Sadly it's the same lazy self-centred-commentary journalism we're used in the UK press, a sad trend that seems to be taking over real reporting. And that's what this represents: the poor state of contemporary journalism. Perhaps Tim was pressured to deliver a self-think-piece 1000 words in short order. Bless him, it's not his fault that the writing is so inadequate and lame. His employers are asking him to perform in the terrible culture and conditions of today's press.
Of course, he could've said no. But maybe he's one of these attention seeking academics who needs the illusionary boost to self confidence that 'popular writing' brings. If anything, this just illustrates a man who's willing to sell his penmanship as if it were a quick 'favour' delivered behind the bike shed after school.
So in sum, this has little to do with our hobby at all; just one more example of how flaccid and pitiful a large section of the press has become. Move along please...
Christ, what a bell end. I think, as you say, it is an incompetent attempt at satire rather than an attack on us but still. What a wanker.
ReplyDeleteHe looks like what I tend to refer to as a 'Jonny Fat Head', a posh tit in other words, and obviously someone with the connections to be able to pump out drivel for the Torygraph. I cannot stand this kind of 'journalism' in the first place, but to add the further sin of 'judging and/or damning other people's harmless fun' tips it over the edge (along with the fact he's a Jonny Fat Head). Lazy and poorly executed writing. The Onion would've done it properly!
DeleteI try not to judge books by the cover but Timmy's choice of photo is absolutely hilarious. Where I grew up we would describe his face as 'punchable'.
DeleteIts ok - Dr Tim comments himself that it is a joke.
ReplyDeleteHa ha.
The fact that it is an attempt at satire/humour is the article's worst fault.
In fact the funniest thing about it is the 311 comments - someone even mentions Oldhammer in one!
It's a terrible joke. And there's a political agenda masked by it too, viz Zhu Bajiee's comment below.
DeleteI find the idea that trying to trivialise censorship and the technical imposition of filtering of the whole nations internet use quite sick, but probably typical of the right wing press. Wouldn't matter if the article paralleled Warhammer, comics, stamp-collecting, train-spotting, moped maintenance or any other minority, harmless, male dominated, trivial activity - the erosion of our right to privacy isn't a really a joking matter.
ReplyDeleteThe Internet is build on anarchy in the truest sense. I agree that any idea of a state looking to impose restrictions and/ or censorship is a gross violation of that spirit and a threat to the common good.
Delete*built* trust me to end up with a typo in a serious reply!
Deletetypos in "serious" comment? you should write for The Grauniad!
Delete:-)
DeleteAs both C.S. Lewis and Nietzsche once said, only the truly immature look down on play and "childish" pursuits (and when you have two such diametrically opposed thinkers agreeing, you're onto something).
ReplyDeleteThe funny thing is that all of the people in the wargaming hobby that I know are some of the most socially (and romantically) well adjusted you could find. The "nerd" stereotype is not only pernicious by itself, but also demonstrably untrue. And among the historical proponents of the whole toy soldiers business are people like Mozart and H.G. Wells, so if anything, wargaming hobby puts you in a pretty good company.
I agree. The nerd stereotype of gamers and hobbyists is extremely hackneyed. And being a geek is to be true to yourself and the things you enjoy. What could be more adjusted and mature than that?
ReplyDelete