Bias at EnWorld?

[Umbran]

When considering the notion of bias, you must also consider that bias does not neccessarily all coome from the reporter. Much also comes from the sources. If the sources are biased, the reportage will have to be as well.

So far, we've got the new license itself, and statements from three major sources - Ryan Dancey, Anthony Valterra, and WotC itself. Dancey and Valterra don't like the change, and WotC's statement is more corporate than personal, meaning it comes across as fairly empty of emotion. So, the overall percieved weight will seem against the change, even before any reporter gets their hands on it.

 

[BSF]

Well, in regards to my opinion on the D20STL changes, I have put my opinion in the Publishers forum. For those that care, feel free to read it there.

Now, as for bias...

I do not agree that EN World seems to be overly biased. Reading the News article, I think Morrus is a bit frustrated because Andy's post seemed to avoid a lot of the issues that many people were hoping would be addressed. Perhaps frustrated is even too strong a word. Maybe I am projecting my bias on what I think Morrus should be saying?

Anyway, it might be that boilerplate responses from companies (Or any organization, for that matter.) are falling on many jaded ears.

Bias does happen. I am biased. I would like to think that I am (usually) smart enough (Or would that be a Sense Motive on myself? So, I am hoping I am wise enough?) to recognize it and try to act accordingly. I am a bit cynical and tend to think that everyone has a bias and an agenda.

In fact, I want some bias. That means people have opinions. I want to hear opinions. Even if I disagree, I am much likely to respect that you can think rather than just toeing the party line. Look at it this way: If you put up a thread even mentioning Scarred Lands, you *know* that Nightfall will respond. If you read his sig, you even have a pretty good idea that he will provide a positive opinion. Is that bad? Heck no! You know he is biased, but that does not automatically invalidate his thoughts. In fact, Nightfall will suggest non-Scarred Lands product to people as well. (Hey Nightfall, I'm not picking on you, I promise. But, you are a great example of some bias, so I chose to use that.)

I do agree with you BelenUmeria. When people begin to accept other peoples opinions without every questioning them, we end up with a poor substitute for thinking.

However, I will express my opinion that many of us are a little edgy lately. Many of the discussions that I have seen you participating in (No criticism, how would I see that if I weren't in there also! ) are the type that are somewhat sensitive. I think that if the recent news had been reported a year ago, before the BoEF had ever been announced, Morrus' reporting on it wouldn't seem as biased. Having said that, I further incriminate myself in that response! When I first read Morrus' news this morning, I thought it sounded biased as well. After my initial reaction, I went back and re-read it and discovered that I laced his news with my opinions and projected what I thought he was saying onto it.

Again, no criticism on anyone here. If I were going to criticise, I would have to begin with myself!

 

[Dinkeldog]

However, I will express my opinion that many of us are a little edgy lately.

I've been told it's a by-product of Mars in perigee.

 

[Teflon Billy]

...Incidentally, folks, Teflon Billy is proud to announce that he will be changing his user name to "Teflon Nipple." It's radical, but he's a radical sort of guy. ...

I hate when you spoil my surprises

C'mon folks, Piratecat is right; this is no place to talk about nipples

 

[jdavis]

I haven't noticed any real bias on the main page but as far as the messageboard goes, well there will always be somebody to disagree with anything anyone post on the messageboards, there is a lot of bias and slanting and just downright goading of other posters that happens here, but that's just part of the fun

As far as the real world, just watch 30 minutes of CNN and then watch 30 minutes of Fox News. there is enough bias on real world news between the two you would think they were talking about totally different news stories, it's just part of how things work in the real world. (that's why I get my news from the Daily show).

 

[ColonelHardisson]

Someone should make a "sky falling" smiley. A bit of a non sequitor, I know, but it hit me while I was reading this thread (but it wasn't motivated by anything posted here, thankfully).

Used to be these kinds of occurrences would come along, and the resulting flame wars and discussions would be kinda fun to read or participate in. Nowadays, I have to admit that they don't have the same luster.

To address something AV said about those who blamed the BoEF for prompting WotC's action - I'm not sure anyone should have to eat their words. I mean, people were using the information given to them, which led to a pretty logical deduction. It's like saying "boy, aren't you stupid for not knowing a secret piece of information!" People do leap to conclusions way too quickly in a lot of cases, but this seemed like there was a pretty direct correlation.

 

[Desdichado]

C'mon folks, Piratecat is right; this is no place to talk about nipples

Absolutely right. You should go to the nipple section of Nutkinland, where the only topic of discussion is nipple's -- from big hairy man nipples to what's best to put on a bottle for a 2 month old. Teflon Nipple's thread over there has all the details.

 

[Henry]

I've been told it's a by-product of Mars in perigee.

I don't like Pierogies - potato and pasta gets too starchy for me.

 

[S'mon]

I agree with TB et al that EN World definitely has a pro-3rd party d20 publisher slant. I can't see how that's a bad thing, every message board or news outlet has its own atmosphere. In EN World's case it means that when WoTC does things that help 3rd party d20 publishers it's praised, when it hinders them it's criticised. It also mean the EN World mood is more pro-author's rights/publisher's rights, and more anti-copyright infringement, than you'd probably find on most Internet boards, for instance.

 

[Dinkeldog]

As far as the real world, just watch 30 minutes of CNN and then watch 30 minutes of Fox News. there is enough bias on real world news between the two you would think they were talking about totally different news stories, it's just part of how things work in the real world. (that's why I get my news from the Daily show).

"More Americans get their news from the Daily Show than probably should."