogue may be cool but it’s not a great way of packaging serious, company affecting accusations. The people she is talking about are real people too.
For instance in the UK it wouldn’t be bravery, it would be extreme unprofessionalism to disclose the fact that a colleague had been fired for performance issues. Polite language like leaving to persue other opportunities is a way for that person to save face and not disclose details of confidential HR processes. Two sides to every story.
My preference would be for everyone to sheath the daggers period and take a step back before forming judgement without the full picture… which we’re never gonna get from Paizo, because again that’s unprofessional. If corroboration does comes out, or a position from Paizo then maybe we’ll get a more solid foundation. Unfortunately burning bridges in so great a manner is rarely a good idea as I’ve learnt as I’ve grown older.
