Controversy- Paul Trowe on the Two guys

[Spikey]

Note Ken Allen's subtle "positive and nothing but fun" comment ;)

 

I'm not trying to incite a riot, or anything. I just think that news like this should be covered so we know what the history is- that Replay wanted 2Guys, that they didn't sign on board, and so forth.

[MusicallyInspired]

Ken Allen is doing the music? This is just getting better and better!

[Monolith_Pig]

Ken Allen is doing the music? This is just getting better and better!

 

Not confirmed yet...but he is being interviewed on the next podcast and has said himself he would love to work on the new space venture - citing some of his best work being on Space Quest.

 

Lets hope they get Ken on board!

[Paul Trowe]

Wow, you kids really like to just make stuff up, don't you? So, considering all of you don't know any of the real facts about what's been going on, why don't you just ask Scott Murphy why a) they canceled Space Quest 7 B) why him and pretty much everybody at Sierra fell out of grace with Scott except myself and Leslie Balfour c) when nobody in the entire world would talk to him, I hosted him at my house in Austin, Texas and paid for him to go skydiving because he didn't have the funds d) protected him from this woman named Elizaberh Whitener who was trying to exploit him while he was in Austin, and e) personally encouraged Scott to make amends with Mark, Robin Bradley, and pretty much everybody else he ruined his personal relationships with.

 

So while you continue to bash me with no evidence at all, just pure conjecture, know this: I'm the one who told Scott he should get back together with Mark and do another Space Quest. Suddenly I never hear from him and the next thing I know I'm getting a cease and desist letter from someone I helped pull out of the gutter, LITERALLY.

 

Go ahead, rant and rave about me. I realize you guys have nothing better to do, but those are the facts. If you want me to go on a Pod Cast with either one or both of them I'm perfectly willing to do that. This will be my only post.

 

It's very easy to take cheap shots at somebody behind their back, and it's also pretty low.

 

If anybody knows me, they know what kind of person I am and how altruistic my intentions are. So go ahead, poke all the fun you want....

[pcj]

Dang, dude. Part of me wants to apologize for any unfair accusations made about you*. But then I go and re-read your post. I think I understand why Scott and Mark are going it alone.

 

I just hope it's all a big misunderstanding. Best of luck to you on LSL and any other games you work on.

 

*Absolutely, if anything said above is untrue then by all means please forgive us. But this is a public forum, nobody should post here with the intent to go behind someone's back, and most of the statements made seem to be based on posts you made on Facebook, which if you wanted to keep private, probably wasn't the best place for it. Perhaps all of the statements being made in this thread are wrong - but you're still not handling it very graciously, which in turns leads to people still not thinking highly of you, etc - just saying.

[Monolith_Pig]

Paul, thank you for your response.

 

My two favorite Sierra series of all time have been Space Quest & Leisure Suit Larry. I have contributed to the Larry Kickstarter and am so excited about what you, Al and the rest at Replay are going to bring us.

 

This is a public forum howver and not a mud slinging match. What you posted on facebook was bound to be viewable by a number of sierra fans and questions were bound to be raised on forums like this.

 

In terms of me making the assumption that all the other guys thought you were a massive douche? Maybe I'm wrong. But my belief is that if there's bad blood between you and someone else, you keep it between yourselves and don't target them on facebook. I'm sure the general consensus amongst your colleagues was that you needed to bite your (metaphorical) tounge with the facebook comments.

 

Oh and considering Mark, Scott & Chris had a link to your kickstart page throughout the Larry campaign on their website, I think it's a pretty low blow to be posting stuff like this.

 

It saddens me greatly as a fan who wrote to Al Lowe when I was a kid to write this to a fellow Larry superfan who has played a huge part in enabling one of my favorite game franchises to come back.

 

I'm sure both Replay & Guys From Andromeda are going to both put out amazing games with their own individual charater.

 

See you in Lost Wages...

[Johnathon]

Wow, you kids really like to just make stuff up, don't you? So, considering all of you don't know any of the real facts about what's been going on, why don't you just ask Scott Murphy why a) they canceled Space Quest 7 B ) why him and pretty much everybody at Sierra fell out of grace with Scott except myself and Leslie Balfour c) when nobody in the entire world would talk to him, I hosted him at my house in Austin, Texas and paid for him to go skydiving because he didn't have the funds d) protected him from this woman named Elizaberh Whitener who was trying to exploit him while he was in Austin, and e) personally encouraged Scott to make amends with Mark, Robin Bradley, and pretty much everybody else he ruined his personal relationships with.

 

So while you continue to bash me with no evidence at all, just pure conjecture, know this: I'm the one who told Scott he should get back together with Mark and do another Space Quest. Suddenly I never hear from him and the next thing I know I'm getting a cease and desist letter from someone I helped pull out of the gutter, LITERALLY.

 

Go ahead, rant and rave about me. I realize you guys have nothing better to do, but those are the facts. If you want me to go on a Pod Cast with either one or both of them I'm perfectly willing to do that. This will be my only post.

 

It's very easy to take cheap shots at somebody behind their back, and it's also pretty low.

 

If anybody knows me, they know what kind of person I am and how altruistic my intentions are. So go ahead, poke all the fun you want....

 

Mr. Trowe,

 

Let me start by saying I respect the fact that you are willing to come here and post, whether to defend yourself or not. And you are right, we know very little in comparison to you, considering your history and relationship with Scott Murphy. I'll even admit, perhaps in my first post just above, regarding this issue, I was being a bit careless and taking a bit of a premature stance, without knowing everything that is going on.

 

I realize that you said this would be your only post here, but in case you're stopping by at all just to read anything that happens next, please consider the following which I would like to say in response to that post, and it does come from the heart:

 

You are a public figure, at least to us "kids" you are. Your initial comment as posted on Ken Allen's wall regarding the Two Guys, carried alot of negative vibe in the way it was phrased. It sounded much like jealousy at the fact that a mere fan was getting attention from Scott Murphy, and not yourself. It reeked of envy classic and old as known in every human story and legend. As you put it, in such similar words, 'some guy he doesn't even know, and not [you].'

 

It would indeed be foolish for us to assume that we know you, nor that we understand your merit vs. unmerit completely, based upon a single comment, and judging what from else you have to say about Scott Murphy, it seems you are convinced that you have your reasons for being upset with him, and Mr. Trowe, I will not challenge that, because I admit that would be nosy and imprudent of me; however...

 

You consider the way you phrased that comment, and posted it for the whole online community of fans, and try and tell me honestly that you haven't made a public and hurtful mistake.

 

REALLY, if you're mad at Scott for something he did/didn't do to you, way back when, then keep it between yourself and him, and if he doesn't want to talk about it, that's between the two of you... And, when you DO decide to post things like that in public, don't do so in a way which allows other indications of jealousy or bitterness to creep in, which is directed at a fan, in front of hundreds of fans. We admire and respect Scott Murphy and Mark Crowe, and we ourselves, like Chris Pope, are fans. It is only natural for us to want to jump up and defend him when we see this. I'll admit that some people here have gone overboard and I do not approve of the intensity of their responses, but you must know, for your own good (not excusing our mistakes here at this board towards you, but...), you must know that as a public figure, your degree of unprofessional behavior is naturally more offensive than ours.

 

Ask yourself, who is it you're more angry with; with whom is your anger most appropriate: Scott Murphy or Chris Pope? Bashing Chris, by subtle implication or mere thoughtless remark, does no good for your reputation with us. And, if your anger with Scott IS appropriate, and yet so long ago and personal to the two of you, is it not such poor etiquette to make a scene in front of all of us, just when Scott Murphy is getting set for a new project we are all greatly looking forward to?

 

If it's none of our business, don't bring US, into it, Mr. Trowe.

 

This having been said, I find it very, VERY sad (and I am speaking from the heart, not for the sake of further criticizing you) that you are willing to post old trash about Scott here, in front of all of us, that is really quite personal and hurtful. Even if for the sake of defending yourself, and clarifying what is, in your mind, rational behavior on your part in front of the community, there is NO EXCUSE for this kind of harmful flaunting of personal, sensitive information.

 

Slander is false, Gossip is true; regardless of which one you claim to be pushing forth about Scott; both are wrong and inappropriate for you to parade. It's quite immature of you, and it shows your friendship for Scott, if I dare infer, is less selfless than desirable. I wonder what he would have to say regarding your "friendship," knowing you're willing to take such cheap shots at him. You should be the better man, and realize the effect you have on Scott publicly, which may be irreversible once you cross a certain line, and wouldn't it be horrible if you came to realize you could never undo the damage you cause to his reputation, having burned it into the minds of the online community, even after you realize you were inappropriate?

 

One can be right, and at the same time, be a... jackass. Being correct about the facts and going about it in a justified and respectable manner, are two completely different things. I think you're hung up on the fact stage, and being a little thoughtless as to how you're coming across and whom you're affecting.

 

Very sad, Mr. Trowe, but I do respect your personal knowledge of/with Scott Murphy (assuming any of it is true, and for the record, I do NOT simply out of principal!), and do not wish to dig into that any deeper. I nonetheless stand behind my initial comment regarding the tone of your remark, and of how it was misfired partially at Chris Pope, and I certainly stand behind what I've said here regarding your SAD and distasteful kick in the nuts you've given Scott Murphy, at this public message board, regarding some of the apparently most personal and sensitive information (To Scott Murphy: I respect you very much, am looking forward to your game very much, and I do not believe everything I hear).

 

I may be somewhat of a kid, Mr. Trowe, and I may be quite unprivy to what you know; but it doesn't take much to know that what you're doing and the way you're doing it is malicious, regardless of if there is ANY good you see in it or of whether you are correct about it to ANY degree. You must act higher than this. I stand behind that, and I encourage you to take these words very seriously if you have any heart.

 

- Johnathon

[Spikey]

One of the best posts I've read in years, Johnathon- kudos Sir.

 

Paul- you said you won't reply, so OK. And Johnathon has summed it up already. But since I started this topic I'll post my 2 cents. I actually like you, what you've done so far and are trying to achieve. I'm disappointed to hear your, for want of a better word, rants, given that my aim was for the air to be cleared so we could move on from accusations and quiet whispers (divisiveness in the "new Sierra" community).

 

So you know, I'm a LSL1VGA Kickstarter funder. I pledged $100 (that I don't really have, BTW), because I feel it's worth it and I love Josh and Al to pieces. They've been generous to me over the years, too.

 

So while you have them, don't waste them. This opportunity will NOT come along again.

 

I will continue to fund LSL Kickstarter projects and try to do the others. but stay positive. Stay community minded. I understand your frustrations at the Two Guys, even if I don't know the personal situations and complex machinations of your relationships, but they have made decisions and that's the reality of the game. So what's done is done. Calling names will not make you look good or professional, and it certainly won't give them incentive to sign on board with you or Replay in the future.

 

I am going to put this one down to past frustrations on your part (legitimate or otherwise) and possibly a lack of sleep due to your frenetic work on LSL1/Kickstarter, but if you're serious about a united Sierra community at some point, I probably speak for more than just myself when I say that I don't want to see a repeat. There's just nothing to be gained for you, for them, and for the fans. You've seen the comments in this thread, whether you've enjoyed them or not. They're the future of companies like Replay reviving old Sierra IP's. Listen to them.

 

I will close by saying that there have been some comments in this thread that could be construed as slanderous or offensive, and as the starter of the topic and a senior member of the Sierra community, I take responsibility for that and apologise. Because I want to see you continue to do great things with the old IP. You're the only person who has been able to get it and do something with it for 20 years. So, kudos to you, Paul. Hey, you liked a comment I made on Facebook. I can't be all bad. Let's work hand in hand to make money and (re)make some great games.

[jfrisby]

I don't know whether it's possible, but I'd just like to suggest this thread be wiped for marketing reasons and possible incoming scrutiny in general (on behalf of all parties involved). It's gotten a bit inappropriate all-around for something near the top of the list of threads here.

 

My apologies to Paul, for my joking-insinuations -- of course I have no idea of the situation. That said, this sounds like a subject that no one should be engaged in publicly, baited with Facebook comments or otherwise, let alone forum threads. Bringing this into the public arena [for any reason], the day after the LSL Kickstarter finished, can only serve to harm Scott & Mark (and really all future Sierra-related-esque efforts).

[Troels Pleimert]

For my personal sake, I wouldn't like to see this page wiped. Even though we're linked to from the Guys From Andromeda website, this is still a fan forum and free opinions are encouraged.

 

As for the rest of the debacle, I stand by my sarcastic outbursts. Paul's wording in his post suggests he has no intentions of taking the high road in any of this. I'm glad to see that all of you, however, do.

 

With that said, I have said my piece and I have nothing more to add.

[drdrslashvohaul]

I don't know whether it's possible, but I'd just like to suggest this thread be wiped for marketing reasons and possible incoming scrutiny in general (on behalf of all parties involved). It's gotten a bit inappropriate all-around for something near the top of the list of threads here.

 

Oh, hells no.

 

In all seriousness, deleting stuff like this, "covering it up", or trying to pretend things didn't happen is absolutely the wrong way to go. With social media, any comment you make on it is in the public domain. Johnathon summed it up perfectly, in my opinion. While we may not be aware of all the facts, the minute you publish your comments you make it fair game. In my opinion. Even if a lot of that speculation can be hurtful or potentially down-right libellous.

 

As I said, having read over some of the comments over previous years, I would dare to suggest that there has been a lot of bitching, squabbling and less than gentlemanly behaviour from all sides.

 

But then it would appear, and this is just an hypothesis, that these guys are humans and may be fallible. But this is unconfirmed by official sources.

[Paul Trowe]

Hey gang!!! So I just checked this page again and wow, you guys are really cool!! Why? Because youv'e shown me that I was being a *real* first class dick. For that, I sincerely apologize to everybody. You guys made me realize that bringing stuff up from the past is no way to live your life and mud slinging is just that....dirty, and it doesn't belong. I'm going to take all of your advice and apologize to anybody I've done any harm to. I do, honestly, wish nothing but the best for Mark & Scott. I had a long talk with Josh this morning and he, along with you guys, made me see the light.

 

So, while everything is in "print" forever, at least I have a chance, before this thread gets wiped, to say I wasn't in my right mind when I wrote that. I was working under 35 days on virtually no sleep. I lashed out at a lot of people that day, this forum included. And for that, again, I'm sincerely sorry.

 

All I can say is that none of us are perfect and we're all a "work in progress" as one of my mentors says. And I can tell you, nothing negative will ever come out of my mouth about anything these guys are doing EVER again.

 

You guys are awesome for pointing that out to me and I do owe every single one of you a debt of gratitude. THANK YOU!!! I can't promise I'll have time to check this thread again but at least I got this chance to read all of this and do my best to make amends.

 

Sincerely,

-Paul Trowe

[pcj]

Hey, cool man. Mad props to you for admitting you screwed up. We definitely appreciate it, and you. :)

[mjomble]

Yay! We fixed Paul Trowe! :D

[Troels Pleimert]

Paul, that was really awesome of you and that took balls. I'm glad to see you embrace the collaborative and reconcillatory spirit that permeates this whole new phenomenon. With that, I would like to apologize for my insinuations (in case you get a chance to read this). Let's put the nonsense behind us and concentrate on the future. Everything is possible when you're not afraid to ask for a little help.

[ChrisPope]

Hey guys! First off, thanks for all your support in all of this. It means a lot to everyone involved that the community is so passionate about everything going on. It is important to me personally that you understand a few things from my end.

 

I am 100% a massive fan of Sierra and especially the Space Quest series, as you might already know if you listened to the interview. I will not deny that some of you guys could run circles around me in your knowledge of Space Quest and it's universe! I also want to make it clear that I do feel lucky every day of my life getting to work with a couple of guys that I have idolized all these years.. but in saying that.. as we rednecks say here in the south, this ain't my first rodeo. And I didn't get pulled on with these guys because of being in the right place at the right time.

 

I work one on one with people in the entertainment industry as a social media publicist. I also work as a producer on certain projects. I work mostly with people involved in Movies/TV or the Video Game area of the entertainment industry. My job is to help create excitement around things and I know I am blessed beyond belief to work from home and do this type of work for a living. As far as who I work with, I'm not gonna name drop here, partly because I can't, but mostly because.. well whats the point? As far as video games go I will tell you that I work with or have worked with people of Blizzard, Valve, Disney, and yes... even Vivendi. I encourage you to learn more about me.. hopefully it won't bore you too much. I will say, I'm not Christopher John Pope(the sex offender) from Savannah Georgia!!! Just for the record! >.> But I say google away if you'd like.

 

Scott and Mark spent a lot of time talking with me, as well as talking with each other about me. They checked me out just like I encourage you to before choosing to work with me. After many many hours of talking, a company was formed “Guys From Andromeda LLC”. It is a legitimate business, please feel free to check the public records on that. We have and are hiring people to help with the game(s) that are being planned. Some involved are ex-Sierra employees, but ALL others are space quest fans! That point was something I requested from those guys before we began down this road. It is VERY important to me that everything is up on the table with you guys.

 

And in saying that... heck, I'm just super excited to see adventure games making a come back! Being involved means the world to me, which is why I hope everyone knows that I am making it a mission to keep all the fans informed on things that are going on. As a kid it was my dream to work for Sierra as I'm sure a lot of yours, which is another reason why I want to make sure everyone knows I am an advocate for the fans. I think we can all agree that in order for Scott and Mark to make things successful, there needs to be someone to manage all the fan interactions, right? The fact that so many people are so passionate about all this is the same reason why Scott and Mark having some help manage things is so important. I also want to say, that I do realize I am only one person. I can miss things, so thank you all for pointing things out!

 

Please continue to think positive! I have no ill will for anyone that’s trying to bring back adventure games! I don't care if my name should become mud with the community, if it means that I can play the kind of games I grew up playing with my kids, I say bring it on :)

 

Anyone who has worked to see adventure games come back into this world is okay in my book, despite anything that is said about me. Scott and Mark have read this thread, but for the most part I have asked them to PLEASE keep plugging away at what they are brewing up for everyone! But I promise you this, if you guys want them to reply to this thread, I can ask them to do it.. or if you would rather them keep plugging away so that they can bring you something really cool and exciting within the next few days then let me know.

 

I promise to let them, as Scott says “make a game that they would want to play” and not control their creative vision. But I also promise to relay feedback to them constantly. This game will be made with the original Two Guys working together... not the Two Guys and Chris Pope. Myself, I just want to see another fun hilarious game made by two of my heroes from back in the day. I can already tell you, their chemistry is still there!! You won't be disappointed!

 

Please feel free to let me know your thoughts and feelings. I have no problem discussing most things publicly. But you can also email me at Chris AT guysfromandromeda DOT com. And upon request, I'll even Skype or have a phone call with you if you'd like.

 

Thanks guys!

 

Chris Pope

[Troels Pleimert]

Personally, I'm most interested in letting the past be the past and moving on. We've got shit to do, right? :)

[pcj]

As long as they're aware of what's going on, I understand them focusing on other things now.

 

(Though if they stopped by and said hi that would be cool too)

 

Thanks, Chris.

[MusicallyInspired]

Bravo, Paul. Cheers! Let's all be friends now. :) And that was a great post as well, Chris. We're learning more about everybody involved (and not involved) every day!

[billybob476]

Indeed, no time to waste on infighting. At the end of the day everyone wants the same thing. Let's focus on great games!

[pcj]

At the end of the day everyone wants the same thing. Let's focus on great games!

And ice cream...

[Troels Pleimert]

And ice cream...

 

Oh, sure. Gotta have ice cream.

[billybob476]

Oh, sure. Gotta have ice cream.

 

Well that goes without saying.

[Monolith_Pig]

Thanks and much appreciation for those posts Paul & Chris!

 

Now lets unite in bringing back quality adventure gaming! :D

[Zorky]

I want Sierra 2.0 like someone said and star trek holodeck with softporn adventure......But hey I’m all for you guys coming out of retirement this is by far the best year for adventure gamers and as for paul words I think he choose poorly since Jane started her own studio and they promote that in there videos and never has he said why didn’t you join us for sierra 2.0 so why attack two guys......and a girl and a pizza place…… hehe pun intended.