Hi there,
For the record - Alex had nothing to do with that headline image, opinion columns are often submitted with no images, and so the subs often create these based on the content of the article - in this case, that was me.
I'm sorry you interpreted the humorous approach to contextual frustration in such a negative light, but it's definitely not using "porn" to "sell" any article. The lady in question is a Victoria's Secret model named Adriana Lima. I'm not entirely certain on your interpretation of pornography, but she's definitely not an adult-content model.
Furthermore - the image is also blurred out, and 80% covered by a massive Steam Error message - which is the focus of the idea. If I had intentions of using sex to sell, I would have taken a page out Namco Bandai's Soul Calibur V marketing book and posted Ivy's breasts all over the show. Which in fact we have done. Or simply left it as is (links to original picture).
The meaning behind the image is not, as you say, to imply that offline gamers are masturbatory losers - or to push any stereotype at all - but that rather, as mentioned, a humorous nod towards the Steam Error popping up in frustrating contexts. I'm sorry you chose not see it in this light.
Once again, Alex had nothing to do with the picture; if you have an issue with it, you can blame me.
I've removed the picture in question - apologies for any offense causes. We'll be less risqué in the future.




