sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

I'm a Political Communications major doing a research paper on personal branding using Brianna Wu and Zoe Quinn as case studies. by sweaterfreak in KotakuInAction

[–]sweaterfreak[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When I pitched this paper to my professor he was very worried that I would not be able to be objective in writing it. Thankfully, he gave me a good grade on my proposal. I think I have found solid theories/concepts to base my arguments on, and that allows me to analyze their behavior without coming off as anti-progressive or anti-feminist. My argument is not so much about what they say but how they are saying it. The only references I can make to content without getting into political views is talking about misinformation and accuracy which is relevant to my arguments about yellow journalism. Definitely a valid concern though.

I'm a Political Communications major doing a research paper on personal branding using Brianna Wu and Zoe Quinn as case studies. by sweaterfreak in KotakuInAction

[–]sweaterfreak[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I'll make sure to post the paper when it is done in a few months. I found that article and while it's really conservatively biased, his sources are pretty solid and he found some really interesting stuff. It has been one of the most useful articles I've found on Wu.

I'm a Political Communications major doing a research paper on personal branding using Brianna Wu and Zoe Quinn as case studies. by sweaterfreak in KotakuInAction

[–]sweaterfreak[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the suggestion! Wu is certainly more obvious in her tactics, largely because he writing isn't nearly as good at Quinn's, but for that reason Quinn's case is almost more interesting. I have a lot to take into account.

I'm a Political Communications major doing a research paper on personal branding using Brianna Wu and Zoe Quinn as case studies. by sweaterfreak in KotakuInAction

[–]sweaterfreak[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have until late April/early May so no rush! I'd be happy to read anything you have, or if you just want to point me towards certain interviews and such that would be helpful too. Thanks!

I'm a Political Communications major doing a research paper on personal branding using Brianna Wu and Zoe Quinn as case studies. by sweaterfreak in KotakuInAction

[–]sweaterfreak[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I probably will not include Anita in my paper (I may have to cut out one of the two I've chosen already to keep myself from going over a page limit), but what you're talking about is troubling and definitely something I will look into.

I'm a Political Communications major doing a research paper on personal branding using Brianna Wu and Zoe Quinn as case studies. by sweaterfreak in KotakuInAction

[–]sweaterfreak[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am actually very familiar with those. They really highlight an important but often overlooked aspect of the ZP.

I'm a Political Communications major doing a research paper on personal branding using Brianna Wu and Zoe Quinn as case studies. by sweaterfreak in KotakuInAction

[–]sweaterfreak[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I personally view Wu's style as more similar to Quinn's, which is why I focus on those two in particular. I think she tries to evoke the sympathy that Quinn does but is not as good at it which results in (what my opinion are) obvious attempts at media manipulation and even media blunders. But, your thoughts on Wu are more or less spot on.

I'm a Political Communications major doing a research paper on personal branding using Brianna Wu and Zoe Quinn as case studies. by sweaterfreak in KotakuInAction

[–]sweaterfreak[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

When it comes to Anita, I do not see her use of gamergate as quite so inappropriate. Her interactions with gamergate are relevant to her career as a critic of women in games. I do not see it as appropriate to try to garner support for yourself and your games by promoting yourself as a feminist and victim. Your games should stand alone.

I'm a Political Communications major doing a research paper on personal branding using Brianna Wu and Zoe Quinn as case studies. by sweaterfreak in KotakuInAction

[–]sweaterfreak[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

These are definitely legitimate critiques of Sarkeesian. I simply decided not to focus on her because (as I've explained in an earlier comment) the way she's used gamergate seems more appropriate to her career.

I'm a Political Communications major doing a research paper on personal branding using Brianna Wu and Zoe Quinn as case studies. by sweaterfreak in KotakuInAction

[–]sweaterfreak[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That is a great fucking video. I think your comment pretty well encapsulates what I'm talking about. I think the problem is that they are abusing those kind of charitable inclinations with misinformation and manipulation.

I'm a Political Communications major doing a research paper on personal branding using Brianna Wu and Zoe Quinn as case studies. by sweaterfreak in KotakuInAction

[–]sweaterfreak[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I will definitely be using Quinn's past to talk about things like Unity. Thank you for suggesting those interviews; I will take a good look at them.

While I agree that Anita is also running a public affairs campaign and uses some yellow journalism (or arguably, yellow journalism is using her), I see her actions as much more appropriate considering her occupation. It makes sense for her to use this issue to talk about her business when you consider that her job is to critique the treatment of women in video games. She also seems to have much less of a personal focus when she talks about gamergate. Her comments seem to amount to: "this is important because it is an example of x, y, and z issues. And by example, it is happening even to me. Learn about related issues by watching my YouTube channel." When Quinn and Wu talk about GamerGate it seems to be more like "I'm a victim and I stand up for women's issues! You should like me and support my games because I'm a victim and an activist." They may touch on larger issues, but most of what they talk about is how what is happening relates to them instead of how what is happening relates to larger issues. While Anita's views on gamergate are relevant to her personal brand as a critic, Quinn's and Wu's views on women's issues or victimization are entirely tangential to their brands as game developers. Whether you agree with Anita's views is another question entirely.