I'm Angry

[Ununoctium]

Well Darkmoon, I find it amusing how you believe your opinion somehow equates to facts. Really America is in a position much like South Africa was in the early 1990s. We can either choose to become socialist states and join the European Union like some other countries (becoming socialists/EU = becoming like Zimbabwe, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea) or we can keep our freedom and remain a democracy (keeping our democracy/freedom = Nelson Mandela forgiving the whites)

[Enetirnel]

I remember, years ago, buying a game 'new and sealed' only to find the disc scratched to hell and back. The seller's physical shop was on a train ride away and I had some business there (no one was murdered...that time) so I popped in. He was quite happy to exchange it, and explained that, yeah, sometimes he just reseals second hand copies and sells them new if they look in good shape. I pointed out the one I had bought looked like it had been used as a target for angry cats and he just shrugged.

Less than impressed.

I guess I must have sheer dumb luck as I'm wary about buying new stuff unless it's got the factory sealed packaging. Like how the PS ones actually has the console logo printed across a pull band as to avoid a shrink wrapped "new" game in that condition.

So I do tend to initially get used copies, then factory sealed ones. Though nothing I've bought used has ever had any scratches or the like on them and have been complete too outside of those two I mentioned. Other than ending up with the occasional bootleg, that's really been about it.

This is one of the main reasons I tend to avoid used items. Actually, the only time I buy used is if the game is out of print, and it is extremely expensive to buy an actual new copy. When I do actually break down and get new, I have to see it physically before purchasing. I know GameStop doesn't enjoy seeing me come in a purchase a used game.

"I see you have 5 used copies based on the quantity of boxes on the shelf. May I see ALL discs and make my selection?"

Though no matter the condition of the disc, I simply cannot buy it without the original packaging. Those handwritten covers just do not fly for me. Being OCD is annoying..

Smiley and I had this issue when we went to his local one, because they constantly fuck up there. They fucked up as per usual, didn't want to do it for him so I had to talk to them on the phone too to explain to them how exactly they managed to fuck up and that I know what exactly was supposed to be in there with the game - they had put the Death By Degrees Tekken 5 demo in a case for Tekken 5 and sold it as a full game so we had to sort it out.

But I did so in a manner that I also told them that regardless of their fuckup, the demo disc came with DBD and also couldn't be resold so it would be redundant for them to take it back after falsely selling an item.

[nemesiswontdie]

I can't find my damn Dead Space hoodie. I've only worn it a couple of times and now its lost and its freezing here and now I don't have any winter clothes besides a few long sleeve shirts. I guess its time to get a new jacket and I know what I want.
http://www.metalgearsolid-store.com/...001_Field-Coat

[Ununoctium]

I think that discussing politics or religion with someone is a good way to measure the mental capacity/state of that individual.

Indeed. I also find a good debate as a way to broaden one's intellect, and on the rare occasion introduce you to new ideas and possibilities.

[Darkmoon]

Well Darkmoon, I find it amusing how you believe your opinion somehow equates to facts. Really America is in a position much like South Africa was in the early 1990s. We can either choose to become socialist states and join the European Union like some other countries (becoming socialists/EU = becoming like Zimbabwe, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea) or we can keep our freedom and remain a democracy (keeping our democracy/freedom = Nelson Mandela forgiving the whites)

I...have no idea what you just said. I'm pretty sure America hasn't spent the last few years in prison, though. And honestly? The EU has got enough trouble right now without America's economy draining our resources. I don't think we'd want you, right now.

But to make it clear? None of what I posted was opinion. It's factual information, backed by statistics published in both America and Britain. I'm aware, this makes no actual difference since they're not statistics showing you're right, but I'll post them anyway.

America's National Debt - I think this is the Treasury's actual site, but I'm not 100% sure about that.
UK's national debt - From the Office of National Statistics.
US Unemployment Data - From the US Deparment of Labour's Bureau of Labour Statistics.
UK Unemployment Rates - Again from out Office of National Statistics.

I presume I don't need to go and find date for exactly how many people are in each country? Well, if you do wanna look them up, the World Bank has the information.

So, unless you think the US and UK governments are in a conspiracy to publish false date to make the US look bad compared to the UK, there ya have it. The US has twice as much national debt, per citizen, as the UK does and a slightly higher unemployment rate. Not opinion.

[Xander Ashford]

Nah, I was actually going to comment on what Xander Ashford wrote about buying used games at GameStop... Jesus... they sell the crappiest pieces of crap in the entire nation.

I did managed to find a good place to buy my 2nd hand games, though. The games that they sell are practically new. They won't sell anything with scratches (noticeable ones, that is).

That's where I got my pristine copies of Killer 7 and RE3 for the Cube. Didn't pay extra for them either.

Smiley and I had this issue when we went to his local one, because they constantly fuck up there. They fucked up as per usual, didn't want to do it for him so I had to talk to them on the phone too to explain to them how exactly they managed to fuck up and that I know what exactly was supposed to be in there with the game - they had put the Death By Degrees Tekken 5 demo in a case for Tekken 5 and sold it as a full game so we had to sort it out.

But I did so in a manner that I also told them that regardless of their fuckup, the demo disc came with DBD and also couldn't be resold so it would be redundant for them to take it back after falsely selling an item.

I definitely agree that GameStop is absolute crap; I find most of the ones in my area to be absolutely insufferable to go into. There is one near me that nearly everytime I go in, one of the employees comes up to me and starts randomly discussing one of the newer games. It generally starts off with them asking me what kind of games I like so I rattle off things like Dead Space, Resident Evil, Silent Hill, et cetera. It's like they never listen because I usually get a response like "Wow, those are cool games, but have you tried Call of Duty: Modern Deathwar Extreme Soldier Edition?!" It makes me wonder if they are even listening to what I am saying or rather just trying to make a sale. I loathe salesmanship, and this is why people do most of their shopping online (Well, that and convienence).

The quality of the games really seems to be influenced by how much traffic that particular GameStop receives. I have noticed that the ones in less busy areas tend to have a better quality for used items. Now, the ones in the malls usually have crap that is beyond scratched up (Yet, they assure me it will still play...Sorry, PASS! I'm not even going to attempt it). I could go on for hours about how much I hate GameStop. Their marketing paradigm, though smart, pisses me off to no end.

GameStop Mission Statement:
We give you pennies for your gently used stuff, but we're going to turn around and sell it for a 700% markup. Enjoy!

Something I'm not so much angry about, but I guess rather saddened about is the loss of a dear friend. Last night I bought a new car, and put $4000 down, which ate up a substantial chunk of my bank account...Me and those American Cash Dollars had some fun times. On a serious note, I'm happy to finally have something that I deem reliable, but at the same time, I'm bothered with the fact of selling my old car. It's not that I want to drive it anymore, and I really have no use for it, but I just don't like the idea of someone else having it. That car has been in my family since I was two, and I just have a lot of memories associated with it. It almost feels like throwing something dear to your childhood away. Is that weird; does anyone else know the feeling I'm talking about?

And bah, alone at work again...These really make for long days as there is NO ONE for me to talk to except if I get a customer or the phone rings. Meh.

EDIT:
Oh, and Darkmoon, you are a saint for trying.

[Ununoctium]

Oh fuck, my uncle took a turn for the worse at around 5 AM this morning, he was moved to urgent care and has about a 50 percent chance of survival. And even if (and WHEN!) he does survive, he may need to go on dialysis for his kidneys or something like that.

[Pikminister]

I definitely agree that GameStop is absolute crap; I find most of the ones in my area to be absolutely insufferable to go into. There is one near me that nearly everytime I go in, one of the employees comes up to me and starts randomly discussing one of the newer games. It generally starts off with them asking me what kind of games I like so I rattle off things like Dead Space, Resident Evil, Silent Hill, et cetera. It's like they never listen because I usually get a response like "Wow, those are cool games, but have you tried Call of Duty: Modern Deathwar Extreme Soldier Edition?!" It makes me wonder if they are even listening to what I am saying or rather just trying to make a sale. I loathe salesmanship, and this is why people do most of their shopping online (Well, that and convienence).

The quality of the games really seems to be influenced by how much traffic that particular GameStop receives. I have noticed that the ones in less busy areas tend to have a better quality for used items. Now, the ones in the malls usually have crap that is beyond scratched up (Yet, they assure me it will still play...Sorry, PASS! I'm not even going to attempt it). I could go on for hours about how much I hate GameStop. Their marketing paradigm, though smart, pisses me off to no end.

GameStop Mission Statement:
We give you pennies for your gently used stuff, but we're going to turn around and sell it for a 700% markup. Enjoy!

This video came out yesterday... its called "Welcome to GameShop".... enjoy

YouTube video:

Show YouTube video

[Ununoctium]

I'm going to the hospital in a few minutes. I originally didn't intend to go since I didn't want to miss work (I'm pretty new and missing work in your second month could look bad), but I don't care. Too often in life we take the people in our lives for granted and expect them to be around forever. I've not been taking this seriously, I've been putting it off by saying things like "oh he's strong, he'll make it through this" but it's time to get serious. This could be the last time I ever see him. My uncle is awesome, he's the one who introduced me to Resident Evil like 10 years ago, when I was a kid he used to let me watch him play RE1 and Dino Crisis for PS1. I wouldn't even be on this forum if it wasn't for him. We also played a PC game called Total Annihilation, which to this day is considered one of the greatest RTS games of all time.

[Xander Ashford]

This video came out yesterday... its called "Welcome to GameShop".... enjoy

YouTube video:

Show YouTube video

DUDE! That is E-X-A-C-T-L-Y what they do every time you go in there. Do you want this? Would you like this add-on? How about a pre-order? Do you want to trade in any games for store credit? I know all retail chains have some sort of ploy or customer program to lure you in, but seriously GameStop is the ultimate version of what happens when corporate marketing strategies go crazy.

And is it just me or is there some sort of qualification that you must be extremely geeky, overweight, or just plain disgusting to work at a GameStop? I will admit not all the employees are hideous, but every time I go into one there is guaranteed to be some sort of geeky, fat dude behind the counter. *shudders*

EDIT:
I actually buy 99.9% of my games from Target or Best Buy anyway, and the sad thing is, I primarily do this to avoid the long-winded speeches of a GameStop employee. You can call me rude, and ununderstandering, but I've worked in retail about six years. I know that people don't want to hear about all this loyalty program crap, but yes, at the same time I do know it is part of the job description. I try to be cordial or just flat out avoid places that I know are too pushy.

[Ununoctium]

And is it just me or is there some sort of qualification that you must be extremely geeky, overweight, or just plain disgusting to work at a GameStop? I will admit not all the employees are hideous, but every time I go into one there is guaranteed to be some sort of geeky, fat dude behind the counter. *shudders*

There are some cute girls who work at my local GameStop, so I'm not complaining.

[Alexia_Ashford]

I'm glad the shops over here aren't like that. The worst is probably only "Do you have a reward card with us?" and that's about it. If I say "No" they just let me buy the game and that's it.

[GuardhouseMusic]

And is it just me or is there some sort of qualification that you must be extremely geeky, overweight, or just plain disgusting to work at a GameStop? I will admit not all the employees are hideous, but every time I go into one there is guaranteed to be some sort of geeky, fat dude behind the counter. *shudders*

Eh, yeah. Two out of three of your terms are left unspecified as to their meaning, putting into question what your criteria are for them in the first place. Please, don't answer.

Maybe you should stay away from eugenicist and aristocratic characters for a while.

[Xander Ashford]

Eh, yeah. Two out of three of your terms are left unspecified as to their meaning, putting into question what your criteria are for them in the first place. Please, don't answer.

Maybe you should stay away from eugenicist and aristocratic characters for a while.

I realize you asked me not to answer, but I wish to clarify just in case my comment offended you. What I meant by my "employee criteria" is pretty much what is shown in the cartoon. The large, disgusting (by this I mean poor hygiene, has a smell about them), geeky person (being geeky isn't something that was meant to be offensive as I would classify myself as one) is what I typically see in GameStops in the rural areas near where I live. I realize I am stereotyping, but again, I have seen A LOT of this type of employee in the rural GameStops. The ones closer to cities usually have average to handsome/pretty people.

Again, I realize you didn't want me to clarify, but I didn't want to come across as offensive to you.

@Alexia_Ashford
I'm actually quite shocked you get by so easily in the United Kingdom. I always get at least three questions. That's why I love Best Buy: "Do you have a RewardZone card? Yes? *scan* Your total is ___." Shopping really should be so tedious, but sadly that is the shift we are making (at least companies in the United States anyway).

[TheSelfishGene]

I can't wait to go to gamestop when I get to the USA just to see if it's really that bad (not that I don't believe it)

[Darkmoon]

Bar Games Workshop, yeah, most shops will let you just buy the shiny you want. I've had some in GameStation and Game try wandering up to me, asking if I need a hand, but a quick, 'Nah. just browsing' usually shifts them.

[Ununoctium]

I'm glad the shops over here aren't like that. The worst is probably only "Do you have a reward card with us?" and that's about it. If I say "No" they just let me buy the game and that's it.

Or if they ask you if you have a rewards card with them and after you say no their like "if you sign up for our rewards card now you'll get a discount on your purchase and it will actually save you money" and then they're like "are you sure?"

To be honest though, I used to love GameStop's 10% off discount card you could buy (it was like $50 a year, but I probably saved more than that back when I used to go there a lot).

[alexdz]

There's an Evangelic church near my house and the priest is yelling on the fucking microphone like a goddamn lunatic, I'm trying to read and going to bed in some minutes and the fucker is screaming about who knows what.

[Carnivol]

I'm glad the shops over here aren't like that. The worst is probably only "Do you have a reward card with us?" and that's about it. If I say "No" they just let me buy the game and that's it.

Hogwash! When I was in the UK this summer (Belfast), the two GameStops and two GAME stores I went to were EXACTLY like that. Only when I spoke to the assistant manager in the last GAME store I visited did I not get this insane treatment... their treatment of pre-owned games was pretty terrible too. Not only did they seal the shit so I couldn't inspect the discs before buying, but most of the stuff I grabbed looked like had been used as a skating rig for a hockey game or something... Pretty disappointing. Really. (Especially considering our own strict rules for pre-owned stuff at my store + the accompanying warranty we provide on pre-owned stuff ("Same as new" - required by law))

Though, when I think about it... when I went to London a few years ago, the two I visited there were more laid back and felt more like just walking into any other normal shop... maybe it's just Belfast that's gone the all-American way on that front? :/


So glad my store's not anything like that.

[Scream]

Back in the day the best gaming stores were the smaller, more independent ones.. especially before pre-owned/trading took off. I remember going to New Age Consoles and checking out the awesome Japanese imports, that's where I got my Biohazard CV actually.. CEX wasn't half as bad as it is now and also had a decent supply of imports including PC. You would also get a much more decent conversation from the employees (I recall one guy drawing me a diagram on modding my DC before self-boot etc) and they were honest guys in it for the games.

I avoid GAME etc like the plague, they are just there to make money.. I did a "work shadow day" when I was 15 in a similar gaming store and hated it - stacking shelves and people there only had enough brains to play Tekken *yawn*.