Paul, I’m afraid not only do I not believe that, but I find the blithe way in which you suggest it rather offensive. After having my letter re-titled provocatively despite having communicated directly with Adam (as you suggest David does) explaining why I didn’t think TSV sucked prior to its publication, and the following series of convoluted and painful discussions on the boards last year, having had all the joy I used to feel in contributing to TSV turn into a process akin to teeth pulling, and having my actions described as “vitriolic outbursts” that you still “not entirely sure that you understand” on your own personal blog, I do not believe that any dissent or discussion is really encouraged or listened to.

I might be more convinced if the concerns we had raised during that turbulent period were acknowledged along with any action taken, but I suspect the real reason for the lack of spoilers is, as Adam states, because of the distinct lack of information released by the BBC. Similarly there is no mention of the board discussions which predated Zeus Plugs arrival about the irrelevance of the news pages, and I find it rather patronising to find my arguments to Adam about it rehashed back to me in the editorial after feeling pilloried for mentioning over a year ago. Also I would be more convinced if the volume of reviews/review type articles was less.

But I find the most interesting thing about this whole thread is how both you and Adam (in his editorial) are now noting the “spoiler laiden information” that has been reduced. Now, when we complained about these over a year ago we ended up being stonewalled by statements like “it’s not a spoiler – it’s a BBC release” or “it’s not really a spoiler – it’s a reveal”, and to now be extolled how good it is not to know what’s going to happen, almost deliberately obtuse.

“I’m sure that any concerns David Lawrence has over the latest issue of TSV he can communicate directly to Adam.”

As someone who has tried, and still bitterly regrets communicating both directly and publicly with the TSV management I’m afraid I found it a frustrating, pointless, and emotionally draining experience, and wonder, (and I do not speak for David here, I was simply repeating his comments to me), would you be surprised that no one actually bothers contacting Adam directly? Would anyone here try to seriously complain after the fiasco that was the TSV sucks debate?

These questions are rhetorical – please feel free to reply, but personally I cannot put myself through the rehash again. Ultimately perhaps you and Adam were right. TSV does suck – what else have you got?

I’m sure that any concerns David Lawrence has over the latest issue of TSV he can communicate directly to Adam.

Well, we did try to mention it… about a year or so ago… amongst other things… let us not start that madness again.

The Chumbley isn’t enough of a clue?? Oh alright then, it’s Steven and Vicki from Galaxy 4.

“Yes, I understand David Lawrence is absolutely livid at that one.”

Given how spoiler-lite TSV 74 is, I shudder to think how David Lawrence must have reacted to reading previous issues. But then again, perhaps its the title itself – which as Thad points out is none too subtle – rather than its namecheck in the editorial which is the root of the problem.

Paul

(Frankly, he should have just called it “The Return of the Master” and be done with it.(*))

(*) Note, I have no idea if this is indeed what is going to happen or not. The end of Gridlock makes me think this is the obvious place to go.

Yes, I understand David Lawrence is absolutely livid at that one.

If you’re out there Adam – good call on ditching the news page, btw!