The Problem with Game Reviews

 The Problem with Game Reviews

    There is something inherently wrong with the way games and other media are being reviewed. I've said this before, there have been tons of games that I have loved that this mass group of elitist 30 minute YouTube video essay reviewers like to slam for strange reasons.
Their videos are often full of bugs compiled users on Twitter, attempting to showcase minor bugs or funny glitches as a deeply flawed game. These reviews are carefully tailored and edited to show a biased version of many games that most gamers, given a more unbiased review, with some semblance of journalistic integrity, would actually give a chance and perhaps come to enjoy.

    For example in 2013, Batman Arkham Origins was hated because Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy were not involved in this prequel to the Arkham Trilogy. It was a story of the origins of a younger Batman and Joker, calling for younger voice actors. It told a dark and thrilling story around Christmastime. Winter in Gotham City set the scene for a vengeful story of Batman's large gallery of rogues putting out a hit on him, and everyone was here to cash in. It features some of the best boss fights in the series, the boss fight with Deathstroke on Penguin's cargo ship is a martial arts masterclass in counter attacks and beatdowns. Once again Mr. Freeze gets a chance to show how AI can adapt to the players strategies and actions as the boss reacts to your choices and won't allow you to pull off the same attack or use of a gadget twice. It also introduced enemies, high skilled martial arts enemies that could counter attack Batman, and that the Dark Knight would have to have quick reflexes to deal with their flurry of attacks that the Bat would have to counter with twice!

    Marvel's Avengers is also a game I've sunk thousands of hours in that was misunderstood and hated on for childish reasons. There was a barrage of videos hating on the tutorial in game that was showcasing all the heroes and teaching you the basics of how to play as each one. It was a linear tutorial placed in an awesome cinematic battle on the Avengers Helicarrier and on Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Gamers have played hundreds of tutorials in their time that are all linear, this is no exception, yet it was mocked for doing so. They disguised it with great cinematics and dynamic scenes switching between each of our beloved heroes as they saved people, battled bad guys, and attempted to save the day. Reviewers mocked the character designs before launched, which although looks like they could use refinement, were later changed. People were also upset that the developers had not spent their entire budget and then some to hire the likes of Robert Downey Jr, Christ Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, and so on. Instead, Crystal Dynamics hired some of the best voice actors across gaming and animation, some often seen on the set of Critical Role, to voice the Avengers. Nolan North as Iron Man, Jeff Schine as Captain America, Laura Bailey as Black Widow, Travis Willingham as Thor, Troy Baker as Bruce Banner, and newbie Sandra Saad as Ms. Marvel, the glue that pulls the team to ReAssemble. These actors have often played these characters in animation and were incredibly skilled in voice acting and motion capture, they did a really great job in capturing these heroes and the combat team also managed to make the best gameplay for each respective hero that we have ever seen in gaming. 
    The past two years, Avengers has released lots of content and new heroes vastly improving over time as most live service games do. They added Kate Bishop, Hawkeye, Black Panther, Spider-Man on PlayStation, and the Mighty Thor Jane Foster. 

    Back 4 Blood is a spiritual successor to the Left 4 Dead game and is made by the same studio, Turtle Rock, with a team of some of the original developers. This game introduces modern shooter mechanics such as: sprinting, aim down sights, weapon attachments, clambering, and platforming as well as a plethora of weapons to choose from, both melee and ranged. The game also has several updates and expansions adding to its cast of cleaners, each with unique personalities, customizable outfits, and perks. Along with the usual director, which dictates the various elements that effect the gameplay session, cards are introduced for variety. This was met with skepticism and outright hatred by some. I've realized that the cards were always there in previous titles, but the game is really showing you what it's doing. Whether it's adding fog, enemies that explode leaving trails of acidic blood, or other penalties the cards add a lot to replayability and allow you to create a build for your character to withstand the hordes of "ridden."
    There are many underrated games and the culture around reviews being the new tool of cancel culture is unacceptable. The slightest flaw or disagreement in game design leads to these reviewers going down the war path and trying to make sure that even people that enjoy the game cannot. They wish to fight against communities of fans and demonize them for enjoying games. 

    People can think for themselves, we should think more about the content of the game and who it is for when we are reviewing a game or other forms of media. Sometimes we have to set aside our personal bias and experience. For example, I never encountered bugs in Assassin's Creed Unity on the Xbox One when the game launched. A lot of other players and reviewers said they did, and the results were eye popping. Of course the game patched these bugs and Assassin's Creed Unity is experiencing a revival now that it's been rediscovered as one of the last good parkour/stealth games in the series with a beautiful world and interesting story set in the French Revolution, people skipped the game for tiny flaws that not all players had, because reviewers amplified the flaws.

    We have to step into the shoes of fans of the game, look into what they might want an expect. Recent reviews on Saints Row (2022) are clearly not written by fans or people that generally enjoyed the first three games, Saints Row 4 was a major departure into wackiness and is clearly the cause for reboot. Making a hate review because you "just don't get" what other people like about a game you do not find fun does not make you look enlightened. It makes you look elitist, petty, and only what you like can live to see the light of another day.
    There's something broader to look at here using a journalistic approach with something called integrity. It's easy to hate on media rather than find a way that even if something is not for you, others might actually enjoy it. That's what a review should be. Having the understanding and foresight to refer something to people that might enjoy it. It does not mean we cannot highlight the flaws of games or that there are no bad games. Most developers are people like us: fathers, mothers, people that provide for families, they genuinely work hard and enjoy their work much like we do. Nobody puts out a bad game on purpose, no one seeks out to fail or put out poor work. There are circumstances not available to the general public and the gaming press that can hinder a game in development. 

    Sometimes we let others manipulate our point of view and "don't see the forest for the trees." 
    For more on this, check out my discussion with KongofBeast and LadiiGi on episode 19 of the Shackcast, my podcast available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Also see my Game Reviews Playlist on YouTube for continued updates on games I'm reviewing. You won't find rage reviews, hot takes, or hatred. Facts, my unique point of view, my ability to refer things, and see an experience through someone else's eyes. I should not have the final say either. I'm not saying only my reviews are the best and that I'm the final say. I'm out to change the culture here, a new way to review content. I'm working on refining this and I'm hoping to be more transparent moving forward. Links to said content are below. 

Thanks for reading,

Aaron Shack

Game Reviews Playlist: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSiKflGZp7VpLqJb9iwGEOz9FmHyvDjem

Actor Caitlin Burt ! | Shackcast Episode 20: 🎥https://youtu.be/aPMw4YJ4NkA 🟢Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2yryk839Q1M2f9R0NLsUjq 🎤 🍏Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/actor-caitlin-burt-shackcast-episode-20/id1508902293?i=1000569068063 🎤 KongofBeast & LadiiGi on Game Reviews | Shackcast Episode 19 🎥YouTube: https://youtu.be/QRk_d0clkcY 🟢Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4QXEha6eA5WhbQ0FixvbVT 🎤 🍏Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kongofbeast-ladiigi-on-game-reviews-shackcast-episode-19/id1508902293?i=1000560427123 🎤 🎥TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aaronshack64 📱Twitter: https://twitter.com/aaronshack64TV 💬Discord Community: https://discord.gg/aA8R4EQ ☕Patreon (Music, Unboxings, Interviews and Photography): https://www.patreon.com/aaronshack64 🎤Shackcast Podcast Available on: 🟢Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0OGlvS7U1nl6L6dQyP9nkb?si=kqeI6oT3Q5mzWuPS-twFzQ 🎤 🍏Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shackcast/id1508902293 🎤 🎥YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSiKflGZp7Vo-OsWA5iG4Px7bNkV6ibMe 🎤 👕My Merch Store: https://www.designbyhumans.com/shop/aaronshack64/ 📝Amazon Wish List: http://a.co/0G0XWzC 📷Photography Blog: https://vizionphotographybyaaron.blogspot.com/ 📷Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronshack64 📷My Photography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vizionphotographybyaaron

The Last of Us Part I

    The Last of Us is receiving the remake treatment and this has stirred discussion as to whether this particular remake is simply another remaster and if it deserves its $70 price tag.

    First off, it's important to note that due to the HBO TV Series based on The Last of Us, a lot of new eyes will be on the franchise. People will be wanting to experience Joel and Ellie's journey from the beginning. It would be tempting to skip The Last of Us for the visual fidelity and gameplay enhancements of The Last of Us Part II. Not only is it hard to find a PS3 and run the game on original hardware, the PS4 remaster, while an absolutely gorgeous chance to experience a game that ran incredibly on the PS3 and took full advantage of its features, doesn't live up to modern standards. The reasons for a remake are clear, it makes sense to have a consistent visual and gameplay experience from Part I to Part II not only for veteran players, but for new players who might not be of the hardcore gamer variety. 

    People may have set their expectations unreasonably high when they expect features clearly designed around Ellie in Part II to make their way into Part I. Things like diving, crawling prone, the new dodge feature, seem to all be tied to Part II and would require even more redesigns of the entire game and its maps.
    $70 is the price of admission for most next generation titles. It's been a harsh adjustment even for myself to get used to and has me being way more selective about which games I purchase at release and which games I choose to wait for a sale on. I also realize not every game is designed with me in mind and I look for titles with long term enjoyment or replayability.



    The developers have more than taken the first game and simply remastered it again. Naughty Dog is not just upscaling the game to 4K resolution and running it at 60 frames per second. They've redone enemy AI with changes to enemy paths and strategies and they attempt to flank you and react to your movements and sounds. Buddy characters now navigate around cover and actively avoid NPC sightlines more authentically. Advanced haptics of the PS5 DualSense controller add subtle vibrations when interacting with the environment. Trigger pulls will have resistance when drawing a bow, aiming and firing various weapons, and the advanced haptics will have you feel the force of a pump action shotgun when firing, pumping, and reloading.
    3D audio is going to add a new level of immersion to a game that already had astounding audio depth. Dealing with a group of stalkers, using listening mode to hear quiet shuffling of enemies. Quickly turning to see an enemy running at you from behind and promptly firing at them adds even more immersion.

    Naughty Dog is also adding even more accessibility features than any previous game. With over 60 options,  the developers are once again setting an example for studios everywhere. Descriptive audio will be a first for any game. Uncharted 4 and The Last of Us Part II had a bevy of features designed to help the blind, those hard of hearing, and others in the disabled community. This is allowing even more players than ever to be welcomed into the world of The Last of Us that might have previously hit a barrier due to their needs.

    The game is being rebuilt from the ground up with new character models, more detailed physical destruction of environments, and no load times blocking seamless transitions from cinematics to gameplay. Motion matching technology means that character animations will flow smoothly and realistically. Naughty Dog also added community requested features like "permadeath" mode, a speedrun-focused mode with a timer, and lots of brand new unlockable outfits for Joel and Ellie.
    I don't like to stir up drama or hate reviews, I like to be honest and transparent. I can't faithfully call this a cash grab when everything that has been shown and explained by developers is that this is a massive project with a lot of love and hard work put into it. I won't drum up hate for what I believe is a wonderful work of art to get views or interactions. The leaks of Naughty Dog's recent projects have been frustrating for developers and fans alike. This ruins reveals, the overall experience, and can spoil the excitement for a project.
    I can't wait to get my hands on The Last of Us Part I for PlayStation 5 and you can see me play it on stream September 2nd at https://www.youtube.com/c/aaronshack64
You can listen to my Podcast at the links below and find me online at all the links below.

Thanks for reading,

Aaron Shack

Actor Caitlin Burt ! | Shackcast Episode 20: 🎥https://youtu.be/aPMw4YJ4NkA 🟢Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2yryk839Q1M2f9R0NLsUjq 🎤 🍏Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/actor-caitlin-burt-shackcast-episode-20/id1508902293?i=1000569068063 🎤 KongofBeast & LadiiGi on Game Reviews | Shackcast Episode 19 🎥YouTube: https://youtu.be/QRk_d0clkcY 🟢Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4QXEha6eA5WhbQ0FixvbVT 🎤 🍏Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kongofbeast-ladiigi-on-game-reviews-shackcast-episode-19/id1508902293?i=1000560427123 🎤 📱Twitter: https://twitter.com/aaronshack64TV 💬Discord Community: https://discord.gg/aA8R4EQ ☕Patreon (Music, Unboxings, Interviews and Photography): https://www.patreon.com/aaronshack64 🎤Shackcast Podcast Available on: 🟢Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0OGlvS7U1nl6L6dQyP9nkb?si=kqeI6oT3Q5mzWuPS-twFzQ 🎤 🍏Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shackcast/id1508902293 🎤 🎥YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSiKflGZp7Vo-OsWA5iG4Px7bNkV6ibMe 🎤 👕My Merch Store: https://www.designbyhumans.com/shop/aaronshack64/ 📝Amazon Wish List: http://a.co/0G0XWzC 📷Photography Blog: https://vizionphotographybyaaron.blogspot.com/ 📷Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronshack64 📷My Photography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vizionphotographybyaaron

Shackcast Episode 1 Chat with AuburnAbi

Shackcast Episode 1 Chat with AuburnAbi
The Shackcast is a show where we talk about videogames, technology, gaming news, and interviews.



In this episode Aaron interviews AuburnAbi a Nurse, Gamer/Streamer on Twitch.tv.Episode aired Live: 4/14/2020You can find her online at:https://www.twitch.tv/auburnabi
https://www.instagram.com/auburnabi/
https://www.twitter.com/AuburnAbi 

2020

2020

2019 brings the end of the year and the end of a decade. Since 2010 it has felt like this decade was nothing but struggle after struggle, hardship after hardship, testing the bonds of love, faith, family, and friendship. There have been many bright moments in the past ten years for me. Hard lessons were learned along the way, and with those lessons came many opportunities to grow as a person. 

2010, my dad is diagnosed with cancer, as is his brother. He's given 6 months to live by most estimates but my brother gets him on the list at MD Anderson in Houston through various political networking he's built over the years. That year he was honored with the Saint George Award for his works with the Cub Scouts as a leader and the Boy Scouts. He was proud that my brother and I both made it to the highest rank of Eagle Scout. That Christmas we celebrated our family, no extravagant gifts, pure love and thankfulness for every moment we had with each other. 

Dad with his Saint George Award

Myself at the Canyon

For my time in college, I spend time learning to cook, to dance (ballroom and Latin), learn the guitar, and start streaming videogames. I travel to Nashville, TN with a friend and we sightsee and check out the music scene, I meet Gavin DeGraw in a bar after he sang Same Old Blues - Freddie King, and strike up a short conversation not knowing what a big deal he is. I learn more about Elvis on the trip and visit some historical places for the blues. 

In 2012, my grandmother, a master cook of Mediterranean food in our family passes away. 

I get my Boss RC-30 loop pedal for my birthday and start recording solo tracks that I'll eventually have the courage to go out and be a solo act musician.

In 2013 I really started heavily collecting comics, mostly DC's New 52 and all sorts of Superman, Action Comics, Supergirl, and more. The family business celebrates 50 years in operation.

A few years later, I graduate college with a degree in Commercial Music in Guitar and Vocals. The Music Director/Organist at my church retires. He taught my brother and I to play piano when we were young. I land that job playing guitar and building a church choir out of nothing. People volunteer and we grow over time as we learn 200+ songs throughout the decade. 

Car wreck in Oct 2014. The 2010 Toyota Yaris is totaled.

In 2014 in my small hometown, my Blues/Rock/Jazz Trio consisting of guitar, bass, drums and myself on vocals wins the "best music group" award. A small achievement in many eyes, but still quite a good one. My dad and I split the price on an Alvarez Nylon String Classical Guitar we buy at the local guitar shop in town for $136 as I venture out to learn Classical Guitar at Texas Tech. I bruise my ribs, suffer hairline fractures to my skull and right hand in a car collision on the way to work. I'm lucky to be alive after this and my life changes a lot. I spend time at home with my parents as my dad nurses me back to health when I can barely move without my back feeling like it's falling to pieces.

Alvarez Classical Guitar in 2014

2015 opening of a local music venue

In 2015 my dad and I adopt a Beagle, Presley after my brother shares a story about his life on the ranch. Months before the dog our family had, a Cocker Spaniel named Sassy, who lived with us for 21 years, human years, passed away on Christmas, my lifelong friend and companion. We were able to open our hearts and our home to Presley. Presley was a dog on the farm that would block the sheep from getting in the pen because he didn't know any better. He tried to play with coyotes and the ranch dogs saved his life. Life on the farm was not for this Beagle, we knew there wasn't another choice but for us to adopt him. We've all loved him dearly ever since.

The Raffle Guitar. 1980's Yamaha

Throughout 2015 I spend the year gigging as a solo musician, something I thought I could never do. I use a loop pedal as I play guitar and sing over my tracks. I meet Jazz Guitarist John Pizzarelli for a masterclass and watch him play at the theatre. 

Near the end of the year, I go to a local music venue where I join a raffle. I spent $20 to buy a few tickets ten minutes before the drawing, said a prayer that if music was what I was supposed to be doing, send me a sign, and won a Yamaha from the 80's. Everyone there is upset because they all know I own a ton of guitars but this one means so much more to me. This becomes my workhorse acoustic guitar in the church. I spend the holidays writing a song that I think is about a girl when my mom gives me some horrible news.

2016 is also the year of guitars, I purchase many guitars and a lap steel. I buy Mr. Gold the Gold Strat, my Gold PRS Custom 24, the Jazzmaster, Lucille, and many more. I get my Canon Rebel T5 and the photography journey  I've always been on finally gets a proper beginning. 

My brother and I on a train ride during 2016 Campaign season.

Meeting Jazz Guitarist John Pizzarelli

It's not long before 2016 is a year of great sorrow. My father passes away after a long battle with cancer. This year, I face a lot of difficult feelings, growing up, grief, acceptance. My brother and I know from this day on, we'll never be the same. With great grief, comes an understanding, kindness, and acceptance. I realize the song I was writing at the time was about him and me. I spend the fall working on political campaigns in Bryan/College Station one last time with my brother and use the money to purchase my 2015 Volkswagen Jetta SE.

Shooting photos outside a coffeeshop in 2018.

2018 I invest and build a gaming PC. I travel to Washington D.C. and tour the city, visiting all the museums in the National Mall and spend many days exploring. 

For New Years 2019 we travel as a family to Santa Fe, NM during one of the harshest winters I've ever had, during one of the worst colds I've ever caught, we have a good time, but I'll never forget how miserable I was. I still enjoyed every moment I could.

Throughout 2019 I learn a lot about how petty and cruel people can be, whether they are family, friends, or even members of the church. I learn some of the people that hate me the most were close by. I learn people that harbor hate and become violent when they are upset over something small, they finally let it out and it changes our family forever. There are things they said that can't be taken back. I handle the situation well and remain peaceful throughout. I turn 30 years old during this fractured family time and things are uneasy. There are lots of things to worry about and change takes time. Our family changes, perhaps for the better as we stay small and tight-knit, my friend circles also let people go as I form closer relationships with the people I care about.

I've learned to love the people around me as much as I can while I can. I value every moment and I make sure I'm spending every day doing something I love. That I never stop learning, growing, and challenging myself. I spread love because I have no time for hate. I know I'll face many difficulties along the way, but if I can make it through my twenties, I'm not afraid of what my thirties will be like.

Thanks for reading. I'm wishing us all a blessed 2020 and another decade of great memories, friendships, and love.

Aaron

Star Wars Chronological Marathon 2019

Star Wars Chronological Marathon 2019

It’s probably been about 14 years since I last saw Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Since then I’ve felt understandably uneasy about watching any more Star Wars films. As I was between the ages of 10-16 when most of the Star Wars prequel movies came out, I judged them pretty harshly as a young guy craving mostly action and lightsaber duels.

Some of my complaints were based around not really caring about young kids adventures and more about what Luke Skywalker was up to. When I got to see an older Anakin it was in a love story in Episode II that I slept through most of. There was too much talking and politics that I didn’t really care for at the time. I didn’t really have many complaints about Episode III since to me it was awesome and pretty epic and lead into the treasured original trilogy.

After I had watched the prequels I got more into Star Trek than ever and started to enjoy it more than Star Wars.

By the time I got around to the sequel trilogy, I approached it without the disappointment that I had for the prequels. I was lukewarm on Star Wars and I haven’t really watched anything or re-watched anything in years, despite my love of the franchise didn’t really care what the sequels were going to be like or if they were any good. I watched The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi entertained but still indifferent.

It wasn’t until November 2019 when I decided I would re-watch the entire series of movies from one through nine and including Rogue One and Solo. I watched 1, 2, 3, Rogue One, Solo, 7, 8, and after this morning, episode 9. I had never seen Rogue One until this marathon! Maybe it was time for the absence of Star Wars in my life that changed my mind, but I realize my heat for the prequels was slightly misplaced and I began to enjoy every moment of the series and linking together details and events from the series. (Han shot first)

As an adult, I appreciate the lore and worldbuilding, the politics, down to every conversation and detail that could be linked to future and past events. I was watching attentively, not on my phone or any other distraction. I even appreciated the love story and saw moments of Episode II I’d never seen (due to the snooze fest it was for a youngster).

When I got into the original trilogy I remembered exactly why I love Star Wars so much and it made the whole journey worth it, but it wasn’t over. I actually never wanted to purchase in on the original trilogy unless I was able to have the original theatrical cuts which showed Han shooting first. This is a silly reason to not want to own one of your favorite series, but it established hon as a rogue smuggler and not a clean-cut good guy, it’s what we call a “character development.”

When I got into the sequel trilogy I found characters I identified with and I saw my old beloved characters interact with them which made the transfer of the franchise into their hands all the more beloved. From the Jedi Rey, to the reluctant Storm Trooper Finn, to the dashing Pilot Poe Dameron (my favorite), and the new Droid BB-8 that doesn’t replace R2, but is a fun companion to have.

I guess this massive disconnect from the series probably helped me appreciate the sequel trilogy more than everyone else that felt extremely disconnected and hated every character and blamed it on how “Disney ruined Star Wars.” I guess the different thing about watching Star Wars now from when I was younger is that we have the Internet to connect us all, to find other fans and communicate with them. Suddenly liking Star Wars is the cool thing to do and it’s fun to feel like you fit in when you’re just being yourself.

Oddly enough I’m excited to see a follow up to Solo more than anything, and see where the franchise goes after this trilogy ends. I’ve recently played the Star Wars games Fallen Order and Battlefront II and I can't get enough.

I’m back in and finally appreciating every moment Star Wars has to give like I used to. sure some movies are better than others throughout the entire saga but I’ll always have my favorites but I’ll still appreciate each step in the journey. Because they all have meaning in the grand scheme of things. for Mia took the perspective of both the child and an adult to enjoy the series, and while Star Wars is made for people of all ages it really brings out the kid in you. I guess there’s something for everyone and Star Wars sure knows how to bank on our nostalgia.

I guess my recommendation is to do a chronological watching of the entire series and see how you feel about how everything connects.

Now that it’s done I’m on to watching the Star Wars Clone Wars series. Thanks for reading.

Aaron

Gatekeeping Reasonable Discussion

Gatekeeping Reasonable Discussion Gatekeeping the issues of mental health, gun control, rape/abuse, cancel culture, in a way such as you can't talk about X because of Y really is antithetical to finding an actual solution to the problems we face today in our culture.


For example, with mental health, "you can't talk about depression or any mental illness if you don't have it"? Well, it begs to question how do we be the best allies to people suffering from mental health problems if we're not allowed to discuss or advocate on one another's behalf? How do you best guide people who need legitimate help, the kind of help that is beyond what a friend can provide? Doctors, Psychologists, Politicians all advocate and help people with these issues and they aren't required to suffer from it. If we lock people out of this issue, when we need help, we'll find everyone remaining silent because that's what they were told to do. Also, you never know who suffers from these types of problems so it's wrong to just blatantly accuse others of being unfit to discuss when you don't know their story.

In gun control, you can't talk about reasonable legislation until X days after a shooting, which occurs daily in our country, so there's never a "good time" to discuss it. You're not allowed to have proper discussion on the issue because one side one budge or compromise in any fashion. Partisan politics and funding from the gun lobby prevents any sort of legitimate CDC government research on gun violence therefore silencing the issue. The issue can't be discussed because of both extremes of "taking my right to own a weapon away" vs. wanting to own a military armory of weapons to "defend your home". We all talk about love and support or "thoughts and prayers" but does it really lead to any resolution of the problems of gun violence? The simple answer is no.

In cancel culture, you can't discuss why we have to ruin people's careers or why we can't try handling these issues privately or in court before going on a public shaming spree. Either you're siding with the abuser/rapist or you're with the victim, the gatekeeping of this issue doesn't allow us to have the difficult conversations about cancel culture and to discuss false claims, times where it may be unwarranted, or even abusive in itself. Nobody wants to take the side of the evildoer, there are legitimate concerns in this issue and all of these that require us to have the difficult conversations.
If you're seeing a recurring trend in all these contentious discussions, then congratulations, you've realized that one of the blockers of having any progress in discussing anything is because of... gatekeeping! We sometimes intentionally and unintentionally prevent conversation on issues because we are constantly saying what can and can't be said, what can and can't be done, and who is allowed to participate, guess what? in the real world, everyone has an opinion and they're all allowed in, even the wildest ones.
So what does all this mean then? Well, none of these are simple topics to discuss, none have any sort of simple right or wrong answer, but ALL require civilized discussion and debate. If we gatekeep these issues, we're only pushing away the possibility of a solution or at least some minor progress in a positive direction. You have to understand the proper context, be able to discuss and understand others within that context, and not be offended when you hear a conflicting opinion to yours. We have to be able to have the discussions needed to solve these problems and you're not going to like everything you hear, but anything can be a solution, even if you don't agree with the best way to get there.

The world has lost the ability to have two people sit calmly in a room and discuss things they don't agree on with candor. The fears of being "cancelled" over your beliefs or being seen as "poltically correct" overwhelm the ability to have the difficult conversations we need to have in society. If you want true progress, if you truly want to help others, it's not going to be easy. You can do this, or you can remain on your high horse, rant about how positive you are, and keep preventing people from discussing things while you remain holier than thou. If you choose the latter, don't be surprised if nothing ever changes and the world remains as hollow as your claims about being all about positivity are.
So what can you do? Be the person to reach out, talk to your friends, help the people around you and LISTEN. Understand what other people need and want, you can't be everyone's champion but every movement starts with a small group. No one is flawless, but you can't simply pick and choose your allies, they choose to help you, so don't cut them off. They will make mistakes but they can be properly educated on how best to be of aid, and if they're willing to learn, they'll be there for you. Be kind to others and speak only when you have something to contribute to the discussion, taking cheap shots at someone's character or going into "whataboutism" doesn't lead us anywhere but backwards. You can disagree with others and still be friends, you don't have to agree on every issue, you can learn to accept others. Our flaws are what make us human, sharing what we love, helping others, exposing our flaws and facing them head on are what leads us to truly accomplishing anything. I wish you all the best of luck and I hope this leads to a better discussion and not triggered rants back and forth. You can be better, you just have to want to be. Here with the tough talk, Aaron

Yamaha THR 10 Amp

Yamaha THR 10 Amp

7/26/19

I'm very excited to announce the Yamaha THR 10 Amp has arrived today.

Small, battery operated with an AC adapter. USB to PC to use with software. Lots of presets for guitar, acoustic guitar, and bass. Definitely something good for the stream and for practice. Also the gig bag it came with was a smart buy.