Dear ex-1UPers

(Ed: This is meant to be an open letter to the fine folks at 1UP.com and EGM who lost their jobs a couple days ago. It covers a general concept of what I’d do if I were in their shoes. Enjoy.)

Hey guys,

After listening to the first episode of Rebel FM, I started thinking about what I would do in your situation.

Try this on for size (all names subject to change of course).

1UP Show 2.0
Rebel FM
1UP Yours 2.0
LAN Party 2.0
Sports Anomaly 2.0

All for the low price of [insert price here] per month/week.

As I write this Anthony, Nick, and Phillip all have between 2,500 and 3,000 followers on their Twitters. Its safe to say a good amount of them would pay to hear Anthony, Nick, and Phillip every week. Right now Garnett Lee has 6,592 followers, and ShaneWatch has 3,541 followers. I bet a LOT of those people would pay to hear Garnett and Shane podcast together every week. It wouldn’t have to be a completely coordinated deal, but even just a central portal to access these podcasts would be marketable.

I have no idea what John, Garnett, and Shane have planned for the rebirth of 1UP Yours, or if Todd Zuniga will still desire to continue to lead the Sports Anomaly, or if Ryan Scott has time to host a PC podcast every week; but if there was a way to launch an informal rebirth of the 1UP Radio Network with the majority of the core personalities intact, THAT’S something you could charge for and THAT’S what the community wants right now.

All the backlash that I’ve read in regards to the UGO/1UP merger stems from the fact that 1UP isn’t 1UP without these great people that we all love to listen to on the podcasts and watch on the 1UP Show. That’s your bread and butter right now, take advantage.

I fully expect all of you to quickly find new jobs and maybe even completely new careers, but take a minute and think about it. This gives you a unique chance to take advantage of all the press, all the hype, and all the appreciation. It’s just a matter of bringing the group together and taking time to get on Skype or drive to Anthony and Arthur’s apartment every week to talk about video games.

We won’t hate you for trying to pay the bills either.

Sincerely,
Fred