HSM Readers Say the Darnedest Things
by Terra_Cide, HSM Managing Editor
Welcome to the first ever HomeStation Magazine Comment Awards!
Now, before you tell me to lay off the Ghirardelli Intense Dark chocolate prior to bed – and if you attempt to, I sincerely hope your life insurance is paid up – allow me to explain.
It has not gone unnoticed by the HSM team that we have some pretty witty, intelligent readers and commenters, not just here on the site, but on our Facebook page, as well as in reply to our tweets. Some of you have such a knack for a good turn of phrase, that I can’t help but wonder – why in the name of all that’s holy aren’t you submitting stories?
We figured it’s about time we recognized some of the things you have said, which means that this column will highlight a handful of the noteworthy comments made here on the site, on Twitter, or even on our Facebook page throughout the past week. And much like the show, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, the awards are all made up. Nothing tangible will be won, but what you will get is simply the satisfaction of your words being recognized by the editorial team, and the bragging rights of having the spotlight cast upon a comment (or two) that you made in the past week. And let’s be honest here – half the fun in writing an article is wondering just what the heck you guys are going to say in response to it, regardless of whether or not you agree with our point of view.
So without further ado, let’s get into the highlights of what you, the reader, had to say this week:
Commenting From the Vault Award goes to Vchang, for digging through our archives and adding what is a very valid point to “Why Do We Miss Central Plaza?“:
Sony has more than one demographic occupying HOME, and it would be good to recognize that.
The You’re Not from Around Here, are Ya? Award goes to KrazyFace, for this delightful description of a Scottish pub, and the ironies of virtual tough guys dressing their avatars with the mask of one of the most camp videogame characters in the history of videogame characters on “Manhood in Home”:
The Vega Mask does not make you appear tough, nor does it make people think you belong to Anonymous. You just look like a douche.
One of the biggest ironies of Home is the adopted gang mask, namely the Vega mask. For those of you unfamiliar with the Street Fighter games, Vega is a very (VERY) camp Spaniard — the mask is to protect is pretty face in fights. Yet half of Homes “tough guys” wear it as a symbol of gang membership and obviously, to “look tough”. I just find it comical.
Out in the real world though, there are some very strange ideas to what makes a man gay. I was asked if I was gay because I don’t support a football team! The crazy thing about this attitude though is how destructive it is OUTSIDE the gay scene. The best friend I spent my life growing up with happened to be gay, as a result I’ve been dragged kicking and screaming like a petrified heterosexual male into that social net — and I’m so much better for it. In fact it got to the point where if I was asked if I’d rather go to a straight club or a gay one for a night out, I’d say gay club! Every time. Wanna know why straight guys?
Straight club = “Are you lookin’ at may burd!?” fights, smashed pints over heads, fights over girls, fights over spaces at the bar, fights in the toilets… You get the idea.
Gay club = Jokes, laughs, crazy fun cocktails, silly dances, daft costumes, interesting people and usually ZERO bloody noses at the end of the night.
In that same article, riff gets the George Takei “Oh Myy” Award for the tail end of her comment:
…Riff high fives, pats on rear, bumps knuckles with and hugs this writer.
It’s so Obvious and Brilliant that it’ll Never Happen Award goes to Snake_the_Great for this forehead-smackingly accurate observation on “Spending $50 on Home Tycoon”:
Following the Facebook game model, I’m surprised that Home games don’t sell $100 packs by now. I’ve talked with some people that develop for Zynga, and they really do have people that shell out $100 for currency for their dinky Flash games.
You Like Me, You Really Like Me! Award goes to LadyNapoleon for her response to winning one of the prizes announced in “HomeStation Announces the Writing Contest Winners!”:
Oh my God thank you so much, that is so cool of you guys. Congrats to all the winners, and thank you for the support.
And finally, we leave you this gem from the Twitter files, winning the Most Likely to be Turned into a Meme if they Existed Award Juggernaut Games’ 3-D artist and animator, Jason Copeland:
So: if you’ve ever wondered whether or not we pay attention to our reader feedback, we most certainly do! We get thousands of unique readers every month, and only a small percentage of you stop to leave commentary, but we wanted to show you that we appreciate it. HSM was conceived as an ongoing dialogue about Home — its social issues, its games, its attractions, its community — and that dialogue, going on two years now, continues to be a thoroughly entertaining ride.
October 14th, 2012 by Terra_Cide | 4 comments
Terra _Cide is the former Community Manager for Lockwood Publishing and Editor Emeritus for HomeStation Magazine.
Twitter
Clever idea, perfect for sunday morning!
I love this too, I think it is something that will encourage people to comment. I always read all of the comments on the articles here as I find many of them enlightening. Thanks to all of those who have participated in making them.
“This is such a good idea!”
PS- I expect to see this comment next week lol
Terra! I graciously thank you and…insert my quote from above