GameSpot Editor Humanizes Gerstmann’s Ordeal

GameSpot associate editor Kevin VanOrd  wrote a heartfelt response to the controversy surrounding the firing of friend and mentor Jeff Gerstmann on the Videogames Journos Network. He brings a very personal perspective to questions raised Gerstmann’s firing. He doesn’t attempt to explain the situation, but he puts a very humanizing perspective on it without fanning the flames of controversy or pointing fingers.

Hi guys. Kevin here.

I can’t thank my fellow journalists enough for the general show of support we have received across the industry. This has been a devastating time for me and the rest of the editorial team at GameSpot. There are so many layers in this for all of us, professionally and personally. As you can imagine, I am not in a position where I can talk about specific things regarding what has happened here, but mostly, it’s because I don’t know. As much as you may feel in the dark about what is happening, please know that we are too. It is confusing, upsetting, and hurtful. In the blink of an eye, my mentor no longer sits 50 feet from me. When I need advice and encouragement and shielding, my greatest advocate is no longer there to offer that kind of support.

I think it is understood that all of us stand by what we write, which makes me confused by the reactions of “this proves it’s crooked.” If anything, the rumors point the opposite direction. I’ve never been pressured in any way over a review, though our exhaustive peer review process lets my editorial peers pick apart the review before it ever goes live.

I could talk for hours and hours on the subject (and I feel like I already have), but in the end, it hurts. It hurts because I miss Jeff. It hurts because I am afraid of what the future brings. It hurts because my byline is attached to something thousands of people now see as crooked and corrupt. I can’t tell you how heartbreaking it is to know that no matter how much integrity I have and how much I believe in something, this incident colors every word I write. I have shouted, shed tears, and looked for answers, but I don’t feel any further along now than I did last Wednesday.

If anything, stand by your fellow journalists. We don’t have a lot, but we have our honesty. And as Greg Kasavin said to me this weekend, a website doesn’t have integrity, but people do. And as long as I know I have mine, I’ll be ok. And as long as my fellow editors and I hold fast to that, we’ll come out on top. In the meanwhile, think of us and pray for us. I have no idea how to move on at this point, but I am sure I will figure it out.

Also, if you would like to take me out for a drink and you live in the SF Bay area, I wouldn’t refuse

via Videogame Journos Network