"…just wanted to express solidarity with my fellow writers/British immigrants, and also my admiration for sticking to your guns. I know it’s not easy, but you guys rock for this." - Jim Sterling, Destructoid.com.

Feature Details
Author:  DeViney, Jonny
Class:  Unspecified

Hi Jonny,

You may not know me, but my name is Jim Sterling, UK associate editor for Destructoid.com. A tip was sent in to us regarding Ben Paddon’s frustrating and, frankly, distressing story concerning his details with Xbox Live. Although on its own, this is definitely a story I want to jump on and share with the public, I also have a personal investment in it. Sometime over the course of 2008, I am going to be in Ben’s shoes. I’m engaged to an American and will be marrying/immigrating this year, and as an avid Xbox Live gamer with hundreds of hours and pounds invested in MS, I found the story of Ben’s ordeal positively unsettling.

For what it’s worth, I’m using my own resources to get this story looked into on behalf of you guys. I doubt it will bear fruit, but I will do what I can not just for Ben, for myself and anybody else affected by similar scenarios. If I get nothing, I will at least help publicize Paddon’s frustrations on Dtoid and do my part to kick up a fuss.

Since I’m in the midst of putting out some feelers and getting some official responses on this, please could you keep this email private? Do though, if you would, forward it to Mr. Paddon, please. Let him know he won’t be alone in the boat sailing upriver.

Anyway, just wanted to express solidarity with my fellow writers/British immigrants, and also my admiration for sticking to your guns. I know it’s not easy, but you guys rock for this.

Thanks,

Jim Sterling, United Kingdom

Associate editor, www.destructoid.com

 

Dear GamePartisan –

I’ve been following Ben’s story silently since his original post on Penny-Arcade and I am appalled by Microsoft’s handling of the situation, so much so that now that I’m finally in a position to purchase a 360, as a pastor who may someday take a church outside the states, I simply can’t bring myself to make the purchase. We live in a global age and their antiquated business model closes its eyes to this.

Best wishes!
Matt Barclay, United Kingdom

 

DeViney, Jonny: Jim and Matt, thanks ever so much for your support during yet another difficult turn in this tumultuous affair. It is very much appreciated and never to be forgotten.

 

 

Dear GamePartisan,

Kudos for standing strong behind what you believe in, even if it means standing up to an old friend. In your case, Taking a stand against Microsoft must have been difficult. You guys did great work on Xbox.com back in the day and I’m sure we’d all love to see you make a return. Thanks again for showing that there is some integrity remaining in video game journalism.

Sincerely,

Reggie Armstrong, Napa, California, United States

 

Dear GamePartisan,

It’s not Ben Paddon Microsoft and co. ought to be pushing for dismissal. After six years of controversy, missed opportunities and "taking stands" needlessly against industry giants (Electronic Arts and now Microsoft?) when to compromise would have been far better, I think GamePartisan can do very well and stake its claim to the mainstream. But first, there needs to be a public call for a vote of no-confidence within the staff concerning Jonny DeViney. Let’s see how democratic your staff truly is, Mr. DeViney.

Regards,

Marcus Christian, Boston, Massachusetts, United States

 

Dear Jonny,

I would like to encourage you to press on during this trying time. GamePartisan is terrific and I know I speak for a great deal of my fellow Brits when I say that we are very much behind you. You’ve got a lot of courage and a good deal of honour, something you don’t really see that much of anymore. It is my personal desire to see you press on in the blighted field of video game journalism and finally bring it out of the dark ages. More power to you and your "progressive editorial policy".

Sincerely,

Lucas James, United Kingdom

 

Dear Jonny,

I certainly admire you for standing behind your editor, Ben Paddon, and then being willing to step aside for a bit, and then taking the reins back and continuing to guide the site in new and unseen directions. I’ve been following GamePartisan since 2003, and I would love nothing more than to have something other than the tripe of Game Informer and EGM to read in print. Great work. Keep it up. Your industry needs you.

With highest regards,

Johnathan Smith, Orlando, Florida, United States

 

DeViney, Jonny: Thank you all for your genuine and insightful letters. Even those who wrote in with comments that could be seen as negative, thank you for sticking around and being a part of what we are trying to do here. To those who wrote in with words of encouragement, thank you. We appreciate your support and are indeed going to see this thing through.