No, I don't think the PubClub is elitest. Basically, if you brag about getting a high post count, then your being elitest. It's just a fun little add on.
I have recently gotten really really(really, just thought I would add that) mad, because of everyone leaving because of the PubClub. It started with Commi. I got really pissed when he left for this reason. But Naive was I, as I didn't see that he left for other reasons to. This was just the final straw with him.
You see, I personally respect all of your opinions. Even if I don't agree with it. I admit, I was wrong for calling those opinions "fucking stupid". But as was many other people, I was angry. I could not control my self. I see now my mistake and I fixed it as soon as I could. But I still hold what I said close to my heart. Like I had said on PRIATE, I bought this with my money, so I can going to be proud of what I bought.
I bought the Premium subscription because I wanted to support the place I love. This place, is like a home to me. It basically took me in when I only had the Youtube comments to go to. Yes, it was a sad time. But then, I figured out the glory of the Escapist. I joked about my self not joining it sooner. I love it here not just because of the Premium, not just because of "Yahtzee" or the videos. I love it here because of it's community. And it just breaks my height and reduces it to dust when I see, basically a Civil War erupting here. Why? Because, I know you are all smarter than that. I know that you guys don't want it to happen. I get angry when people start whining about immature things and making wild assumptions like,
"We are going to have to pay just yo go onto the forums now."
This especially hurts me, because it comes mostly from the people who have only skimmed through the PM, or the people who did not pay enough attention to it. Like I said, I know your smarter than that.
"IGN is soon going to buy this place because it became popular"
My good sirs, do you honestly know if the Mods, Russ Pits, and everyone who keeps the Escapist running would do that? No. That is just a wild rumor that is just annoying to hear.
"They only made the PubClub because they are greedy and don't care about the community anymore"
Really? Really? No, if they didn't care for us, then they would have given up on supervising this 24/7 a long time ago. They would have stopped from prevented trolls to spread their wild disease, turning us into /b/. Yes, I said it and you know it's true. If they didn't care about the Community, we would most likely turn into /b/. But, like I was saying, if the Mods and everyone else turning the gears in this business didn't put their blood, sweat and tears into this company like they do now. Who knows what this site could have been like.
Now, like I said, I am Naive right now. I have no idea the other reasons for people like Commi, and (sorry Pimp) possibly Pimp to leave. I don't know that. But when I see that the Premium is the last straw, im going to try and stop them. I try to prevent them and tell them to look on the bright side of things. I don't want to see some of my friends leave here.
I am a fan of this place. I have been for about 9 months now. I am not about to stop now because of some little subscription that is optional. Now, if I get a tad like what Hubilubs post, please bear with me, this is the only way I see fit to explain it. Why do I buy DLC on games that I love? Yes, they give me maps, but like I said, if I really like them, im going to support them, and buying the Premium was my way of supporting the Escapist and showing how much I care for this site. The little exclusives? They can go straight to hell. I would still pay the 20 bucks as long as it goes towards the Escapists future. I simply love the Escapist, that is why I am trying to get people to stay, and why I bought the Premium subscription.
People, all I have to say is, don't leave for because of these petty things. Please! Stay here, I love running into people like Hub, Furb, NeonBob, SwollenGoat, and many many more. If you leave because of this little thing, then that will all go away.