Thank you all for the support. We've reached 2086 signatures at the time of this writing. Official press response has been non-existent (aside from twitter, which we'll save for a latter update). What I did want to share was this article by VG247.com that seemingly warns anyone, and specifically developers, from signing this petition: http://www.vg247.com/2015/02/17/developers-shooting-the-messenger-stop-blaming-the-press-for-sexist-extremism-in-games/ I reached out to the author, Pat Garratt, the founder of VG247.com to ask him to clarify the concluding paragraph. I've attached the open letter here for you to review, and I will share any response I get with you in a future update. Thanks again and keep getting the word out! --------------------------------------------- Open Letter to Pat Garratt – Publisher/founder of VG247 and author of the article: “Developers shooting the messenger: stop blaming the press for sexist extremism in games” Hello VG247 and Patrick Garratt: I wanted to thank you for the article covering our change.org petition. I appreciate the mention as well as your views on the issue. While we may disagree on its conclusion, its nice to know that at we have at least reached the ears of some of the gaming press. My name is Mark Kern, and I am the author of the petition. I wanted to ask some questions in this open letter about some of the points raised by the article so I can share the answers with my petition supporters. In particular, I would like your clarification of the concluding paragraph of your article (emphasis added): “**I’m going to finish this article with a call to developers thinking of jumping on this particular bandwagon. Please don’t.** You’ll only make yourself look foolish to anyone other than the people that really are to blame for the negativity recently, and rightly, placed on “gamers” by the mainstream media over misogyny. You’re being suckered, and certain elements are obviously confused as to the real issue here, which is helping to ensure the video games industry – be it development, the press or simply the action of playing games – is inclusive, non-sexist and non-abusive. As was made blatantly obvious by Gamergate, **the last thing the gaming community needs at the moment is more ill-informed bigots** getting angry on the internet. **Think before you sign. It may be very difficult to erase the ink.”** First, is it your intent to imply that Ken Levine and I are “ill-informed bigots” by supporting the petition? Many have read it that way. Second, what is the meaning of the phrase “Think before you sign. It may be very difficult to erase the ink.” The last quote is probably the most disturbing to game developers everywhere. Whose ink is going to be difficult to erase? Our signatures or articles that the press intends to pen? And is this meant to be a warning to developers not to sign the petition on pain of excommunication by the press of their games and work? If not, what exactly does it mean? Many have come to me asking if the conclusion of this article was meant as an implied threat by yourself or your publication VG247.com against game devs considering signing the petition. I do not know the answer. But I would certainly be interested in any clarification you can provide. Thank you for your time. A prompt reply would be appreciated. - Mark Kern CEO, MEK Entertainment Developer: Firefall, World of Warcraft, Diablo II, Starcraft