I was surprised to find tonight that the twitter feed for Gamepolitics.com contained this:

Um.  Really?  I was mystified that not only would the feed state they “enjoyed his talks at PAX” but felt he didn’t represent gaming, and would decide to actually argue the point when Wil expressed dismay.  Leading me to post:

But the entire exchange made me think about the people who have inspired me in the gaming industry to make me want to do what I do, beyond just Wil coining Wheaton’s Law of “Don’t be a dick.”

Certainly Gabe and Tycho of Penny Arcade, not just for the John Gabriel “Greater Internet Fuckwad Theory” but also Child’s Play.

My friend Larry “Major Nelson” Hryb and e (Eric Neustadter) for their advice to have fun, play fair and file feedback or a complaint.

Gaygamer.net and the Fragdolls (and many others) for keeping me focused on how online gaming can impact various communities.

and lastly, but not finally, my work with sites like Getgamesmart.com to promote and help educate on online safety.

There’s tons more I’m sure, but the twitter exchange made me thankful for my influences first off, and made me actually enumerate some of them offhand.

Oh, and thanks Wil (in addition to all I have mentioned here), from a gamer who believes you have contributed greatly to the world of gaming in all its forms.