charitable spam:

www.childsplaycharity.org

wow, that looks like a great idea !

It's just Toys for Tots online, really.

Sans Marines.

Well we all know that the marines are kind, compasionate, caring people who go out of their way to help their fellow man.

This is a charity donated to by gamers. Now, I must say, I don't actually think the 'violent video games are making kids insane killers' shtick is taken that seriously by a majority or even that big in the mainstream media - but i live in a cave and ignore the outside world as much as possible, so maybe the stigma really is there.

Either way, as i've often said, I've encountered more subhuman antisocial behavior from video game fans than any other demographic group. blind ignorant assholery brought about by a lack of social skills and the anonymity of the internet is responsible for far worse behavior than the likes of Gooner or our own lovely Roman (who, it must be noted, is only included for his utter lack of social skills, not hiding behind anonymity... and also to annoy him.)

So, i find it a bit uplifting to hear about how intensely a population segment of punks, thugs, and geeks who've grown up on 'murder simulators' and hurling racist insults at each other while playing games together online can do a bit of good in this world.

also, re: toys for tots:

kids today want a nintendo DS. they don't give a crap about tickle me elmo.

I, have social skills. I just have trouble with saying what I actually mean, insulting people without actually meaning to. *cries*

::hugs Roman::

and not to dis the DS, but I went to HIGH SCHOOL with people who wanted a Tickle Me Elmo for Christmas... while in High School. Behold the power of marketing!

hell, *i* wanted a tickle me elmo... and got one. I occasionally use it to terrify people over the phone.

<--stunned silence

Sorry - I'm probably twisted but 'Tickle me Elmo' sounds like a particularly filthy request.

it was the 'must have' christmas item some years back. a cute little sesame street monster who would giggle and shake when you tickled him.

That's because you've encountered more video game fans than any other demographic group, because you spend your time hanging out on videogame forums. I'm quite sure that if you spent more time with other groups of people, you'd find plenty of equally disgusting behaviour universally. No one has the monopoly on stupidity, ignorance or general hatefulness.

Child's Play is a brilliant charity. I propose that as many of us as can afford to do so should support it this year.

I already have my hnads in something similar... but it's still a great idea. (We're taking part in a sort of "A shoe box full of presents" thing for children who'd probably not get any Christmas present otherwise. It's not so easy to explain in the first place to a three year old why some children wouldn't get anything from the Christchild at all, but well.)

We do something similar at work for disadvantaged children in the local area.