I'm leaving out the final paragraph because I feel that's a separate matter. I understand the gripe with that last paragraph but I don't think it's the main thrust of rampancy's post.

But I agree with what was said, for the most part. Not by intention, but by neglect have we lost some of the feel of how it used to was. Shoot, I think I even mentioned the EHints thread specifically earlier in this thread, as something I'd like to see get a bit more lovin'. Or some other recent thread. Last week at any rate.

The thing is, that EHints thread - and similar ones of old - makes me feel like the store is being run by people who are as dorky about games as we are. Not doing it because "Hey - these gamers have money!" but because they love this shit as much as we do, and 'ohbytheway maybe we can earn a living while hanging out with game dorks like us'.

And look, even after the folks went over there and had their sit-downs and copious notes were taken and many nods were given, how many people have asked a simple question about a brand new AAA release - Elex - and have yet to get an answer on whether or not the gOg version got the Day One patch? Two possible answers: Yes. No. Can't get a simple answer on a ~$50 title?

Well, here ya go, boys and girls. 8th reply yesterday, someone asked about the patch. And five people so far have asked, so let's call it $250 in revenue waiting for a one-word answer. 20 words should they want to explain if it's No.

Two different issues WRT interaction with us, I know, but those 6 chairs are still warm from the visit. Talking to the community - whether for fun or to answer a significant do-I-buy-or-don't-I-buy-the-$50-game question - isn't difficult. It used to feel like the store had a bit of a personality, but now - outside of us regulars and our conversations - it just feels like a store. And when they don't answer a $250-and-counting question for over 24 hours, it's a store that isn't paying quite the attention to its storefront as it should. I mean, they started the NEWS thread, so shouldn't someone be monitoring it AND answering purchase-related questions? Or did they hire Marzooker for the NEWS threads?

But anyway, assuming they get on it with regard to answering sales questions (and that's an assumption, not a certainty), it wouldn't hurt to have some fun gOg-initiated conversation about game stuff... and they need not have any sort of giveaway affiliation. Kinda prefer they didn't, to be honest. Would just be nice to feel like we're buying stuff from people who eat and breathe games like many around here do. Make it feel more like the local store, ya know? It doesn't need to be a weekly barrage, but how about a few times a year they start a conversation about our hobby? When I make these completely optional purchases, I want to buy from folks who are openly and genuinely enthusiastic about what they sell.

Last, the EHints thread problem has a simple solution that will probably work: politely ask people not to post spoilers.

Okay, this is last, for real. I know the above sounds a bit needy - "Why won't they talk to us?!? <sob>" - but I like games. They aren't a necessity. No one I know in-person, except for one nephew, plays games like I do. So it's kinda like going to the local hobby shop and shooting the bull with the owner about rockets and trains and sniffing model airplane glue, er, never mind that last part. Or you can make the same purchase anonymously on Amazon or at WalMart. I prefer the first option: it keeps my enthusiasm high. And that's not just the glue talking.