If that isn’t dumber than anything any blogger’s ever written, I’ll eat Buzz’s reading glasses.

I don't know, have you ever stopped by Michelle Malkin's blog?

OH SNAP!

You know what would help Bissinger communicate better? A blog. He could write what he felt, and he could edit it, and then when people responded he could get into discussions with them and add nuance in places where he might have been misunderstood. I think he'd probably be a great blogger. I wonder if he's heard of them...

I don't know, have you ever stopped by Michelle Malkin's blog?

Is she hot?

There's probably a 2 billion way tie for first for stupidest thing ever written in a blog.

Is she hot?

If she appeared to be at first, the evil thoughts emanating from her would quickly change your mind.

If she appeared to be at first, the evil thoughts emanating from her would quickly change your mind.

Edit: Googled her, yeah, she sucks.

I'll take whatever King had for breakfast. Great stuff.

“But if John Adams and Thomas Jefferson had any idea what the First Amendment would have wrought, they would have canceled it.”

Because of sports bloggers? Seriously?

Great stuff, as usual, from the King.
It's amazing how Bissinger can admit he was wrong in one breath and then insert his foot even deeper into his mouth in the next.

I think he'd be a terrible blogger.

He might make an interesting first blog post. Then someone in the comments would say something snarky and sarcastic and he'd blow a gasket, shut down the blog, and demand the the government start a program for 1st amendment licensing.

“But if John Adams and Thomas Jefferson had any idea what the First Amendment would have wrought, they would have canceled it.”

Because of sports bloggers? Seriously?

If they had any inkling of cancelling the First Amendment, I'm pretty sure Yanni would have been the death knell way before blogging.

A blogger I know had an email exchange with Bissinger today on her blog, prompted by an open letter she wrote in which she cited Neyer, FJM, and, um, me, as bloggers he should be reading before he passes further judgment. His response, which she got his permission to reprint:

I will not change my position on blogs in general. Rob Neyer is excellent, but he is far from the average blogger. He adheres to standards set by ESPN. Fire Joe Morgan is snarky and clever and written by a bunch of Harvard grads making millions writing for The Office (I know because I once worked in television). They also never take into account the human element that still defines baseball and all sports. I do appreciate very much the thoughtfulness of your email. I am trying to be more open-minded and may well start writing an online column for the New York Times. We shall see of course if I can practice what I have been preaching. And thanks for the kind comments on Three Nights. Of course, if I was a blogger, the book never would have been written. Neither would have Friday Night Lights. If they were successful, it is because I got up out of the computer chair.

All the best to you,

Buzz Bissinger

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

So, Buzz will have "an online column" for the NYT. Think it might get bloggy? Think he's not gonna catch hell if he gets snarky and lazy?

FJM makes millions from writing for The Office? Seriously?

I am trying to be more open-minded and may well start writing an online column for the New York Times.

Will it have a more spontaneous quality and be held to slightly less strict standards than the articles in the actual New York Times? Because I think there's a word for that.

Fire Joe Morgan is snarky and clever and written by a bunch of Harvard grads making millions writing for The Office (I know because I once worked in television).

What does that parenthetical have to do with anything? He knows they make millions because he once worked in the same industry? Or that their writing is clever because his experience in TV informs him?

Rob Neyer is excellent, but he is far from the average blogger. He adheres to standards set by ESPN.

Rob has to go cocktailing with Berman once a month?

I commend Bissinger for the modest, unassuming, snark-free tone of his commentary.

Of course, if I was a blogger, the book never would have been written. Neither would have Friday Night Lights. If they were successful, it is because I got up out of the computer chair.

So he didn't use a word processor to write those? Did he pound them out on his trusty Olivetti? Or maybe scribbled them on a bunch of legal pads? Oh, wait:

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

That must be it.

Of course, if I was a blogger, the book never would have been written. Neither would have Friday Night Lights. If they were successful, it is because I got up out of the computer chair.

What, did he write them standing up? Did he dictate them? Did he write them on the shitter?

This guy is a dinosaur, in five years, he won't even be around anymore.

FJM makes millions from writing for The Office? Seriously?

One of the FJM guys also writes for The Office, and I believe is a BBTFer. I would wager large money that he doesn't make "millions", but more likely an average comedy writer's salary. He also plays Dwight's weird brother on The Office.

There was an interview linked to by BBTF that had a thread discussing it.

Rob has to go cocktailing with Berman once a month?

You're with me, flannel.

Of course, if I was a blogger, the book never would have been written. Neither would have Friday Night Lights. If they were successful, it is because I got up out of the computer chair.

Didn't Buzz's main foil from Costas's show accept a mainstream editor job recently? Someone may want to inform Buzz.

Rob has to go cocktailing with Berman once a month?

You're with me, flannel.

NOW THAT is a Coke!

It was funny both times.

You guys are getting too fired up. When John McPhee or Denis Johnson starts railing against blogs, then my feelings will be hurt. Until then, big whoopee. If Bizzinger wants to define his career as the crotchety anti-blog guy, then he's welcome to it. It won't stop anyone from writing a blog or anyone from reading one. It will only dimisish the popular perception of his accomplishments.

It was funny both times.

CONCUR

Edit: Googled her, yeah, she sucks.

You really didn't know what Michelle Malkin looks like, or her political views?

And I plan to say that to Rob at SABR next weekend.

You really didn't know what Michelle Malkin looks like, or her political views?

I also don't know who this is.

I also don't know who this is.

You're better for it.

I also don't know who this is.

You're better for it.

The temptation to google is killing me, though. I'm guessing some kind of Ann Coulter harpy?

You really didn't know what Michelle Malkin looks like, or her political views?

Both. Her face was not appealing. That she is pro-internment is just disgusting.

Of course, if I was a blogger, the book never would have been written. Neither would have Friday Night Lights.

this is the part i don't really understand. If he was a baker, a car mechanic, or a bus driver, those books wouldnt have been written either.

I think he's implying that the blog would satisfy his writing jones and thus he wouldn't be motivated to publish. Or maybe he'd be less talented if he were a blogger so the books would have sucked.

Ya know, for a super talented book writer guy he's not very clear.

I think he's implying that the blog would satisfy his writing jones and thus he wouldn't be motivated to publish. Or maybe he'd be less talented if he were a blogger so the books would have sucked.

I honestly think he's saying that bloggers are home/computer-bound and would never dare to go out in the world and report the big bad brave stories guys like him and Hemingway and Jesus and everyone do.

In other words, it's a high class way of saying that bloggers are stuck in their mothers' basements.

The temptation to google is killing me, though. I'm guessing some kind of Ann Coulter harpy?

She apparently got Dunkin Donuts to pull an ad because Rachel Ray was wearing a scarf that she (Malkin) thought looked like something that Yassir Arafat would wear (were he still alive). My wife and I stared at each other slack-jawed for probably a good five minutes when we read this, stunned into disbelief, as if we were living in a completely different world than the one in which we had lived for the last 30+ years.

She apparently got Dunkin Donuts to pull an ad because Rachel Ray was wearing a scarf that she (Malkin) thought looked like something that Yassir Arafat would wear (were he still alive). My wife and I stared at each other slack-jawed for probably a good five minutes when we read this, stunned into disbelief, as if we were living in a completely different world than the one in which we had lived for the last 30+ years.

What world have you been living in the last 30+ years? Isn't this business as usual for news media? Whether it is a story about Obama's "terrorist fist jab," or Jemele Hill accusing the LeBron James cover of being an insult to African-Americans because she thinks he is posed like King Kong, or whatever this weeks made-up news story is.

You know, I think it's time to call the dogs off Bissinger. He went on TV, got carried away, embarrassed himself and undermined his points. He has shown the good sense to admit he was off-base, but he's certainly entitled to the opinions he's currently expressing. Most blogs ARE crap. Of course, most newspaper columns are also crap. It's Sturgeon's Law. But newspaper columns don't quite reach the lowest common denominator like blogs. Maybe it's the cursing, the total lack of journalistic standards, poor writing skills, whatever. But really bad blogs are complete trash. Put it this way: Jay Mariotti would not stand out as a particularly poor blogger. That says more about blogs than Mariotti.

As for FJM, they are shooting fish in a barrel. There's no tactic that's lower hanging fruit than breaking down statements line-by-line and trying to make someone look like a moron. It adds not a thing to the conversation other than some juvenile humor. I don't mind reading FJM every now and then, but reading it frequently you quickly realize they are beating a dead horse. Joe Morgan is stubborn and uses poor logic at times. Yeah, well, whatever. Same with the other targets. I can't continually read that stuff and feel good about it or myself. It's easy to say "this sucks" or "this guy is stupid" but if you think that do better. Elevate the discussion. It is legit criticism, not old-fogeyism, to say that a lot of the Deadspin (and their ilk) stuff is mean and base. I read the site and others like it several times a week and enjoy a lot of it. I'm hip to what they're doing. But, goodness, a lot of what Bissinger says is true.

I actually have more respect for Bissinger today than I did before he went out and raved like a madman. He's shown some humility and grace like an adult. The blogosphere is full of 20 and 30something man-children trying to be the wittiest and most cutting pop culture whiz. Let's all amuse each other and see who is the cutest. Notice me! I think insecurity is a big reason why some people overreact to the criticisms from mainstream press guys.

What world have you been living in the last 30+ years? Isn't this business as usual for news media? Whether it is a story about Obama's "terrorist fist jab," or Jemele Hill accusing the LeBron James cover of being an insult to African-Americans because she thinks he is posed like King Kong, or whatever this weeks made-up news story is.

My shock was at Dunkin Donuts' reaction - and so quick - not to the fact that some people make stuff up. But also, did you notice that your other two examples are from within the past year? That's not exactly strong evidence that this has been going on for 30+ years.

...Three Nights. Of course, if I was a blogger, the book never would have been written.

*Puts this on the list of things to do once the time machine is past beta testing.*

I actually have more respect for Bissinger today than I did before he went out and raved like a madman. He's shown some humility and grace like an adult

Like saying bloggers would cause the Constitutional Congress to not write the First Amendment? That's not humility, that's idiocy.

>>>I honestly think he's saying that bloggers are home/computer-bound and would never dare to go out in the world and report the big bad brave stories guys like him and Hemingway and Jesus and everyone do.<<<

I think that is a bit extreme. I think he is saying that without his credentials with the press, those books don't get written -- which is 100% dead on. It is also a double edged sword, however. Friday Night Lights was very good, but Three Nights might be the worst baseball book ever written outside of Omar Vizquel's autobiography. He had access that very few writers would ever see and produced a steaming pile of excrement.

He does seem to think he has the same swagger as Hemingway though.

Like saying bloggers would cause the Constitutional Congress to not write the First Amendment? That's not humility, that's idiocy.

I don't agree with everything he said. Hardly. But he's stepped back and tried to be reflective about himself and that's worth something. And somehow I don't think he literally meant that. If he did, well, that's not good.

Who is Bissinger? Is she hot?

I'm guessing some kind of Ann Coulter harpy?

Good guess!

Who is Bissinger? Is she hot?

you see?? this is why he hates blogs

you just outed him

it's this "gotcha" mentality

(you kids today...)

Fire Joe Morgan is snarky and clever and written by a bunch of Harvard grads making millions writing for The Office (I know because I once worked in television).

I think he's saying this in the belief that KT et al are still publishing anonymously (i.e. Bissinger knows KT's identity as Schur only because he's an "insider," something that other readers of FJM wouldn't know). Of course, if he had lowered himself to the level of actually reading or looking at the blog within the last, however long, 3 months, he'd know that's been public knowledge for some time. Personally, this is yet another thing I'm going to hold against Bissinger: He tried to out an FJM writer, and managed to brag on his own status in the process.

They also never take into account the human element that still defines baseball and all sports.

What a close-minded a-hole. 'Humility and grace like an adult' my foot.

Nice post, Lima Time (#40)

...the worst baseball book ever written outside of Omar Vizquel's autobiography.

hey, Jose Mesa posts here!

I don't know, have you ever stopped by Michelle Malkin's blog?

Is she hot?

You could do worse. I don't really even know much about her, but I would say that she is somewhat hot.

Five thousand years of Western civilization, people revering good writing and not caring about gossip, and it all suddenly stops with the generation right after yours. What a tough break...

This is awesome. If BTF had auto-signature capabilities, this would be in mine. I may need to paraphrase that for discussions in other areas.

It is more than 5 words, though, so I may owe King some royalties down the line.

I don't know. I suppose I'd accept a blowjob from Malkin as long as she let me cum in her mouth but I don't think I'd want to #### her. I'd be too afraid she'd get knocked up and insist on having the child. No way do I want to be even partly responsible for helping her continue her bloodline.

Are you the biggest idiot ever?

Here's wishing kevin many more bjs at the expense of intercourse.

He tried to out an FJM writer...

He's gay?

Agree with #40. Good or bad, Buzz Bissinger isn't anonymous in his snarking.

What's so great about signing your name to opinions that make you look like an idiot?

The willingness to publicly look like an idiot, standing behind your opinions good or bad.

The willingness to publicly look like an idiot, standing behind your opinions good or bad.

This concept again.

The willingness to publicly stand behind your idiot ideas does not lessen your idiocy one iota.


EDIT: to erase bad analogy

Buzz Bissinger is a public person, if he says something idiotic he will take flak for it, like from Kaufman.

Even if I didn't find FJM nearly worthless, the fact that it (was) anonymously done lacks testicular fortitude. The fact that it attacks a public figure from behind a barricade...

Buzz Bissinger is an idiot carries more negative weight than 'the anonymous writer x' is an idiot.

I'm not debating the idiocy of the founding fathers quote, or his kneejerk reaction to the Deadspin guy.

I can see why you might forgive Schur if you find him funny. If you make me laugh, I'll forgive you many faults. Plus, if we go out for a beer I'll have fun and have new stories to tell.

53. kevin Posted: June 20, 2008 at 09:18 PM (#2827802)
I don't know. I suppose I'd accept a blowjob from Malkin as long as she let me cum in her mouth but I don't think I'd want to #### her. I'd be too afraid she'd get knocked up and insist on having the child. No way do I want to be even partly responsible for helping her continue her bloodline.

How is this clown not permanently banned?

I mean, it is great that we can ignore him. And banning him would likely just lead to him showing up as another alias, so I can see the argument for just keeping him around.

But with as much as he posts, he is in many ways the public face of this site. And it's gotten progressively more vile. Others have been bounced for far less.

More vile -- kevin's comments or Malkin's views?

I obviously give too much credit to Kevin for some people, but that post was funny on several levels, not the least of which was self-parody.

Kind of like at work when one of my co-workers questioned another on his war experience of having to run over an Iraqi with his hummer, and his sarcastic reply was how much he enjoyed the sound of the guy's bones cracking like popcorn under the wheels.

YMMV, but such questionable humor is a pretty small quotient of total content here. As long as it doesn't devolve into personal threat against other posters here, adults ought to be able to tolerate some discomfort without seeking authoritarian redress.

How is this clown not permanently banned?

I mean, it is great that we can ignore him. And banning him would likely just lead to him showing up as another alias, so I can see the argument for just keeping him around.

I admit it - I laughed at Kevin's Malkin comment.

If you don't like it, put him on ignore. Nobody is forcing you to read his posts.

i think i'll just borrow one from jeremy ross ... "michelle malkin??? i wouldn't #### her with bea arthur's dick."

that's crass, snarky, insensitive, and totally pop-culture referential.

gotta meet the high standards buzz expects from us.

I'd do her, but I'd have to put a bag over my head, Jerzy Kosinski style.

Chris Matthews eviscerates Michelle Malkin.

I mean, it is great that we can ignore him. And banning him would likely just lead to him showing up as another alias, so I can see the argument for just keeping him around.

If I was banned, your life would be completely empty and devoid of meaning.

So you have that to consider. Don't bite the hand that feeds you.

If you don't like it, put him on ignore. Nobody is forcing you to read his posts.

Actually, unless mel ott is on someone's ignore list, by quoting Kevin he was preventing that strategy from working.

That being said, I tend to agree with his take on that post. It doesn't offend me personally, but it's really unnecessarily vulgar and should be forcefully discouraged.

mel ott is a member in good standing of my troll posse. If I weren't here for them to troll, they wouldn't post at all.

So, of course he can't put me on ignore. If he put me on ignore, he'd be bereft of any commentary. And, if he's bereft of any commentary, he'd have no life at all. He needs me, but he resents me for his needing me. He's a like a welfare queen.

So, of course he can't put me on ignore. If he put me on ignore, he'd be bereft of any commentary. And, if he's bereft of any commentary, he'd have no life at all. He needs me, but he resents me for his needing me. He's a like a welfare queen.

You missed my point Kevin. By quoting you, he made sure anyone who does have you on ignore sees it anyway.

I know what your point was. I wasn't disputing it, I was only making a separate one.

You could do worse. I don't really even know much about her, but I would say that she is somewhat hot.

She gets the "we think any Asian women we get to look at is hot" crowd, but you can see what a disgusting human being she is on her face.
Here's a piece from Shimomura.

But hey, she could be *insert hottest women in the world here* and her oozing personality would still make her utterly repulsive.

Oh, and I stand by my earlier FJM assessment--they fit into that elite category of mockeries that actually make the target look like a genius by comparison.

If I was banned, your life would be completely empty and devoid of meaning.

We'd still have your sock puppet to kick around.