Eeesh. Just binged this thread and now I feel like I need a shower for multiple reasons. Hopefully MCA and Eric can work out the bruised feelings because I like both of them, and hopefully Anthony Davis Brandon Adler stay hidden safely in the closet until Mommy and Daddy are done fighting.
Seriously though, a few years ago I left a senior management position at a company with just shy of 200 employees. I was not an owner, but I was one of 2 employees who reported solely to the owners (the other being our H.R. head who, contrary to Chris's experiences at Obsidian, was perhaps the most moral and principled individual I have ever met, but I realize that such people in such positions are a relative rarity). I was with the company for 7 years and in the position for 3, and due to a variety of reasons (almost all of which I attributed to incompetence and bad-faith on the part of ownership) during the last two years I became increasingly and intensely disgruntled. There is no question in my mind that this affected my work-performance, and the resentment that it bred between myself and the owners is undeniable. What it took me some time to realize though was that this was a "chicken and the egg" scenario. I was frustrated with my owners because I thought that they were lying and immoral idiots, who were upset with me because I thought they were lying and immoral idiots and it was demonstrably affecting my work-performance (for the record, after a fair amount of reflection, I continue to think that they are lying, immoral idiots, but I could just be completely lying to myself). It's also become clear to me in the intervening years that my former employees (almost all of whom I respect and admire and have endeavored to remain on good terms with) had no idea who was at fault between the proverbial chicken and egg, and were told very different, very plausible stories from all involved parties.
I wish Chris, Eric, and all other affected parties (primarily meaning the Obsidian wageslaves who have a major and uncertain product launch in 7 days that might determine their continued employment ) the very best, and hope that someday they'll all be able to smile and hug it out.
Also, not to be rude, but anyone who didn't realize that OES has massive problems in management hasn't been paying attention.
