The Problem of Professionalism

[usrlocal]

Funny, people in 1972 probably had this exact same conversation about how everything was better in 1952.

True. But I draw the line at 1932. That's start of a pretty crappy period of history.

[Sluggonics]

Funny, people in 1972 probably had this exact same conversation about how everything was better in 1952.

True. But I draw the line at 1932. That's start of a pretty crappy period of history.

Actually, I should clarify my statement - by "people" I meant white men.

If I were black or a woman, 1972 is about as far back as I'd want to go.

[Calandale]

But those in '52 probably didn't have it about '32.

[Sluggonics]

But those in '52 probably didn't have it about '32.

Oh, I don't know...

[sparty]

http://www.youtube.com/embed/0jG6e1AB5_M?rel=0

[Calandale]

Code:

[quote author=sparty link=topic=94.msg1536#msg1536 date=1405872396]
Here ya go...

[url=http://"http://www.youtube.com/embed/0jG6e1AB5_M?rel=0"][/url]
[/quote]

Look at what you have - you posted a quoted link (as per BGG) beyond the http signifier.

it should be

Code:

[url=http://www.youtube.com/embed/0jG6e1AB5_M][/url]

Never mind - that's not able to be embedded.

It has a youtube block on it from being able to be posted just anywhere.

[stemcider]

Funny, people in 1972 probably had this exact same conversation about how everything was better in 1952.

True. But I draw the line at 1932. That's start of a pretty crappy period of history.

Actually, I should clarify my statement - by "people" I meant white men.

If I were black or a woman, 1972 is about as far back as I'd want to go.

Relevant Louis C.K. video:

[dragonblaster]

We have been in the habit of sweeping up "Chaos", I miss chaos.  I would rather have Manson cults, paranoid militias, myriad hippy communes (at least playtesting some new way), psychedelic drug fueled idealism, religious sects akin to the Amish (groups that demand NO, I'm living this way), madness, hysteria, and all the wonderful things that come with chaos and experimentation than live in this horribly dull, safe, comfortable, boring culture we have made for ourselves.

My heart sinks when I see a once edgy and imagination inducing zones, like say simply an Arcade, be replaced by a new franchise like Macaroni Grill or Barnes & Nobles.  Game companies used to crank out games that were far more edgy and experimental in the fantasy and suggestive future categories.  Now everything looks like Walt Disney cartoons (small world and every euro).  Reality was actually played and totally aimed for by Berg, Dunnigan and the wonderful maps of Simonsen.  Now everything is stripped to the bare bone nothingness.

People no longer want to challenge themselves, they aim to flee their own attention span.  Not in a gaming sense, the symptom is just seen there with the product output.  The code is "be professional, make money, buy more shelter than you really need, watch tv, die."  No one challenges that there could be any other way.  We live in a world of infinite options, infinite direction, and infinite worth, yet we insist on sitting on possibly the most boring safe route. ANd the safe route is diminishing the standard of living.  Thoughtless art and entertainment creates thoughtless people and thoughtless existence

Destroy professionalism!  I'd rather have a steaming pile of **** thrown in my face to rile me up than be continually bored by the culture we chose to make for ourselves.  Our need for safety and comfort has made watching tv the greatest adrenaline rush of the majority.  MAY CHAOS RETURN!!

[The Grinch]

In too many ways, the modern world has become about the packaging and using these
false impressions, rather than about the substance.

To me the complaint is really about an absence of true professionalism, with a false image of professionalism where none truly exists.  It's about mass marketing and the idea that one size can be made to fit all (or at least that a few different sizes can be made to fit a market that's been lumped into a few convenient categories) by pandering to the lowest common denominator, and the result is mass-market crap: next thing you know we're all eating McDonalds, drinking Budweiser, and playing Monopoly.  Quality has become a boutique market, whether for food, beer, games, or whatever.

[Calandale]

It strikes me that the heart of it is cutting to the chase - presenting what is intended and
nothing more. Removing the emotional and other avenues into full understanding. Not without
value, but it cannot be ALL that is available. Too much is lost without the human side.