The Entertainment Software Association’s (ESA) Video Game Voters Network (VGVN) has launched a promotion designed to tweak California State Senator Leland Yee, the original author of that state’s videogame law which is now in front of the Supreme Court.
A good handful of gamers have probably destroyed a controller in a fit of rage, and while there’s a handful of things that the useless accessories could be used for, the ESA - via VGVN - is urging game enthusiasts to take the broken controller (or an old one), scribble “I believe in the First Amendment” on it and send it off to Senator Yee’s office.
They also want those who submit their controller to take a picture of it and submit it to the organization.
Of course, it’s recommended that gamers be respectful in their communication, as using any swear words or threats would “only prove Yee’s point!”
Full instructions and Yee’s address can be found here.
Comments
Re: VGVN Wants Gamers to Send Yee Their Broken Controllers
...only capable of communicating through disapproval on the internet.
But that's ONLY way to communicate through the internet. Right?
Re: VGVN Wants Gamers to Send Yee Their Broken Controllers
I also agree that sending Senator Yee controllers will be a useless gesture. From the defeatist tone of the comments here, he's already won.
Come on, you guys. If the VGVN had just said "send a controller", you'd all be complaining that they wanted you to ship out a perfectly operational piece of equipment. The fact that it's broken isn't part of the message, it's just so you aren't out an extra joystick when your friends come over to play.
Hell, stuff like this makes me wonder if Yee hasn't got a point. Obviously, years of playing games where antagonists and even supposed comrades are consistently deceitful and untrustworthy have left you all bitter and cynical, unable or unwilling to see the positive side to any story, only capable of communicating through disapproval on the internet.
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Fangamer
Fangamer
Re: VGVN Wants Gamers to Send Yee Their Broken Controllers
Don't you guys know that in California, plastic is considered to be a toxic carcinogen, so you are essentially mailing hazardous material to an elected official? It's almost an act of war!
Re: VGVN Wants Gamers to Send Yee Their Broken Controllers
Um... what message is this supposed to send? Seriously...
If a broken controller shows up at my door (or hundreds) what am I supposed to read from that? There doesn't seem to be any connection between the message "I believe in the first amendment" and the broken controller.
I kind of understand that it's about videogames... but why a controller? Doesn't it mean a little more if we send him our old videogames?
Or maybe copies of his book with every line blocked out? Wouldn't that be better?
Can anyone explain to me what this is supposed to mean?
Re: VGVN Wants Gamers to Send Yee Their Broken Controllers
Of course I disagree with the law, but political points and opinions aside...
All this hostility and now a harassment campaign against a man who's just doing his job. Come on, grow up.
www.gameslaw.net
Re: VGVN Wants Gamers to Send Yee Their Broken Controllers
“I believe in the First Amendment"
...I believe in Harvey Dent.
Joking aside, I highly doubt this will do anything but just annoy Lee. It wouldn't serve any thing. Just to know he is getting broken electronics.
I agree though, no swearing or angry wordings. That would just make it worse. Writing a polite statement would be best. Still through I think this will be a useless gesture.
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James Fletcher, member of ECA Canada
Re: VGVN Wants Gamers to Send Yee Their Broken Controllers
Well, in fairness, these kinds of acts of protest CAN be influential. Might not change Yee's mind, but might give other politicians pause. Sitting quietly and doing nothing is CERTAINLY counterproductive, so its nice to see some protest efforts. So long as they remain cordial.
Re: VGVN Wants Gamers to Send Yee Their Broken Controllers
I dunno. This "nifty" idea could just as easily undermine the interests of the gaming community. It's only a few steps removed from egging and toilet-papering someone's house in my opinion.
Re: VGVN Wants Gamers to Send Yee Their Broken Controllers
And most of them will likely go in the trash without Yee so much as glancing at them, though he woudl likely keep one to show and say that video games do indeed make people violent.
Re: VGVN Wants Gamers to Send Yee Their Broken Controllers
Then we can say he's not friendly to the environment. He should have disposed of them properly.
Re: VGVN Wants Gamers to Send Yee Their Broken Controllers
I suggest sending him old Atari controllers- to demonstrate to him that many (most?) of us are actually quite a bit over the age of 15.
Or, why not just send him a copy of the Bill of Rights?
Re: VGVN Wants Gamers to Send Yee Their Broken Controllers
Or, why not just send him a copy of the Bill of Rights?
I agree. That's much less insulting and juvenile than a shtiload of broken controllers arriving at his doorstep.
Seriously, what the fuck is this supposed to accomplish? I despise Yee as much as anybody, but I'd much rather we just state our case peacably like adults, and let the Supreme Court lay the smack down on the assholes fucking with our pasttime and the First Amendment.
Re: VGVN Wants Gamers to Send Yee Their Broken Controllers
Except there's no guarantee the Supreme Court will do any such thing. I HOPE they will, but I don't think its so clear cut.
It's better to open up multiple efforts on multiple fronts. Hopefully one of them will "catch".
Re: VGVN Wants Gamers to Send Yee Their Broken Controllers
Much as I have faith that our victory is solid, I understand the point. However, how is such an act an "effort" on any kind of "front"? To me it just smacks of hooliganism, and demeans us. Sending Yee broken controllers, that is. A copy of the Bill of Rights or a highlighted version of the U.S. Constitution would be quite an appropriate and mature response to me.
Re: VGVN Wants Gamers to Send Yee Their Broken Controllers
Of course, it’s recommended that gamers be respectful in their communication, as using any swear words or threats would “only prove Yee’s point!”
And sending him a controller destroyed in a fit of rage won't?
Re: VGVN Wants Gamers to Send Yee Their Broken Controllers
As much as i despise Leland Yee and his nanny-statist "please think of the children" pro-censorship BS I think this idea is really, really stupid. It is not going to accomplish anything and Mr. Yee might see it as some sort of threat which looks bad on our part.
If anything i think it would be better to display his blantant hypocrisy when it comes to his child protection beliefs. Leland doesn't believe that 14/15 yo high school aged teenagers have a first amendment right to play fake violent games BUT toxic plastic in children's toys meant for 4 and 5 years olds is perfectly fine. Why is that Mr. Yee?
"No law means no law" - Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black on the First Amendment
Re: VGVN Wants Gamers to Send Yee Their Broken Controllers
Heh. Technically the VGVN instructions don't say anything about rage, just broken or worn out equipment. That was Pete's commentary.
Re: VGVN Wants Gamers to Send Yee Their Broken Controllers
I'm not so sure that the idea's a "nifty" one (I assume that's also part of Pete's commentary). "Juvenile" comes to my mind a lot quicker.
Re: VGVN Wants Gamers to Send Yee Their Broken Controllers
I'm neutral. I don't think it will sway Yee. Then again, a well-run, polite campaign could raise some awareness. The problem is the potential for abuse if people send in insulting messages.