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[Jeffrey]

Austin was always a 'temp' there, but didn't expect his time at giantbomb to be this quick.

He brought the smart academic angle that is sorely missing from game journalism, yet he can still have fun, nerd out about animes and mechas, spit some hot rhymes at a PAX wrestling thing.

I'm curious if there are even any other people like him out there that are even interested in a game journalism job.


I assume he will keep be doing Friends at the Table.

And maybe if the timing is right, I'd sure love to see another of the roleplaying thing they did last holiday.


Curious what his new gig is. It's most definitely not a community manager job at a game company.

 

[Spring-Loaded]

With a shitpost like that? Of course he doesn't.

Now now


let's hear him out

Sure I do.



Yeah fuck you too.

Austin was a talented guy and added to the diversity. He's black (to those only listening to the Podcast) and I think he added a lot of noteworty points ( for example his issues on The Division) that might have been omitted from the other dudes. His unique perspective to issues of race or discrimination enriched the discussions on a lot of podcasts.

Yet there was still a huge outcry why GB didn't hire a woman, when they announced Austin. You can't please em all and never at once with a single hire. But considering we had that debatte before, I assume we will have it again.

Why do you think it's a matter of pleasing everyone? Mentioning that suggests you believe there should be a certain point at which there's satisfactory diversity — GB's public face consists entirely of dudes, and the only guy who was black is leaving. If someone says "GB doesn't have any regular female cast members," then that's just the truth.

If you think diversity is valuable, then why does it upset you to hear people talk about it? Did you say "Poor GB," because you think that GB can't handle hearing criticism of their work? If not, then why do you think it's annoying that people voice that want more diverse viewpoints and backgrounds present in the podcast discussions (which is all the podcasts consist of, aside from news that can be gotten elsewhere in more efficient ways)?

I'm hostile to the idea of just hiring anyone for the mere sake of diversity. They need to gel with the team and bring quality content. While he entertains me, I do think Dan's a bad hire, not because he's another white man, but because I always have the feeling that his stuff is poorly written.

And this suggests a misunderstanding of what diversity hiring is actually about. Here's a post I'm stealing from another thread:

I said it's not about which applications are chosen. It's not a matter of hiring one person over another based on nationality and background.

It's about making sure more people have the opportunity and awareness to apply in the first place.

If there are swathes of people who never see a given company's job recruiters visit their school, never see that company's job postings, and never hear about an opening through word-of-mouth because they're not already among friends/family who have connections (a really important way of learning about and getting a job) and they never apply, then who's to say the existing hires were actually the most qualified for the job? They just happen to be the ones who knew about it.

It's really, really dangers that you suggest anyone advocating for diversity is advocating for placing "other factors," above the actual qualifications needed for a job. That is definitely not the case, and makes it sound as if you automatically assume that a hire who comes from a different background compared to the norm must have been chosen for that reason — that's a really dangerous, virulent strain of thought. If that's the first thing you think of, it's really important you reassess your understanding of diversity.

This episode of the internet-focused podcast Reply All is helpful is showing the benefit to having a diverse workplace, and speaks to how some people/companies will staunchly cling to any justification to keep their companies very white and male, even if those aren't the reasons cited.

 

[Hagi]

That's kind of shitty of him to leave after only a year. Giant Bomb essentially gives him the platform to grow his audience and he just peaces once he gains a following. Since they're a personality based site, it feels even more personal.

What is he supposed to do after getting another opportunity? work a years notice until random internet people think it's okay to leave now?

 

[Rizzi]

Aww, Austin was a good fit. That's a bummer.

 

[Nishastra]

This makes me sad. Austin liked a lot of games that the rest of the guys would never even give a second glance to, and he was capable of explaining why he liked them (as opposed to, say, Dan, who when pushed on any weird thing that he likes will immediately cave and write it off as him having been X years old when he first played it).

Ever since GBeast really got settled, it has more and more been the main stuff I watch from Giant Bomb. It's probably been a couple of years since I listened to a whole Bombcast, but I never miss the Beastcast. I've loved all the playdates and the streams, and of course Project BEAST. Here's hoping it can keep going well.

 

[acheron_xl]

A massive loss for GB. I love their particular brand of dumb, but Austin singlehandedly raised the quality level of the discourse there.

 

[Gator86]

I'm hostile to the idea of just hiring anyone for the mere sake of diversity. They need to gel with the team and bring quality content. While he entertains me, I do think Dan's a bad hire, not because he's another white man, but because I always have the feeling that his stuff is poorly written.

No one ever says that. That is not a thing that is said. No one is arguing that they should just grab the first black transgender lesbian they find and throw her on the staff. The shit you threw out is just a strawman so you can rail against efforts to increase diversity.

 

[megalowho]

Even if you don't think it's an issue, he is correct. Every major personality on the site is a white male now that Austin is out.

And they're also longtime coworkers and friends that have been through a whole lot together over the years with a shoestring staff. To reduce that connection and sense of family they've cultivated to a white males club feels dismissive for what they've built.

The last E3 segment with Boyes, Lang and JV really drove home for me just how strong the bonds around the site are, it got real and emotional. I'm sure they'll make the right hire if they're able to hire again, they definitely recognize their blinds spots and appreciate diverse perspectives, but fit is paramount.

 

[Grisby]

Damn. Well, best of luck to him. Beastcast has been consistently hitting top tier in the past year.

Damn.

My Dragon's Dogma bros have all left,

 

[serenewarfare]

And they're also longtime coworkers and friends that have been through a whole lot together over the years with a shoestring staff. To reduce that connection and sense of family they've cultivated to a white males club feels dismissive for what they've built.

The last E3 segment with Boyes, Lang and JV really drove home for me just how strong the bonds around the site are, it got real and emotional. I'm sure they'll make the right hire if they're able to hire again, they definitely recognize their blinds spots and appreciate diverse perspectives, but fit is paramount.

Of course. That's why I qualified the statement. I love the guys they have and think they should value fit over diversity for the sake of it when they hire again. But by definition he is correct in that they are about as non-diverse as they could be at the current moment.

 

[Buttonbasher]

This is a real bummer. Austin was a great addition to the team, and was super fun to listen to.

Best of luck in what lies ahead though!

 

[Narpas Sword0]

Disappointing. I quite liked him.

I'm not looking forward to the inevitable meltdown because they didn't hire *insert random name/race/gender here*

I like that you view it as inevitable that there will be a non-diverse hire and don't see how that proves the point of the people who "meltdown."

Anyway I don't think it's inevitable, Austin's hire wasn't.

 

[JeTmAn81]

I think Dan is the best new hire since I've been following Giant Bomb (~2009). That said, I like Austin as well and I'm sorry to see him leave. Hopefully they'll get someone as insightful as him as a replacement.

 

[Spring-Loaded]

And they're also longtime coworkers and friends that have been through a whole lot together over the years with a shoestring staff. To reduce that connection and sense of family they've cultivated to a white males club feels dismissive for what they've built.

It can be both simultaneously; a family and, essentially, a white males club. That doesn't absolve them of people acknowledging the truth.

No one ever says that. That is not a thing that is said. No one is arguing that they should just grab the first black transgender lesbian they find and throw her on the staff. The shit you threw out is just a strawman so you can rail against efforts to increase diversity.

Yeah, that's what I gleaned from that post too.

This post:

With a shitpost like that? Of course he doesn't.

was justified in reference to this post:

And best of luck to Giant Bomb. Already know that unless they find a black, asian, jewish, handicapped, woman that happens to be older than 45 someone will find a reason to critizise their lack of diversity in their hirings.

 

[Ullus]

Whomever they get to replace Austin, I hope it's done soon. Vinny + Alex videos are mind numbingly dull.

 

[Breads]

I like that you view it as inevitable that there will be a non-diverse hire and don't see how that proves the point of the people who "meltdown."

Anyway I don't think it's inevitable, Austin's hire wasn't.

They didn't state one way or another. You're just projecting. But I do think it's fare to say that it is inevitable because it happened with the last two hires. Whoever is picked someone will be offended is my bet.

:edit:

They should just hire Johnny V. He needs the work.

:edit:

And Dave Lang. I want him too.

 

[SeanR1221]

That's kind of shitty of him to leave after only a year. Giant Bomb essentially gives him the platform to grow his audience and he just peaces once he gains a following. Since they're a personality based site, it feels even more personal.

That's not shitty. It's not like he's breaking a contract.

He's young, smart and ambitious. If a better opportunity came up why wouldn't he take it?

 

[Jarnet87]

Good luck to Austin. he was a big part of why I enjoyed the Beastcast

 

[Parsnip]

Did he ever get his doctorate?

 

[ozz ex machina]

That's kind of shitty of him to leave after only a year. Giant Bomb essentially gives him the platform to grow his audience and he just peaces once he gains a following. Since they're a personality based site, it feels even more personal.

I love Austin and his contribution has been amazing. But I have to say I agree with you. This does seem like a very calculated move on his part. I feel bad for Jeff and the gang, tough fucking hire to make.

 

[Ban Puncher]

I got just the guy to fill the position.

 

[backflip10019]

What is he supposed to do after getting another opportunity? work a years notice until random internet people think it's okay to leave now?

You really think that Jeff, Brad, Alex, Vinny, et. al. haven't received other offers to do their thing elsewhere for more money, prestige, etc.? After ingratiating himself to the GB community, I just wish he were more loyal to them. I think it's pretty shitty of anyone to leave a job after only a year, especially a high profile one where you have fans and people who genuinely care about your contributions. It's like an actor leaving a well-liked TV show because he became really famous and could get movie roles.

 

[Spring-Loaded]

I got just the guy to fill the position.

Maybe then they'll find out what happened to Arkham Knight PC

You really think that Jeff, Brad, Alex, Vinny, et. al. haven't received other offers to do their thing elsewhere for more money, prestige, etc.? After ingratiating himself to the GB community, I just wish he were more loyal to them. I think it's pretty shitty of anyone to leave a job after only a year, especially a high profile one.

This is a wild notion. People shouldn't feel hamstrung into staying at a position out of loyalty.

 

[Yawnier]

This sucks. Austin was really good on the beastcast and seemed like a smart and chill person.

 

[Scizzy]

I love Austin and his contribution has been amazing. But I have to say I agree with you. This does seem like a very calculated move on his part. I feel bad for Jeff and the gang, tough fucking hire to make.

Austin is leaving for a better opportunity after working his ass off for a year. Everyone at Giant Bomb seemed really excited for him and there's no reason for anyone else to resent his departure.

 

[OnimaruXLR]

I like that you view it as inevitable that there will be a non-diverse hire and don't see how that proves the point of the people who "meltdown."

Anyway I don't think it's inevitable, Austin's hire wasn't.

Austin joining up was also the result of a long process to expand the team that had been cooking for a while. Dan and Jason were the ones who were brought in because they needed extra manpower and were known quantities

Now the team is short again. Whether or not they sink the time and effort it'd take to find someone who's as good of a fit, but distinct a perspective as Austin will be something only time tells.

Or Jeff. I guess Jeff would be able to tell.

 

[JetBlackPanda]

You really think that Jeff, Brad, Alex, Vinny, et. al. haven't received other offers to do their thing elsewhere for more money, prestige, etc.? After ingratiating himself to the GB community, I just wish he were more loyal to them. I think it's pretty shitty of anyone to leave a job after only a year, especially a high profile one.

If he was offered a better opportunity and GB can't match, your out. Why would anyone feel bad about that? Dude has to do what he needs to do.

 

[Ban Puncher]

Maybe then they'll find out what happened to Arkham Knight PC

Wrong walking trash bag.

 

[MassiveNights]

That's kind of shitty of him to leave after only a year. Giant Bomb essentially gives him the platform to grow his audience and he just peaces once he gains a following. Since they're a personality based site, it feels even more personal.

You really think that Jeff, Brad, Alex, Vinny, et. al. haven't received other offers to do their thing elsewhere for more money, prestige, etc.? After ingratiating himself to the GB community, I just wish he were more loyal to them. I think it's pretty shitty of anyone to leave a job after only a year, especially a high profile one where you have fans and people who genuinely care about your contributions. It's like an actor leaving a well-liked TV show because he became really famous and could get movie roles.

The Giant Bomb guys clearly have no animosity towards him and you have no right to.

Jeff straight out said he hopes people leave better off than they came in.

If you want to attract the brightest and best to your website it makes sense that they'll be ambitious and want to move on eventually.

The guys have stayed together for so long because they started it together and had that fuck you energy and camaraderie of a start-up.

 

[Mupod]

I got just the guy to fill the position.

Only if he does the Disney Infinity E3 shill voice the whole time

 

[Ban Puncher]

Only if he does the Disney Infinity E3 shill voice the whole time

 

[serenewarfare]

I hope they have someone to fill in on the video side of things for the GBEast team while they find a new hire. Maybe Jeff will start appearing on their videos?

 

[TheMrPliskin]

You really think that Jeff, Brad, Alex, Vinny, et. al. haven't received other offers to do their thing elsewhere for more money, prestige, etc.? After ingratiating himself to the GB community, I just wish he were more loyal to them. I think it's pretty shitty of anyone to leave a job after only a year, especially a high profile one where you have fans and people who genuinely care about your contributions. It's like an actor leaving a well-liked TV show because he became really famous and could get movie roles.

"We fucking made you Walker"

 

[LiK]

What also sucks is way less anime talk.

 

[Sheriff_Battlesnake]

what *_*

 

[alr1ght]

I'm betting it's probably a job at the NYT or something of similar prestige. Good for him.

 

[jennetics]

Best of luck, Austin. Do what's best for you!

 

[CambriaRising]

This makes me sad.

 

[Sheriff_Battlesnake]

Not sure how, good writer but not the most entertaining guy on the team.

He brought a balanced and insightful voice and a jovial glee. He hugely expanded the Giant Bomb Presents channel to give more people places to share their voice.

Dude inspired me big time. I've obviously never met him, but I'm glad to have known him.

 

[AuthenticM]

This is bullshit.

 

[Deleted member 30609]

sad to hear, I really enjoyed his voice across the site

 

[Hagi]

You really think that Jeff, Brad, Alex, Vinny, et. al. haven't received other offers to do their thing elsewhere for more money, prestige, etc.? After ingratiating himself to the GB community, I just wish he were more loyal to them. I think it's pretty shitty of anyone to leave a job after only a year, especially a high profile one where you have fans and people who genuinely care about your contributions. It's like an actor leaving a well-liked TV show because he became really famous and could get movie roles.

He is friends with the guys but I don't think loyalty to them means he has to stay working with them even if there are better opportunities out there. This is a shitty attitude to take. If the other guys wanted to move on them by all means they should. Would I be sad? hell yeah but I'd be happy for them at the same time.

 

[mnz]

You really think that Jeff, Brad, Alex, Vinny, et. al. haven't received other offers to do their thing elsewhere for more money, prestige, etc.? After ingratiating himself to the GB community, I just wish he were more loyal to them. I think it's pretty shitty of anyone to leave a job after only a year, especially a high profile one where you have fans and people who genuinely care about your contributions. It's like an actor leaving a well-liked TV show because he became really famous and could get movie roles.

We don't even know where he's going...

 

[Spring-Loaded]

Wrong walking trash bag.

But Vignocchi is the only one who can hack lang's phone and find the secrets within.

 

[Branson]

Always amazes me when someone leaves what seemingly is a dream job for many people. Best of luck to him though. Blah.

 

[kAmui-]

What also sucks is way less anime talk.

There's always a bright side.

 

[Kimaka]

Fucking what? No

He was a great addition to the site and brought a new perspective that no one else had. I will miss him greatly.

I am so bummed about this, but I wish him well with whatever he does next.

 

[Scizzy]

We don't even know where he's going...

I bet the traitor is going to be the NY correspondent of gamebomb.ru.

 

[LordOfLore]

To Be Continued...

 

[Fireblend]

You really think that Jeff, Brad, Alex, Vinny, et. al. haven't received other offers to do their thing elsewhere for more money, prestige, etc.? After ingratiating himself to the GB community, I just wish he were more loyal to them. I think it's pretty shitty of anyone to leave a job after only a year, especially a high profile one where you have fans and people who genuinely care about your contributions. It's like an actor leaving a well-liked TV show because he became really famous and could get movie roles.

This is not how jobs work. People who decide to be loyal to their job so much that they would reject t a much better job can't expect to haveuch growth in their careers.