The Backhander
Mid week I recieved a heavier-than-usual parcel from the friendly (but ever-so-slightly smelly) postman. I had no idea what it was, but recognised the PR agency’s label and hurredly tore open the packaging to reveal an old metal tin marked “Barlow Biscuit and Crackers” seemingly from Buffalo, New York. Sony have never been shy with the promotional stuff for their big games, but for whatever reason I had absolutely no clue as to what this could have been for. I shook it, and the contents banged around, probably now broken.
Five minutes later (and one broken tin lid) I was in. Inside was a birth certificate for a Henry Douglas Stillman, born 1916, a sepia-stained photograph, some form of school exercise book, a couple of tickets to a movie, a series of creased flyers for what appeared to be the American Air Force and a newspaper dated October 31st 1952. The headline read “Chimera Invades USA!” Ah, Resistance 2. Sure enough, tucked under the newspaper were two minature 45s, with (obviously) Blu-ray disks inside.
As far as setting the scene goes, Sony had done their job. I rushed over to the PS3, pushed in the game and settled back to enjoy the follow up to my favourite PS3 launch game, all the while with the odd, rusty smell from the tin lingering in the background. This, then, is what I consider a ‘perk’ of running a site like this. Yes, it’s the same game that you’ll be able to pick up on the shelves next Friday, but it’s encased in a seriously cool box that (presumably) is quite limited. Think of it as the special special edition.
But as far as perks go, that’s pretty much it. Michael and I have worked together on a few sites in the past, not always PlayStation brand based, and although we’re still 100% behing TheSixthAxis it’s not always easy to find the time and motivate ourselves to the extent that perhaps we should be. Thankfully, we’ve now got a great bunch of people willing to help write stories, we’re constantly trying new writers like TheRealCelShady (writing anonymously) and seeing the comments from our visitors is certainly rewarding enough (please use the star ratings, they help us decide what sort of stories you like) but for the most part we just rumble on day after day without really changing anything.
Naturally, recent highlights like Andy Torr’s sublime TSA Towers masterpiece makes us feel really proud of our little community, but with viewing figures now higher than SCEE’s semi-official outlet ThreeSpeech it’s not always easy to find the money to keep the thing running without some form of advertising. To hear comments like “it’s ruining the look of the site” really messes with us because when you’re shifting as much bandwidth as we are doing there’s not really any other way to do things, and it’s not like we’re the only ones. We considered pop-ups, pop-unders, pop-behinds and pop-tarts, but thought that custom-designed background images fitted the site quite well.
And then there’s news like this. I’ll not comment on what’s prompted this rant, but we’re not naive to thing that this sort of thing doesn’t go on - we do pride ourselves in reviewing games with utmost honestly and integrity. Never have we been paid, bribed or similar to increase (or decrease) a game’s score - what we score a game out of ten is genuinely what we think it deserves at that given point in time. It’s the same with our news. As I’m sure you’re aware we do speak to Sony (and most other major publishers) and although we’ve only ever held back a story once or twice (and removed just two, I think) we’ve never been explicitely told to edit anything, and that will remain the case. We’re entirely independent, and on nobody’s bankroll. Sadly.
So, it’s on to another week of ups and downs, no doubt. Hopefully we’ll get less of the shitty emails (we’ll update the damned Trophy List when we get chance) and more of the shiny promotional trinkets that keep us going. In the meantime, we do welcome your comments (hello@thesixthaxis.com) but please remember this isn’t our everything, Michael and I have lives outside the wonderful world of the PS3 (and we’re still working on that game) and apart from the occasional bit of cash from the Google Ads that pays for my tequila we don’t make a penny out of doing this. It’s not funded by anyone; we’re not biased, sponsored or otherwise paid off and simply do it because we (sometimes) like doing it.
Right, back to those pesky Chimera.
November 23rd, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Please, please, please post pics of the special, special Resistance 2 box you got.. Sounds sweet!
November 23rd, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Well said, Nofi.
November 23rd, 2008 at 6:18 pm
yes, please do post pics of the special-ness. im a sucker for limted edition hardware.
November 23rd, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Keep it up guys! Love what you do, always check TSA a million times a day for new articles (is there a way of getting email notifications?) and there’s only a handful of blogs that warrant that type of interest from me. Will try and use the Star system from now on too.
November 23rd, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Ignore that comment about the ads, I actually quite like them cos its makes for a fresh feel when it changes and it suits the layout without being too ovrpowering. Some people want everything and to pay for nothing but those people should shut up
November 23rd, 2008 at 6:46 pm
I quite like the themed backgrounds
November 23rd, 2008 at 6:51 pm
You know … I think I really don’t mind the ads
I mean it’s not as if I actually use my toaster so if one appears I might just sink my teeth into it ! ( lie )
And if it means, ad hits = shiny pennies for your hard work , then do it . Just not anything blatantly annoying like 360 ads ! Stick to Tena lady or Just for men .
November 23rd, 2008 at 6:52 pm
nofi, i think you would agree that I would be considered as one of the regular contributors to the forum and the site in general and over the past couple of months I have noticed a tinge of, well lets say you’ve sounded a bit pissed off at times. I think alot of what may be seen as negative comments about the site are from people who had only visited a couple of times and did not realise who nofi and michael are and what they do to get TSA up and running to what it is today. Personally I take my hat off to you. I would love to have a site like this but I could never find the time or the energy to commit 75% never mind 100%. In fact everyone who writes on the site and posts in the forums should feel proud in the fact that we have all made TSA what it is today. Right I’m getting a little emotional now, I’d better shut up. Once again guys, keep up the great work, we’d all be lost without you.
fredrikpedersen Says:
November 23rd, 2008 at 6:58 pm
I posted the ad thingy and I’ve been reading since late ‘07
TheDeathAvenger Says:
November 24th, 2008 at 10:08 am
So what your saying is that you knew about the site and all the hard work that has went into it. You also knew that the ads were the only source of funding for the site, and without them the site would cease to exist. Now since you have been reading this site for about a year, I guess that you quite like the site (otherwise why would you still be coming to it). Yet despite all of this, you complain about the ads.
fredrikpedersen Says:
November 24th, 2008 at 10:45 am
I wasn’t complaining, but pointing out that TSA lost the unique look I loved so much. If its needed to keep the site up, then fine, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.
seedaripper1973 Says:
November 24th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
decided to make a ‘proper’ post down below (less chance of being read now here, so deleted it)
bit of a flaw there *gasp*
Mike Says:
November 23rd, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Cuddles all round?
GR is right though, this is the best site for ps3 news i’ve seen and from starting from nothing and now having this is quite a feat. And if you get perks like that, it’s all worth while, eh?
November 23rd, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Mmmmm pop tarts, the strawberry kind for me.
Anyway, I just want to say how much I still love TSA(I’ve not said it for a while) its come along way since I first came hear, cant get a word in edgeways these days I never fail to crack a smile whenever I read something on hear, whether it be in the post, or the comments, a big shout for the new writers too, all in all a great site, keep it up guys
November 23rd, 2008 at 7:04 pm
yeah great work guys
November 23rd, 2008 at 7:12 pm
I just read your Sunday thoughts and just wanted to add to what the others have already said. I have been reading TSA since I first found the site. I have been a PS3 owner since selling my 360 in April and have never looked back. Your site is like a breath of fresh air. As far as I am concerned, it is the best site of it’s kind out there and I must visit it at least ten times every day, while I’m at work on my iPhone and when I get home on my Mac. I would even be prepared to pay a subscription, to me it is that good.
Please keep up the great work guys.
November 23rd, 2008 at 7:21 pm
I really do hate it when people complain just for the sake of it over things that don’t matter in the least. Complaining about the ads is fucking ridiculous.
I think the ads on this site are the best designed ads I’ve seen. All background images I’ve seen are really good and I actually look forward tovseeing the next one (a bit sad I know).
If someone would be willing to pay for the bandwidth, then they can protest but otherwise stfu and be glad you’re getting great articles/news/reviews on a great site for absolutely nothing.
November 23rd, 2008 at 7:22 pm
To add to all the other compliments. I’d like to say that I always enjoy the stuff you guys write, and everything so well written too.
I don’t give a crap about the ads on the site, and I am sure that 99% of your readers don’t either. We all need to pay for stuff and we all need to do things we may or may not like for it. Heads up!
November 23rd, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Same from me, it’s the best PS3 site i’ve found. I used to check the ’semi-official’ site but this is always my first port of call now and luckily most of the comments are of a higher caliber than you normally get on web sites too.
November 23rd, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Almost made me cry. You guys are the best.
Mike Says:
November 23rd, 2008 at 8:09 pm
I think we all need some manly love. Group hug guys!
seedaripper1973 Says:
November 24th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
I tried this tactic in another thread…got me no where
November 23rd, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Well I have to say your site is imo the best ps3 site out there. Its my daily update on all things Sony and I’d be lost without you.
Whilst your bandwidth is going up its still the same faces I see posting comments and in the forum. Its good to have a small group of dedicated regulars who you instantly recognize when posting.
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. If you ever put in play a Paypal donation scheme to help you out with the site then I’ll chuck you a few quid
GamerRiley Says:
November 23rd, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Money bags
TheDeathAvenger Says:
November 24th, 2008 at 10:20 am
Yeah i’ve got to admit that I like to see the same people that i’ve got to (kind of) know posting on the site.
November 23rd, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Gonna say the same as everyone… I love the site, and it is the best on that huge internet out there. I can’t find a site that is updated as regularly as this with news which always turns out to be correct. I love the site.
Thank You
Also, being the dumbtard that I am, I didn’t realise they were adverts, I thought is was just a stylish new look. I like them!!
BioEye Says:
November 23rd, 2008 at 11:03 pm
Totally agree, I didn’t realise they were ads!
November 23rd, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Just a note that we’ll be giving away the promo kit, assuming we’re allowed, minus the game disk. Stay tuned.
3shirts Says:
November 23rd, 2008 at 9:35 pm
The one with the knackered lid
TheDeathAvenger Says:
November 24th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Makes it even more rare.
Mike Says:
November 23rd, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Cool, nice one nofi. Look forward to seeing the giveaway
November 23rd, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Have you thought about setting up a paypal donations link? You could just slide the button into your sigs and give us all a chance to toss some coppers your way if/when we can, I know I would
andytorr Says:
November 24th, 2008 at 4:36 am
Thats a great idea. Theres times when I’m feeling a little better off than usual, and would happily spare a couple of quid for the TSA. And I’m sure a few other people would from time to time. Every penny counts
November 23rd, 2008 at 10:17 pm
A bit of a rant near the end there, but good ‘Sunday Thoughts’
November 23rd, 2008 at 10:49 pm
SONY should be happy I am not the one reviewing Resistance 2 for TSA. I would have tore a hole in that game big enough to fit one of those ugly space ships through it easily. The game was a lukewarm bland tasting soup of the old FPS scraps table. Such a waste of money that my disgust for having spent so much on so little prompted me, for the first time since I began buying, playing and subsequently collecting games since childhood, to take back that and a few other recent stinkers and get some of money back in an effort to erase the stink of frustration and disappointment off of my tainted memories.
Thanks for nothing Insomniac, with this you failed your last chance at staying on my list of favourite exclusive PS3 developers.
3shirts Says:
November 24th, 2008 at 7:04 am
Get off the fence and tell us what you really think
fredrikpedersen Says:
November 24th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Whats there not to like about it? Explain.
November 23rd, 2008 at 11:58 pm
only started reading the site a few months back and only recently registered to it.
Great site you guys run, keep doing what your doing…
November 24th, 2008 at 12:21 am
Hi,
I ran a similarly successful (read: visited) site about 10 years ago that had nothing to do with gaming but covered another popular subject matter at that time. I can certainly appreciate the effort required, and not least the time & funding, that goes into the commitment you have made.
Fortunately you have some assistance. I, on retrospect, foolishly chose to do *everything* myself (web design, coding, administration of site & mailing list, sourcing, preparing & authoring content, and, amongst other tasks, as you have found, acceptance of criticism & general negativity), as well as having a full-time “proper” job elsewhere that paid the bills. Until somebody undertakes a task such as this they have no idea of the scale of the project and, as you have found, it is difficult to keep focussed & not sound critical of your audience on occasion when your workload is getting you down.
But to my point of writing…
Perhaps you could offer “breakout” areas of your site where less experienced individuals can author content and publish as they wish. They may even be encouraged to offer you some financial compensation for their association with a successful site, on a per article, per week, or even per monthly basis. You would obviously make the readers aware of the arrangement so that there would be no come-back on TheSixthAxis due to the views expressed, but equally you could use the opportunity to source new, more permanent, writers.
Also, it doesn’t take much to set-up a PayPal account & place a small logo at the top or bottom of your home page to ask for donations. Over time if the funds are of a sufficient quantity you could offer competition prizes & other ‘giveaway’ promotions to give something back to your community that have supported you.
Finally, if you need a holiday, please just think of yourself & take one. The visitor base you have built-up will not leave overnight if you arrange some form of cover with parties you trust, and/or supply someone with previously generated content to time-release over a few days leave.
Hand over temporary moderation rights to your most senior forum members, and the forums should effectively run themselves. Or indeed, appoint a full-time moderator after allowing a short-list of candidates to demonstrate their potential with a trial period.
The Forums this week will be moderated by Forum Member X. Please vote in confidence on their performance at the end of the week, etc.
But, if the site is no longer fun for you, then recognise this & move on, sideways, or upwards, as applicable. Staying at a party too long just means you go home tired & empty-handed, but finding the optimum time to call it a night means you go out on a high with the respect of your peers.
Who knows… the asset you have built up may well now be worth offering for sale. I am sure there will be a few interested investors from those who presently can only wish they were as successful as you.
Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck.
Especially if you are online on Friday evening after I enlist for multi-player Competitive duty.
Resistance is futile…
BFN,
fp.
(1upGamers.com Forums ModeraNtor, occasional Blog Author, and semi-regular contributor to semi-official Playstation site[s])
seedaripper1973 Says:
November 24th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Great bit of advice there from ol’ Fanpages, nice one (i checked abit of your ’stuff’ when i used to read ‘that semi-official’ site you mentioned)
November 24th, 2008 at 12:34 am
PS.
Images of the “Biscuits & Crackers” here…
[ http://www.britishgaming.co.uk/?p=1965 ]
(Probably coming to an eBay search near you soon)
BFN,
fp.
nineself Says:
November 24th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Already found one on ebay, ends soon though!
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PS3-RESISTANCE-2-ORIGINAL-BY-SONY-RARE_W0QQitemZ270304401424QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_PC_Video_Games_Video_Games_JS?hash=item270304401424&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1297|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318
November 24th, 2008 at 6:37 am
Two things:
Almost in spite of myself, and never tell my wife I wrote this, I’d stick something in a paypal thing - it’s nearly Christmas and I got a half-decent pay rise on Friday. If you smeared adverts everywhere and explained they were to keep you in tequila I’d be fine with that, and I like the background changes - it keeps it fresh.
One of the things I like about the site, apart from the latest news, recent rumours and all the rest, but I like reading the comments and forums as well - there are no idiots bitching about this or that, like on a semi-official site some of you may have seen, where I’ve started only to read the comments when something happens they’ve been moaning about to see how quickly they find something else that is essential for their enjoyment of life.
I think what I’m rambling on about is this - everyone at TSA does a great job and it is much appreciated, but also I love everyone else too. You all seem nice.
nofi Says:
November 24th, 2008 at 8:23 am
I think that’s the point. For whatever reason, we have a great community here and the ratio of nobs to nice folk is like 1:100, which is really refreshing to see and welcoming to new people, I’d assume.
3shirts Says:
November 24th, 2008 at 9:31 am
Who is the nice 1?
BrendanCalls Says:
November 24th, 2008 at 10:26 am
I couldn’t agree more either, This site is completewly refreshing in its approach as was shown a few months ago when TheSixthAxiz was granted a place in OPSM’s PS3 Sites that matter
As for Nofi and Michael having a life, well despite all my scepticism I am willing to believe you, for now anyway
But seriously you guys do a good job and I for one thank you and all the other guys who take time out to write posts and give me something to talk, think, debate or occasionally complain about
November 24th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Hey as long as the adverts don’t suddenly turn into Banjo Kazooieieieiee and Xbox NXE adverts like another seemingly previously unbiased site, but now riddled with 360 moneyhatting bias, **cough** vg247 **cough**, I’m cool with the background ads.
Sony could do with some advertising anyway. I don’t think I’ve seen a PS3 ad all year on UK TV!
And another thing, why on earth does every multiplat advert only say “On Xbox from £129″. Don’t game manufacturers care that their games aren’t getting advertised on other systems too (this goes for PS3 and Wii). Not to mention you can’t play half of them on a £129 xbox because there is no HDD… False advertising surely!
g00nerz Says:
November 24th, 2008 at 9:54 am
Goddamn work IE6 won’t let me Edit my post. I wanted to add:
As long as you don’t start getting the annoying Flashbar across the top of the page ads, that scroll down the screen with you (funnily enough, which vg247 also use). They are farking annoying.
Gamoc Says:
November 24th, 2008 at 11:58 am
VG go through the same problems, but with many more viewers (it IS a multiplatform site, after all). Patlike (owned) listens to feedback and that flash bar that travels down the page with you has been locked to the top now.
I’d like to point out that just because they’re advertising 360 stuff doesn’t mean they’re biased, I used to write for VG (before coursework got in the way), I don’t even own a 360.
Also, IE6? I don’t know where they’re going wrong the most, using an old version of IE or using IE at all.