Hey everyone. First off, I apologize for posting anything remotely negative publicly on Pinside. That may sound like irony or sarcasm, and it's def there - BUT - I'm actually kind of serious for a change. Regrettably And frankly, I have better things to be using my time doing - but I feel like this train is a ways from the station...

So, full disclosure: I had a rough year personally and professionally last year - and have made a lot of personal reassessments & general prioritization in life as a result. I share this only so you can hopefully understand that what I'm about to skirt around is not meant to damage anyone but defend those being wrongly damaged.

Any guesses what this is about? Pinball! Obvious. I know.... but more about the behind the scenes/curtains/locker-room innuendo that has been being thrown about for a while now by people based on an individuals actions and words.

Here's what I want to say about 'it' based on what I know...

The most recent social media musings by a colleague intimating that Stern pinball is/was both resistant to 'their work' and or 'their ideas' on particular licenses is patently misleading. I really hope it's not intentionally misleading... but I'm unable to speak to the colleague because they purged me long ago... BUT someone shared a current post and thread that is pointed and misleading and I felt it worth rebutting.... or at least explaining as cryptically as possible

I won't share details or processes but the current 'tale' being told is not true and is really damaging to the community and the personal reputations unwillingly ensnared.

Let me make this fact clear: Licensors are the ultimate deciders on who does what in the realm of art. I personally 'try out' for every project I've ever done. That's standard in any license-based product for any industry. /end fact

Sooooooo - to insinuate or to blame Stern or the Art Director at Stern for failing a try-out is just plain wrong. (And we are given more than one try -btw)

Greg Freres goes to bat for all artists on the team for all projects. In fact, Greg is perhaps too supportive of the artists at times to the point of getting the brunt of the burn in any situation. Part of being in a team environment is working together - and having disagreements to create resolutions. (Ask Dwight! We love to scrap! Problem solving 101 is predicated on having a problem to solve- right? )

So, to all those loving to hate people at Stern based on rumor and innuendo: I've said it, and I'll continue to say it loooong after I'm gone from pinball: The creative staff at Stern are some of the best intentioned, creative, kind, and amazingly talented people I've worked with. They are also nice human beings with feelings and emotions. They deserve the benefit of the doubt as much as you or I. This is not hyperbole either - I know bad people and bad business and I've yet to find them at Stern in any team I'm a part of.

And I don't get any benefit out of sharing this other than I know it's right to defend any good persons name or reputation when/if you can. So now you know why I gave the full disclosure above and hopefully you don't think I'm trying to insert drama or grandstanding. I promise I'm not (intentionally).

I'm a freelancer. I'm hired help. Some licencors won't like my work. I won't blame them or anyone else. I'll move on.

Life is too short to waste energy. So please focus it on supporting people versus feeding the easy crowd of haters. I realize the irony in me 'calling out' a person here - but I'm trying to call out the words. Again, I'll assume it's unintentional - I want nothing but the best for everyone.

And I do apologize for this post, I know it's a meandering ramble for such a small and succinct issue - but you know I like cluttering up big empty space (where's the 'pepto-text-color' tag when you need it)

Thanks - j

It’s the Yeti in me