Explain to me the appeal of Billy Mitchell

[prOk]

10 years ago that was a valid point to make, but in the years since KoK was released, the actions of both have pretty much mirrored their onscreen personas, so all editing could have done was either enhance or subtract from their true personalities.

If you don't want to believe that, then ask yourself this - do you think the movie have been edited to flip Steve's and Billy's "roles", so that Billy was the victim and Steve the villain?

Billy is a self promotor.. he gets that any publicity is good publicity. Here we are a decade later talking about it. Why? because he put himself out there and has a character to play, that's it. He plays the character and he's ok with it. Everyone that ever had a high score in DK could have put themselves out there and run with it but they didn't. Tim S can go on for years about how he has had something taken away from him but he didn't then nor has he now put himself out there. Can't lose it if you don't even try to reach for it. A decade later Billy got back to playing the game and has had I think 4 million point games recently live on twitch and fully in public. Why? This thread is why, you're still talking and for better or for worse he's keeping himself relevant

 

[Coindork]

Billy is a self promotor.. he gets that any publicity is good publicity. Here we are a decade later talking about it. Why? because he put himself out there and has a character to play, that's it. He plays the character and he's ok with it. Everyone that ever had a high score in DK could have put themselves out there and run with it but they didn't. Tim S can go on for years about how he has had something taken away from him but he didn't then nor has he now put himself out there. Can't lose it if you don't even try to reach for it. A decade later Billy got back to playing the game and has had I think 4 million point games recently live on twitch and fully in public. Why? This thread is why, you're still talking and for better or for worse he's keeping himself relevant

In the 90s I had a really good client who owned a bunch of adult book stores.
It was your typical jack shack where you could buy videos, toys, it had movie booths etc. (you get the idea).

Anyhow, he was telling me this story about this group of christian protestors that were outside one of his stores with signs picketing. Some of them had signs that said "burn in hell sinner" and stuff like that and they were out there for days.
After about 3 days he called the local news station who came down and started filming the protest. That night there was a piece on the news about the protest in front of his store (great coverage).
The next day all the protestors left. I guess they figured they had won because they got picked up by a news station that covered the story and mission accomplished.

My client told me that for the next few months his business tripled its sales and his exact words were "theres no such thing as bad publicity as long as your name is out there in front of everybody". He said that people were coming in that lived locally that were spending money that had no idea they were even there until they saw it on the news.

How many people now know who Billy Mitchel is as a result of all these events?

 

[coinopper]

Billy is a self promotor.. he gets that any publicity is good publicity.

Well aware of that, except it turned out his self promotion was based on lies, and as a result he's now without ANY official records to his name - not with Twin Galaxies, not with Namco, and not with Nintendo. Doesn't sound so good now, does it?

No, he's not playing a character so much as he's simply playing himself. The history of his under-handed tactics stretches back to the 1980s.


@Coindork
Yes, controversy sells, but in Mitchell's case, he didn't start out 'selling' himself as a corrupt gamer. A better anecdotal story would be of the politician (pick one) who cheats on their spouse, and as a result their political career is forever ruined.... and you never hear from them again.

 

[ElectricDreamz]

so you're saying the Billy Mitchell n00dz are finally gonna hit the internet?

In the 90s I had a really good client who owned a bunch of adult book stores.
It was your typical jack shack where you could buy videos, toys, it had movie booths etc. (you get the idea).

Anyhow, he was telling me this story about this group of christian protestors that were outside one of his stores with signs picketing. Some of them had signs that said "burn in hell sinner" and stuff like that and they were out there for days.
After about 3 days he called the local news station who came down and started filming the protest. That night there was a piece on the news about the protest in front of his store (great coverage).
The next day all the protestors left. I guess they figured they had won because they got picked up by a news station that covered the story and mission accomplished.

My client told me that for the next few months his business tripled its sales and his exact words were "theres no such thing as bad publicity as long as your name is out there in front of everybody". He said that people were coming in that lived locally that were spending money that had no idea they were even there until they saw it on the news.

How many people now know who Billy Mitchel is as a result of all these events?

 

[XtraSmiley]

The man has made money where others could have/should have. The man has obtained publicity where others could have/should have. My problem is the man cheated out player #2 ... bigtime. Only a real scum bag piece of crap does that to another person.

And evidently, he did it over... and over...

Billy Mitchel might be the nicest guy in the world... but hes a royal douchebag for taking all the "gains" he did off his cheats.

Screw him.

I can respect this position completely, I just don't personally care. I mean, I guess if I gave a crap about high scores (more than just in good fun) I'd feel bad about #2 (who ever the crap that is), but I don't.

Also, of all the big names out there Billy has to be the biggest. I mean I saw KoK and I barely remember the other guy. Billy is out there entertaining people, period. If you are taking video game high scores super serious, well, I get it, but just don't agree.

Also, the man did NOT cheat #2 out of anything. Why? Because no one really knows who the heck #1 in a bunch of games are, and if that #2 guy had gotten #1, most people still wouldn't know who it was. Billy's not famous because he got the high score in Donkeykong (cheating or not), he's famous (well infamous) for a ton of other shit, a TON of other shit. During that big video game contest in the 80's, other than huge game enthusiast (like those on KLOV), no one remembers ANY of the other people, even if they were #1 in whatever game. Billy though, man, my wife, who can't give two shits about games, knows him, knows what he looks like, and thinks he sells chicken wings, but she knows the mullet and the tie and the Pacman/Donkey Kong guy. He's entertaining, and makes a mark. That's the appeal.

 

[XtraSmiley]

Not sure if you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth or what, but the reality is that there are A TON of people out there who maybe don't amount to a whole lot in life, nor have something in their life to be proud of (family, kids, job) and they turn to video games. You may not care about them, which is all well and good (though I find it amusing you say that on a forum for video games). Some of those same people were denied what Billy had because of what he's done. They were denied fame (however you want to define it), money, travel, recognition, etc.

But hey if you think it's fun and entertaining, then that says something too.

Silver spoon, fuck no, solid gold man!!!!

LOL, I guess I hit nerve with you! Yes, there ARE a ton of people who don't amount to much out there, to me, Billy is not one of them.

I mean you can cheat and lie and do all sorts of underhanded things. At the end of the day, it's video games...

Yes I'm on KLOV saying this, but I LOVE video games, I mean, I have a house f'ing full of them, it's not NORMAL, but I LOVE it. Do I give a crap about some dude I don't know getting 2nd place instead of 1st in some game from 1980? Nope. Do I even know who that guy is? Nope. Billy is entertaining, funny, good at games, and apparently a big cheater and a narcissist, shit maybe he should run for president!

EDIT: And this thread is "explain why Billy has appeal", So I think I covered that. Let's not forget that Billy isn't the only big cheater out there. There was that drag strip guy who claimed he got a score that wasn't even possible! No one gives two craps about him now, why? Because he's not as "fun" or entertaining as Billy is, THATs the appeal.

I'm mean the ties and mullet? Hot sauce? And he's GREAT at video games. Dude is a walking cartoon, what's not to find appealing?

 

[Coindork]

@Coindork
Yes, controversy sells, but in Mitchell's case, he didn't start out 'selling' himself as a corrupt gamer. A better anecdotal story would be of the politician (pick one) who cheats on their spouse, and as a result their political career is forever ruined.... and you never hear from them again.

I think I agree with that 100%.
Given the situation he is definitely more well know as a result of whats transpired.
Hell I had random people in my field of work asking me about him because they know I collect arcade game.
Not sure how well thats going to work out career wise though.

 

[Brentradio]

I bet you $100 Billy Mitchell has read this thread and he loves it.

So much emotion flowing from both sides, either way, he's a winner.

 

[GreaseBall]

I bet you $100 Billy Mitchell has read this thread and he loves it.

So much emotion flowing from both sides, either way, he's a winner.

He hasn't tried suing me yet, so probably not.

 

[Shavenyak]

I find it interesting that people talk smack about the President or whoever and yet have never put their life on public display.

Only an ego-driven narcissist would. Ever notice that most people in politics have little major success to show outside their political career? The truly talented people that contribute to society and change the world in a positive way, never enter politics. Why would they where causing blood loss is sport? Destroying lives and reputations, whether warranted or not, is sport? Who needs that crap? The most successful people in life have better things to do. Like make a REAL difference in the world, that politics can't comprehend.

 

[Shavenyak]

I'm not saying he is wrong. I'm saying that if any of us were subjected to the scrutiny we would likely have people calling us idiots. If any of us could see what others did in secret it would be an ugly scene.

Yet people still do it. The power and notoriety is worth it to them. They can't help themselves. We should be alarmed by anyone that wants something that bad.

 

[Shavenyak]

I'm not saying you're wrong... but to be fair, if someone comes out of nowhere and claims a score, wouldn't you want to ensure the hardware was valid?
.

Which is pretty ballsey, considering recent events.

 

[Shavenyak]

Billy's not famous because he got the high score in Donkeykong (cheating or not), he's famous (well infamous) for a ton of other shit, a TON of other shit. During that big video game contest in the 80's, other than huge game enthusiast (like those on KLOV), no one remembers ANY of the other people, even if they were #1 in whatever game. Billy though, man, my wife, who can't give two shits about games, knows him, knows what he looks like, and thinks he sells chicken wings, but she knows the mullet and the tie and the Pacman/Donkey Kong guy. He's entertaining, and makes a mark. That's the appeal.

Which says a lot about our society...and what's really important to us.

 

[Shavenyak]

Billy is entertaining, funny, good at games, and apparently a big cheater and a narcissist, shit maybe he should run for president!

Typical American in the 21st century.

 

[XtraSmiley]

Which says a lot about our society...and what's really important to us.

I think what it should say is don't confuse entertainment with things that are truly important in life. Billy being famous or entertaining shouldn't affect so many people, but just look at the emotions about it in this thread. It's a score in a video game!

You're right though, because people start confusing stupid entertainment shit with what's really important in life, you end up with reality stars running the country!

I disagree to the "typical American" comment you made though, I think you can look around the world and see this happening in many places. America may have more eyes on it however, making it seem like it's only here though.

 

[Tufnel]

he's famous because he's good at getting people to talk about him as evidenced in this and ten other pointless threads.

even people that "hate him" talk about him constantly and just make him more famous.

you want him to go away? then STFU

 

[GreaseBall]

he's famous because he's good at getting people to talk about him as evidenced in this and ten other pointless threads.

even people that "hate him" talk about him constantly and just make him more famous.

you want him to go away? then STFU

Yet you keep showing up like a bad penny in every one.

 

[andrewb]

Well, BM is entertaining as hell to me and if he wasn't in KoK it would have been a pretty boring movie about some boring dude trying to get a high score while ignoring his home life and family.

The thing to me is, BM pisses a lot of people off for cheating... at a f'ing video game. Who gives a f$*k? I mean, if you're really that impressed with a high score in a video game, let alone so upset that someone lied about it.

That's really what cracks me up, the amount of people who come across like Billy killed their puppy or something. He lied about something no one should really give two shits about anyway.

I guess I like playing video games more than giving a shit about what some person I've never met scores on a game...

I'm clearly an outlier though! Billy is fun and entertaining. I'd have a beer with him too, and eat some hot sauced wings for sure!

So apparently it's ok to be a dishonest person and screw people over, as long as it isn't over something you personally care about. And as long as Billy is entertaining, he's a good guy.

Have you ever been cheated by someone? Can you put yourself in the shoes of the people who were cheated by him (whether or not you care about high scores)?

You can be fine not caring about high scores. But that's not what the issue is about. It has nothing to do with high scores.

 

[XtraSmiley]

So apparently it's ok to be a dishonest person and screw people over, as long as it isn't over something you personally care about. And as long as Billy is entertaining, he's a good guy.

Have you ever been cheated by someone? Can you put yourself in the shoes of the people who were cheated by him (whether or not you care about high scores)?

You can be fine not caring about high scores. But that's not what the issue is about. It has nothing to do with high scores.

Well, the OP's question is what do people find appealing about him, not what you think he did wrong in his life... so, I think I've stated several times why I think he's appealing.

That being said, what you're trying to get at is what is called empathy, so let me explain something about that. When there is cancer, death, poverty, a whole lot of bad things in the world, THAT'S where I put my empathy. A video game high score? Boo hoo. No, I don't have any empathy for that.

Do I think Billy should have been a straight shooter his whole life? Yes of corse, I don't want to see ANYONE cheated, but come on, he's very entertaining, which makes him appealing. Do I give a crap beyond that? No, no I don't.

I'm not sure you'll ever change my mind about that, but maybe I can change your mind on making this such a big deal? The guy is funny, a literal walking cartoon. Also, he's GREAT at video games, so watching him doe some of the stuff he does (like break Pacman) is pretty cool. Would I trust some old 80's website about who has what high score beyond just looking for fun? Nope, I wouldn't.

What Billy does is sort of an art, which entertainment is. If I stopped consuming entertainment or art because of what a shit head the creator of said art has done that I disagree with, well, there would be a whole lot less fun stuff in the world.

The founding fathers had slaves, movie makers and book writers have done drugs and hurt people, etc etc. Bill Cosby for f sake. Do I respect these people for the bad things they have done? NO! But that doesn't mean the things they produce are any less entertaining or important in my life.

I TOTALLY understand if you feel differently. Most people don't want to watch The Cosby Show or Dukes of Hazard (or whatever is out of vogue today), and that is OK! But please understand that not everyone shares your point of view 100% AND that also doesn't make me a terrible person. I wouldn't rip someone off or claim to have a fake high score, just because I think BM is entertaining.

But at the end of the day, this thread is asking what we think his appeal is, I never said he was a good guy (I don't think).

 

[andrewb]

Well, the OP's question is what do people find appealing about him, not what you think he did wrong in his life... so, I think I've stated several times why I think he's appealing.

That being said, what you're trying to get at is what is called empathy, so let me explain something about that. When there is cancer, death, poverty, a whole lot of bad things in the world, THAT'S where I put my empathy. A video game high score? Boo hoo. No, I don't have any empathy for that.

Do I think Billy should have been a straight shooter his whole life? Yes of corse, I don't want to see ANYONE cheated, but come on, he's very entertaining, which makes him appealing. Do I give a crap beyond that? No, no I don't.

I'm not sure you'll ever change my mind about that, but maybe I can change your mind on making this such a big deal? The guy is funny, a literal walking cartoon. Also, he's GREAT at video games, so watching him doe some of the stuff he does (like break Pacman) is pretty cool. Would I trust some old 80's website about who has what high score beyond just looking for fun? Nope, I wouldn't.

What Billy does is sort of an art, which entertainment is. If I stopped consuming entertainment or art because of what a shit head the creator of said art has done that I disagree with, well, there would be a whole lot less fun stuff in the world.

The founding fathers had slaves, movie makers and book writers have done drugs and hurt people, etc etc. Bill Cosby for f sake. Do I respect these people for the bad things they have done? NO! But that doesn't mean the things they produce are any less entertaining or important in my life.

I TOTALLY understand if you feel differently. Most people don't want to watch The Cosby Show or Dukes of Hazard (or whatever is out of vogue today), and that is OK! But please understand that not everyone shares your point of view 100% AND that also doesn't make me a terrible person. I wouldn't rip someone off or claim to have a fake high score, just because I think BM is entertaining.

But at the end of the day, this thread is asking what we think his appeal is, I never said he was a good guy (I don't think).

Again, it isn't about high scores, or having empathy about high scores. It has nothing to do with high scores. It's about not giving a person a pass who DISHONESTLY represented himself, and took something that wasn't his.

I don't care if he stole a gumball. If he knowingly and willingly lied about it (and would not own up to it when caught on top of it), THAT is the issue for the people who dislike him.

The honesty and personal character are the issue, NOT the high scores. If someone is dishonest this way about something as meaningless as high scores, I would never want that wolf anywhere near my henhouse, as they have proven they are the type of person to only look out for himself, and have no concern for the people around them.

And I would never want someone I cared about exposed to that type of person, as that is not a person who will look out for you (or any other people around them) when push comes to shove. A narcissist only cares about himself, and his ego.

From what you're saying, at the end of the day, you're willing to give his entertainment value more weight than his dishonesty, and that's your right. But understand that many other people do not.