[Stallion]

My thoughts on Benji's casting are simple
I enjoy watching his casts especially the ones like at city hunter where we get to see some players come in and cast too.
The things I'd like to see benji improve on saying that is fairly simple. Try to be less biased I know Benji knows he is and probably is trying to tune it down but still needs to be said. I Also feel within XgKing though there's a perferance on the original team. Like at the most recent cityhunter in mafia vs pokerface I felt you were being harsh on pokerface and supportive of mafia. I think if anything this should be the other way around. You added these players to your roster to strengthen your team and I feel as the caster manager you want the new additions to take down the old members to make them all want to practice and get better. Also having said this I know i love going for the underdog i do live in new zealand and we love underdogs cos we always are :P

Quick Comments

	asdfSchnitzel:	<3 you man! :D
	ToRSmotPokingFish:	in rugby you aint underdogs :p
	foxmeep:	being expected to choke isn't the same as being an underdog :P
	Dox:	lol i just saw your sig <3

[Dox]

Damn! I was wondering if it had anything to do with Rossi getting a free invite to WCG 2011 lol. Oh well!

[Apth]

eDrama aside - I'm gonna address this directly to Benji in an effort to provide some constructive criticism.

From what I've watched of your casting - which has been a fair bit - you focus too much on the negative. I mentioned this offhandedly in the chat for SGL, which you picked up on, and I'd like to elaborate a bit.

People enjoy being happy and excited. That's kind of a no brainer. Focusing on positive aspects of play serves two purposes -
• You avoid alienating supporters of the player you're being down on
• You generate a positive atmosphere

To get a little more specific, and admittedly hypothetical, if Player A crushes Player B in an engagement, my impression of your casting is that you will tend to focus more on how badly Player B did, rather than how well Player A did.

What I would suggest is attempting to skew your casting more in favour of positive comments - even if someone has a really trashy engagement, you can always put positive spin on it - it's a tournament, they're under pressure, other aspects of their game have been really strong, etc etc - and of course you have the option of elucidating how fantastic Player A's micro or positioning was.

In summary - the feel/atmosphere of your casts is a bit... mean. As a viewer, I want to walk away from a game thrilled at how epic it was. I don't need to be told how bad someone did, or how left of field their decisions were.

I sincerely hope you take that on board, because your presentation, enthusiasm and persistence are all fantastic. Switching up your attitude a little will - for me personally - make you a pleasure to watch.

./2c

Quick Comments

	Maynarde:	Excellent post
	SLCN.Kez:	Well said
	Dox:	Excellent post
	FaDeBadger:	Well said
	iM yang:	Excellent post
	VoxMSI.Rogue:	well said
	Asrathiel:	Excellent post
	ROOTPetraeus:	Excellent post... oh shit
	Fourby:	Excellent post
	x5_dot:	Excellent said
	nirvAnA:	.................................................. ......... (combo breaker!)
	Bash:	Nirv will pay.
	asdfSchnitzel:	Mo excellence
	ToRSmotPokingFish:	Great post :)
	wolf:	Well post
	ToRSpartaz:	Excellent Post
	FaDeKerrigan:	Expected nothing less from the Manner Man!
	TAScarecrow:	some CBT would do wonders
	NOM:
	xGKingdelete:
	Synizta:
	Champi:	yes :)

[iSt]

Originally Posted by TargA

some of them even dislikes Dox ( for the same reason of being biased.)

maybe they are just jealous cause he's the organiser of the year

[RicocheT]

I don't want to jump on the hate bandwagon or anything, but there's just one thing that I can't stand about Benji's casting which is his Xtreme bias to xGKing. Yes, I understand he's the manager of xGKing, but when he's the one casting events as the main caster, he shouldn't have such huge bias towards xGKing when casting (i.e SEA league.).

If there was another thing that Benji could use work with, it would definately also have to be his negativity. Also treat you're viewers better, we're watching to see the players, not hear you tarnish their playstyle/build order or whatever. Yes some people will try un-orthodox strategies and methods, doesn't mean their builds or whatever are trash.

Hopefully you read all the criticism and look forward to more positive fun filled less-biased casting.

2c

[TAXanT]

The notable criticism I have is what other people have already mentioned, the frustratingly biased casting. It has got to the point that when I'm watching Cityhunter/whatever tournament it may be that benji is casting i'll mute the sound whilst an xGKing player is in a game because all that will be pointed out is how well one of his players is going no matter how bad they'll play and like it's been mentioned already I feel it takes credit away from the opposition which is simply unfair.

xGKing boasts some of the best players in the SEA community so they generally tend to do very well in tournaments and make it to the final stages of them. I just find it annoying that other players will fight hard to get to the same point only to have their skills overshadowed/uncredited at times because they are not under his team.

This may not be Benji's intention and sure if you are a team mananger you want them to do well and cheer them on but it doesn't change that one of the principles of being a caster is to be strictly unbiased.

I think he is a good caster and obviously devotes much of his time to the SEA community, but if he wants to grow as a caster this is something that needs to be addressed as it's clearly bothering a lot of people.

That being said this thread has suprisingly produced plenty of constructive criticism for Benji to listen to and I hope he does as I believe he'll be seen in a much more positive light from SC2SEA. It would be a shame for all of this to be swept under the rug so to speak.

[PiG]

As someone who has supported Benji's stream and promotion of SEA since he first introduced me to sc2sea I don't feel this is the appropriate place for me to voice any concerns I have. I will be giving him some private advice via skype later on today.

What I do want to ask is that the "arrogant prick", "idiot" etc. be left out. This sort of criticism isn't constructive but that being said, not everyone is as diplomatic as I so I won't say you need to stop it. Just a few of you could be more diplomatic IF you want a higher chance of Benji taking the criticism positively.

I would ask Benji to look past those comments and past rivalries with other teams and players and instead really take on-board some of the criticism. Don't necessarily fix everything at once to morph yourself into Tastosis: the culmination of 20 years in eSports and 2 professional gamers. That isn't realistic. But the main things to change is really quite small and subtle attitude changes and small adjustments to honestly try to present yourself and your ideas in a better manner.

Quick Comments

	Apth:
	ToRSpartaz:	Sage
	FvRsolis:	:)
	Maynarde:	Werd.
	iM yang:	wow so bm
	syfChadMann:	:P <- For yang's rep.
	nirvAnA:	such a boss!!
	asdfSchnitzel:
	ToRSmotPokingFish:	PiG ever the wise one :p
	xGKingdelete:
	EveVendetta:	Excellent Said

[Meatex]

It's weird but I don't feel the bias is too much for me most of the time
Granted I don't pay full attention when watching streams as I'm usually multitasking and I do notice some things

eg. when he says that his team is going to win easily in next week's matches not only does that insult the other team - even if it may be true, its about the wording - it makes viewers less keen to tune in.
There are times in SEA events where you'll be casting a diamond versus an xGKing player and yes the diamond player likely doesn't have a chance but when casting its your job to get the viewer excited!
One player may be "favoured" but doesn't mean an upset is totally off the cards and if you insist that it is then viewers will tune out

[Xenomorph]

I would like to add to this discussion. Benji - I like what you've done for SEA man, but it was pretty wrong of you to put down my players and sometimes not even focus on them in the game (Iaguz vs Sungin SEAPL match in particular). The situation I had with Soulman aswell, was I thought a lot messier than it needed to be (See **) and I really thought you could have bee a bit more lenient in the early stages of negotiations. All up though, your casting is good, but you need to consider the other player, not just xGKing's, as this may also help you coach your players if you see a weakness in their build/general play because of the opponents build.

** The xGKing vs SPR Soulman situation **

For our SEAPL match vs xGking, I had decided that we needed RS(Rising Star's) Soulman as ace, so that we would have the most optimal chance of taking the match. However, Soulman could only play on the Thursday, so the match would need to be delayed. Benji, however, said absolutely not and suggested that I needed to replace him. This to me seemed pretty harsh, and I tried to explain to him that I went to a LOT of trouble to get him to play (Korean Pro-gamers are so busy) and that I would really appreciate it if he could be more lenient considering the situation.
To make this situation worse, only 5/10 of our rosters players could actually play that week, so replacement was not an option. It was then, and ONLY then that Benji had asked his players whether the match could be delayed. He then said that Soulman could only play the Daybreak match (not the ace match) as only one of his players could do Thursday. I accepted these terms, as this was my only option and he then explained that he knew he was coming off as a bit of a d*ck about this, but its just that he thought it was very 'unproffesional' to delay matches, I agreed to an extent with this. On Tuesday night however, something very ironic happened, xGKingLight couldn't turn up to the match time due to him being called into work at last minute (it's ok Light bro, I fully understand ) and he then requested the match to be delayed. What I'm getting at is, this can be related to Soulman's situation as he is at work (Pro- gaming team) and cannot make the match time aswell. So Benji, you really shoulda been more lenient and understanding man.**

P.S. Sry for long post, just wanted to explain my side of things

Quick Comments

	TAriiChard:
	Snx.FigJig:

[ROOT`iaguz]

Well this is awkward....

I do agree on the bias thing. The casters job first and foremost is to make the players seem ******* awesome, not just the ones you happen to like.

The second thing is not to wave your stream numbers around. No one ******* cares.

Quick Comments

	x5_dot:	LOL awkward indeed..
	inFeZa:	viewer count gets lost within the beard of madness

[ToRSpartaz]

Originally Posted by xGKingiaguz

Well this is awkward....

I do agree on the bias thing. The casters job first and foremost is to make the players seem ******* awesome, not just the ones you happen to like.

The second thing is not to wave your stream numbers around. No one ******* cares.

Out of respect for you man, this is really a valid point. Amongst other points I would like to contribute, but seriously im way too tired to be writing them today.

(Btw you were awesome at the LAN man ^^ iaguz "PIZZAAAAAAA RAAAAAAAAAAWR" )

Taking into consideration these ideas they will really help improve your casting, try not to take them to heart Benji they are aimed at helping you improve as a caster and this is why you cast man cause its for the community not just you. Every individual caster out there all has something to add to this amazing community and help in its development. Numbers DO NOT reflect the achievements and skill of the caster, every caster/streamer should be acknowledged for what they are contributing to eSports.

Just a couple of thoughts

[[TA]LoSt]

Originally Posted by FaDeRicocheT

huge bias towards xGKing when casting (i.e ACL etc.).

LOL

Didn't cast ACL man. Looks like we need a Maynarde feedback thread, getonitasap

Quick Comments

	Fourby:	Bayney fishing out BS since '12
	TAEdgE:	he needed longer hair
	RicocheT:	Crap. Well spotted LOL
	Dox:	maynarde's dreamy gaze was too freaking distracting, i couldn't focus on the game
	nirvAnA:	lol MAYNARDE FLOODGATES HAVE OPENED

[Maynarde]

Originally Posted by [TA]LoSt

LOL

Didn't cast ACL man. Looks like we need a Maynarde feedback thread, getonitasap

I welcome it Always looking to improve

Quick Comments

	cruxBsK:	This is the attitude you should have ^ with regard to feedback (not the spell)
	iM yang:	you need to be less manly so i can feel good about myself
	x5_dot:
	xGKingdelete:
	Synizta:

[cruxBsK]

I must admit when I tuned into the stream and he was like blah blah something about stream viewers and if you don't like my stream etc I personally didn't like to hear that I'm sure no one else does either apart from that the same as everyone else comments RE bias casting and putting down opponent players over highlighting awesome things the other player is doing.

I think if you can't take criticism there's no point in trying to improve what you are doing to better the community and you're casting skills there's no point casting.

[RicocheT]

Originally Posted by Maynarde

I welcome it Always looking to improve

Sexier beard.
More shouting.
???
Profit

Also edited my fail post further up, wtf was I thinking putting ACL there LOL.
Well spotted by Lost~

Quick Comments

	Maynarde:	Noted
	Kalikah:	I'd like to add take your shirt off during stream
	Champi:	seconded kalikah
	Mayo:	lold

[Rockstar]

I don't really understand why this thread exists... You can't change someones personality at the drop of a hat, nor can you mould it into something that's 100% PC and reflects the views of a whole community... The guy casts because he enjoys it, obviously... He has viewers because they enjoy it... If he respects the people criticising him in this post, he would listen. If he doesn't, he won't...

My point is if the guy doesn't respect you enough to listen to you 1 on 1, why put it in a public thread? The people whom he DOES respect COULD (if they choose) confront him 1 on 1 instead of publicly, and he may actually listen. I don't feel I'm in a position to judge/confront Benji over his casting, I don't think he'd give 2 shits what I thought if I did.

A lot of this thread seems to me an attack veiled as constructive criticism.

Quick Comments

deL:

it's out of desperation

[TAEdarus]

Originally Posted by Rockstar

The guy casts because he enjoys it, obviously... He has viewers because they enjoy it..

He has a monopoly over a lot of events.

Originally Posted by Rockstar

A lot of this thread seems to me an attack veiled as constructive criticism.

So you're saying the points raised are not valid criticisms but rather personal attacks?
In the words of the man himself, "I disagree."

[Maynarde]

Originally Posted by Rockstar

A lot of this thread seems to me an attack veiled as constructive criticism.

This thread was approved by nirvAnA and Benji himself. Please read the thread some more, most of these posts are actually quite constructive. I've learned a bit from it as well. Regarding the private message thing, apparently this avenue has already been explored. Whether or not he respects the people approaching him privately is another matter, hopefully someone he respects is posting in this thread.

Originally Posted by TAEdarus

He has a monopoly over a lot of events.

Not really? Not these days anyway.

[nirvAnA]

Time to give my thoughts on this, TGM style! (subscribers will get what i mean haha)

Stuff I like

• Persistence and presence - the only SEA caster who has stayed from the beginning till now. You didn't leave once the novelty of casting went away and are by far the most hard working caster in SEA. Without you, many events would not even be casted!
  
  
• Reliability / Dependability - Always showing up AND being punctual, never flaking or canceling at the last moment. This is fantastic work ethic that all casters should have and your dependability bearing in mind this is a volunteer position is a phenomenal asset to tournament organizers.
  
  
• Casting Voice - Easy to understand and a nice sounding casting voice. I remember back in the day when you first appeared (before xGking) with ziE mentioning you as her favourite caster and you were generally more well liked then too!
  
  
• Resourcefulness - "discovering" Xeen, Zepph and heaps of other co-casters, grooming them, teaching other casters like doble the ropes etc. Kinda like a casting mentor to some people.
  
  
• Improvement of Technicalities - Love the extra effort you put in the overlays to show player pictures / information before the games sometimes. Also loved the "homestory vibe" of the last CH lan.

Stuff which can be improved

• Biasness / Negativity - This is the biggest one for most people. As iaguz says "The casters job first and foremost is to make the players seem ******* awesome, not just the ones you happen to like." Casters can't undermine or talk down teams. They have to provide a neutral commentary for the viewer. Sure Streamers / Players on their own personal stream on the ladder can but when you cast a major SEA event, as a caster its your responsibility to provide a neutral opinion because that is what the SEA viewer is tuning into. As dox has said people also watch your stream because of the players / event and also because its listed on TL. IMO you should only ever measure a streamer's success by numbers if theres something comparable, say two streams at the same time of the same event in English but in the first place a comparison isn't even necessary just focus on being the best you can be or you end up limiting yourself.
  
  
• Jokes - Too many cocky ones which people don't find funny. If you make "jokes" against people who don't like you already, they are not going to take it well. Imo tone done on this. Sure make as many jokes off iaguz/light/mafia etc because they are your mates / team they will be okay with it but other teams are gonna take those jokes as plain insults so be careful!
  
  If you look around you have unawarely offended many teams ranging from EVE to SPR and TA. And if you were acting neutral you wouldn't have any of these problems! So yea you have to realise it is not just a few groups anymore... there are quite a large number of people who are unhappy of what you say during your casting.
  
  
• Attitude - What Dox said - "If you don't like it, don't watch my stream" and "I get more viewers than any other SEA caster so obviously it's fine" are ridiculous. People tune in to the stream because of the games being played. You're a gateway to content that people want access to.
  
  This is just the wrong attitude to have! It should be, if people like it, I will get more viewers and I am therefore a more successful / better streamer! And then evolving yourself to what people like. Of course, you don't want to care about complaints if its the minority, but if its the majority, like in this thread, and in the long-term if all the hate / negativity is going to affect your viewer numbers then you gotta start realizing something is wrong and change.
  
  
• Likability - This stems from the attitude you have. Popular casters are well liked. A popular caster gets a ton of more viewers. Casting games is already a positive thing to do be doing for the community as it takes heaps of time and dedication. If people dislike you they go "meh" each time you cast and overlook all the effort you put in. If people like you they think you are an amazing selfless individual and the whole experience seems far more rewarding. So, get on people's good sides! Be likable!

• Don't be biased, people can see you are just supporting your own team and it irks them.
• As Apth has mentioned, focus on the positive! Make the game seem FUN!
• Talk up other players /team instead of talkign down - talk about their achievements etc. For e.g instead of saying "Eve is a free win" say stuff like Eve is a upcoming team that many people underrate, in fact last season EveRekanise beat EnDerr in the last SEACL qualifications and they have many strong players who train hard on Korea. The result is Eve feels proud and happy to be recognised rather then angry at you, and you get well liked by them and get their support instead of hated. kelly once called souj a "all he does is cheese" after he beat GLaDe and he and WsWg hated her (and some still do) for a long time. It maybe just an "honest opinion" (and misinformed) to you but to the players its a lot more then that, these offensive words stick with people for awhile!
• Don't wave your stream numbers around or talk down other SEA streamers, again it makes people mad instead of happy no need to put others down.
• Don't make jokes of other teams you are not tight with as they will get offended.

Basically ask yourself what would Day 9 do!

What I hope to see

There's a lot of good posts in this thread, most of it has been constructive and from many different walks of the community. I hope you don't view it as a lynching and block out everything but rather take it as good feedback and use it as an opportunity to evolve as a streamer. It was also quite necessary because all the backlash was spilling out in a negative manner in various parts of sc2sea and by various different people to the point where it was getting out of control with random jabs in irrelevant threads. Hopefully this thread will help stop that from happening again in the future.

Imo the first change will be acceptance that there is indeed something wrong, please don't take it the wrong way and blame the community for being terrible, we are not and a lot of us like myself have taken the time to write up posts to help you. The next stage will be the decision to change/improve yourself which will result in your casting improving. That will lead to your stream improving which results in the SEA community embracing you and you getting more viewers, which is good for your stream viewer count, your sponsors and the community. Its a win win for everyone and IMO you have been holding back because you weren't aware of the majority of people's perception until this thread but now that you are please don't "block it out."

I hope to see some changes for the better for yourself and everyone.

Quick Comments

	x5_dot:
	ToRSmotPokingFish:
	mGGSouth:
	wolf:	boss post
	Kringe:	Dem colors and dem titles
	deL:	Covers most of my own thoughts :)
	JoFritzMD:	If benji only looks at one post, I want it to be this one.
	FaDeKerrigan:
	NOM:
	xGKingdelete:
	BaKaiNu:	Do you know that you're awesome? :)
	Nemo:	Boss style :)
	Champi:	good post
	crAzerk:	What Would Day9 Do? WWDD?
	Mayo:	^^^

[x5_dot]

Originally Posted by Maynarde

Quote:
Originally Posted by TAEdarus
He has a monopoly over a lot of events.
Not really? Not these days anyway.

That's cos Maynarde's bossing it up!