Is the Pokemon TCG dying?

[pyrot53]

There is indeed no legal reason at all why WPM could not post it. Keyword legal.

When you e-mail someone with an official complaint, it is good form to keep the contents of said e-mail private. Breaching that implicit expectation is a breach of trust, and could also lead to WPM being kicked out of OP.

Please think before you post yourself. I could care less whether what is going on is good or bad, right or wrong. I'm not the kind of person who thinks it matters whether justice is served or not, or feels a duty in life to strive for good. I have no sense of morality here, in fact I am quite curious as to the actual words in the e-mail. It is something, however, that we as third parties have no business in viewing, and have no right to view. In this debate, we as uninvolved parties have no rights, nor importance. In fact, if something happens that you or I think is 'wrong', such as Biggie's alleged conduct, it does not matter! We may as well turn a blind eye, for whatever injustices take place, it is none of our business and we should not try to interfere, just or unjust.

No trust is implied Biggie should know this.

And it is our business Biggie is responsible for relations with the player base. We have a right to make sure we are being treated fairly. WPMs email may give more evidence to the "not being treated fairly side." Do we have a right to see it? No i never said that we did, but we have the right to ask to see them, and thats all i did. If WPM thinks he is being treated unfairly as others think they are then why not. Now i wont blame WPM if he doesn't want to post it, thats his right. Its also his right to post it if he wants to.

Back to back posts merged. The following information has been added:

special ethics apply to professionals or members of certain groups.

You are correct that WPM is none of those things to Biggie (then again, it would make the entire thing more entertaining if he was Biggie's spiritual advisor).

spouse would be even better.

also i would never group Pokemon player into such a special group. Lawyers, CPAs etc may have special practices, we as players, no we as pokemon enthusiests who post on an online message board do not.

 

[Box of Fail]

Even if WPM and Biggie aren't best buddies, in an official capacity, they are expected to act civil towards each other, one as a highly successful webmaster, the other as an official representative of TPCi. To bring the contents of a private conversation for the public to see (once again, we do not deserve to see it, even if WPM wants us to) is entirely inappropriate behavior.

I thought you didn't want morals to be brought into this. Fair or unfair, it does not matter.

 

[pyrot53]

Sometimes we get things that we dont deserve. IDK about you but i take them with open hands.

 

[JandPDS]

I still have my Professor status, and I hope to keep it going as long as possible. Like WPM, I too once got into a back-n-forth email/PM exchange with biggie. But, I felt the need for a bit of "humble pie" in order to keep my status intact, so I apologized.

The "at-will" clause in the Professor agreement is no different than the employer "at-will" clause in many states. Once employees consider themselves "entitled" instead of privileged to work, we start to look more maxist than capitalist.

Sorry guys, but in my experience, the boss is always right. If you can't convince him otherwise, either you accept and move on, or you leave (or get fired). And, if you publically criticize your boss, you'll lose.

This viewpoint really frosts me and this is the root of the problem some people have with Pokemon-USA or whatever they are called now. The people who work there view their relationship with the players as a boss/ subordinate employee relationship. And as they view themselves as our Management they feel that have no need to explain themselves or their actions to us. As subordinates we should just wait patiently for when they are ready to give us information.

This is not the case, as it is a false understanding of the true relationship that exists between Pokemon and the players of this game. They are not our bosses, as we don’t get paid to play Pokemon. We pay money to play Pokemon. We are not employees we are CUSTOMERS. Most businesses have the adage that the customer is always right, and as such should always be treated with respect. Only we are not allways treated as a customer should be treated by a business. Decisions are decreed and changes to the game are made with little or no explanation as to why such an action is taking palce.

A few years back when Top Cut Ceilings were first implemented no matter what the events tournout was. (Top 4 for Citys and Top 8 for States). There was no reason ever given for why this change was taking place. Can you imagine walking into a McDonalds and all of the sudden French Fries are no longer on the menu. You ask why the fries are gone, and the Manager informs you that French Fries are no longer going to be on the menu and that is all you need to know. If the manager talked to you like that you would think he was being very rude and disrespectful toward you. And you would be correct as this would be an example of extremely poor customer service. Of course this would never ever happen this way at a McDonalds, If McDonalds ever was to make a change like that there would be a press release months in advance with a detailed explanation of why the decision has been made to remove French Fries from the McDonalds menu. When MCdonalds changed from Strofoam containers to paper boxes for Big Macs they made a huge production about it so everyone know why the change was being made to the Foods packaging. (It was to protect the enviroment for thoes of us who are to young to remember Styrofoam conatainers)

Good communication with your customers is mandatory for any business to maintain proper Customer service standards. If there was just a little more communication and explanation from the Powers that be at Pokemon then threads like this would be completely non-existent.

 

[calisupra2nr]

If TPCi (and specifically you Biggie) have taken any kind of marketing studies; you know that Professors and other members of POP act as a great customer relations manager. In fact, TPCi pays very little in comparison to other companies for this privilege. The fact that you ban or scuffle with any member is just nearly unbearable to hear. A disciplinary committee...is this a joke? You get rid of people that act as these managers or reps-when you pay next to nothing for them. This is a huge fundamental flaw for any business structure and if there is ever to be a downturn with Pokemon and POP, I can guarantee it will stem from your end and not the customers (considering we are thirsting for more product).

 

[ChaosJim]

Calisupra: Organized Play IS marketing. Everyone has a different opinion on how to market things, and while working on my MBA in the subject right now I can safely say I wouldn't take the word of anyone posting on a public message board over the people I've trusted to do the job for some time now, the people I've trusted being paid professionals. When everything is functioning as intended, professors ARE treated as great customer relations. They have a rewards program, special Staff promos, opportunities for quality staff to volunteer at bigger events for not only a bigger payoff, but an opportunity to see the top players in the game compete against one another for the top stakes. A disciplinary committee makes sense, there are people who deserve bans. If someone punches a minor in the face at a Pokemon event, what do you think should happen? If someone is cheating throughout cities, should we just allow them to get away with it against strangers at States? Committees typically function on the premise that one person may make the wrong decision, but a group of people are much less likely to make the wrong decision. Also, with something as sensitive as banning people, it helps add credence to the decision that it wasn't JUST one person's feelings it was needed.

I don't think PUSA views themselves as 'bosses' for the Professors, I think they're leadership. Dave Schwimmer is TO for Nationals, leading by example for a lot of other TOs. Many PUSA staff are qualified to be Pokemon Professors, and act on the core values while running major events (and even while in the office, I've seen it!).

 

[calisupra2nr]

Calisupra: Organized Play IS marketing. Everyone has a different opinion on how to market things, and while working on my MBA in the subject right now I can safely say I wouldn't take the word of anyone posting on a public message board over the people I've trusted to do the job for some time now, the people I've trusted being paid professionals. When everything is functioning as intended, professors ARE treated as great customer relations. They have a rewards program, special Staff promos, opportunities for quality staff to volunteer at bigger events for not only a bigger payoff, but an opportunity to see the top players in the game compete against one another for the top stakes. A disciplinary committee makes sense, there are people who deserve bans. If someone punches a minor in the face at a Pokemon event, what do you think should happen? If someone is cheating throughout cities, should we just allow them to get away with it against strangers at States? Committees typically function on the premise that one person may make the wrong decision, but a group of people are much less likely to make the wrong decision. Also, with something as sensitive as banning people, it helps add credence to the decision that it wasn't JUST one person's feelings it was needed.

I don't think PUSA views themselves as 'bosses' for the Professors, I think they're leadership. Dave Schwimmer is TO for Nationals, leading by example for a lot of other TOs. Many PUSA staff are qualified to be Pokemon Professors, and act on the core values while running major events (and even while in the office, I've seen it!).

Ok if something as outrageous as a minor being punched in the face happens...they need to go back to formula on who and how they get their professors... I understand that organized play is an attempt at marketing; however I am simply saying that some of these tactics they are using (such as professors acting as intermediaries between POP and the consumer) should be taken more gratuitously and not with such a grain of salt.

If you are in a MBA program I can imagine that you know how marketing is an extremely provocative, expensive and risky game to find and target customers... TPCi has managed to find a great way (Professors) to act on their behalf for little of what companies (like P&G, WalMart, and Eaton Corp) pay for this similar intermediary relationship managing service. From the sounds of multiple accounts- TPCi needs be thankful that they have such participants and try and work more fluidly across barriers to help keep POP relevant and meaningful to its endgame- us- the consumer.

 

[SteveP]

JandPDS, I'm not talking about the player-TPCi relationship. That's much different than the Professor-TPCi relationship.

When professors work at tournaments, they are called "staff." As staff, they are working for someone (a boss so-to-speak). Now, the only question that remains is, "when professors are off-duty, what can they do?" Someone in a previous post mentioned that removing their Professor logo from their posts was a valid method to negatively critique TPCi. IMO, that's ridiculous.

I'm amased at the sense of entitlement that a few professors and players have in this topic. It's as though some are complaining that their "rights" have been violated.

Finally, I'm not claiming that TPCi is my "boss" (in my role as a professor). But, the relationship is similiar in the ways I've explained.

 

[Jeremy Badeaux]

I'm amased at the sense of entitlement that a few professors and players have in this topic. It's as though some are complaining that their "rights" have been violated.

I'm not big on entitlement, but when evidence is being brought up that a member of TPCI is frequently threatening players and profs alike and even abusing his ability to look through player data to do something that skates way too close to that whole, "cyber stalking" thing, just to intimidate some kids, how happy do you expect people to be about it?

Maybe I'm completely wrong, but I'm seeing a willingness to post evidence of the accused actions and the closest thing to a plea of innocence was calling the accusations, "tactics".

Also, if the use of information was something that violated the terms of use for TPCI (especially considering the likelyhood of the information being about a minor), then I can see why people would think their rights had been violated.

If you want the death of the game, just wait until parents find out that some guy that works for the gaming company is using their children's personal information to track them down online and threaten them. :nonono:

Like I said before though, I may be completely wrong, but everything so far (to include Mr. Biggie's own actions) leads me to think otherwise.

I miss the days of MTM and DMTM. :lol:

Considering the nature of current affairs, I don't know what type of backlash to expect for this post, but when I left the game four years ago (earning that air medal. lol), I never expected to come back to this.

Edit: One more for the road. lol
If I am completely wrong, I'm very sorry and I honestly don't mean to offend anybody, but even if it is a misconception on my part, there really is an appearance that something just isn't quite right.

 

[Austino]

Also, if the use of information was something that violated the terms of use for TPCI (especially considering the likelyhood of the information being about a minor), then I can see why people would think their rights had been violated.

Just to put this out there, I personally know the person who's name he used. He's not a minor, but did wish to keep his anonymity, which wasn't kept. : /

EDIT: It's been brought up a few times, just clarifying for everyone.

 

[Jeremy Badeaux]

Thank you for correcting me. lol
As I said, I could very well be wrong. lol

 

[SD PokeMom]

a couple of points: one, a minor cannot be a professor.

two: as stated several times upthread, there IS a place for professors to bring their concerns directly to OP: the forums they specifically set up for such communication both TO and FROM their professors. said info has been pointedly ignored, it seems...

but as before, it's more fun to cry censorship, oppression and totalitarianism...along with invasion of privacy and cyberstalking...

'mom =/

 

[Diaz]

a couple of points: one, a minor cannot be a professor.

two: as stated several times upthread, there IS a place for professors to bring their concerns directly to OP: the forums they specifically set up for such communication both TO and FROM their professors. said info has been pointedly ignored, it seems...

but as before, it's more fun to cry censorship, oppression and totalitarianism...along with invasion of privacy and cyberstalking...

'mom =/

You've said the same thing 5 times in this thread. We know there's an op prof forum. There are a number of reasons, however, that people choose to use these forums over those. I don't think everyone here is trying to talk to OP directly, and would like to have input from those who aren't professors. Just because it exists, doesn't mean its the only or best way to talk to OP.

There, I've given your post the attention you wanted. Please stop repeating yourself for the sake of repeating yourself. There's a 'gym rule against that.

 

[SD PokeMom]

We know there's an op prof forum. There are a number of reasons, however, that people choose to use these forums over those. I don't think everyone here is trying to talk to OP directly, and would like to have input from those who aren't professors. Just because it exists, doesn't mean its the only or best way to talk to OP.

i guess it depends on what the motivation is in posting here instead of the OP forums: to communicate a concern directly to the people who can actually *do* something about it, or to start a 'OP sucks' dogpile...

jmho
'mom

 

[Jeremy Badeaux]

I imagine a strictly POP prof forum would have the disadvantage of excluding anybody who has supposedly been banned from prof status for a silly argument.
Also, some people (like myself) are not professors, but simply some of those lowly customers who have an interest in why things are happening the way that they are and why the people who are in charge seem to be taking disciplinary actions against people for what appear to be downright silly, if not outright abusive reasons.

Even the lowly customers like to know what is going on with organized play from time to time and we do take interest in who is running the show.

 

[SteveP]

As one who seldom uses the Prof Forums, I wish to point how refreshing it is to hear from non-professors. When I have issues with OP, I send emails. I try to make my emails positive and construct. IMO, it's not good to negatively criticize TPCi even in the Prof Forums.

And, this whole thing about online anonymity and privacy is dumb, IMO. I purposely use my real name in my forum and email correspondance. Other than children, those who hide behind made-up names or complain when someone posts their real name when talking in pulbic forums, IMO, they are less credible.

Back to back posts merged. The following information has been added:

I miss the days of MTM and DMTM. :lol:

I liked the Mikes too, but, I also like their replacements.

I value my Professorship "privilege." I'm willing to play office politics in order to keep that privilege. If you can't play politics, you might end up going to war -- where someone will eventually lose and feelings irreparably hurt.

 

[Kayle]

I find the migration of topics in an online discussion absolutely fascinating, and have always believed that no moderation powers should be necessary to edit topic titles for the simple reason that, somehow, NO ONE can stay on topic for very long!

It is not my place to say much about the Professor program, as, I am not a Professor. However, I would like to remind everyone here that OP and its representatives are all people, too - people who are subject to bad days, social-adaptability flaws, and miscommunications. The most eloquent in-person OP official(s) may or may not be able to hold their own on a forum; I, for one, tend to be ten times more eloquent (when I try) on a forum than I could ever hope to be in person. That's just who and how I am.

And the point of my saying that is, lay off about the professor program, its problems, and its values. I cannot say much about Biggie because really I know very little about him - but I see no reason to take everything he says and the implications it makes as the word and fist of OP. If you think he is a poor representative, then you can just disregard what he says (Though I would not advise it!). That goes for Austino, 'mom, and everyone else who has posted here. It's difficult to enforce qualities of character as rules due to the high variation between people, and one person's definition may be completely different to another's - and so what may seem like OP ignoring your complaints to YOU, could be smooth, professional time-and-resource management skills on OP's part. And honestly, given the people I am seeing in this topic, if I had to pick between telling my Professors that we simply can't acknowledge their request and I appreciate their input but we won't do anything about it - or just ignoring them and telling them to suck it up? Um, I'm really sorry, but I somehow don't see the former working very well!

Besides, from the point of view of OP, you could be considered replaceable. Volunteers with an army of parents and teens - with better attitudes that yours, in some cases - waiting behind you to take your place. They could ban you for any little thing they percieve as an 'attitude issue'; they don't have to take your 'criticism' and they don't have to host a private forum for you to communicate to them with. But they do, because they value your opinion at ALL. Be a little more grateful.

 

[Yoshi-]

a couple of points: one, a minor cannot be a professor.

two: as stated several times upthread, there IS a place for professors to bring their concerns directly to OP: the forums they specifically set up for such communication both TO and FROM their professors. said info has been pointedly ignored, it seems...

but as before, it's more fun to cry censorship, oppression and totalitarianism...along with invasion of privacy and cyberstalking...

'mom =/

So you're saying it isnt happening? I understand you want to defend them but you can hardly ignore that what people cry about is happening
But I guess everyone who thinks his posts are threating is just paranoid right...?

 

[PokeDaddy]

Pokemon is not on the outs. Folks are overboard in their anxiety. Stuff happens. It's real life. Deal.

I can honestly say that I am very dissappointed by some of the posts I have seen here dumping on Dan. Whether they are true, false, or somewhere in between, I believe a few of you stepped out of bounds.

Try this...Pretend I run OP.

• I have introduced a new website that is experiencing unexpected technical difficulties,
• I am in the middle of planning major events for this year and next,
• I have the annual budgeting process to work through,
• I am breaking in a new aspect of OP (the video game piece),
• I am trying to maintain these initiatives as free events for the players
• I have a bunch of players who are raking me over the coals for mostly unsubstantiated issues.

How would I feel? Unappreciated.

 

[Austino]

@ PokeDaddy:

I think you're completely neglecting the fact that we're the ones who support "your" OP. We are the customers that buy "your" product, promote the product, and keep "you" in business. If a TCG company irritates large enough of it's player base, they won't stay in business.

Customers have the right to criticize "your" downfalls as a company, and that includes "you" if you are a representative.

Biggie is 'hunting' Professors for even the slightest misrepresentation of the company and Professor Program, yet his methods are coming out as a misrepresentation of the company (ie: posting private information he had to find, threatening the loss of professorships for minor issues, etc). It's certainly not helping his case and looks bad when he's given off a bad impression on some players for some of his methods or lack of tact in how he subtly threatens/removes Professors over 3-4 instances.

I enjoy the game a lot and love playing, but I don't think it's fair to NOT expect players to criticize or complain when the company isn't preforming at levels previously set as standard.