Someone at Sega likes SatAM...

[PorpoiseMuffins]

I was just reading about Brad Flick's adventure at Sega of America on Friday when I came across this image:

This is Ken Balough (on the left), Brand Manager for Sonic 4, posing with another fan after the event. Behind him you can see what appears to be his or a coworker's desk, with a familiar framed print leaning against the wall of the cubicle!

Pretty cool, eh?

[Gojira007]

Heh, that's certainly a pleasant surprise. ^_^ Probably no bigger a deal than when Sally's name came up on the Blognik, mind, but nice to see nevertheless.

[PorpoiseMuffins]

A few interesting quotes from Brad in the article:

Ken [Balough] and I started talking for a while during the tournaments as well. I was asking him about his job, what difficulties he has had and SEGA’s new marketing strategy for Sonic, where they appeal to each side of the fanbase. We both felt that it was about time SEGA recognized the generational gap that was created with Sonic Adventure and, hopefully, down the road, SEGA is able to capitalize on it.

Now that SEGA is back into it [2D game creation], I want them to be as successful with it as possible, because, as success with the Retro-Sonic, Sonic XG, Sonic Nexus and Sonic Fan Remix demos have illustrated (Ken did mention SFR during the meeting), it’s a formula that is still wildly appealing with a fanbase all its own. A fanbase that they deeply want back.

SEGA is a much different company than they have been over the past decade. Not only do they open their doors to the public, but they’re in our fan forums, providing us with some exclusive content and exposure and understand the professionalism and perspective that is necessary at their position. That includes dealing with the opinions and occasional mockery from people like me and then saying, “Hey, you wanna go get a beer sometime?” Beer rules. SOA rules.

[pacmancdi]

This makes made me smile. It takes alot to do that. The last time i've had this much faith in sega was the dreamcast days.

[tross]

Wow, that was an interesting read. Of course, Sega has a lot of work to do if they want to win back a traditional Sonic fan like myself, but it's good to hear that Sega acknowledges this side of the fanbase too. From what I've heard lately, it sounds like they're taking the right steps to get Sonic back on track. Which reminds me, I still haven't bought Sonic 4. That's probably going to be an after christmas purchase for me, since I've decided to spend my budget for November and December on gifts for other people(it's that season), but I'll get around to it eventually.

[Ariakai]

It's cool that someone at Sega likes SatAM, now if only something would come of it.

The read wasn't interesting to me, it's the same things that have been said since everyone went crazy over Sonic 4, and I feel the same way about it that I do about this read; Meh.

He mentioned SFR though, that's the one interesting thing. I hope their 3D game direction improves because that's what needs to improve, vastly, IMO.

[Hazel]

I know it's a small thing, but I'm glad someone at SEGA likes my favorite little branch of Sonic continuity enough to display it like that.

(Out of curiosity, is it on a digital picture frame? I can't tell, and I'm curious).

[PorpoiseMuffins]

I know it's a small thing, but I'm glad someone at SEGA likes my favorite little branch of Sonic continuity enough to display it like that.

(Out of curiosity, is it on a digital picture frame? I can't tell, and I'm curious).

I don't think so. I don't think a digital picture frame would come out that clear in a photograph.

[Elisto Dragonwings]

I wish we could see the bottom...I could be wrong, but if it's what I think it is, its a framed promo from ABC with a little plaque that says something about the show. Saw it on eBay a while ago. The black around the picture is just a mat.

[DaddlerTheDalek]

I was just reading about Brad Flick's adventure at Sega of America on Friday when I came across this image:

ken_satam.jpg

This is Ken Balough (on the left), Brand Manager for Sonic 4, posing with another fan after the event. Behind him you can see what appears to be his or a coworker's desk, with a familiar framed print leaning against the wall of the cubicle!

Pretty cool, eh?

Oh Yes!
Really Cool!

[PorpoiseMuffins]

I wish we could see the bottom...I could be wrong, but if it's what I think it is, its a framed promo from ABC with a little plaque that says something about the show. Saw it on eBay a while ago. The black around the picture is just a mat.

Are you thinking of this?

[Elisto Dragonwings]

Yeah, I am thinking of that! Does someone else have it?

[Vulpes bicaudata]

"#1 Rated"? Is that an actual statistic from somewhere, or are they just making something up?

[Elisto Dragonwings]

No idea. I don't remember the eBay seller clarifying either. If someone else does have it, I'd love to know if they know what it means. Also would love to know who gave it and who it originally went to.

[PorpoiseMuffins]

I assume it means that it was the #1 rated Saturday Morning Show on the day that it premiered. I'm not sure who has it. I think I just pulled the image off eBay at the time... you might have been the one who pointed it out to me, Elisto.

EDIT: Unless it was Ken Balough that won it, that is... although the edge of the frame doesn't look like it quite matches.