QUOTE (Fuchs @ Apr 15 2010, 08:20 AM)
Unless you can present all the relevant info, presenting a (very carefully chosen and formulated) part of the info is not neutral by any definition of the word. It really reminds me of a lawyer trying to present the deeds of his client in the best light possible, but shooting way overboard and ending up pretty much ignoring the real issues in a manner that makes them stand out even more.
I'd advice you to stop spin doctoring, and come clean - state CGL's side of what exactly was asked of Tiger eyes to make her quit, how many freelancers were not paid since when, what the financial situation of CGL is, and how bad the mingling of funds was by Coleman.
Stating stuff that translates into "Forced to by withheld copyright, we are paying freelancers, and rewrite parts where we can't or won't pay" isn't really helping when we want to know if you'll continue what seems - from statements by former freelancers - a policy of not paying freelancers on time, or at all for years.
I'd also advice you to take a long, hard look at your employer and its history, and ask yourself if you really can, morally, ethically, legally and logically, keep working for them. Then explain why you, personally, do keep working while others quit.
As it is you look like the iraqi minister of information, claiming all is well and there are no americans in Bagdad while CNN reports live from the town, following the US troops.
As I've mentioned before, there are some things that will remain confidential. I'm sorry if people are upset by that, I'm sorry if they feel that forces them to believe one thing or the other, but that's the way it is. Sometimes there are concerns that override people's desire to know things.
Like what? Well, here's one concern--reporting on conversations to which I was not a witness. That's simply not something I am willing to do. Another thing I'm not willing to do for a wide assortment of reasons is comment on people's employment status. One reason for that is those are not my decisions to make. Another reason is it simply is bad form, in many ways, for people associated with a business to make public comments of that nature.
Now, you can believe anything you'd like about me--that I am a soulless minister of information, that I have not done any self-examination, or whatever. People have been constructing all sorts of narratives about what is happening based on the facts as they believe them, so why should my decisions not be included in that? But perhaps there are some facts to remember, such as the fact that I did extensive freelancing for both Shadowrun and Battletech before (and even after) I became line developer. Thus, I am one of the freelancers who is owed money.
I'm sure people can construct all sorts of fun narratives from that fact. I have no self-esteem, so I'm willing to let companies walk all over me! I'm only staying because I'm on the take, too! The job of line developer was given to me to shut me up! Those are just a few off the top of my head; I'm sure people can do better. But here's what I've said: I've stated before that my number one goal is to advance Shadowrun and keep good material coming out for the game line. That's my focus. I've also stated that I'm aware of the pain of being an unpaid freelancer, and I am not happy that the situation has continued as long as it has. I want freelancers paid, and there is only one way to do this--get Shadowrun healthy with Catalyst. If Catalyst goes away, nobody gets paid. I want them paid.
Jason H.