[arg_discuss] TINAG and the Curtain = silly

[Michael Monello]

I just read through all the posts on the subject and I wonder if I am  
the only one who thinks the "concept" of TINAG is just silly? Isn't  
it simply understood in all forms of media? Characters in books, TV,  
movies don't acknowledge they are fictional constructs in those media  
unless there is a conscious effort to break down that wall.

Why wouldn't it apply just as naturally to games and interactive  
media as it does to everything else? It just doesn't seem like a  
philosophy to me, but something that is fairly obvious. Your  
fictional construct doesn't acknowledge itself as a fictional  
construct. Yes, of course. I just don't understand what the deal is.

As for the "curtain", I believe it is a silly concept. The idea that  
if you know which studio or people are putting on a game makes it  
somehow less immersive speaks to the lack of imagination of the  
person who believes that than anything else. Yes, I understand  
separating the meta discussions from the game fiction so as not to  
intrude on the world you are creating with material that doesn't fit,  
but if a puppetmaster wants to talk shop on a list like this then  
perhaps the players need to take some responsibility and not read  
anything on a list like this that might destroy their immersive  
experience.

I dunno, I just see no value in the "curtain" concept at all.  
Everyone on the planet knew who Haxan Films (and Ed, Dan, Gregg, Rob,  
myself, and others) were the people behind that and it didn't seem to  
be an issue.

Boy, did I get up on the wrong side of the bed today, eh?

;)

Best,

Michael Monello
Partner, Campfire
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http://www.campfirenyc.com