Important news concerning commentary at AEGIS events. We have wanted to create a list of commentators and general ground-rules for commentary for quite a while. We finally have gotten around to it and heres the dealio. From here on out there will be a list of Commentators, Trial Commentators, and No-Goers. Commentators are free to pick up the mic whenever they please and always have priority on the mic. Trialers need to ask if and when they can get on the mic, and must be partnered with a traditional commentator. Trial commentators are exactly what it sounds like, you are undergoing a trial commentary session that will be later reviewed. No-goers is how it sounds as well, you simply cannot be on the mic. Commentary is a very fun experience, but as SoCal grows in recognition, the more we have to take commentary seriously. Poor commentary is not just a bad reflection of yourself, but also discredits the venue, community, and event as a whole. This we simply cannot allow. I am very aware this sounds extremely harsh, and to an extent it is, but it is something we simply must crack down on. The ideal commentator will be to follow these basic rules/traits: - A deep understanding of the game. This ranges from mechanics, to combos, to match-ups, to stages and everything in-between. - Character knowledge. This is an extension of game knowledge mentioned above. Know your characters, what they can do, the names of their moves, their strengths, weaknesses, and MUs. - Individual player knowledge. It is important you know who is behind the controller. Who their character is, what habits they have, their personality within the game, etc. - A professional attitude. This ranges from everything you consider to be professional. This, too, is important: stating something is broken, overpowered, stupid, etc is a very bad habit to have. Not only does this discredit the player, but it discredits the very game we are playing. This has a negative impact on viewers, and a commentators job is to appeal to the viewers. - Language and Content. It speaks for itself. Watch your language and do not discuss illicit activities over the mic. - Compatibility. Commentating is a 2 man job. You must be able to work well with your partner on the other mic. Feed off one another and work as a team. - Well spoken. We are not asking you to use the entire dictionary, but be educated. Try to speak clear, and speak faster or slower if need be. Just be easily understandable by the viewers. - Stay on track. This is a major one. Commentators absolutely must be able to stay on track. When a match is being played, do not go on a tangent about another game. Tiny references are fine, but do not lead on a full discussion about how the meta game of Pokemon is coming along, or talking about your work week and how something funny happened on the Facebook page yesterday while a match is being played. Remember, we are playing Project M. - A sense of balance. What I mean by this is the capability to be hype, be serious, and be funny when appropriate. Being a boring, monotone commentator is a good way to be booted off the mic immediately. You are also an entertainer, be sure to be entertaining to the viewers. - No bias. Easy! I understand how badly you want your best friend to win that match, but its your job to not be biased. This can often be a subconscious thing. You may not realize you are doing it, but viewers always can. Its in how you speak, so be conscious of that, especially if you know ahead of time you will likely want to be biased during a particular match. - Interacting with chat. This is a big one. When chat is available to read, you absolutely must know when and how to interact with chat. A lot of hate spreads on the internet when folks have the safety of anonymity. Be prepared to suffer intense lashes if you decide to show your face to the steam, there always is. You have to maintain composure no matter what. Armando will do his job weeding out what should be weeded out, but simply put, if you cannot take the heat, you either shouldnt be behind the mic, or just do not read chat. Talking to the chat during a match is unacceptable. If you cannot focus on the match at hand, you will be removed and replaced. All that said here is the rough list we have created so far. Some of you are going to be upset, I know it. Feel free to message me if you have any concerns and I will explain everything. Understand this is nothing personal, it is simply business. We will be personally messaging those of you we have labeled as a no go, and I will explain my reasoning then and there. It is there we can discuss how to get removed from the no-go list and get put on trial. Commentators: - Cameron Thompkins (Disqo Bunny) - AEGIS - Rob Schueller (OkamiBW) - Seth George (Aion) Trial Commentators: - Michael Edward Hart Guy (Boss) - Brandan Tobin (Brandandorf) - Jason Pai (Red Ranger) - Joshua Malak (Xalmak) - Tom Silva (Aero) - Lynn Friedmann Again, rough list. There are many more candidates. The majority of trial folk already have positive results. What is keeping you back is either bad habits or we just havent seen you in action! Commentators you guys are good to go. You always have priority when it comes to the mic. If you want it, take it. If you want to go give commentary a go, message me. Ive gotten messages in the past, but these are long gone. Message me asap so we can add you in somewhere. All matters concerning commentary the day of the tournament are to be directed to Disqo Bunny. If he is busy, talk to David or myself. Disqo is lead commentary, he will be running it at the tournament. For matters at home and when not at a tournament event, please direct your questions, concerns, or anything else to me. Thanks, folks!
Posted on: Sun, 24 Aug 2014 04:38:55 +0000