16/05/2007 - I think I'm getting too cynical

For Immediate Release:

Graham Goring, writer, producer and recording artist behind The Arsecast today announced that he likes petting cats and dogs and that he gives five pounds a month to the RSPCA. He also gives up his seat on the train to elderly people who would otherwise have to stand and regularly buys chocolate biscuits for his co-workers at the office to enjoy.

When asked about these and the many other good things he's done, Graham was typically modest. "I, uh, really don't like to talk about this kind of thing. All the good deeds that I do are done purely out of the kindness of my heart - I'm not seeking any kind of reward or kudos or recognition for them. I just do these things to make the world a better place. If my five pounds a month just helps save one darling little kitten, like this one... aaaww. Then it will have been worth it. Oh... and you forgot to mention my seven pound standing order which goes to Shelter every month. Y'know, for the tramps."

If you keep listening to the Arsecast then these, and other charitable acts will continue. Capisce?

Of course even if the above statements were true, which they aren't - I despise animals - I think it would be pretty self-serving to put out a PR statement about how you've donated some of your income to charity. It just seems base and crass to me, but then I'm English and I find the idea of drinking tea without first singing God Save The Queen to be base and crass, as well.

The reason I mention this is because Pocketwatch Games have just released a PR statement about how they've recently given 4% of the revenues from the sales of Wildlife Tycoon: Venture Africa to The WILD Foundation to help endangered animals in Africa. Obviously I wanted to mention this in a purely negative light and paint it as disgracefully self-aggrandizing on their part, but then I had a word with Dan MacDonald and it turns out that the guy who runs Pocketwatch Games is genuinely very, very nice. Which kinda' fucked that plan up.

So, consider me neutered and well done to Pocketwatch games for being so nice, I'm sure a lot of marmots or whatever will be very happy about it.

You know, reading this back I don't half come across as a c**t.

(PS. Thanks to Bezzy & Tommy!)

Graham