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Mind of UPSLynx for the week of September 20th

Bobby Miller September 25, 2009 3:12 PM ET in Tech

This week’s episode is srs bzns. DirectX 11 has been unleashed as ATI released their newest GPU, the Radeon HD 5870. This card kicks butt, chews bubblegum, and takes names all at the same time. For the console crowd, Halo ODST came out this week, and tempers are flaring over another broken embargo date. This time, however, there will be consequences. I felt inspired to talk about a subject that is very important to me–the legitimacy of gaming journalism. And last but not least, Icrontic goes Renaissance is underway! Press play, I dare you!

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27 Comments:

  1. QCH
    Guru
    25 Sep '09, 3:32 pm

    Good one... ;-)

  2. poofie
    sexy warm drunk rock
    25 Sep '09, 4:13 pm

    your passion for gaming and reporting about it really shines through in this episode, great jeeeorb!

    also, that is a most excellent beard you got started.

    also also, i was just commenting to Gnome Queen and fatcat at lunch that we're going to have to try to document ICRenn, but we don't really have any photo bugs attending.

  3. fatcat
    sasquatch wannabe
    25 Sep '09, 4:23 pm

    Dear Bobby.

    I <6 you, and I have a joust waiting for you in October.

  4. Myrmidon
    Who loves you, baby?
    25 Sep '09, 4:46 pm

    The brave little toaster is positively HORRIFYING. That movie gave me nightmares - that part where kirby sucks up his own cord... eghh.

    Also, I'm digging the soapbox bit! I used to date a girl that condemned the legitimacy of anything videogame related - including art and journalism. Naturally, I now thoroughly enjoy hearing people explain WHY subjects like this are legitimate and asking people to do the real thinking for themselves. Bravo!

  5. Gate28
    Resides in your bowels
    25 Sep '09, 4:58 pm

    Game journalism is legitimizied by those who are legitimate. Paid-off writers or reviewers give them a bad name. I think that any review web site that has ads for games that come from places other than an automated system like AdSense has some kind of money bias (I'm pointing my finger at Gamespot's margin-filling ads.)

    Also, what game is that at 4:20?

  6. Winfrey
    kaishakunin
    25 Sep '09, 5:01 pm

    Soldier of Fortune 2 iirc.

  7. _k_
    deep in the bush
    25 Sep '09, 5:16 pm

    lose the dog tag next time, the clinking almost made me stop watching.

  8. QCH
    Guru
    25 Sep '09, 5:31 pm

    Clicking? I counted, like 3 clicks. The glare of the tags, now THAT was a bit annoying. Oh... VERY nice hand motions. Be a bit animated, it helps.

  9. jokerz4fun
    Jokerz4fun
    25 Sep '09, 6:00 pm

    jesus dude did we have to see the freaky clown? hmmmm hmmmm did we?

    Good job muh brotha

  10. Bobby Miller
    The Dean of Computer Graphics
    25 Sep '09, 6:36 pm
    Quoting fatcat

    Dear Bobby.

    I <6 you, and I have a joust waiting for you in October.

    ....not sure if want!

    Myrmidon: I'm very passionate about that debate. I've heard it a million times, it's simply not true. I've read game magazines and online publications for as long as I can remember. The late SNES years are when I got into the mags. The argument makes sense to me - if people are passionate about a hobby or trade, how do they not have a legitimate platform for journalists? The fact that there are many yearly trade shows dedicated to video games and the tech behind them are a testament to that fact. (thought some of the journalists at these events can, in fact, be put into question).

    Also, how about the scene where the repairman takes apart that blender, and you see the blood (oil) dripping in the foreground? HHNNGGG----...

    Oh, and the mic clicking. I know, I know, that's a BIG my bad. I shouldn't have clipped the mic where I did, I thought it was safe. Plus, the cubs dogtag reflects a LOT more light than the OCZ and HL2 ones do.

    But I can't just take it off... a dogtag is as much a piece of me as my own heart.

    And yes, SoF2 in the screensavers (nothing like brain chunks to make my show super serious!)

  11. lordbean
    404 Brain Not Found
    25 Sep '09, 6:43 pm

    mmm... brain chunks.

  12. Canti
    I totally look like this.
    26 Sep '09, 6:50 am
    Quoting jokerz4fun

    jesus dude did we have to see the freaky clown? hmmmm hmmmm did we?

    I regret bringing this up the other day. After seeing that for the first time in many many years I can safely say it's more horrifying than I remembered. Brave Little Toaster at ICOK anyone? It will be Halloween time after all . (Minus that scene because........just @#$% no.)

  13. jokerz4fun
    Jokerz4fun
    26 Sep '09, 10:13 am

    I to don't remember it being that jacked up. My god how times have changed. Toaster at ICOK is a great idea!!! I'm down for that.

  14. Bobby Miller
    The Dean of Computer Graphics
    26 Sep '09, 12:48 pm

    TOASTER AT ICOK!

    We shall cower in fear together with beer in hand!

    ...anyone have it on DVD? I've got the film on VHS lol.

  15. jokerz4fun
    Jokerz4fun
    26 Sep '09, 12:55 pm

    I'll see if I can find a dvd copy. Im on it

  16. TiberiusLazarus
    I Miss Keebler
    26 Sep '09, 1:20 pm

    Awesome video as usual sir. Though I must say the Toaster bit is...odd? Maye because I never saw it as a kid :shrug:.

    Also, one thing I've noticed. Lately its becoming more obvious that you aren't really looking at the camera. There are times when you can really tell. Have you recently changed your setup? Its nothing major, just a little weird to see.

  17. Bobby Miller
    The Dean of Computer Graphics
    26 Sep '09, 3:03 pm

    It's been noted, and I'm well aware of it.

    I've run into a big problem. Originally, I threw up a 'rundown' of show topics on my lappy just behind my camera so I could glance at it while talking to stay on topic.

    This resulted in me looking at the camera, but slipping up a little more. However, this gave the show a bit more casual, off the cuff feel.

    I tried scripting the whole show and practicing it. People responded positively to this. People wanted it scripted, tighter, and cleaner. So the reads became cleaner while they were scripted. Problem is, now I have to pay more attention to the script, or else get lost, get off pace, and have to cut (or deal with a pause or slipped-up word)

    I don't have time to memorize script, show production time is already too long as is at ~5 or 6 hours.

    I'm going to try and go back to a topical rundown so I can interact with the camera more. It sucks, I'm having trouble finding a happy medium between read polish and camera interaction.

    The early shows, I did try to do the show in one or two takes so I didn't have to wipe constantly. I think I've figured out ways to deal with multiple takes without using wipes (by covering cuts with images or other things). I'm not as afraid to make a cut and start a new take any more, so perhaps that'll help.

    I wish I had a teleprompter

  18. Obsidian
    Way hotter than Fox n' Bush.
    26 Sep '09, 3:10 pm

    For what it's worth: I like the more casual version. It's pretty obvious when you're not looking at the camera and I don't think it's supposed to be that professional. Your show though, do what you think is best.

  19. primesuspect
    The Icrontic Guy
    26 Sep '09, 3:24 pm
    Quoting jokerz4fun

    I'll see if I can find a dvd copy. Im on it

    It's available on netflix. We can get it any time.

  20. Nemikan
    Chat with me!
    26 Sep '09, 10:57 pm

    @k & Q
    In terms of the dog tag hitting the mic, there were at least 10 times, some more noticeable than other.

    @Lynx, not my favorite of your videos, I have to agree with the comments so far.

    As far as your script, I do not think it is a problem with having text behind the camera, and in fact I have never noticed it at all until this episode. That being said, the method of changing I do not think is a big deal, as long as you don't lock yourself into the script. Have an idea of what you want to say, maybe notes then ad-lib and relax, and enjoy!

    What may have been the issue in my mind was you might have been a bit overly focused on staying with the script. By doing so you lose your character.

    I got a bit lost somewhere when you were talking about the graphics stuff after the forum post @ 2 minutes, and before the scene of you w/ the soap box. It may be my lack of focus at this time of night... but it seems to drag a little there. /shrugs... just my 2 cents.

    Keep up the weekly videos! They are great

  21. bindlestick
    HOBO
    27 Sep '09, 2:19 am

    Halo screenshot on your monitor at 3:00? Delicious irony.

  22. Bobby Miller
    The Dean of Computer Graphics
    27 Sep '09, 7:07 pm
    Quoting bindlestick

    Halo screenshot on your monitor at 3:00? Delicious irony.

    Eff.

    Hey man, I once had hopes for Halo. I never played the singleplayer campaign on xbox because I was saving the experience for PC. SO MANY people talked it up, saying it was a great campaign.

    I bought it when it came out on PC and beat it, and was incredbily disappointed. Then I put it away and never touched it again. That day began my intense hatred for Halo, my campaign of hatred had started, and my work will never be done.

    Bindle, I seem to remember you were in the same boat, oh that freshman year of our college lives (or perhaps it was grimnoc)

    Quoting nemikan

    I got a bit lost somewhere when you were talking about the graphics stuff after the forum post @ 2 minutes, and before the scene of you w/ the soap box. It may be my lack of focus at this time of night... but it seems to drag a little there. /shrugs... just my 2 cents.

    I'm willing to be it's your lack of focus. You've said it yourself that you're internet ADD keeps you from focusing if my show doesn't cut to lulz every 30 seconds or so.

    Not every episode can have LOL SO RANDUM stuff happening frequently. Though I love that kind of storytelling, if I have something I want to talk about it, then dangit, I'm getting srs bsns and talking about it.

  23. primesuspect
    The Icrontic Guy
    27 Sep '09, 7:37 pm

    I think Nemikan is an anomaly; at no point did I lose interest in watching...

  24. Snarkasm
    The Photographer.
    27 Sep '09, 7:39 pm
    Quoting primesuspect

    I think Nemikan is an anomaly; at no point did I lose interest in watching...

    Not the first time that's been uttered, and certainly not the last...

  25. Nemikan
    Chat with me!
    27 Sep '09, 7:48 pm

    Well I did watch the video after playing cards for literally all day.... so that makes it worse too.... but I throw out everything that comes to mind

  26. UPSWeezer
    Ninja Warrior
    27 Sep '09, 8:58 pm

    Good one! I remember watching the Brave Toaster. It was one of my favorites.

    P.S. I got ODST.

  27. Thrax
    Cad
    28 Sep '09, 2:21 am

    More eye contact, and you're golden. Bobby, this episode is awesome as always. Good job.

Hey, be nice. Icrontic is full of good people, we promise.

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