SC2SEA.com - Starcraft 2 SEA eSports Community Site

NDG.Stitch · Tue, 21st-Feb-2012, 11:28 AM

What I admire about Benji:

Certainly he's been doing and has done a lot of things for SEA. He's managing a team that has a lot of potential to go international, and he's also raised SEA up to many around the world. I believe he's done the most SEA advertising, be it only focused on Australia or actually SEA, he's really done well on doing so. I think his dedication to his job as a caster/manager is extremely great, and requires a lot of effort in sustaining his role. Speaking honestly, I don't think that any other caster from SEA has promoted this server as much as him. So kudos to Benji for being so amazing.

My Criticism:

I think for many like me, I've had criticisms for Benji ever since the start, but I was too scared or intimidated to speak about it. First of all, I think that Benji is not that open-minded to people. From my perspective, I think that Benji has a habit of only working with people he likes, which are rarely from places outside of Australia especially. Secondly, I do agree with the majority that Benji often looks down on other players/teams. I think as a caster or a manager, this is a really bad habit to have since your opinion can easily influence your audience or your team, and I believe over-confidence for a team that is still pretty new is not a good thing. I've watched Benji's stream quite a number of times, whenever I see a player from xGKing, the atmosphere of his casts are really biased towards his own players, and that makes me completely feel like that xGKing player is absolutely amazing compared to the opposing player. Thirdly, about Benji's casting, it may be a bit opinionized for me since I'm also a caster. Coming from the really SG's style of casting (whom I really learned from HDPhoenix), I find Benji a bit too factual with his commentaries. I'd like to know about the build orders or what the player is thinking, but the main point about casting is to entertain the crowd. I think that if Benji could use more excitement with his casts or find a very energized co-caster, it would really make his stream a lot more interesting. This is just how I like to watch my replays, this is why I like watching even Korean's cast (even thought I don't understand) because they are very exciting and it grabs my attention with the emotion that the caster inputs on the game. Lastly from an SPR side's perspective, we've also had some issues with Benji when trying to organize matches. He wasn't allowing games to be postponed or to be moved later without really thinking about that they were already ahead in points on the tournament. This lead to a lot of negativity in SPR towards Benji, so I hope that he sees that not just players, but clans are also not really happy with him.

Just some thoughts, I could probably go on and on!

But overall, Benji is definitely a very very important figure around here, I don't think SC2SEA would get as much spotlight if it weren't for him.

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Flamga · Tue, 21st-Feb-2012, 11:32 AM

I had a talk to a couple people about this, just for the sake of discussion, and I think its more that people dont want to tell him any criticism. Honestly would love him to come on board and try his best to just get rid of the habbits posted above and would be awesome to watch!!

But in the end it is up to Benji to ask for this, we can state our opinions, but as long as he pulls the viewers who am I to complain?

**nGenLight** · Tue, 21st-Feb-2012, 11:32 AM

While all criticism towards Benji has their valid points (Pinder makes some very good points), I am aware the situation is getting exaggerated because well, he is Benji. This is what happens to those in the spotlight, see Kellymilkies.

However, as he is the face of SEA casters, improvements does need to be made so that his reputation does not worsen and follow the hate-train towards SEA's ex-premiere castress.

Although I do have to say that Benji does actually listen to criticism, at least from people like myself, and when it doesn't come with "You are an arrogant prick" - Which is hard for anyone to listen to.

But I don't agree with a "If you don't like me, don't listen to me" attitude. No body likes that, and it supports the negative characteristics people are suggesting. =/

My personal opinion with Benji's casting is that yes although he does exhibit some things that People are claiming (I personally get annoyed when he misses something genius I'm doing lol), but he also shows the level of a veteran caster. We are quick to criticize him, But when was the last time anyone sang him any praise at all? It's hard to "listen" when all you get is shit.

Just my own two cents.

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	breadfan:	well said
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Asrathiel · Tue, 21st-Feb-2012, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xGKingLight

when it doesn't come with "You are an arrogant prick" - Which is hard for anyone to listen to.

No one's gonna be open to listening to someone who says stuff like that, no matter how valid their other points may be.

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TABag:

I tend to disagree, would depend on the personality of the person involved..

simon · Tue, 21st-Feb-2012, 11:36 AM

benjis bias and arrogance aside he isnt a good caster at all. The analytical side of his casting leaves much be desired. There is a reason why in the last year casters like apollo/bitter/rotti/day9/total biscuit are still in such high demand and the herp derp casters like jp mcknownothing and dj i only have a job in sc2 as a caster because ive been in the industry for 10 years wheat have been getting less and less time in front of the camera. THIS needs to happen in sea where the good casters get rewarded...for being good and despite all of benjis "efforts" it does not entitle him to anything. benjis practice of protectionism is another issue that people have brought up which also needs to stop. actively going out of your way to ensure you are the premier casting brand in sea by any means necessary does not sit well with many people.

also his standard response of "its the same people saying the same shit"

i think he should take a look at strafes post and all its up votes.

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foxmeep · Tue, 21st-Feb-2012, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simon

benjis bias and arrogance aside he isnt a good caster at all. The analytical side of his casting leaves much be desired. There is a reason why in the last year casters like apollo/bitter/rotti/day9/total biscuit are still in such high demand and the herp derp casters like jp mcknownothing and dj i only have a job in sc2 as a caster because ive been in the industry for 10 years wheat have been getting less and less time in front of the camera. THIS needs to happen in sea where the good casters get rewarded...for being good and despite all of benjis "efforts" it does not entitle him to anything. benjis practice of protectionism is another issue that people have brought up which also needs to stop. actively going out of your way to ensure you are the premier casting brand in sea by any means necessary does not sit well with many people.

also his standard response of "its the same people saying the same shit"

i think he should take a look at strafes post and all its up votes.

please tell me it was an accident that you related total biscuit to game analysis...that guy is a sardine when it comes to game knowledge.

on topic - whilst i agree that benji has areas to work on, i think it's a bit silly to presume that you can force him to change because he's the only regular caster in sea. the real answer is for more people to step up to the position.

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	Dox:	lol @ the use of "sardine"
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simon · Tue, 21st-Feb-2012, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foxmeep

please tell me it was an accident that you related total biscuit to game analysis...that guy is a sardine when it comes to game knowledge.

He obviously isnt analytical in the slightest. but he does however continue to get work as he is a very popular play by play caster. hes good as his niche in the casting world where as benji doesnt really fit into any niche other than being the most disliked personality in SEA.

Quick Comments

Kalikah:

well there's other play by play casters who fill the niche of being likeable!

Bash · Tue, 21st-Feb-2012, 11:39 AM

i think there were plenty of good reasons nirv & co Decided NOT to post this on sunday, EDIT- Apparently it IS okay now, my bad

I personally cant watch his channel anymore mainly because of the reasons Dox mentioned. (As well as the ludicrous amounts of terrible jokes), which sucks because i know the dude puts in alot of work, and makes the time and effort to get to events and involve himself, so IMO the thread had to happen at some point, because if it helps him "get awesome" then its totally worth it.

Also, is it just me, or does he sound like he's flirting with that girl sometimes? idk.

In my opinion, he needs to stop being SO biased, i mean i get that he runs a team, and has a bit of himself invested into that, but as a caster he has to take a step back, sure, plug your teams sponsors on stream and stuff, thats great, but once you start discrediting other players and drawing away from the game itself you lose viewers. (and make better jokes plz

)

Benji, i want to like you, and i wanna be excited when you do events, because you obviously enjoy it and put effort in, so i hope you look at this thread with an open mind.

[TA]LoSt · Tue, 21st-Feb-2012, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bash

i think there were plenty of good reasons nirv & co Decided NOT to post this on sunday, EDIT- Apparently it IS okay now, my bad

It was all nirvAnA that decided not to post it Sunday after we had a discussion in the chatbox as to how the thread would end up. I'm guessing something happened today that pushed people over the edge and decided it was necessary?

The points given so far are extremely constructive and right on the ball in terms of how he is and what needs to be changed. Eras everything you're saying now I was saying on Sunday to nirv about what this thread would do and how he would respond, now that it's out and been posted I say we just restrict this thread to feedback about his casting and not how he'll personally react or what he thinks about this thread as a whole.

I have nothing further to add, Dox and Pinder highlighted pretty much every thought I had and more regarding what could be improved.

Really wish nirvAnA posted this, he wouldn't have copped it like ChadMann did. :-(

**Dox** · Tue, 21st-Feb-2012, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by [TA]LoSt

I'm guessing something happened today that pushed people over the edge and decided it was necessary?

+ [Chatbox Archive] +

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**ToR.Arnor** · Tue, 21st-Feb-2012, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dox

+ [Chatbox Archive] +

Dox as much as I dont want to get involved I need to address something here

your exclusion of something Benji said after this line
"Today 12:40 PM: xGKingBenji: at least the other 2 streams will get some viewers now"
he followed it up with this
"Today 12:40 PM: xGKingBenji: :P"

I would ask why you decided to excluded that line (perhaps it was unintentional?) but I dont want to derail the thread

just take more care when you decide to quote something in the future ^_^

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	TABiggun:	what is there to address? thats irrelevent
	Frogmite:	agree, need to quote the whole chatbox
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	Nemo:	Good point.
	Snx.FigJig:	no
	EveVendetta:	Fair point if that was the main point of the chatbox quote

FaDeBadger · Tue, 21st-Feb-2012, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arnor@CityHunter

Dox as much as I dont want to get involved I need to address something here

your exclusion of something Benji said after this line
"Today 12:40 PM: xGKingBenji: at least the other 2 streams will get some viewers now"
he followed it up with this
"Today 12:40 PM: xGKingBenji: :P"

I would ask why you decided to excluded that line (perhaps it was unintentional?) but I dont want to derail the thread

just take more care when you decide to quote something in the future ^_^

He edited out a whole bunch of unrelated stuff too. I daresay it just got caught in the rest.

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**Maynarde** · Tue, 21st-Feb-2012, 11:45 AM

Yes to re-state (it's already said by Dox) so that no one flames ChadMann.

This was authorized by nirvAnA and Benji himself.

Thread title changed, probably a bit late but only just logged on T_T

**|Erasmus|** · Tue, 21st-Feb-2012, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maynarde

Yes to re-state (it's already said by Dox) so that no one flames ChadMann.

This was authorized by nirvAnA and Benji himself.

Thread title changed, probably a bit late but only just logged on T_T

Previously benji told everyone in the chat box rant sessions to contact him personally. If people aren't clear about benji being okay with it, calling him proud and arrogant then expecting him to take well to this stuff in public is silly.

My own 2c. I agree with a lot of the criticisms here. Personally the people I've enjoyed listening to cast are people like PiG, HuT or tgun. They give some great insights into the games that are occuring. There's a reason I still watch GSL over SEA tournaments, despite knowing many of the players, and it's because Tastosis are really good.

My preferred casters tend to be high level players who can analyse games well. I ******* love hearing artosis get all giddy when he sees MMA pull 3 scvs to hide in the corner when his rax is in his natural to try and fake proxy 11/11 rax.

The arrogance/bias thing is something benji is working on. The fact he's not a terribly high level player is something he is not (and as far as I know, does not) want to work on, so I think his "let the viewers decide" attitude is fine. Other casters should contact tournament admins and convince them they can do a better job. I think people can.

Trusty · Tue, 21st-Feb-2012, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by |Erasmus|

My preferred casters tend to be high level players who can analyse games well. I ******* love hearing artosis get all giddy when he sees MMA pull 3 scvs to hide in the corner when his rax is in his natural to try and fake proxy 11/11 rax.

Totally agree! Home Story Cup is always so good,... players casting

**iMSystem** · Tue, 21st-Feb-2012, 11:49 AM

What happened to the SEA Weekly. I enjoyed those

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Trusty · Tue, 21st-Feb-2012, 11:52 AM

When I find out the casters don't 'meet my standards' in terms of knowledge, I usually just mute the stream.

To be fair I haven't watched many of Benji's stuff, I usually only tune if I see it featured on TL, and it's involving a team I want to watch. The few times I have watched, I have been slightly annoyed at the commentary, but nothing overwhelming. Usually the game at hand keeps me tuned in.

I even get sick of tasteless - but I understand why he's there (to help beginners enjoy the stream).

Edit: I hope Benji can take on-board some of the points in this thread, if they are all indeed valid. It's nice seeing SEA on TL

Flaunt · Tue, 21st-Feb-2012, 12:07 PM

i remember reading that benji thinks it's better not to be gm when it comes to casting. YOU CAN'T BE SRS. please LEARN the game first benji. imo you're pretty clueless when it comes to reading into anything and you call a lot of things wrong. you'd be a great caster if you made it to gm in sea. please put some time into learning teh game ><!

**nGenLight** · Tue, 21st-Feb-2012, 12:09 PM

S'all good, this title is alright. Didn't like the "help out Benji" title is all.

**nGenLight** · Tue, 21st-Feb-2012, 12:14 PM

Oh dear.

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