] Generally speaking, a filter of manners is missing in
] today's business world. This [gaming] industry, in
] particular, attracts young people, many of whom have been
] raised in a society where shock value is celebrated and
] etiquette dismissed. This isn't about which fork to
] use at an upscale restaurant, or whether you should hold
] the door open for a female, this is about fundamental
] decency. Something that shouldn't even have to be
] taught, but perhaps should be.
]
] Game agent, Jay Powell, of Octagon Entertainment believes
] it a key issue in an industry he describes as "way too
] small to burn bridges." Says Powell, "there is far too
] much turnover, and if you don't know a person's history
] you can really put yourself in a bad position later.
] Blowing off a producer at a small publisher could hurt
] you down the road if that person suddenly takes a job at
] EA, for example. They're going to remember how they were
] treated the first time."

Amen!

The current guesstimate in my industry, is that the average tenure at one company is less than two years. It's rare to see anyone stay at a single job for longer than that time, before they're jumping (or more likely forced) into the jobmarket again.

The companies may come and go, the products may rise and fall, but the skilled and qualified people remain the same, regardless of which company's URL may be on their current business card. In a small industry, today's loathed competitor could be tomorrow's potential business partner. Be courteous to *everyone*, is my motto!

Good Etiquette Is Good Business