He's the most popular streamer for the most popular MMORPG in history....other than that no clue.
And why should I care about that?
Who says you should?
It's a fact however he is a popular streamer, whether you like him or not, and as such like any big streamer he garners attention and views.
Add in that gamers love drama and not sure why anyone would even wonder why he might show up in gaming related websites on occasaions like this especially since there's not that many actual new mmo to report on.
Here's another fact...gaming websites report on w/e they feel will interest their global community or they feel needs reporting on and not to the particular liking of any one Joe so like most things you need to take it or leave it.
It is not a matter of not liking him, this 'Joe' does not watch streamers...that may come as a shock but there it is. I guess some of the game reviews I look at are done by streamers, but there I am really just interested in what the game looks like and how it plays rather than their opinions.
This site does games other than MMOs, your argument could be used to justify us having to hear from another gurning streamer on the latest RPG release. No thanks.
Where you are quite right is that any form of media look to the global media both in their "genre" here gaming and the wider global media as well. I think this is a mistake, pandering to the big boys gets you nothing back in return and lets them set the agenda. The idea the global community will come to the small fry is what they want but it is wishful thinking. Some may come for this one article and never be seen again, more importantly will the contribute with a post, not likely.
He's the most popular streamer for the most popular MMORPG in history....other than that no clue.
And why should I care about that?
Who says you should?
It's a fact however he is a popular streamer, whether you like him or not, and as such like any big streamer he garners attention and views.
Add in that gamers love drama and not sure why anyone would even wonder why he might show up in gaming related websites on occasaions like this especially since there's not that many actual new mmo to report on.
Here's another fact...gaming websites report on w/e they feel will interest their global community or they feel needs reporting on and not to the particular liking of any one Joe so like most things you need to take it or leave it.
It is not a matter of not liking him, this 'Joe' does not watch streamers...that may come as a shock but there it is. I guess some of the game reviews I look at are done by streamers, but there I am really just interested in what the game looks like and how it plays rather than their opinions.
This site does games other than MMOs, your argument could be used to justify us having to hear from another gurning streamer on the latest RPG release. No thanks.
Where you are quite right is that any form of media look to the global media both in their "genre" here gaming and the wider global media as well. I think this is a mistake, pandering to the big boys gets you nothing back in return and lets them set the agenda. The idea the global community will come to the small fry is what they want but it is wishful thinking. Some may come for this one article and never be seen again, more importantly will the contribute with a post, not likely.
Again all irrelevant jibber jabber on your part.
It doesn't matter if you follow streamers or not, it doesn't matter if you think they are relevant or not because it's a fact that they are simply by the number of views and people that do follow them thereby making them relevant.
You can think what you want but sadly for you the majority think you are wrong therefore you will keep seeing news of streamers on websites such as this that cater to gamers and things gamers find relevant even if some subset of gamers think otherwise.
Oh and you seem to be under some misapprehension that because someone doesn't have 5k post or post daily/weekly or monthly then they shouldn't be here or find any interest in articles here.... I highly doubt the people running these sites would agree.
I am fairly certain they like fresh blood.
Think about it.... for a guy that feels this all shouldn't be here and no one should be interested in this, because you don't follow streamers bless your heart, you are spending lots of time posting here in this particular thread.
Dunno but if I am not interested in something I tend not to spend copious amounts of time posting in a thread about that thing. I tend to just skip it and move onto something I am interested in.
May come as a shock I know but people are allowed to be interested in different facets of gaming and do not need to justify that interest to you or anyone else so maybe you could I dunno stick to the topic at hand rather than trying to not so subtlety discuss about the people interested in this and that came to this thread for that content?
The ills of streaming and whether they should be talked about in gaming websites should be its very own topic and thread don't you think? Especially if you feel so strongly about it?
No need to derail this one with the chest thumping.
Brenics ~ Just to point out I do believe Chris Roberts is going down as the man who cheated backers and took down crowdfunding for gaming.
He's the most popular streamer for the most popular MMORPG in history....other than that no clue.
And why should I care about that?
Who says you should?
It's a fact however he is a popular streamer, whether you like him or not, and as such like any big streamer he garners attention and views.
Add in that gamers love drama and not sure why anyone would even wonder why he might show up in gaming related websites on occasaions like this especially since there's not that many actual new mmo to report on.
Here's another fact...gaming websites report on w/e they feel will interest their global community or they feel needs reporting on and not to the particular liking of any one Joe so like most things you need to take it or leave it.
It is not a matter of not liking him, this 'Joe' does not watch streamers...that may come as a shock but there it is. I guess some of the game reviews I look at are done by streamers, but there I am really just interested in what the game looks like and how it plays rather than their opinions.
This site does games other than MMOs, your argument could be used to justify us having to hear from another gurning streamer on the latest RPG release. No thanks.
Where you are quite right is that any form of media look to the global media both in their "genre" here gaming and the wider global media as well. I think this is a mistake, pandering to the big boys gets you nothing back in return and lets them set the agenda. The idea the global community will come to the small fry is what they want but it is wishful thinking. Some may come for this one article and never be seen again, more importantly will the contribute with a post, not likely.
Again all irrelevant jibber jabber on your part.
It doesn't matter if you follow streamers or not, it doesn't matter if you think they are relevant or not because it's a fact that they are simply by the number of views and people that do follow them thereby making them relevant.
You can think what you want but sadly for you the majority think you are wrong therefore you will keep seeing news of streamers on websites such as this that cater to gamers and things gamers find relevant even if some subset of gamers think otherwise.
Oh and you seem to be under some misapprehension that because someone doesn't have 5k post or post daily/weekly or monthly then they shouldn't be here or find any interest in articles here.... I highly doubt the people running these sites would agree.
I am fairly certain they like fresh blood.
Think about it.... for a guy that feels this all shouldn't be here and no one should be interested in this, because you don't follow streamers bless your heart, you are spending lots of time posting here in this particular thread.
Dunno but if I am not interested in something I tend not to spend copious amounts of time posting in a thread about that thing. I tend to just skip it and move onto something I am interested in.
May come as a shock I know but people are allowed to be interested in different facets of gaming and do not need to justify that interest to you or anyone else so maybe you could I dunno stick to the topic at hand rather than trying to not so subtlety discuss about the people interested in this and that came to this thread for that content?
The ills of streaming and whether they should be talked about in gaming websites should be its very own topic and thread don't you think? Especially if you feel so strongly about it?
No need to derail this one with the chest thumping.
I can't stay on topic because I won't read or watch videos about such silliness and I say silly based on the minimal amount of information I got from the community thread about this. Even if you are a big WoW fan, even if you follow streamers, is this worth your time or just inflated social media nonsense that we need to walk by? Let our posters decided.
Also can you refrain from stuff like "jibber jabber", perhaps if you stopped watching streamers such casual slating of anyone who does not hold your position would not come so naturally?
You are right about their importance to big social media, but like I said that does not mean this site gets more hits because they did this article. If they did I won't turn my nose up at that, but there is no proof either way. As to posting, you and I posted, it is natural that that's what I want to see and I am sure you do, but sure if there were enough clicks the site would think it is a bonus.
If people want to discuss this 'burning' issue then by all means carry on, my opinion about this is not stopping them. But I do speak out against that which I think is pointless, if you think that's chest thumping so be it.
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV
Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™
"This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon
People like to watch other people talk about subjects they are interested in. Asmon is an engaging speaker and speaks not just about the games he plays (which are very popular) but real life topics too. That's why people like to watch him: he is engaging and entertaining. It's the same reason why anyone would watch any content creator or talk show. The appeal is not just watching him play, but hearing his perspective and what he has to say.
People whining about this getting a topic is pretty hilarious. Not only do they have no self control to just ignore the thread. They are incapable of not posting to it.
I have long since accepted that I will never understand why normal people would ever watch a streamer playing video games. It is incomprehensible to me.
For this site, however, I feel these sorts of articles hurt their credibility. This isn't a news story about MMORPGs, it's a news story about a pseudo-celebrity. It is completely irrelevant to the genre and to the games themselves. Not that this site has a huge amount of credibility left anyway, but it still does the occasional good story about actual MMORPGs.
Same thing happened with most of the print media and TV journalism. Doing the news properly wasn't generating enough hits / views / sales, so they branched out, became more sensationalist and covered more celebrity / trash stories. As a business plan, it definitely stopped the bleeding, but it killed the credibility of a lot of organisations and has been a net loss for society.
Currently Playing: WAR RoR - Spitt rr7X Black Orc | Scrotling rr6X Squig Herder | Scabrous rr4X Shaman
I have long since accepted that I will never understand why normal people would ever watch a streamer playing video games. It is incomprehensible to me.
And I'll never understand how people still don't get it.
Like television, people watch it when they want to relax. This is like saying why football fans watch others playing football, when they can go play it themselves. People sometimes just want to lie down and not do anything but watch something they enjoy.
Furthermore, with twitch streamers people can watch others play their favourite games during transitions, at work, and so on. There's also the obvious connotation that if you don't have friends that share your own interests, certain games are not enjoyable solo. You experience these games by watching others playing with their friends. Money constraints is also a big one. Not everyone can afford to buy every game that releases.
Honestly, there's nothing wrong with not wanting to watch streamers, but some people try to portray as being superior for not doing it. It's quite sad honestly.
I have long since accepted that I will never understand why normal people would ever watch a streamer playing video games. It is incomprehensible to me.
For this site, however, I feel these sorts of articles hurt their credibility. This isn't a news story about MMORPGs, it's a news story about a pseudo-celebrity. It is completely irrelevant to the genre and to the games themselves. Not that this site has a huge amount of credibility left anyway, but it still does the occasional good story about actual MMORPGs.
I've watched some Let's Play videos on youtube at times for games that have some depth to them, as the observations of the player can be interesting. I don't watch streaming much as it seems more about making a show than providing information.
These articles don't anything to say about the games themselves, but perhaps they could be viewed somewhat related to MMORPG community, not so much for Asmongold himself but those that watch him and participate in his stream chat.
Maybe I'm overly stretching but it is my best guess at the rationale for the inclusion of topics related to him.
I always compare streaming to sports. Some people just do it. Others just watch it. Others do both. I see no difference between watching a soccer match or a valorant match.
And if sport sites can write about LeBron James then gaming sites can write about simple or faker. So MMORPG.com writing about Asmo, or Fengrush and I'm totally fine with it.
I have long since accepted that I will never understand why normal people would ever watch a streamer playing video games. It is incomprehensible to me.
I do all the time to see if I want to purchase a game, or for tutorials. For me it's less about entertainment.
Playing a game like say Factorio there are no such thing as spoilers. That Nilaus dude showed some shit I never thought about when considering efficient factory layouts. I don't care what anybody says, there is a place in this world for youtubers and streamers that enjoy teaching.
As for some folks, I think for them streamers are like a form of hangout for them, no different than a bunch of folks who hang out on forums and reddit for discussions.
I have long since accepted that I will never understand why normal people would ever watch a streamer playing video games. It is incomprehensible to me.
And I'll never understand how people still don't get it.
Like television, people watch it when they want to relax. This is like saying why football fans watch others playing football, when they can go play it themselves. People sometimes just want to lie down and not do anything but watch something they enjoy.
Furthermore, with twitch streamers people can watch others play their favourite games during transitions, at work, and so on. There's also the obvious connotation that if you don't have friends that share your own interests, certain games are not enjoyable solo. You experience these games by watching others playing with their friends. Money constraints is also a big one. Not everyone can afford to buy every game that releases.
Honestly, there's nothing wrong with not wanting to watch streamers, but some people try to portray as being superior for not doing it. It's quite sad honestly.
I don't understand people watching sports when they could be doing that sport themselves either.
The difference is that accessibility to sports is far worse than accessibility to games. I watch Formula 1, for example, but I have no opportunity to drive an F1 car. Watching it is literally the best I can do. But if I could drive an F1 car, you damn well better believe that I'd rather be driving it than watching it on TV!
Same with football. It takes a lot of effort to get 22 players together, plus refs, substitutes and whatever. So, I can fully understand watching sports instead of playing, especially in the evening when it's dark.
But gaming?
Just don't get it. If you've got the ability to watch, then you've also got the ability to play. I can understand (vaguely) watching a streamer when you're at work, or on the bus, and playing simply isn't possible.
I also understand watching gaming competitions. That's a better analogy to sports: you want to watch the best-of-the-best in action and thats fine. But thats not what streaming is about. You're just watching average idiots play a game.
So, watching streamers for entertainment remains incomprehensible. It remains in the trash pile of garbage along with the whole cult of celebrity shit, reality tv and most of social media.
Currently Playing: WAR RoR - Spitt rr7X Black Orc | Scrotling rr6X Squig Herder | Scabrous rr4X Shaman
I'll watch a streamer's stream to see if it can help me with a tough spot I maybe experiencing. I don't watch them regularly. So I mostly watch them when I get stuck at some point to see what I may not understand about a fight. Too many times I gotten no or poor advice from fellow players online. I am not the quickest nor the sharpest at times so I appreciate some of the streamers videos they post on You Tube.
I have long since accepted that I will never understand why normal people would ever watch a streamer playing video games. It is incomprehensible to me.
And I'll never understand how people still don't get it.
Like television, people watch it when they want to relax. This is like saying why football fans watch others playing football, when they can go play it themselves. People sometimes just want to lie down and not do anything but watch something they enjoy.
Furthermore, with twitch streamers people can watch others play their favourite games during transitions, at work, and so on. There's also the obvious connotation that if you don't have friends that share your own interests, certain games are not enjoyable solo. You experience these games by watching others playing with their friends. Money constraints is also a big one. Not everyone can afford to buy every game that releases.
Honestly, there's nothing wrong with not wanting to watch streamers, but some people try to portray as being superior for not doing it. It's quite sad honestly.
I don't understand people watching sports when they could be doing that sport themselves either.
The difference is that accessibility to sports is far worse than accessibility to games. I watch Formula 1, for example, but I have no opportunity to drive an F1 car. Watching it is literally the best I can do. But if I could drive an F1 car, you damn well better believe that I'd rather be driving it than watching it on TV!
Same with football. It takes a lot of effort to get 22 players together, plus refs, substitutes and whatever. So, I can fully understand watching sports instead of playing, especially in the evening when it's dark.
But gaming?
Just don't get it. If you've got the ability to watch, then you've also got the ability to play. I can understand (vaguely) watching a streamer when you're at work, or on the bus, and playing simply isn't possible.
I also understand watching gaming competitions. That's a better analogy to sports: you want to watch the best-of-the-best in action and thats fine. But thats not what streaming is about. You're just watching average idiots play a game.
So, watching streamers for entertainment remains incomprehensible. It remains in the trash pile of garbage along with the whole cult of celebrity shit, reality tv and most of social media.
As I said, not everyone have friends to play certain games with or able to afford to buy every game that releases (shit is expensive nowadays!), the best solution is to watch others.
From my own experience, I found Escape from Tarkov, Hunt: Showdown, Rainbow Six Siege, For Honor (and probably others) quite enjoyable but I know I would immediately stop playing them. Such games are much more enjoyable with friends. If your friends are not interested in these types of games, you either play them solo and probably hate it, or watch streamers.
It's pretty simple really. One man's garbage is another man's treasure.
I don't like to watch sport, I would rather play it, I don't like reality tv as I am more into sci fi etc etc
All the above however is just personal flavor and it's absurd to think everyone will or even should enjoy the same thing. Streaming is like tv if you don't like it them turn it off and go outside and do w/e you do enjoy....that doesn't invalidate that other people do get enjoyment out of watching tv.
Like I said previously this is all just some old fart mentality of "get off my lawn" I don't understand their gadgets so therefore they are wrong and it's all garbage cause that how I feel about it.
Like other need anyone else validation to enjoy what they enjoy.....lol
Live and let live, you don't like and article here cause you feel it's garbage that fine just skip the article and move on.
For example I really dislike and don't get the appeal of MOBA games so I rarely post in threads about them...however just because "I don't get it" i don't go on a crusade to invalidate how others feel about it or that it shouldn't be talked about here because it a garbage article to me.
Just move the hell on I say..... no one is twisting your arm to read any article here, just read the one's you find interesting.
Any BS claims of wanting to save the "integrity" of the articles here at mmorpg.com is just that BS shit posting to pad post counts and for the love of drama itself.
Personally I prefer articles like this over the scummy windows 10 key article adverts any day of the week!
Post edited by Asm0deus on
Brenics ~ Just to point out I do believe Chris Roberts is going down as the man who cheated backers and took down crowdfunding for gaming.
lol @ all the asmongold hate. Like it or not he's relevant because he puts MMOs in the spotlight to 10s of thousands of viewers on the regular, and it's not uncommon for him to have 60k people watching him talk about new MMO games like AOC, New World, etc. So yeah, I'd say he has a spot on the damn news reel.
It's kind of sickening actually, the attention this one person gets; not the harassments- he kind of put himself in that position.
Because he could have just behaved like a normal human-being; created a character name none would recognize, and.. I don't know.. not stream while playing?
But someone pointed out; "then he wouldn't get any money, he knows exactly what he's got himself into."
I just hope this doesn't become a regular thing, because it's dominated the forum boards for at least 2 weeks because he went out of his way to announce ahead of time to as many people as possible.
This person is just trying to make money, so getting harassed by a giant whale mount feels justified and almost ironic in this situation.
This is the equivalent of saying "she deserved to get cat-called because she dressed that way"
He doesn't deserve harassment because he used his popular character name you dolt.
Every time I see news/videos of ffxiv I always get the urge of going back, but I don't think I can fathom 3 bars of skills anymore. Guess I'm getting old or something.
you don't really need 3 bars of combat skills. That's something i like about FFXIV that i don't like in some other mmos. Pick what you want to use and helps your role, and ignore the rest while still being viable. But in general, i do agree that less is more.
People like to watch other people talk about subjects they are interested in. Asmon is an engaging speaker and speaks not just about the games he plays (which are very popular) but real life topics too. That's why people like to watch him: he is engaging and entertaining. It's the same reason why anyone would watch any content creator or talk show. The appeal is not just watching him play, but hearing his perspective and what he has to say.
This argument actually makes more sense to me, all have heard so far is that streamers are important because so many gamers watch them. That argument can apply to any of these awful 'reality' TV shows where everyone is actually playing an overly dramatized version of themselves. But if you feel he is giving you something more than just the play it makes more sense. If you enjoy it, do it; but for me play don't watch, we are players after all.
It's pretty simple really. One man's garbage is another man's treasure.
I don't like to watch sport, I would rather play it, I don't like reality tv as I am more into sci fi etc etc
All the above however is just personal flavor and it's absurd to think everyone will or even should enjoy the same thing. Streaming is like tv if you don't like it them turn it off and go outside and do w/e you do enjoy....that doesn't invalidate that other people do get enjoyment out of watching tv.
Like I said previously this is all just some old fart mentality of "get off my lawn" I don't understand their gadgets so therefore they are wrong and it's all garbage cause that how I feel about it.
Like other need anyone else validation to enjoy what they enjoy.....lol
Live and let live, you don't like and article here cause you feel it's garbage that fine just skip the article and move on.
For example I really dislike and don't get the appeal of MOBA games so I rarely post in threads about them...however just because "I don't get it" i don't go on a crusade to invalidate how others feel about it or that it shouldn't be talked about here because it a garbage article to me.
Just move the hell on I say..... no one is twisting your arm to read any article here, just read the one's you find interesting.
Any BS claims of wanting to save the "integrity" of the articles here at mmorpg.com is just that BS shit posting to pad post counts and for the love of drama itself.
Personally I prefer articles like this over the scummy windows 10 key article adverts any day of the week!
This is just 100% spot on and explains it so well. Thank you!
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV
Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™
"This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon
I guess he likes the story. He is right about the fucking account management system that SE has, it's such shit. That has bugged me for years.
Absolutely, a friend of mine wanted to give it a shot and stopped at account creation. It got him so pissed that he gave up after an hour or so. They should revamp the whole account management and make it more accessible.
Comments
This site does games other than MMOs, your argument could be used to justify us having to hear from another gurning streamer on the latest RPG release. No thanks.
Where you are quite right is that any form of media look to the global media both in their "genre" here gaming and the wider global media as well. I think this is a mistake, pandering to the big boys gets you nothing back in return and lets them set the agenda. The idea the global community will come to the small fry is what they want but it is wishful thinking. Some may come for this one article and never be seen again, more importantly will the contribute with a post, not likely.
Brenics ~ Just to point out I do believe Chris Roberts is going down as the man who cheated backers and took down crowdfunding for gaming.
Also can you refrain from stuff like "jibber jabber", perhaps if you stopped watching streamers such casual slating of anyone who does not hold your position would not come so naturally?
You are right about their importance to big social media, but like I said that does not mean this site gets more hits because they did this article. If they did I won't turn my nose up at that, but there is no proof either way. As to posting, you and I posted, it is natural that that's what I want to see and I am sure you do, but sure if there were enough clicks the site would think it is a bonus.
If people want to discuss this 'burning' issue then by all means carry on, my opinion about this is not stopping them. But I do speak out against that which I think is pointless, if you think that's chest thumping so be it.
"True friends stab you in the front." | Oscar Wilde
"I need to finish" - Christian Wolff: The Accountant
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV
Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™
"This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon
Brenics ~ Just to point out I do believe Chris Roberts is going down as the man who cheated backers and took down crowdfunding for gaming.
Like television, people watch it when they want to relax. This is like saying why football fans watch others playing football, when they can go play it themselves. People sometimes just want to lie down and not do anything but watch something they enjoy.
Furthermore, with twitch streamers people can watch others play their favourite games during transitions, at work, and so on. There's also the obvious connotation that if you don't have friends that share your own interests, certain games are not enjoyable solo. You experience these games by watching others playing with their friends. Money constraints is also a big one. Not everyone can afford to buy every game that releases.
Honestly, there's nothing wrong with not wanting to watch streamers, but some people try to portray as being superior for not doing it. It's quite sad honestly.
I've watched some Let's Play videos on youtube at times for games that have some depth to them, as the observations of the player can be interesting. I don't watch streaming much as it seems more about making a show than providing information.
These articles don't anything to say about the games themselves, but perhaps they could be viewed somewhat related to MMORPG community, not so much for Asmongold himself but those that watch him and participate in his stream chat.
Maybe I'm overly stretching but it is my best guess at the rationale for the inclusion of topics related to him.
Some people just do it. Others just watch it. Others do both.
I see no difference between watching a soccer match or a valorant match.
And if sport sites can write about LeBron James then gaming sites can write about simple or faker.
So MMORPG.com writing about Asmo, or Fengrush and I'm totally fine with it.
1997 Meridian 59 'til 2019 ESO
Waiting for Camelot Unchained & Pantheon
From my own experience, I found Escape from Tarkov, Hunt: Showdown, Rainbow Six Siege, For Honor (and probably others) quite enjoyable but I know I would immediately stop playing them. Such games are much more enjoyable with friends. If your friends are not interested in these types of games, you either play them solo and probably hate it, or watch streamers.
Brenics ~ Just to point out I do believe Chris Roberts is going down as the man who cheated backers and took down crowdfunding for gaming.
This is the equivalent of saying "she deserved to get cat-called because she dressed that way"
He doesn't deserve harassment because he used his popular character name you dolt.
you don't really need 3 bars of combat skills. That's something i like about FFXIV that i don't like in some other mmos. Pick what you want to use and helps your role, and ignore the rest while still being viable. But in general, i do agree that less is more.
This is just 100% spot on and explains it so well. Thank you!
"True friends stab you in the front." | Oscar Wilde
"I need to finish" - Christian Wolff: The Accountant
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV
Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™
"This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon
Absolutely, a friend of mine wanted to give it a shot and stopped at account creation. It got him so pissed that he gave up after an hour or so. They should revamp the whole account management and make it more accessible.