Simple enough, really. When it comes down to it, most of the people reporting news in this industry are simply very vocal fans. There are exceptions, of course, but even at places like IGN or Gamespot, there can be a stunning lack of professional standards. Places like E3, which are ostensibly for industry professionals, are sometimes viewed as playgrounds by rookie reporters. And the credibility and integrity of reviewers is constantly brought into question.
And for the most part, people are fine with it. Yes, there is the occassional bit of seriously messed-up journalism that gets people riled up, but even the most vocal and popular critics of the industry are little better, in a strictly professional sense, than the people they criticize. More often than not, it's simply a matter of where your loyalties lie. And if there's not a demand for it, is there really a need for it either?
For instance, I really like Jim Sterling. He's insightful, intelligent, and passionate...and he's also incredibly opinionated and unprofessional. The only person I can think of that might hold himself to actual standards and still retain some popularity is Adam Sessler, but it might be I'm simply considering him due to my own biases.
Is there room in this industry for reporting and discussion that is actually fair and balanced, and holds itself to serious standards? Or are we just more comfortable with opinions and impressions from our peers?
I believe in honesty, civility, generosity, practicality, and impartiality.
