Hmmm, well I took it as a general knock on the game industry in general which has been accused of the use of eye candy for a long time. I mean sure we've got the "dongle" thing now, but people have been discussing things like booth babes, and associated parties for a long time now. I think PAX even had some kind of "adult" side party at one point that was supposed to turn into an orgy.
That said I don't really have a problem with models, strippers, etc... at professional events. I also don't think it's something unique to the gaming industry. Having done security for many, many, conventions that rented space at the casinos where I worked I take it as being almost par for the course. Having talked with girls that do this kind of thing I'm reluctant to call it exploitation, and sometimes I even wonder who might be exploiting who if you want to really think about it.
As far as the strip goes, my big question was why Erin would have even showed up for the show to be honest. Sure, it makes a great punchline, but I seem to remember it was established long ago that Erin isn't bi- or a lesbian, nor is her boss who was harassing her (in referance to comments that there might be a lesbian Tsundere thing going on). The look on her face in panel 4 would definatly reinforce that. If she's not into that kind of thing, and winds up taking a stageside show for this kind of act with someone... well, the response should be obvious. I suppose this was needed for the punchline/criticism though.
To be honest I would find it kind of amusing if despite all earlier comments and indication Erin woke up in bed with the stripper, and then kept running into her at cons as an attendee or booth babe. Given their perspective it could be spun off into a sort of jab at those who go off about "fake geek girls", homo/bi sexuality in gaming, and other assorted issues over a period of time as an occasional thing. Not that I agree with all those positions, just that I suppose it would be a way to do it.
That said I don't really have a problem with models, strippers, etc... at professional events. I also don't think it's something unique to the gaming industry. Having done security for many, many, conventions that rented space at the casinos where I worked I take it as being almost par for the course. Having talked with girls that do this kind of thing I'm reluctant to call it exploitation, and sometimes I even wonder who might be exploiting who if you want to really think about it.
As far as the strip goes, my big question was why Erin would have even showed up for the show to be honest. Sure, it makes a great punchline, but I seem to remember it was established long ago that Erin isn't bi- or a lesbian, nor is her boss who was harassing her (in referance to comments that there might be a lesbian Tsundere thing going on). The look on her face in panel 4 would definatly reinforce that. If she's not into that kind of thing, and winds up taking a stageside show for this kind of act with someone... well, the response should be obvious. I suppose this was needed for the punchline/criticism though.
To be honest I would find it kind of amusing if despite all earlier comments and indication Erin woke up in bed with the stripper, and then kept running into her at cons as an attendee or booth babe. Given their perspective it could be spun off into a sort of jab at those who go off about "fake geek girls", homo/bi sexuality in gaming, and other assorted issues over a period of time as an occasional thing. Not that I agree with all those positions, just that I suppose it would be a way to do it.
