They've been working on 17 for so long, Hope it lives up to the hype and the wait! I hope they listen and understand where many of the comments and videos come from. We aren't trying to attack the game and be haters. Lots of people feel a certain way and that can hurt any reputation. I hope after 17 they start being more organized and constant with everything they do. the fans love this game so much, that's why we get so disappointed and frustrated.
I agree with you on the hope that the hype isn't misplaced. The comments and such on what people like versus what they don't are legitimate, and should be heard (even if not acted upon). The problem is that there ARE a lot of people who are attacking the game, and are behaving like "haters." The reality is that even if a lot of people feel a certain way...that doesn't make them right. Sure, TFP could be more organized and more communicative -- and I hope they grow in that direction. However, as someone who has worked in customer service, and who runs my own business as a graphic designer (in addition to holding down a dayjob in the same field), I am all too aware of how feedback can poison an individual's desire to interact.
The simple fact is that a lot of the people grousing here are toxic as heck, and that does NOT create an environment that is conducive to communication. Now, you can say that the Pimps need to "just deal with it," or "it's part of the job," or any other of a litany of justifications.
And they'd all be wrong.
TFP are obligated to absolutely nothing. This isn't me whiteknighting for them; it's me speaking from experience as a freelancer. If I contractually obligate myself to working for a client, my only obligation is to the terms of the contract. I CAN go above and beyond expectations or obligations...but I don't HAVE to. This forum, and its attendant ability to allow us to give feedback, is not a "right" we have as purchasers of the game. It's a privilege that TFP have extended to us, and it's one that many people have begun TREATING as if it's an obligation on the part of the devs. It isn't.
And therein lies the major problem. People assuming that they have a right to something that ISN'T a right, but a privilege. They come in here and they grouse. They name-call. They impugn the integrity of the devs and the moderators. They threaten. They go on Steam and they bolster bad reviews.
Why would anyone expect this to make the Fun Pimps WANT to interact any more than they do?
If you love this game so much (and I've no doubt you do)...then be a part of the solution. Wanna know how to do that?
Accept your frustration and disappointment. Realize that life will be full of both. And then come here, be an encourager. Talk about what you like and what you dislike, but do it in a respectful, courteous, constructive manner.
I think we'd all be amazed at the changes we'd see. Across the board.