48 hours ago we were all told about Fan Summit II. People were told to email for details. It was believed (flawed in such a belief is understood) this was a chance to be a part of it. The response was basically, um no, we already selected those who were going to go. When questioned about this, the response was poor, defensive and in many cases offensive. This lead to counters of anger. For clarity people were told to listen to a Podcase featuring David Bass via Mos Eisley Radio (MER). So many flocked to this podcast to tune in. During this podcast, David Bass explained the 13 chosen were done so as they were relationships they (Bioware) wanted to continue to build a relationship with. Not a problem, while we may not like to hear that because we all want to be special and seen in that light it is the part that came next which sent fury into overdrive. Mr. Bass continued on to say for post launch success they (Bioware) believe those 13 selected sights are the anchor and direction they are taking for post game launch community building because the majority of the sites will have died off. No one sees the flaw in that statement or the slight felt by sites that are not one of the 13?

Had Bioware come out and said directly "We have chosen 13 sites after going through our options as our community building focus post launch, to represent and build further direct community relations" (or something to that light), people would have been upset and would have qq'd about it, but rationality would have set in and people would have understood.

It is NOT, I repeat NOT about who is going to the Fan Summit II. We are happy for those sites going. Sure there are those of us that believe they should have picked 13 sites that have never been (which is a separate issue). The main issue, the real source of all the anger is about how this was delivered in a one way, responded to and then redelivered. Next time just give it to us straight up with directness.

We are indeed a community and we will not always agree, but we all have the same focus: Deliver our view, comments and dedication to SW:TOR to our respective circles, the play the game and create the community we want to be a part of. That hasn't change, that wont change.

So I agree if you are upset you weren't asked to go, get over it. If you are upset about how this was delivered and responded to by our community leaders at Bioware, then you understand why I was upset. With that I ask those reporting on this issue to at least understand the issue before taking this whole "stop qq'ing because you can't go" stance.

~Brehon

This Thursday we are all going to be treated to 12 hours of Mash-Up Madness. So gather up your caffeine of choice and get your snacks together for the best 12 hours of your life.

When: Thursday, October 27th
Time: Start at 5pm EST
Where: http://www.tormonger.com/bootleg

If you are not there Flasherman will hunt you down and axe murder you. I believe he would do it too.

While we get 12 hours of Flasherman we also get a great project spear headed by the communities lovable Canadian (besides me) WeeMadAggie has organized the guilds of TOR into a Mash-Up Gaming night. We all are invited to hang out on the Frag Gaming teamspeak and party in other games like BF3, Team Fortress, Left 4 Dead, and so on.

You can find all the details over at Torwars: http://torwars.com/2011/10/25/mashup-gaming-event-thursday/

On the TOR forums: http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?t=562396

I want to see everyone out and having fun with the TOR community and everyone give Flasherman and Aggie a big hug and kiss when you see them!

My Goal with this News letter is to let you know what’s on my Radar this week in SWTOR. I hope you enjoy my thoughts.

1) This week's facebook image of the week via the SWTOR official Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150339657728860&set=a.10150113796393860.291837.28984808859&type=3&theater

Trooper!!!!

2) Last Sunday Daniel Erickson did a facebook Q&A the great guys and gals over at Corellian Run Radio put it all together for a read http://corellianrun.com/2011/10/18/facebook-q-a-with-daniel-erickson/

3) Darth Hater put together all of the Media embargo dropping info http://darthhater.com/2011/10/20/republic-closed-beta-media-event/

Really disappointed to see BW/LA/EA do something like this again where they gave info/access to the "big names" But we have been told that fansite testing is coming "soon"

4) Friday update that wasn't?: some might call it an "update"

FAN FRIDAY!
- http://www.swtor.com/news/news-article/20111021-1
A look inside the Collector's Edition:
- http://www.swtor.com/news/news-article/20111021
Eurogamer highlight Video
- http://www.swtor.com/media/trailers/eurogamer-expo-highlights-video

5) Dimbo’s story continues at http://dimbotrooper.wordpress.com/ my fan fiction story about a trooper named Dimbo and his adventures in Star Wars the Old Republic. Subscribe and leave a comment and let me know what you think.

I hope everyone enjoyed this news letter! Also please remember nothing is permanent so anything read/heard/scene here is subject to change by Bioware/Lucasarts/EA. You can email me at dimbotrooper@gmail.com and follow me on twitter at @dimbo56 and @dimbotrooper

I make no claim to the information stated in this letter and all links/information is the property of its perspective owners. (With the exception of my opinions, those unfortunately belong to me.) Please fill free to comment and let me know what you think or what’s on your SWTOR radar!!

Jeff Dimbo
“Got some Bootleg in ya?”
Writer/Commentator

My Goal with this News letter is to let you know what’s on my Radar this week in SWTOR. I hope you enjoy my thoughts.

with NYCC going on stay tuned to awesome fansites like www.torwars.com www.nothingaming.com and www.darthhater.com for breaking news info

1) This week's facebook image of the week via NothingGaming http://www.nothinggaming.com/home/m/1913843/article/388814 "Flanked by his companion Bowdaar, a Smuggler attempts to use his wily charms on a nearby Jedi."

We see a smuggler getting his 'mac' on.

2) Better late then never! this months TORMag is out http://www.tormag.net/

Check out this great SWTOR magazine, there is even an interview piece written by The Flasherman interviewing the SWTOR community Mayor :)

3) For lack of better words, on their part, SWTOR.com has announced a now "Global launch" of SWTOR http://www.swtor.com/news/news-article/20111014-1

Where BW/LA/EA have cancelled the December 22 release and all servers will go live in all announced regions on December 20th (PST I think we need to get BW/LA/EA a globe... just saying)

4) The new "Operations" page on the SWTOR.com site http://www.swtor.com/info/systems/operations
Basically they took the info we had already seen and put it on a nicer page all in once place.

5) Friday update: 'Signs of War' Game trailer http://www.swtor.com/news/news-article/20111014
and what video would be complete without the dissection via Darthhater.com http://darthhater.com/media/gallery/signs-of-war-trailer-dissection/

Good video, floating guns in the background an all, check it out!!

6) Dimbo’s story continues at http://dimbotrooper.wordpress.com/ my fan fiction story about a trooper named Dimbo and his adventures in Star Wars the Old Republic. Subscribe and leave a comment and let me know what you think.

I hope everyone enjoyed this news letter! Also please remember nothing is permanent so anything read/heard/scene here is subject to change by Bioware/Lucasarts/EA. You can email me at dimbotrooper@gmail.com and follow me on twitter at @dimbo56 and @dimbotrooper

I make no claim to the information stated in this letter and all links/information is the property of its perspective owners. (With the exception of my opinions, those unfortunately belong to me.) Please fill free to comment and let me know what you think or what’s on your SWTOR radar!!

Jeff Dimbo
“Got some Bootleg in ya?”
Writer/Commentator