Boycott List/Sites to Visit FAQ

Boycott List/Sites to Visit FAQ

Q: Why do we need a Boycott List?

A: Due to the recent controversies and long time suspicions of lack of journalistic integrity in the games media, click-bait articles and Publisher pushed PR agendas, we are taking a stance as consumers. And as consumers, our biggest weapon is to vote with our wallets.

Q: What are the qualifications for boycotting, I really hate that Ben Kuchera guy is that enough?

A: Yes. I mean no! In order for a site to qualify for boycotting it must meet one or more of the following three criteria:
1. Yellow press. Which includes things like sensationalism, posting tangentially related to video games stories and heavily pushing a political agenda.
2. Censorship.
3. Openly pushing anti-consumer Publisher driven interests. Which includes giving unusually high review scores to certain games or ‘hyping’ specific games.

Q: What are those Footnote links besides every site in the Boycott List?

A: They are examples of usually articles Published on those sites that fall under one of the 3 criteria. Some of the links lack context. I apologize for that but the amount of work required to add context to every link versus the amount of people that check the lists has made it an unworthy pursuit. If someone volunteers to do that I will gladly add it with the lists.

Q: Why do we need a Sites to Visit list?

A: Since the majority of the big gaming websites are suspect of various forms of corruption, yellow press and censorship, we have selected a few smaller gaming sites as alternative options for visiting during boycott.

Q: What are the qualifications for the Sites to Visit list?

A: Other than not falling in any of the three requirements of the Boycott List and is either a site for gaming news and editorial content any gaming site can enter the Sites to Visit list. Generally the Sites to Visit list is not a strict as the Boycott List.

Q: What’s up with the Neutral list?

A: The Neutral list is for sites that walk the line between corrupt and decent but don’t fall on either side. Or simply their place is undecided among the community.

Q: What sort of sites are included in the Boycott List, is Reddit on there?

A: The Boycott List is mostly for gaming news sites or with game editorial content. Gaming sections of bigger sites such as VICE or sites with a more specific focus such as Gamefaqs are exempt from the list.

Q: Why is that?

A: That is because we are hoping for better gaming journalism and our focus should be gaming sites we would normally visit for our gaming news and editorial content, and not fringe websites with minimal or suboptimal gaming coverage even if they do qualify. Also given the current controversy this list focuses on our rights and demands as consumers and tries not to take an antagonistic “us vs. them” stance.

Q: Okay, but what if I still want a list with more types of sites in it?

A: In the list post I provide a link to an off-site Boycott List which is more comprehensive and more specifically directed to the current controversy. http://makealist.com/content/quinngategamergate-boycott-list Check it out.

Q: Why isn't The Escapist on any list?

A: The Escapist as a host of these lists is exempt of qualifications to avoid any COI. You can also draw your own conclusions by the fact that the lists are freely hosted on the Escapist.

Q: Arenegeth are you the Master and Commander of this list?

A: No I’m only the janitor. I curate the lists and guide their tone but only to the acceptance of my peers. The list belongs to The Escapist forumers. Now that the list is in a stable place I'm the only one stuck with editing it. If you want to change anything post in the thread or contact me by PM.

Q: Wait, what about now that you said you're leaving the site? Who will update?

A: If you want me to change or add anything send me a PM and I will occasionally pop back in from time to time to update the list as necessary. However make sure to PM me because I will not be checking any threads anymore. Also please be patient on the update.

Q: Am I supposed to follow the Boycott List to the letter?

A: The Boycott List is meant as a point of reference for a boycott against corruption and lack of journalistic integrity in the gaming media. You are free to follow it based on your own discretion. The Boycott List is the general suggestion of the Escapist forumites.

Q: When do you update the lists and what’s that crazy talk at the end?

A: I update whenever there is something to update, sometimes by myself other times based on the suggestions of others. The lists are now pretty much set, and most updates are for formatting or streamlining the lists. After the lists I include supplemental information to assist your boycott such as emails to advertisers for sites in the Boycott List and other helpful tools.

Q: Is that still the case now that you have left the Escapist?

A: Yes and no. You can consider Update 3.6 final as far as my own input on the lists is concerned unless something big happens or for some reason I return to the Escapist. But I will still update based on the input of others periodically.

Q: Why don't you make any mention of Ad Block, that is a useful tool for boycotting right?

A: The Escapist forum rules forbid the promotion of Ad Block or similar apps. It is generally assumed that informed consumers are aware of its existence and know how to find and use it if they so chose. It is generally better to not visit the sites you are boycotting at all.

Q: So why are you leaving the Escapist?

A: I find that recently the Escapist has lost any good will it gained by allowing discussion on its board, changing its ethics policy and following a balanced stance. As such it has entered my own personal Boycott List, I cannot in good conscience keep visiting the site. Take that as you will.

Q: I’m anti-SJW and pro-GamerGate, I want the list to have all the people I hate can you do that?

A: This is a consumer interest Boycott List, its focus is on gaming sites that are essentially not worth consumers time or money. Not about any given online conflict. Part of the reason is to avoid making this list a target and also to give it longevity beyond the controversy that birthed it. But ultimately the decision lies upon The Escapist forum goers. So that may change in the future.