Investigative reporting can suck my dick (933 hits)
Category: NoneRating: 1.28 on 51 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by HighVoltage900 (View user info) at 2007-02-26 18:53:43 EST
Let me begin by saying this. I love video games. Not in an adict sort of way, but in a similar way to how Roger Ebert feels about movies. I think that video games have a brilliant form of story telling that allows them to be more engaging than many other forms of media. I have dabled in professional gaming (cash tournaments and the like) and have beta tested several games (The most recent being Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2).
You don't need to know or care about any of this shit.
The important thing is video games is a hobby to me. And ever since I was a snot nosed little 17 year old punk I've always wanted to get a real job in gaming, regardless of what it is. Near my house is a store called Game Crazy which was the main spot of my gaming career obsession. Since I was the aforementioned 17 year old I have tried to get a job at this one particular location of Game Crazy. To explain in some more depth, it wasn't just that I wanted a job in video games, or to work for this video game company, I wanted a job at THIS particular store.
Well I worked several jobs before going back to college and realized I couldn't hold down a 9-5 like I had been. Money wasn't a huge factor but I had lots of free time on my hands between classes and one day noticed that Game Crazy had a job opening. I applied and (shockingly) got accept into a supervisor position regardless of my complete lack of experience in retail.
Needless to say, I was elated.
I have never worked true retail, most of my job hours have been spent with a tie and cubicle/office. But this job was great. This particular Game Crazy is hidden within another building, making it a place that people only go to if they already know it's there. It got a lot of regulars coming in and I had a blast talking with people from all walks of life about gaming.
Months go by and this quickly becomes the best job I've ever had. I work on my time out of class and I basically spend my hours playing video games and chatting with people about them.
About a month ago I had an odd occurance, and hence the title of the post.
On a busy day I had a kid, about 13 years old come in. He was dressed in a comically oversized coat and wearing huge bifocal glasses. I kept my eye on him thinking he was going to try and shoplift but after a while of wandering around the store he grabs a game and brings it to me to sell to him.
The game (if you are interested) is called SoCoM Navy Seals. As the title implies, it is about US Navy Seals. Not a bad game.
But it is rated M.
Let me explain. Video games have ratings on them which are assigned by a third party called the ESRP. The ESRP rating system is not connected to law in anyway. It is the gaming industry's attempt to keep Uncle Sam from censoring them by adding recommendation on the games. There are three main rankings, E (for everyone), T (for teen), and M (for mature). M rated games have a recommended age of 17+. Now some games deserve the rating (Grand Theft Auto, Saints Row, Gears of War, Crackdown, etc) but some games get M ratings for the stupid shit (Halo being a prime example).
Now the rule is that when a minor comes in without a parent, it is the employee's job to use his/her own judgement to decide whether the game is age appropriate. The SoCoM game was age appropriate, and I sold it to the kid.
Five minutes later, a similar circumstance, this time a guy about 16-17 comes in and buys an M rated game. It was age appropriate, I sold it to him.
And when I was eating my lunch 20 minutes later, a channel 7 investigative news team comes in (with the two kids in tow) and begins harassing me about how I sold M rated games to minors.
Fuck monkeys.
The manager of the store (a good friend of mine) came forward and kicked them out of the store. I knew I was screwed. My best chance was if the footage was never aired and the whole thing just went under the rug. The district manager (also a friend) was informed and told us to just keep our mouths shut about the experience and hope that nothing happens.
3 days later or so the bit is aired on the 11 o'clock news. And the CEO of the company himself watches it.
Now comes my problem.
The regional manager, the district manager, and my manager tried to defend me. But the CEO pointed his finger and personally fired me.
I have never been fired before in my life. Every job I ever had I worked my ass off and performed to my utmost ability, the fact that I could work to the best of my ability and STILL get fired has completely blown my mind.
Right now I have no job. At the time I got fired I had been saving up to buy an engagement ring for my girlfriend (which I can't buy now) so I am not destitute but I am extremely depressed. The regional manager is trying to figure out a way to get me secretly rehired. My manager and district manager worked together to fix my record so that it says I quit instead of being terminated. And my manager has left my employee ID in the computer network, allowing me to still get all employee benefits.
I appreciate their efforts, but there is something about being out of the group that is really killing me. I don't blame the CEO, he did what he thought he had to do.
But channel 7....
Is this what journalism is down to? Making people feel bad by picking on the little guy? The guy who makes the economy run at it's most basic element? Don't you have a war to cover? Don't you have a government to watch as the citizens watch dog? Don't you at least have celebrities to bother?
It's one of those weird things that life throws at you, and I can't believe it happened to me.
User Reviews
Submitted by Zebra (user info) at 2007-02-28 01:46:24 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Are you sure you didn't take that little kid in the back and molest him?
fess up
Submitted by Crystle (user info) at 2007-02-27 19:26:14 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
young? Yes...
Dumb? no...
GO YOU! WOOOOO
oh yeah - POST MORE!
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Submitted by HighVoltage900 (user info) at 2007-02-26 19:18:35 (#)
Ranking: -2
Submitted by Crystle (user info) at 2007-02-26 18:59:46 (#)
Ranking: 2
while it sucks that you lost the job you love - eventually you'll grow up and laugh at yourself for thinking a retail job was the epitome of your career aspirations..
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Oh I know it was a dead end job and all. It was just perfect for what I need right now. It's funny though after it happened I had a moment where I sat there and said to myself "One day I will be in a position to protect my own employees from this sort of thing"
Submitted by goferforhire (user info) at 2007-02-27 18:31:12 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Oh High Voltage
Submitted by redskieslookfake (user info) at 2007-02-27 18:13:36 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Bad luck.
I got id-ed recently. In a supermarket.
You have to be 18 to get served alcohol. I was buying booze in pubs at age 15.
I am now almost 26.
It is all fucked up.
Submitted by JonnyX (user info) at 2007-02-27 17:08:20 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
You're lucky it wasn't some ABC sting - they fine you $500 for selling to a minor.
You shoulda asked him for ID.
Submitted by TheSpook (user info) at 2007-02-27 11:41:13 EST (#)
Ranking: -1
Oh no. Fired from a store in which you play games, sell games, and sit on your ass half the day.
How will you ever recover?
Submitted by hour_man (user info) at 2007-02-27 11:08:47 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Fuck em
Submitted by HadToBeDone (user info) at 2007-02-27 09:59:04 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I was more referring to the "you can't fine anyone unless you catch them ass-raping your newborn puppy" clauses unions insist on in their contracts...
And yes, I did get your joke.
Submitted by indoninja (user info) at 2007-02-27 09:11:20 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by HadToBeDone (user info) at 2007-02-27 08:32:05 (#)
Ranking: 0
Or unless you, like most of the country, live in a state that classifies non-union employment as "at-will."
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this is America Godamnit, we don't need unions to sue!
Submitted by CaptainThorns (user info) at 2007-02-27 08:51:40 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Bummer.
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-02-27 08:48:56 EST (#)
Ranking: -1
I stopped reading shortly after - by the time the period hit - "I love video games".
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2007-02-27 08:40:28 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
http://stuff.ubersite.com/11618710008521409/1/RoughDayAtWork.jpg
Submitted by HadToBeDone (user info) at 2007-02-27 08:32:05 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by indoninja (user info) at 2007-02-27 07:43:48 (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2007-02-27 06:09:04 (#)
Ranking: 2
If the game ratings have not real basis in law AND the company policy really is that the store personnel decide what's age-appropriate, get an attorney and file a civil suit for wrongful termination. They'll settle.
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Unless they gave you clear instructions as to what the exact age requirements were for "m" games you probably have a good shot.
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Or unless you, like most of the country, live in a state that classifies non-union employment as "at-will."
Submitted by sexualchocolate1984 (user info) at 2007-02-27 08:20:34 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Fucking cock sucking media assholes mate!
There have been a number of times that I've been browsing in my local Gamestation and have seen kids get turned down to buy 16 and 18 rated games (UK). I've approached them as they walked away gutted about not getting to play that brand new game. Taken them to the counter and bought them the game with their money as if I was their older brother or something.
Fuck the system!
Submitted by sicosemen (user info) at 2007-02-27 08:19:27 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Okay, here's some fuel for you to further hate me...
Get a real job.
Get outside and tan, you nerd.
Grow up.
A plastic doll is not a girlfriend, but if you want to engage her, the 25 cent machine is a good enough ring.
I can't believe how nerdy this place is.
Go back to writing things that hold my interest....who cares about your pity party?
Submitted by indoninja (user info) at 2007-02-27 07:43:48 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2007-02-27 06:09:04 (#)
Ranking: 2
If the game ratings have not real basis in law AND the company policy really is that the store personnel decide what's age-appropriate, get an attorney and file a civil suit for wrongful termination. They'll settle.
----------------
Unless they gave you clear instructions as to what the exact age requirements were for "m" games you probably have a good shot.
Submitted by DCWoody (user info) at 2007-02-27 07:32:10 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Electro (user info) at 2007-02-27 07:21:21 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Oh hell, News channels likes to overreact on shit. You did your best judgement, so you get a +2.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2007-02-27 06:09:04 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
If the game ratings have not real basis in law AND the company policy really is that the store personnel decide what's age-appropriate, get an attorney and file a civil suit for wrongful termination. They'll settle.
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2007-02-27 05:04:01 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
i hit the enter button before i was done reviewing earlier.
it was something about you deciding what was age appropriate blah blah blah. i don't remember now. and now i'm drunk and it's 4 in the morning. i should finish thi sreport and go to bed.
sorry about your situation. you should relieve the pain by writing something.
Submitted by rad1101 (user info) at 2007-02-27 04:48:54 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
cunts indeed
Submitted by Stagger_Lee (user info) at 2007-02-27 01:47:58 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
What a bunch of cunts.
Submitted by DarthFaded (user info) at 2007-02-27 01:34:14 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Fox???
Those fuckers....
Instead o covering actual News, lets get roudn the clock updates of who gets to bury Anna Nicole Smith. Iranians with Missiles? Nah. Lets get an interniew with a person who was in a tatoo parlor when bald ass Britney Spears came in and got a new tat.
Fuck the media.
Submitted by Zoidberg (user info) at 2007-02-26 23:36:04 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
btw, 5 gets you 10 Kris Van Cleave is a homo.
News homos are pretty easy to spot. Is your town conservative? Maybe you could do a little investigative exposé of your own...
Submitted by Zoidberg (user info) at 2007-02-26 23:29:16 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
1. Local news sucks. Period. It's a bunch of scum sucking leeches hoping against hope they'll get picked up by network and not have to spend the rest of their shitty lives stuck in the small town rut their lack of any real journalistic talent landed them. (Exception, see Nancy Grace, a bitch who I wish all manner of flaming death on.)
2. It's not the end of the world, and if you hoped to get married and support a family, you'd have to move on from what is, enjoyable though it may be, a very shitty job.
3. Post a link to their website. I want to see
Submitted by Orgasmatron (user info) at 2007-02-26 23:22:26 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Holy crow I saw that news story. WJLA? God, they can so lick my coinpurse.
Submitted by tiaprae (user info) at 2007-02-26 23:05:53 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I imagine that's why I get carded every time I buy cigarettes. Fucking newspeople.
Submitted by TheUniter (user info) at 2007-02-26 22:07:57 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by whiskey_jack (user info) at 2007-02-26 21:48:29 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I think the local news is a danger to national security. They're always showing us how to make new bombs, how to sneak them, and all the best places to blow them are. Any half assed terrorist should just get a satelite dish and watch the local news and within a month know how to be the baddest mother fucker in a turban.
Submitted by Susie_Derkins (user info) at 2007-02-26 21:16:32 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Looks like you're growing your hair back! Fucking investigative reporters....
Submitted by DesolateMisanthrope (user info) at 2007-02-26 20:56:11 EST (#)
Ranking: -1
Why don't you give those news anchors something to really talk about. Let them know what kind of a man they are fucking with.
You do know what a Molotov cocktail is?
Well, here is how you make one (assuming you do not already know.
Necessary materials ---------- rag, empty beer bottle, petrol, lighter.
1. fill the empty beer bottle about 5/8 of the way with petrol.
2. Douse the rag so that it is soaked in petrol and then stuff it about halfway into the bottle so that half is left hanging out.
3. Ignite the rag with a spark from your lighter.
See? It really isn't complex.
Now comes the best part
Take good aim on the motherfuckers windows (preferably those areas of the residence which are flammable and more inclined to burn), and launch away with as many as you see fit.
This situation is entirely hypothetical, for purely entertainment purposes.
I do not advise or condone such a thing.
It is understood that I do not recommend anyone break the law in any way.
Submitted by Creepy_guy (user info) at 2007-02-26 20:37:39 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Fuck that. Go all Gears Of War on them.
Submitted by joedaddy (user info) at 2007-02-26 20:35:24 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
milque-sop, limp dick CEO found covered in ass-candy after swatting Piñata Boy
Submitted by Foolproof (user info) at 2007-02-26 20:27:19 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I love investiagtive reporting. It can show yopu how to break the law. Recently, one of the D.C. channels showed you how to "bump" locks and break into pretty much any house.
Live.
On the 6 o'clock news.
Fucking douchebags.
Submitted by spec (user info) at 2007-02-26 20:07:12 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Drop this guy a line
http://news.wjla.com/talent/krisvancleave.html
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2007-02-26 19:43:53 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
you're a funny kid
Submitted by HighVoltage900 (user info) at 2007-02-26 19:24:30 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Actually that clip is not exactly what they showed on the 11 O'clock news. Though basically of similar style. Except on the 11 o'clock news my store was the prominent one. It showed me in depth.
Submitted by HighVoltage900 (user info) at 2007-02-26 19:23:27 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Dexter-Brown (user info) at 2007-02-26 19:20:15 (#)
Ranking: 2
Is this the report?
http://dynamic.allbrittontv.com/watchvideo.hrb?s=wjla&id=1123
What a bunch of shit!
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That's it.
Submitted by Dexter-Brown (user info) at 2007-02-26 19:20:15 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Is this the report?
http://dynamic.allbrittontv.com/watchvideo.hrb?s=wjla&id=1123
What a bunch of shit!
Submitted by HighVoltage900 (user info) at 2007-02-26 19:18:35 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
Submitted by sweetcheebs (user info) at 2007-02-26 19:11:25 (#)
Ranking: 0
oh by the way, it's actually the ESRB
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-2 on myself for idiocy.
Submitted by Crystle (user info) at 2007-02-26 18:59:46 (#)
Ranking: 2
while it sucks that you lost the job you love - eventually you'll grow up and laugh at yourself for thinking a retail job was the epitome of your career aspirations..
========
Oh I know it was a dead end job and all. It was just perfect for what I need right now. It's funny though after it happened I had a moment where I sat there and said to myself "One day I will be in a position to protect my own employees from this sort of thing"
Submitted by Sacrilicious (user info) at 2007-02-26 19:00:48 (#)
Ranking: 2
OMG I WAS JUST DESIGNING A "WHERE IN THE WORLD IS HIGH_VOLTAGE900?" VIDEO GAME. Now you ruined it.
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I always ruin things. Mostly they are sexual in nature though.
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2007-02-26 19:13:11 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Get a lawyer. You can get compensation for lost wages, damage to your reputation, and probably a whole shitload of punitive damages.
My kid is downstairs playing Socom on his PSP.
Submitted by sweetcheebs (user info) at 2007-02-26 19:11:25 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
oh by the way, it's actually the ESRB
Submitted by Sinistral (user info) at 2007-02-26 19:07:28 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
This is probably the best video game related post I have ever read, and it sucks that it has such an unfortunate ending.
Thing is, one has to wonder where the parents are in all of this. The game has ESRP ratings, but these rating are simply suggestions (as you stated) and ultimately it is up to the parent to realize what his or her kid is doing.
Submitted by Crystle (user info) at 2007-02-26 19:04:02 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
you know what? You should set a new life goal for yourself: BECOMING CEO of the company that fired you!
That would be sweet recompense...
I hate being old
Submitted by sweetcheebs (user info) at 2007-02-26 19:03:17 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
This belongs on the gamefaqs forums.
Submitted by MichaelJackson (user info) at 2007-02-26 19:03:05 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Oh man, that's like when I gave those kids candy and Channel 7 then jumped out of the bushes...
Submitted by Sacrilicious (user info) at 2007-02-26 19:00:48 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Nice work, corruptor of minors.
OMG I WAS JUST DESIGNING A "WHERE IN THE WORLD IS HIGH_VOLTAGE900?" VIDEO GAME. Now you ruined it.
Submitted by Jack_McCallum (user info) at 2007-02-26 18:59:49 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
That fucking spineless cocksucker.
Submitted by Crystle (user info) at 2007-02-26 18:59:46 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
while it sucks that you lost the job you love - eventually you'll grow up and laugh at yourself for thinking a retail job was the epitome of your career aspirations..
Submitted by Jack_McCallum (user info) at 2007-02-26 18:58:43 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I appreciate their efforts, but there is something about being out of the group that is really killing me. I don't blame the CEO, he did what he thought he had to do.
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BULLSHIT.
As CEO he is the one who should take the heat and eat the shit. YOU should contact channel 7 and point that out. Unless the CEO goes on TV and says he will take steps to blah blah blah and assure the public that blah blah blah never happen again blah blah blah, nothing will change.
Sorry you got canned, man.
Submitted by Amontillado (user info) at 2007-02-26 18:56:30 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
That sucks. Torch the news building.