Texas GameStop Manager Only Sells to Good Students

[freakonate]

If you want to buy games from a certain GameStop in Texas, you’d better make sure your grades are in check, first.

A GameStop manager in southern Dallas, Texas is requiring children who come to the store to purchase games to have their parents confirm that they are getting good grades. And not only that, but the kids have to mind their manners, too.

“They know when they come in here, they do not curse, they do not use the N-word, pull your clothes up,” Brandon Scott, the GameStop manager, said in a recent article by WFAA-TV. “I’m probably going to get in trouble for this, but to me it’s worth it, because the kids understand that somebody cares.”

Some students might think this is a bit harsh, but he’s all about the giving, too.

“If you give me straight As with your teachers signature, endorsing it and your parent up here, I’ll buy you a brand new game,” Scott said in the article.

It will be interesting to see if anyone higher up in the GameStop chain of command will take any action. Retailers do have the right to refuse service to anyone, but I’m not sure if any retailers have come up with anything like this before.

The GameStop in question is located along the I-20 in Texas, though no specific information was given in the article.

via WFAA.com

http://news.filefront.com/texas-gamestop-manager-only-sells-to-good-students/

[freakonate]

GameStop Revamping Stores to Make Room for Rock Band, SingStar By Susan Arendt September 12, 2007 | 10:07:09 AMCategories: Business Matters

GameStop will be retooling the layout of their stores this holiday season in an effort to appeal to gamers outside the typical "hardcore" audience. One new section will be entirely devoted to music games like Guitar Hero, SingStar, and Rock Band, whose high price tags make up for their space-hogging nature.

Another new section will be devoted to family-friendly games like Lego Star Wars and Mario Kart. The idea, says GameStop's Bob McKenzie, is that someone unfamiliar with gaming could choose a a gift from that section and feel confident that it's safe for kids.

Given that most GameStops are only slightly bigger than a postage stamp, it should be interesting to see what games lose their spot to make room for these new sections. Dan DeMatteo, GameStop's CEO, says the changing nature of the gaming consumer base makes the changes necessary:

Honestly, we are having to retool the way we think of things in our stores in terms of merchandising, layout and also customer service because it is no longer only the hardcore gamer walking in who knows exactly what he wants.

http://blog.wired.com/games/2007/09/gamestop-revamp.html

[tf5_bassist]

A GameStop manager in southern Dallas, Texas is requiring children who come to the store to purchase games to have their parents confirm that they are getting good grades. And not only that, but the kids have to mind their manners, too.

“They know when they come in here, they do not curse, they do not use the N-word, pull your clothes up,” Brandon Scott, the GameStop manager, said in a recent article by WFAA-TV. “I’m probably going to get in trouble for this, but to me it’s worth it, because the kids understand that somebody cares.”

Some students might think this is a bit harsh, but he’s all about the giving, too.

“If you give me straight As with your teachers signature, endorsing it and your parent up here, I’ll buy you a brand new game,” Scott said in the article.

At first I was all prepared to bash this, because of the sheer stupidity of not willing to sell to all your customers.

However, with the manager actually showing that he's a caring person, offering to buy who knows how many students a brand new, most likely $60 game, this guy's got my vote, for sure.

Also props to enforcing manners and decency in public appearance and conduct.

[freakonate]

At first I was all prepared to bash this, because of the sheer stupidity of not willing to sell to all your customers.

However, with the manager actually showing that he's a caring person, offering to buy who knows how many students a brand new, most likely $60 game, this guy's got my vote, for sure.

Also props to enforcing manners and decency in public appearance and conduct.

I completely disagree. I'm sure his intentions are good. But it's not HIS or ANYBODY elses job to enforce ANY manners or anybody's version of decency on me or anybody else for that matter. Do your damn job and stfu.

It's not HIS business to know what anybodys grades are or anything else about them. That's the family's matters and theirs only.

The last thing we need are more people enforcing rules and restrictions on others and sticking their noses where they don't belong.

[WingsOfSteel]

I completely disagree. I'm sure his intentions are good. But it's not HIS or ANYBODY elses job to enforce ANY manners or anybody's version of decency on me or anybody else for that matter. Do your damn job and stfu.

It's not HIS business to know what anybodys grades are or anything else about them. That's the family's matters and theirs only.

The last thing we need are more people enforcing rules and restrictions on others and sticking their noses where they don't belong.

Whatever, this dude rocks. It's not like he's running the only game store in Texas.

Get that stick out of your ass and realize that authority isn't evil by default.

[Desensitized]

I completely disagree. I'm sure his intentions are good. But it's not HIS or ANYBODY elses job to enforce ANY manners or anybody's version of decency on me or anybody else for that matter. Do your damn job and stfu.

It's not HIS business to know what anybodys grades are or anything else about them. That's the family's matters and theirs only.

The last thing we need are more people enforcing rules and restrictions on others and sticking their noses where they don't belong.
I agree. His intentions are good, but he's completely out of line. This isn't going to make anyone try harder in school.

[WingsOfSteel]

Yeah, he's so out of line, requesting good behavior in the store he manages.

Feckin' Nazi. Next thing you know, he'll be making them all goosestep.

[Desensitized]

Because having bad grades and wearing certain clothes means you have bad behavior.

[Kang_Zircon]

Living in Dallas myself, I can pretty much understand why he's demanding good behavior in his store. I know exactly how a lot of kids act around here and it's pretty awful. Nobody should have to serve someone who treats them like crap.

If they don't like it, they can go to another store.

I don't know whatI think about the grades thing, but the fact is people nowadays DO seem to expect other people to parent their kids. If the sitiuation were reversed, and he was letting children of any age buy AO rated games or something there'd be a huge upraor, he'd get fired, and he'd be lucky if he weren't sued in the process.

[travmeatwad]

Ugh, I like the whole "free game deal" he's doing.. but the other part is effing stupid. People should be able to buy games if they want to.

[battle_axe_of_doom]

yet another reason why texas rulez

[Eman311]

yet another reason why texas rulez
Yet another reason why texans are delusional.

I mean i think it's great and all, but he's out of line. Just because they might struggle in school they can't buy games?

[ZkDotNet]

I agree. His intentions are good, but he's completely out of line. This isn't going to make anyone try harder in school.
Agreed.

It won't last. He'll be forced to stop, or he'll be fired. There's no way GameStop would let him turn away customers.

[battle_axe_of_doom]

its the games that probably distract him from his school work. THINK OF THE CHILDREN NAME113

[tf5_bassist]

Ugh, I like the whole "free game deal" he's doing.. but the other part is effing stupid. People should be able to buy games if they want to.

I agree with this. Maybe limiting sales to kids with parents consenting to the purchase, I can see that.

Who knows, maybe he was getting a ton of returns from parents who went in and returned the game their kid bought without their permission haha...

[Kang_Zircon]

He's just stopping the kids from buying the games themselves. I'm sure if a parent came in to buy the game with them he wouldn't question it...

[Apples]

The owner of that store is putting aside profits out of his own pocket in an effort to improve the lives of the kids in his community.

Even if you disagree with his methods, that's damn admirable IMHO.



(Of course I was also a good student, WHERE THE HELL WERE *MY* FREE GAMES???) :)

[Kaboobi]

The owner of that store is putting aside profits out of his own pocket in an effort to improve the lives of the kids in his community.

Even if you disagree with his methods, that's damn admirable IMHO.



(Of course I was also a good student, WHERE THE HELL WERE *MY* FREE GAMES???) :)

Also, he's going to get fired since this goes against everything that Gamestop corporate wants its employees to do.

[defmonkey]

Awesome.

Some guy actually proves he has a set of balls, by doing a bit of good.

And of course all the PC suns of *****es start whining.

Typical BS.

[SoraRikuVGM]

Well, I have straight A's...

I'MMA GOIN TO DALLAS

[Smidget]

The owner of that store is putting aside profits out of his own pocket in an effort to improve the lives of the kids in his community.

Even if you disagree with his methods, that's damn admirable IMHO.


agreed

and
Whatever, this dude rocks. It's not like he's running the only game store in Texas.

Get that stick out of your ass and realize that authority isn't evil by default.


agreed


The last thing we need are more people enforcing rules and restrictions on others and sticking their noses where they don't belong.


On "others" no, on "kids", yes. Kids are becoming more f**ked up at younger and younger ages now. Greatly due to parents not doing their damn job. Technology is giving kids access to so much stuff they shouldn't be learning about at certain ages and parents aren't "keeping up with the times" to make sure they keep track of what their children are exposed to. Lewd and crude behavior by young children has become more exceptable and more and more adults are letting technology raise their kids instead of them because its easier and more convenient. Kids should not be left to raise themselves by technology or other means; it is happening too much; this guy realized that and took an active role in being an authoritative figure in kids lives outside of their school enviroment. Kids need to be pushed even harder to do good nowadays because there's so many more things to get in the way of that, video games being a big one.

[LZ_Reborn]

agreed

and

agreed



On "others" no, on "kids", yes. Kids are becoming more f**ked up at younger and younger ages now. Greatly due to parents not doing their damn job. Technology is giving kids access to so much stuff they shouldn't be learning about at certain ages and parents aren't "keeping up with the times" to make sure they keep track of what their children are exposed to. Lewd and crude behavior by young children has become more exceptable and more and more adults are letting technology raise their kids instead of them because its easier and more convenient. Kids should not be left to raise themselves by technology or other means; it is happening too much; this guy realized that and took an active role in being an authoritative figure in kids lives outside of their school enviroment. Kids need to be pushed even harder to do good nowadays because there's so many more things to get in the way of that, video games being a big one.

Yes, this is also what I read into what the guys intentions are, he's trying to create awareness with the parents, not so much the kids, they never listen anyway...:p I'm a parent myself and I certanly want my son to have good grades, if not sorry boy, no games until you improve!! Also good manners is key, but I do disagree about the clothes issue, people especially kids should be able to express themselves however they feel is rigth for them.

Still I got to admire the guy for fighting for his ideals, even if it means loosing his job, which he probably will.

[thrdeye]

This topic opens a pretty big political and philosophical can of worms.

Are GameStops franchise operations?

The guy gets my respect. I'm only 27 and I sure did my fair share of stupid isht when I was younger, but now, lots of teens think they can do whatever the heck they want and not have to answer to anyone. Part of this comes with my change in perspective as I get older, I'm sure, but some of this is the reality of the situation we are in today.

If parents actually put in the time they should with their kids, this Gamestop SM would not have to do their job for them. When I got A's on my report card, I got $20, not a $60 video game.

Everyone that doesn't like what this SM is doing needs to watch the Gene Wilder version of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Maybe that will put thing in perspective. You eventually do reap what you sow, and as a country, we are sowing a crop of Veruca Salt/Mike Teevee/Augustus Gloop/Charlotte Beaureguard youth.

The people that disagree with this manager - do you believe you should be rewarded (in this case, be able to buy a video game) for doing nothing (in this case, making poor grades)? I am assuming that most people that disagree with what this manager is doing are under 18

[ZkDotNet]

This topic opens a pretty big political and philosophical can of worms.

Are GameStops franchise operations?

The guy gets my respect. I'm only 27 and I sure did my fair share of stupid isht when I was younger, but now, lots of teens think they can do whatever the heck they want and not have to answer to anyone. Part of this comes with my change in perspective as I get older, I'm sure, but some of this is the reality of the situation we are in today.

If parents actually put in the time they should with their kids, this Gamestop SM would not have to do their job for them. When I got A's on my report card, I got $20, not a $60 video game.

Everyone that doesn't like what this SM is doing needs to watch the Gene Wilder version of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Maybe that will put thing in perspective. You eventually do reap what you sow, and as a country, we are sowing a crop of Veruca Salt/Mike Teevee/Augustus Gloop/Charlotte Beaureguard youth.

The people that disagree with this manager - do you believe you should be rewarded (in this case, be able to buy a video game) for doing nothing (in this case, making poor grades)? I am assuming that most people that disagree with what this manager is doing are under 18

No, I'm not under 18. I'm actually a parent. And it's as a parent I disagree with him. If I was with my kids (they're too young to go shopping on their own) and this guy asked me about their grades before he would sell them a game, I wouldn't tell him anything. We'd go elsewhere. It's not his place. My family = my responsibility... not some random manager at a Gamestop.

To answer your other question: Gamestops are not franchises. Managers only sound important by their title. I should know.. I was an asst. manager at one ages ago. They get paid about fast food wages. And, while his intentions might be good, he's actually showing a lack of responibility for his job. He is a bad employee.

The fact that Willy Wonka is almost 40 years old only shows that kids have always been kids. Every generation claims the kids are so much worse, but there's very little real evidence of that. They've always been like that. There's always been bad parents, and there's always been bad kids. This generation is slightly different since they can see some pretty screwed up crap on the Internet. It'll have no overall effect on the generation. They'll still grow up to be doctors and lawyers and business executives... and they'll all come out the same.

[IbanezBassist_v2]

I am assuming that most people that disagree with what this manager is doing are under 18

And not doing so well in school.


I agree with the Manager. Kudos to him for trying to do the right thing. Even if it gets him canned!

[dragulaAC]

Granted it will be a few years before something like this affects me, being that I'll be a dad within the week more than likely. But, starting to try and think less like me as the kid in me (25), and more like an actual parent is weird. But, I have no problems with what he's doing. Not that I think Gamestop will allow it much longer.

As I'm going to be expecting good grades from my kid, which in grade school and highschool, for the most part, is a joke. I would have to actually TRY to get something lower than a B in school. Obviously there are some circumstances where it may not be as easy for him to learn, but I'm talking about the just not caring attitude. ANYway, also I don't want some store selling stuff to my kid when he's too young. If I think it's ok, then I'll go get it with him. However, he's gonna have a hard time trying to play a game that's not suitable for his age, when I'm taking over the game system every day, hah.

[Kang_Zircon]

No, I'm not under 18. I'm actually a parent. And it's as a parent I disagree with him. If I was with my kids (they're too young to go shopping on their own) and this guy asked me about their grades before he would sell them a game, I wouldn't tell him anything. We'd go elsewhere. It's not his place. My family = my responsibility... not some random manager at a Gamestop.

I agree that if a parent is buying the game, the guy shouldn't tell you how to raise your kid. I think it's perfectly reasonable, though for him to have some discretion with what he allows minors to purchase on their own. Like I said earlier, if he let children buy AO rated games there'd be a lot of people pissed at his lack of discretion.

Also, I think everyone who works in any retail service should demand good behavior from everyone, regardless of age. From hearing stories of my friend who've worked in retail businesses, most customer that are impolite won't ever stop being jerks unless someone makes them realize how much of an <explitive> they're really being.

[ZkDotNet]

ANYway, also I don't want some store selling stuff to my kid when he's too young. If I think it's ok, then I'll go get it with him.

That's a whole different thing. Since I am a gamer (like you), I'm well aware of the ratings systems on games and make my judgements based on those (and what I know)... some parents are completely oblivious though.

Grats on the dad thing. Don't bother stopping thinking as a kid. You'll relate better. :D

[Desensitized]

I am assuming that most people that disagree with what this manager is doing are under 18


And not doing so well in school.
BZZZT. Wrong on both counts, but let's keep the generalizations flying.

Just because a kid is doing bad in school doesn't mean he isn't trying or is a bad kid. Just because he dresses a certain way doesn't make him a dick. Not every kid is the same, most of the idiots in my school had good grades and dressed normally. There was a period where I was really depressed and was having trouble in school, and the only thing that brought me any happiness were video games. If I was denied videogames in that period, who knows what might have happened to me.

It's up to the parents, even if they're brain dead.

[sushi111]

I completely disagree. I'm sure his intentions are good. But it's not HIS or ANYBODY elses job to enforce ANY manners or anybody's version of decency on me or anybody else for that matter. Do your damn job and stfu.

It's not HIS business to know what anybodys grades are or anything else about them. That's the family's matters and theirs only.

The last thing we need are more people enforcing rules and restrictions on others and sticking their noses where they don't belong.


Maybe not grades, but if anyone is using improper language or is being direspectful in his store, he has the right to tell them to leave

[IbanezBassist_v2]

Not every kid is the same, most of the idiots in my school had good grades and dressed normally.

There was a period where I was really depressed and was having trouble in school, and the only thing that brought me any happiness were video games. If I was denied videogames in that period, who knows what might have happened to me.

1. Apparently they weren't too idiotic then, now were they?

2. What might have happened is, you would've had to grow up. Everybody gets depressed and everyone has trouble in school. I really dislike it when people blame their problems on depression. You've not been anywhere else that everbody has had to go. Thats life. Sorry bub.

Rather than confronting your issues, you simply pushed them aside and numbed them via video games. Who's to say what you are capable of now, since you didn't have anyone to help you or not doing so yourself.

[dragulaAC]

I guess what bothers me is the fact that many times now-a-days parents just don't bother doing their job, as parents. And they raise little bratty hellraisers that have no knowledge or comprehension of respect or decent morals. Lots of kids these days, do what they want, when they want, and how they want, and they get pissed if anyone, parents included, tell them what to do.

Definitely not saying every parent, because I know some kids that are polite and know right from wrong, and that's great. Just saying it's sad seeing kids totally owning their parents, or probably even worse, the parents not giving a **** about what their kids are doing.

[IbanezBassist_v2]

That has alot to do with our ****ty country! The government has made it damn near impossible to discipline a child. With all the liberal ****s out there claiming its wrong to do so. I don't condone child abuse. But I am for punishment. My kids cross me in the way of being rude, disrespectful, or thinking they can get away with anything, they are sadly mistaken. They will get a swat across their ass and be sent to their room or will apologize.

I had my fair share of ass whoopins and so will they. Builds character.

That is ultimately what the problem is here.

[Desensitized]

Edit: **** it.

There's no point explaining this.

[SoraRikuVGM]

When I got A's on my report card, I got $20, not a $60 video game.

I don't get anything, and I get punished if I get a B.

You guys suck.

[LZ_Reborn]

I don't get anything, and I get punished if I get a B.

You guys suck.

Your getting an education!!! what could be better than that??!!

[SoraRikuVGM]

Your getting an education!!! what could be better than that??!!

Being payed for not being a ******.

[Riboflavin]

Having Rock Band in gamestops is gonna be awesome when people in malls walk buy and someone is screaming "BUT I'M A CREEEEEEEEEEEPP!" or "WAAAAANTED -wanted- DEAD OR ALIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVEEEEEEEEEE!"

[ZkDotNet]

That has alot to do with our ****ty country! The government has made it damn near impossible to discipline a child. With all the liberal ****s out there claiming its wrong to do so. I don't condone child abuse. But I am for punishment. My kids cross me in the way of being rude, disrespectful, or thinking they can get away with anything, they are sadly mistaken. They will get a swat across their ass and be sent to their room or will apologize.

I had my fair share of ass whoopins and so will they. Builds character.

That is ultimately what the problem is here.
Liberals have piss all to do with parenting these days. I speak as a "liberal" and as a parent.

Many, and I mean many, parents these days just don't actually friggin' parent. I'm amazed at what they let their kids get away with. That crap just doesn't fly in my house.

The country hasn't made it impossible to discipline our children. Nothing is ever needed more than a simple spanking. And 99 times out of 100, that's not even necessary. Personally, I know I can make just as much of an impact just by raising my voice. My kids have been spanked a couple times, but I've made them fear my punishment much more just from my voice.

And now we're completely off-topic.

[Eman311]

GAME OVER

http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/latestnews/stories/wfaa070914_lj_brady2.d3cb9c35.html

[Daesania]

I'm just going to throw in my two cents here. I think people blaming violence on these video games is just plain finger pointing. You know what? When I was growing up, I played DOOM with my stepfather at the age of around oh 8 or 9ish. I remember getting so pissed when he would frag me, i could never beat him. Did I become violent because of it? No. I've actually NEVER been in a fight to this day and I'm 23. They also taught me how to play D&D... did that make me violent? no. My parents told me that this was all fake and it was a game, and I knew that too. Was I gonna go grab my double barrel shotgun and go kill some Imps in real life? No. :P

Dont blame the games, blame the parents for shotty parenting.

[newwaytodie]

This guy has surely been fired by now. GameStop wants you to be a failure so you can just keep buying more video games and never go anywhere with your life.

So what if you live in your parents basement and you're 33 with no girlfriend. You totally pwn azz at Gears... Take that edjamakation.

[Daesania]

Shoot! you're on to me, except i'm 23 and moving into my parent's attic! :P (for reals unfortunatly).

[newwaytodie]

But what about a girlfriend?

[Daesania]

Well I'm hetero, i only dig dudes ;P and no, dont have one of those either (boyfriend that is).

[newwaytodie]

Well, that sucks I guess. Or not. Anyway... GameStop sucks!

[jq71586]

Well I'm hetero, i only dig dudes ;P and no, dont have one of those either (boyfriend that is).

Well that's a shame. What happened to the "guy who likes horror movies" guy? lol

--------------------------------------------------------------------

PSN - jq71586 - looking for PS3 friends. :cool:

[Daesania]

holy thread derail, sorry guys ;) Well, he didnt work out. long story short, he was planning a date with another chick right after our date. That's just no bueno.

[freakonate]

GAME OVER

http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/latestnews/stories/wfaa070914_lj_brady2.d3cb9c35.html

Now that's a shocker.

"Scott refused about 24 sales." Great way to keep your job buddy.

"These kids, they are our future, especially if you sell products to kids," he said.
Why is this dude even working at Game Stop? Get a job at a school supply store or a library or something.

And to think, we were able to walk into any store and buy cigarettes when we were in middle school. :p

[IbanezBassist_v2]

holy thread derail, sorry guys ;) Well, he didnt work out. long story short, he was planning a date with another chick right after our date. That's just no bueno.

Eh, I say keep your options open. So what! He wanted to date someone else. You do the same. Don't you think it's a little early for you to be looking for another "exclusive" relationship, being you just broke up with your fiance (or whatever he was). Women now-a-days! Thats why I got my a sweet, hot, 40 year old woman. She doesn't care if I play games, party, or just want to get away to hang with friends. I always come back and she knows I will! On the same token, she has the same courtesy extended to her. Its awesome!

[Daesania]

Well there's more to it, he lied to this woman and told her that he was busy "with an old friend from highschool watching a movie with her and her husband" which is completely untrue considering my husband is 1200 miles away and we've been seperated for over a year. **** that. if he's gotta lie to this chick, then that means he would probably lie to me.

Its not like i'm looking for an exclusive relationship, but I dont like LIARS.