Sonic the Hedgehog: how fans have subverted a fallen mascot

[CrownSlayers Shadow]

Who cares if it's a troll article?

You should? All of us, in fact? That way none of us go inadvertently making her very case by getting upset and raging about it, making ourselves an example of what she's ridiculing?

 

I understand that it's a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation, but it's also a lesser of the two evils of getting angry and vocalizing it or just treating it as a troll article and moving on without a care (even while recognizing that people would use the article to "understand" the fandom). And by getting upset over it and reacting as such, you just made yourself into the kind of insane Sonic fan that takes things too seriously - the very thing she wants people to see you for.

[Biggs]

...I actually kind of found that article hilarious.

 

Whether I found it funny because it genuinely was so or because of how shite it was at understanding Sonic, the Sonic fanbase and everything to do with Sonic... that's up for debate

[Rusty Spy]

The only reassuring thing is that at least the comments section on the articles page seem to also think the author is off her rocker.

[CrownSlayers Shadow]

The only reassuring thing is that at least the comments section on the articles page seem to also think the author is off her rocker.

I actually found that rather surprising, because usually the comments sections are the worst part of any article on the internet, especially when it comes to gaming.

 

Looks like we have more people on our side than we realize on this article. Although the skeptic in me says "she's trolling and doesn't care", but at least the support doesn't make it completely a moot issue.

[Nepenthe]

You should? All of us, in fact? That way none of us go inadvertently making her very case by getting upset and raging about it, making ourselves an example of what she's ridiculing?

 

I understand that it's a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation, but it's also a lesser of the two evils of getting angry and vocalizing it or just treating it as a troll article and moving on without a care (even while recognizing that people would use the article to "understand" the fandom). And by getting upset over it and reacting as such, you just made yourself into the kind of insane Sonic fan that takes things too seriously - the very thing she wants people to see you for.

 

So basically, the barometer of being a sane Sonic fan is that we should just happily take misconceptions about the fandom on the chin, the very inaction of which in turn only serves to validate these misconceptions too, simply because the lack of challenge makes a position that much more strong to the uninformed layman.

 

There is no other fandom in gaming that is expected to keep quiet about the crap they put up with from the media. Call anyone who games violent and anti-social, and you will receive a hefty response. Call gamers sexist or racist for the shit they supposedly condone in games by merely buying them, and you will receive a hefty response. Call a Sonic fan maladjusted and sexually weird, and suddenly we're not supposed to say anything (under the assumption that everything said about us is true, of course).

 

I'm telling you, inaction literally solves nothing. Inaction has a such perfect rate of being a crappy solution to solving problems that I'm surprised anyone even advocates it anymore. Seriously, it's the reason we ban trolls here-- ignoring them doesn't actually make them go away, it just makes my job easier because it's less crap to sift through if people don't respond. If anyone actually cares for these articles to be lessened, at this point I feel they'd actually do better by having enough of an emotional response to their existence to channel energy into doing something positive about it, whether it's writing in with comments, making videos, or actually going after these people somehow to hold them to the fire. But there is no "lesser of two evils" in this particular dilemma. You're equally as complicit as anyone else in validating the claims of this author.

[Burnt Ash]

 

 

Here's a confronting idea: what if the Sonic franchise was never that good to begin with?

 

I feel as if this is just trying to be controversial for the sake of being controversial

[CrownSlayers Shadow]

So basically, the barometer of being a sane Sonic fan is that we should just happily take misconceptions about the fandom on the chin, the very inaction of which in turn only serves to validate these misconceptions too, simply because the lack of challenge makes a position that much more strong to the uninformed layman.

Not exactly. Just that we shouldn't react to the misconceptions in a way that goes about proving their point and making us into that misconception. It's the kind of circular thing that, despite your points, might not be considered if you make yourself as that misconception.

 

It doesn't make any sense, I know, but it's that whole "the way you say it, not what you say" thing that people can frame you by, if you get me.

 

 

 

I'm telling you, inaction literally solves nothing. Inaction has a such perfect rate of being a crappy solution to solving problems that I'm surprised anyone even advocates it anymore. Seriously, it's the reason we ban trolls here-- ignoring them doesn't actually make them go away. If anyone actually cares for these articles to be lessened, at this point I feel they'd actually do better by having enough of an emotional response to their existence to channel energy into doing something positive about it, whether it's writing in, making videos, or actually going after these people somehow to hold them to the fire. But there is no "lesser of two evils" in this particular dilemma. You're equally as complicit as anyone else in validating the claims of this author.

Meanwhile, our reputation as an unpleasable fanbase with the infighting that goes on and the hostility we throw at articles like this aren't helping. It's the reason why trolls even come in here in the first place - they know we'll feed them by giving them the attention to get a rise out of us. While I would love for these articles to be lessened and for someone to go about countering these claims, things aren't exactly in the best position to make that much of a budge, understandably due to a lack of them.

 

I'm not saying we should be quiet and do nothing, however, and I'm certainly not saying "give up and deal with it". I'm saying be careful how you react, recognize what this person is doing, and move on without giving her what she wants. Because right now, if I were outside the fandom looking at how you're reacting, I'd probably side with the person who made the article as far as the "insane fan" parts go - in other words, giving her what she wants. That's what I'm trying to get by.

 

EDIT: TL;DR - the writer of the article is trolling, so don't feed the trolls.

[Solkia]

I had to look up what subverted ment.

 

"to overthrow a government"

 

Sonic confirmed for dictator.

[Gabz Girl]

You know, why do these arseholes always go on and on about how much Sonic "sucks"? By now I would've expected articles about Crash Bandicoot failing, or Spyro being a shadow of his former self. I can understand this happening back in 2005/2006 but Sonic has been doing really well ever since. Popular conventions, many fans and now the new and eagerly anticipated (for most of us anyway) Sonic Boom game and cartoon!

 

Sonic isn't going anywhere and I don't know why these bloody "Sonic sucks lol" articles are still popping up today in the year two thousand bloody fourteen! It's pathetic really, and like Nep said it makes me NOT want to be a Sonic fan when this shit happens.

[Zaysho]

Meh.

 

I can't even really get upset about this article. I mean, I am, but, forget it. I'm just not surprised that Sonic is such an easy punching bag for the media to have their field day with. I'm not surprised the franchise is a subject of ridicule at the hands of people who don't know what they're talking about and like poking at this specific fandom. It's just cute that they think the weird aspects of the fandom are somehow exclusive and, lo and behold, Sonic's 2006 game gets a mention. Nothing about what came later? Big fucking surprise. And then just add in the fanbase's reaction to Sonic Boom to make us look like a bunch of overreactive nutcases ("but it's not that big of change!" Have you met Knuckles?).

[Zaysho]

What I'm trying to say is, some people make fun of Sonic because of Shadow.

 

I edited out your quote since I misread what you said, but I'm not exactly surprised Shadow is blamed for much of this franchise's problems either. I disagree with the sentiment, but this isn't the place for that.

[Agie]

Does anyone know what makes Sonic "special?"

 

If so, you win a million dollars!*

*Not really, I don't have that kind of money.

[Dejimon11]

Meh just ignore it guys. All they want to do is to see a reaction and stir up trouble just to be noticed its something journalist do all the time. Getting angry at this won't help best just to move on and ignore stuff like this. Thing that baffles me is why is sonic still the but of the joke when it comes to this sort of things?

[Wittymations]

it makes me NOT want to be a Sonic fan when this shit happens.

That's probably the idea.

[Nepenthe]

Meanwhile, our reputation as an unpleasable fanbase with the infighting that goes on and the hostility we throw at articles like this aren't helping. It's the reason why trolls even come in here in the first place - they know we'll feed them by giving them the attention to get a rise out of us. While I would love for these articles to be lessened and for someone to go about countering these claims, things aren't exactly in the best position to make that much of a budge, understandably due to a lack of them.

 

I'm not saying we should be quiet and do nothing, however, and I'm certainly not saying "give up and deal with it". I'm saying be careful how you react, recognize what this person is doing, and move on without giving her what she wants. Because right now, if I were outside the fandom looking at how you're reacting, I'd probably side with the person who made the article as far as the "insane fan" parts go - in other words, giving her what she wants. That's what I'm trying to get by.

 

The only thing I've done that would be in any way indicative of the article is get passionate about the claims being made. I've not threatened anyone with death, nor defended the actual incendiary or creepy content on part of the fans, nor made any arguments that are easily-debunked and child-like. I've just called bullshit out for what it is, but even if I did so in some Hitchens-esque calm demeanor, someone is at potential for tuning me out because of confirmation bias; we don't like hearing opposing viewpoints. It happens all the time regardless of the validity of any one position, so this implication is a strawman to some extent. You can't reach everyone all of the time when you respond regardless of how you do so, but I disagree that being unable to do so means particular methods are flawed. On the contrary, passionate responses are pretty much the only way factions of thought get noticed and get a debate going in online spheres. Microsoft didn't back down from its DRM debacle, nor did Zoe Quinn receive the attention and defense she deserved, nor have Nintendo games been localized for the west, nor did BioWare try and redo Mass Effect's ending, solely by perfectly logical, cliche' web-comic level-headed responses. People had to get passionate- in all of its various forms, whether that be shock, sympathy, or outrage- for these debates to become things in the first place. If anything, no Sonic fan is necessarily at fault for merely responding passionately. The biggest downside to doing so is that our viewpoints simply aren't as visible, thus the breath is potentially wasted. As a result, I feel it would be infinitely more helpful to think up ways to attain bigger platforms for challenging bullshit like this- as other gaming factions have had to do- than merely decrying the fact that- yes- I'm personally annoyed that Sonic troll articles are still a thing with credibility and thus me doing so means Random Joe Somebody might side with the article. Don't ignore the fact that there are probably other Random Joe Somebodies who agree with me and everyone else here.

[SIXTH-RATE SOMA]

Reminds me of old Hollywood. If a star was a good actor, you'd get the studio to sweep all the excess vices under a rug and keep it as secret for as long as they sell. If a star starts striking out? Hey, the world could use a few more harrowing tragedies in the public scene.

It all feels like some very petty revenge for what amounted to a brief period of bad games before returning to decency. Sonic has certainly gotten less ambitious as he ages, certainly, but there is still plenty of quality to be found in them even today. The porn scene is more disturbingly pointed than usual, but the same could be said of Pokémon or MLP, each series with a lion's share of fan passion and output. The fanfiction is hilariously grim dark, but I could say the same for many others. It's not that these aren't problems; they are, and if they could be reined in I'd say it's for the better. But it's not fair to Sonic to judge it for the sins of a million franchises alone, and it's not fair to Sonic fans either. I don't see why two bad games means you don't have to be decent to people, or that they don't deserve a fair trial. For all my "lol Sonic fans" jokes, even I know that much.

[CrownSlayers Shadow]

The only thing I've done that would be in any way indicative of the article is get passionate about the claims being made. I've not threatened anyone with death, nor defended the actual incendiary or creepy content on part of the fans, nor made any arguments that are easily-debunked and child-like. I've just called bullshit out for what it is, but even if I did so in some Hitchens-esque calm demeanor, someone is at potential for tuning me out because of confirmation bias; we don't like hearing opposing viewpoints. It happens all the time regardless of the validity of any one position, so this implication is a strawman to some extent. You can't reach everyone all of the time when you respond regardless of how you do so, but I disagree that being unable to do so means particular methods are flawed. On the contrary, passionate responses are pretty much the only way factions of thought get noticed and get a debate going in online spheres. Microsoft didn't back down from its DRM debacle, nor did Zoe Quinn receive the attention and defense she deserved, nor have Nintendo games been localized for the west, nor did BioWare try and redo Mass Effect's ending, solely by perfectly logical, cliche' web-comic level-headed responses. People had to get passionate- in all of its various forms, whether that be shock, sympathy, or outrage- for these debates to become things in the first place. If anything, no Sonic fan is necessarily at fault for merely responding passionately. The biggest downside to doing so is that our viewpoints simply aren't as visible, thus the breath is potentially wasted. As a result, I feel it would be infinitely more helpful to think up ways to attain bigger platforms for challenging bullshit like this- as other gaming factions have had to do- than merely decrying the fact that- yes- I'm personally annoyed that Sonic troll articles are still a thing with credibility and thus me doing so means Random Joe Somebody might side with the article. Don't ignore the fact that there are probably other Random Joe Somebodies who agree with me and everyone else here.

Nepenthe I get that, but at the same time it looks more like you were ranting. And given how easily provoked our fandom is, something like that could be seen a "butthurt" from an outside perspective even though that isn't the case despite you giving what you believe to be a passionate response. But regardless, the point is that the author is trolling in her article and you would have succeed in feeding her given your response. That's not something for us to be doing, because your reaction however tame you say it is is exactly what she wants regardless; she wanted attention and to incite flames, and you gave her just that. That's the key difference here. For all the passionate responses that they recieved, when it came to Microsoft or Bioware for their actions, they werent doing it with the intention of annoying, upsetting, or pissing Us off. Understandably so given they're trying to make money and we can make them stop with our wallets. That's not so for this case. We're not paying the author of this article anything but our responses. And given our reputation as fans of the gaming industry's favorite punching bag, and an unpleasant fanbase at that, to see an article parroting the same thing we've heard over and over for the past decade and reacting in the same way tells me that it's time for a change of pace in how we react to these things. I think something should be done to counter it, yes, but this calls for a change in tactics where the same thing we've done for years isn't exactly progressing anywhere to deter these kind of articles.

[omote23]

Not bad article. (Especially last part.) Most of gamers(Except Sonic fan) assume Sonic is corpse. I think this article writers know many Sonic related informations Plus, Sonic fans are bad either. They aren't realize Sonic is falling. They aren't know Sega's non-consolidated financial reports and they even think Sonic is mainstream title. In reality, Sonic isn't profitable, Game quality is mediocre to horrible, Sonic < Any pachinko machine, and Sonic is niche now Give up and deal it. Sent from my SHW-M250S using Tapatalk 2 (Incomplete. I'll complete this post at 12:40 jst)

[Junko]

Not bad article. (Especially last part.) Most of gamers(Except Sonic fan) assume Sonic is corpse. I think this article writers know many Sonic related informations Plus, Sonic fans are bad either. They aren't realize Sonic is falling. They aren't know Sega's non-consolidated financial reports and they even think Sonic is mainstream title. In reality, Sonic isn't profitable, Game quality is mediocre to horrible, Sonic < Any pachinko machine, and Sonic is niche now Give up and deal it. Sent from my SHW-M250S using Tapatalk 2 (Incomplete. I'll complete this post at 12:40 jst)

Still not giving up about the finances, I see.

[Dizcrybe]

Sonic is niche now

 

Hyperdimension Neptunia is niche. Catherine is niche. Sonic is still a brand title that many people still recognize and, Lost World aside, has been a million-dollar seller for years.

 

It's not that we don't "realize" it, it's that we don't believe what is clearly your fantasy.

 

Also, Sonic sells in many Western countries. Pachinko is, AFAIK, exclusive to Japan; ask someone here what a pachinko machine even is and be met with plenty of "Uh... what?" responses.

[Azzy]

In reality, Sonic isn't profitable

I don't know what reality you're in then.

[Nepenthe]

Nepenthe I get that, but at the same time it looks more like you were ranting. And given how easily provoked our fandom is, something like that could be seen a "butthurt" from an outside perspective even though that isn't the case destyou giving what you believe to be a passionate response. But regardless, the point is that the author is trolling in her article and you would have succeed in feeding her given your response. That's not something for us to be doing, because your reaction however tame you say it is is exactly what she wants regardless; she wanted attention and to incite flames, and she got what she wanted. That's the key difference here. For all the passionate responses that they recieved, when it came to Microsoft or Bioware for their actions, they werent doing it with the intention of annoying, upsetting, or pissing Us off. Understandably so given they're trying to make money and we can make them stop with our wallets. That's not so for this case. We're not paying the author of this article anything but our responses. And given our reputation as fans of the gaming industry's favorite punching bag, and an unpleasant fanbase at that, to see an article parroting the same thing we've heard over and over for the past decade and reacting in the same way tells me that it's time for a change of pace in how we react to these things. I think something should be done to counter it, yes, but this calls for a change in tactics where the same thing we've done for years isn't exactly progressing anywhere to deter these kind of articles.

 

Again, any dissent- no matter how it is stated- could be seen as butthurt from some ambiguous "outside perspective" due to confirmation bias, that the mere act of disagreeing is proof of the claims being made. This again doesn't say much about the validity of my way or arguing, especially since you've not entertained the notion that other onlookers on the fence could actually agree with me and others in this thread.

 

And frankly, I doubt the author cares less about outside responses- in the sense that she really does hate us and wants to troll the fandom to get her rocks off- than she does actual clicks to the article through the mere use of controversial writing, which is how the site and subsequently she gets paid. The trolling is more likely less a personal expression of hatred than it is a means to an end; copy and paste the article elsewhere and anyone's responses to the second-hand source without linking back to it ultimately become meaningless to her personal bottom line. So I would say my current retorts on SSMB actually don't mean shit to her. I guarantee you she will never see this thread, so no, I nor anyone else who didn't click on it have not really given her what she wants.

 

And I've been advocating for people to change the pace! I'm asking for people to think up ideas to find better avenues of debating these kinds of articles in a more prominent public sphere. I've done so like two or three times already, so I don't know why we keep harping on the point that my passion is inherently wrong in all of this. If that's true, then answer my question: What else can we do to fix it?

 

Not bad article. (Especially last part.) Most of gamers(Except Sonic fan) assume Sonic is corpse. I think this article writers know many Sonic related informations Plus, Sonic fans are bad either. They aren't realize Sonic is falling. They aren't know Sega's non-consolidated financial reports and they even think Sonic is mainstream title. In reality, Sonic isn't profitable, Game quality is mediocre to horrible, Sonic < Any pachinko machine, and Sonic is niche now Give up and deal it. Sent from my SHW-M250S using Tapatalk 2 (Incomplete. I'll complete this post at 12:40 jst)

 

You've been repeating these kinds of sentiments throughout the boards without any compelling evidence whatsoever and have generally ignored the counterpoints made to you, which is spamming at best and instigating drama at worst. That, and I already told you to keep such conversation in the threads you already made on this particular subject.

[Jovahexeon Jax Joranvexeon]

Not bad article. (Especially last part.) Most of gamers(Except Sonic fan) assume Sonic is corpse. I think this article writers know many Sonic related informations Plus, Sonic fans are bad either. They aren't realize Sonic is falling. They aren't know Sega's non-consolidated financial reports and they even think Sonic is mainstream title. In reality, Sonic isn't profitable, Game quality is mediocre to horrible, Sonic < Any pachinko machine, and Sonic is niche now Give up and deal it. Sent from my SHW-M250S using Tapatalk 2 (Incomplete. I'll complete this post at 12:40 jst)

I think it might best if you actually stop right there and think about the fact you're flat out agreeing to a troll article and author, all because of a Steam lock.

[Komodin]

In addition to what everyone else have already said, what I also found a bit offensive with it (and the Kotaku article it linked to) were the links to the fetish art. I mean, while I'm no fan of those fetishes and their overall quality aren't all that hot, the fact of the matter is that, behind those art pieces, are real human beings whose feelings should not be ignored. That those links were done for the apparent sake of putting their creators on full blast for them, and leaving them open for potential mockery and harassment from malcontents, just sickens me, really.

[Rey Skywalker-Ren]

i dont really understand the story but for sure.... i dont care if Sonic is unpopular, ok to shit on, or whatever. i will always be a fan. No one can tell me no.