[drink]

I think I know how this went down:

Mark Pincus: Hey Mike, since you know we're in our IPO quiet period, can you write a rebuttal to that NYTimes article for me? I'll give you an interview or let you invest in my next deal.

Michael Arrington: Sure thing! You better speak at my next conference!

Mark Pincus: Okay, here are some talking points:

  - Blame everything on EA.
  - I actually think we offer too many perks, point that out
  - I think Roger McNamee is still upset I never let him invest, so he's basically just a sore loser

Can you be sure to include that in the article?

Michael Arrington: This looks great! It will go well with my other piece defending your terrible labor practices!

Mark Pincus: You're the best.

[uiaa2]

The NYTimes article was rather bizarre, with all the EA references and connections. (And EA Spouse worked at Zynga! hah)

Mike as linked called out Zynga for their scams, which are arguably worse than being hard on employees.

[drink]

Maybe everyone aside from those at EA are too afraid of Pincus to say anything? If you're in the Valley, you know what I'm talking about.

[cynest]

And if you're not in the Valley?