The are many reasons why we've all joined Giant Bomb.com. But one of the biggest is no doubt the Kane And Lynch saga that occurred a few months ago. But what happened happened and thats water under the bridge. It left a bad taste in my mouth though and for me it highlighted a practice that has long existed in the video gaming media: expecting high scores for a game in return for providing an exclusive.

Its been happening for years. The Gamespot incident in the beginning of the year wasnt the first time it's happened, but it leaves you questioning your loyalty to those who you see as your eyes and ears into the world of upcoming video game products. Do they really have your best interests in mind? Would you be right in trusting their opinion on a game, a game that you will spend your hard earned money on?

I know I questioned Gamespot after that. I was a paid subscriber there and I left soon after Jeff went. Not only because he left, but the overall disrespectful treatement they gave their customers during the days after. I feel for those who were still there (and for a few I still do) but I believe as soon as we saw Ryan, Alex and eventually Brad and Vinny resign the heart of everything I enjoyed about that site was gone. In the weeks after I really didnt miss the site much, and considering I visited the site at length at least twice a day that surprised me.

Recently we've seen IGN bend over and show similar treatment to Grand Theft Auto 4.....as if GTA4 needs to be promised a high score! Again, their treatment of their readers after the Hilary Goldstein incident left another bad taste in my mouth and I stopped going there. Same result.. Didnt miss the site.. and I dont miss the podcasts (and Im a HUGE podcast listener). Funnily enough when the review scores started flooding in after the non-IGN media embargos lifted, Justin Calvert's Gamespot review score was re-adjusted from a 9.5 to a 10. Another case of advertising dollars being a bigger priority over integrity?

These two incidents made me trust the sites I trust more. I go to two sites for my gaming news, reviews and podcasts. Giantbomb.com and 1up.com. Simply because I know the people who run those sites do not let advertising dollars influence their reviews. Call me old fashioned, but integrity means a hell of a lot to me. And I'm happy to call this new Giant Bomb.com a home for me and my gaming needs. I know we wont get screwed around and treated like mushrooms - kept in the dark and fed on s**t.

So thanks Jeff, Brad, Vinny and Ryan. If you ever feel like having a ton of sports drinks, candy or HP Sauce (Brad) sent over, let me know. Its the least I can do.

Dan