An In-Depth ANALYSIS of the Total Biscuit Interview of Steven Totilo
Any true analysis must begin with what a tremendous leap forward this interview is. For really the first time, there was a frank one on one debate about GamerGate by two people on opposite sides of the conflict. The importance of this cannot be overstated as dialogue is the only thing that will ever allow this to end. I only hope this can begin a new chapter in the history of GamerGate. Here, I will be discussing the positives and the common ground that I feel will be key in the coming months. I will also be sharing criticisms and concern over some of the responses Totilo gave and why I feel they highlight what the real problems will continue to be going forward.
If you have read my People's History of GamerGate, you will know that Steven Totilo is the Editor-In-Chief for Kotaku, the publication who is arguably more in the center of the controversy than any other. It has been and still is my assertion that proper action by Totilo could have prevented GamerGate from occurring at all. Though I will freely admit this is debatable, what is not debatable is that his actions regarding Grayson's relationship with a subject of his stories fueled an enormous amount of skepticism for a large chunk of the gaming audience. This interview was very telling for many reasons.
Foremost is the fact that Totilo admits to certain improprieties. It is important that this is not viewed as a "Gotcha," but rather as a leaping off point. He admits for instance, that it was wrong for Patricia Hernandez, writer for Kotaku, to write articles about people she was involved in a living relationship with. He also discusses the effect of Patreon, saying there are virtually no instances where a reporter should have any kind of financial ties to people in the industry. From where GamerGate has come from, being constantly accused of misogyny and terrorism, to where we are now, being constantly accused of misogyny and terrorism and having people admitting we have some valid points, this is a huge victory. Coming from the EIC of Kotaku, that is an even larger victory.
If you have read my People's History of GamerGate, you will know that Steven Totilo is the Editor-In-Chief for Kotaku, the publication who is arguably more in the center of the controversy than any other. It has been and still is my assertion that proper action by Totilo could have prevented GamerGate from occurring at all. Though I will freely admit this is debatable, what is not debatable is that his actions regarding Grayson's relationship with a subject of his stories fueled an enormous amount of skepticism for a large chunk of the gaming audience. This interview was very telling for many reasons.
Foremost is the fact that Totilo admits to certain improprieties. It is important that this is not viewed as a "Gotcha," but rather as a leaping off point. He admits for instance, that it was wrong for Patricia Hernandez, writer for Kotaku, to write articles about people she was involved in a living relationship with. He also discusses the effect of Patreon, saying there are virtually no instances where a reporter should have any kind of financial ties to people in the industry. From where GamerGate has come from, being constantly accused of misogyny and terrorism, to where we are now, being constantly accused of misogyny and terrorism and having people admitting we have some valid points, this is a huge victory. Coming from the EIC of Kotaku, that is an even larger victory.
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