In Defense of the Caveman

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 10:32 AM CST Comment 83 comments

If we all remember, yesterday I picked a bit of a fight with a Red Wings blog, Abel to Yzerman. While the conversation it started has turned into something I did not intend, I feel I owe them an apology. You see, in the original post, I referred to the blog as "From" Abel to Yzerman, and that is incorrect. I apologize.

Now, on to the defense of the caveman.

I do not want this to turn into a long, drawn out argument about who is right, who is wrong, and who is smarter than who. That looks to be the way "The Chief" would like it to go, judging from his response, but I would prefer to keep this somewhat professional. I will do my best to contain the vitriol and keep this civilized. I cannot promise anything, however.

Quite the quandary, eh? What to do, what to do. Take the high road? Yes, I’m sure that’s the right thing to do. I’m sure that’s the mature approach.

But, you know, that would be way too difficult, right?

It would appear that the subject of blogger access is a touchy one in Minnesota. Why do I care about that? I don’t. I don’t care if a single blogger in Minneapolis or Duluth or Fargo or wherever the Wild play ever gets to go into a locker room and pretend they’re Michael Russo.

Thought so.

No, I do not believe I can be Michael Russo. Russo is likely the best hockey writer on the planet, and all around a class act guy. I still owe him a beer, but that is another story completely. The Wild play in Saint Paul, but "The Chief" likely knew that already. Judging by the fact that Fargo is not even in Minnesota, this was likely a backhanded swipe using a terribly bad movie that made small minded people across the country believe that Fargo was indeed in Minnesota. It isn't. (See, I didn't even make it one paragraph before going the low road. I'll try harder going forward.)

Blogger access is a bit of a touchy subject here in MN, yes. I would be willing to bet that bloggers across the NHL agree, however, as it has been a topic of discussion on many blogs for years now.But he doesn't care about that, so no sense arguing about it.

And away we go. "Buddha", the blogger in question, is not happy with me and you. Not. Happy. At all. He’s offended by our bias, offended by my grammar...specifically my selective capitalization and use of question marks. It literally offends him, or so he says. Because if you look at him, you can tell that when he’s in front of his AP English class and he’s going all Milton and shit on them? No doubt who the lit expert is.

Again, never said I was unhappy with your readers, nor your fans. I did say they are conspiracy theorists, but your readers seem to be proud of that. It likely comes from all of those years working at the Ford plant. Oh wait, that closed? Sad. Maybe the GM plant, then. That closed too? Oh. Well maybe it is from the fumes of dead bodies laying around in parking ramps for weeks at a time.

Dammit. See, I got drawn onto the low road again. I apologize to all of the laid off auto workers who are reading this. I'm sure the jobs will come back eventually. Perhaps you could move to Tennessee and work for Nissan, Toyota, Honda, or Hyundai and then you could cheer for a the Predators and be done with the association to A2Y.

For the record, I failed AP English because I skipped it due to it being that simple. I am not ashamed of being smart, although it seems some people are, and for them, I offer yet another apology. I am sorry that the English language comes easy for me. You see I have only been speaking and writing it for 30 years now, so I can see how it would be intimidating to some.

He then goes after my picture.

With that hat and that pinky, you’re calling me homerific? Ohhh....homer. Not...nevermind.

Yeah. Nice. With the homo reference. Classic. Homophobic diatribe. Nice. This from a guy who doesn't even post a picture of himself.

I stopped reading A2Y awhile back.

Uh huh. Sure you did.

Today I was told by a friend to go read the two latest posts over at A2Y.

Uh huh. Got it. One of those. He never reads us. It’s beneath him. The only reason he was over here was because he was "told by a friend."

For the record, I can’t recall every writing a word about Minnesota hockey.

This is one of my favorite methods for countering an argument. Assume that the writer wrote something simply for effect. "Uh huh. Sure you did." As if I have a reason to lie about it. Is "The Chief" so arrogant that he believes that no one would possibly stop reading his blog?

You have never written a word about Minnesota hockey, despite the fact that your team plays them four times a year? Too busy coming up with clever homophobic jokes?

"Buddha" is going to prattle on about our lack of objectivity (a new development here) and the wacky way we write (alliteration bitches) our headlines...also something shockingly new. And he’s going to spend paragraph upon paragraph talking about...grammar, on a hockey blog.

OK, where to start here?

"Prattle on?" I mentioned the lack of objectivity what, once? Maybe twice? I never said there was anything wrong with it either, just said that NHL teams can point to it as reason to deny credentials. You see, for those of us who have been in a press box when our favorite team is playing, there is an urge to cheer. You can't, or you get kicked out. Objectivity must reign, and the NHL feels bloggers cannot be objective.

Next, you mention alliteration. Putting question mark in the middle of your title is not alliteration. It is just stupid. (Damn, low road again.) Alliteration is the use of words that all start with the same sound to cause a feel of motion and building in words. Something like "The Chief is a homophobic hosebag homer" would be alliteration.

Grammar? On a hockey blog? Say it ain't so! Yes, I went after your grammar. Deal with it.

But you want to know the real issue with this guy? He wants to take his little itty bitty cybershot camera into the Wild lockerroom, get a snippy snap of Derek Boogard’s back tattoo and the team won’t let him. "Buddha"? He’s sad. He’s angry. He’s a blogger, by god, and he deserves the same access as a beat writer. But fatass can’t get in and he’s looking for someone to blame.

This is where "The Chief" starts to completely lose all respectability. More homophobic banter. I have the same access as a beat writer. If you would do some background research, I am a beat writer. Go find it. I'll wait here.

I don’t give a flying foxtrot if you or any other hockey blogger anywhere has access to jack squat. Just like I don’t care if the Wild have any games on Versus (do they?) or if team ownership in Minnesota, despite one of the best fan bases in all of pro sports, refuses to spend money on the product. I literally don’t care. Access wouldn’t make my stuff more appealing to the 19 people who read it. And, therefore, I don’t care about it. I don’t want it. And frankly, I frigging laugh at the ass-hurt nimrods, whining little bitches, pathetic piss-ant, wannabee journalists who get off on thumbing through a sticky-paged thesaurus, doing their pseudo-pretend sports reporter game recaps on their commodore 64’s while the fantastic beat of Gloria Estefan pounds in the background really frigging loud but don’t worry about waking up the girlfriend or the wife because with that hat? Yeah, not an issue.

It's not an issue. You don't care. And yet, you write a full length article about how I am a homo and bash me for being intelligent, all the while you continue to tell me you don't care. Right. Got it.

Who cares if they have games on Versus? No one gets Versus any way. For the record, they had 9 games on Versus last year, and I believe 7 this year.

I’ve had access to one pro hockey game my entire life. Last year, was it? Paul got me into the press box at the Verizon Center. It was fun, and I’m glad I did it. Wasn’t the Wings. Caps and Panthers. I wrote absolutely nothing of consequence, nothing I couldn’t have written from my couch with a warm PBR in front of me. Best part was laughing with the Caps bloggers about how I had nothing to write about. I guess I could have gone down to the locker room...but I would have felt like an idiot. Not my job. Not my thing. Don’t need it and don’t want it.

At the Verizon Center. The one arena in the entire NHL that lets anyone in the world in.

Guess what, "Buddha"? If I’d wanted access, Paul would have gotten it for me.

Prove it. Anywhere other than for a game played in a home rink from the Southeast conference. Make it happen.

But you know what? Your act is as easy to see as mine is. I’m a passionate fan who likes to write about my team, for my friends, in a way that I enjoy. You? You’re a bitter little boy who wants to play in a sandbox you’ll never be qualified to dig in. Hell, maybe you even have access and you’re just playing high and mighty and sticking up for those who don’t. God, that would be even better. Ned Beatty on a crusade. Whatever.

Bitter little boy. Nice touch.

I do have access, but that doesn't seem to matter to you, so why bring it up?

Deal with it, or don’t. But I’d highly recommend you consider who you’re going to slam next time because you’re out of your league.

I'm out of my league? Really? What league is that exactly? Am I supposed to be scared now? I'm not. Give it your best shot. You and all of the readers who commented on the last post, after of course removing their lips from your ass, can do your worst. I'm not afraid. I've argued with bigger, stronger, tougher people than you.

0 recs | Comment 83 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

If the top outlet zaps syou when you stick a knife in it....

…maybe the bottom one won’t.

by 42jeff on Dec 16, 2009 12:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I haven’t been zapped yet.

Not one comment, in any area of this argument, has hurt me, or my argument in any way. But hey, if it helps you sleep at night.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 12:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Some People Just Do it Better than Others

Chief’s internet tough guy persona is funny, witty, and entertaining. Yours seems sad. Put on the leather jacket and the grease in your hair, you’re not the Fonz until you can make the jukebox start using just your elbow.

by J.J. from Kansas on Dec 16, 2009 1:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I got you guys jumping, didn’t I?

And your definition of “funny, witty, and entertaining” makes me sick.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 1:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I’ve found most often among those with higher-than-average intelligence that the most judgmental and elitist of those are usually on the lower end of the extended scale. My hypothesis as to the reason is twofold:

1. They’re smart enough to recognize a pecking order when they see it and smart enough to realize that being at the bottom is a bad thing.
2. They’re incapable of rising to the top via their own merits or of possibly completely understanding the system within which they are contained, so being loud, confrontational, and demeaning are the only ways they have to avoid a crisis of confidence.

I mean, being the dumbest of the smart people is still better than being the smartest of the dumb people, but it’s sad and it doesn’t impress anybody. Getting people to argue with you online is not some sort of arduous quest.

by J.J. from Kansas on Dec 16, 2009 1:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

See, those are your words, not mine. I did not post anything to get you to come argue with me. I could not have cared less if no one over there ever read it. All of your theories about why I wrote this post, or the last one, are wrong. I wrote them because I can. Because I found the two posts from The Chief to be stupid and asinine. So I said so.

I did the same thing to several other writers, including a tool from Sports Illustrated, and also to one of the local sports columnists. The Chief is in no way special to me. However, when people write stupid things, and I end up reading them, I am going to call them out on it.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 3:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Your opinion of where I rank on the scale you mention is biased. You disagree with my opinion, therefore I cannot rank high on the scale.

Whose merits have I risen on, if not my own? I did not get my beat writer gig by accident, and I did not start writing here because someone else said I should. So your point in number two makes no sense. I have plenty of confidence. However, the only people being loud, confrontational, and demeaning came from your side of the argument.

My post could easily have been argued in a very civilized manner. Instead, The Chief, and all of you, took it down to a base level. He was the first to call names and get petty, not me. Then you and your band of merry men came over here to spread your ignorance like herpes.

I am not out to impress anyone, especially you. And if you think I am, you are sorely mistaken.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 3:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

There goes that crisis of confidence…

by J.J. from Kansas on Dec 16, 2009 3:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I guess you just don’t see the hypocrisy in that argument do you?

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 3:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Since you’ve had to remind me and everybody else that you are, indeed, a confident and intelligent man, I guess I am missing the hypocrisy.

Your opinion of where I rank on the scale you mention is biased. You disagree with my opinion, therefore I cannot rank high on the scale.

You assume that I’m biased solely because I disagree with you, the fault is yours. Your inability to separate a single commenter from every commenter and take them on individually led in large part to my opinion on where you fit on that scale. For example:

All of your theories about why I wrote this post, or the last one, are wrong. I wrote them because I can.

I have not offered any theories as to why you wrote your post. I’ve offered theories as to what I construed as the message of your post and I’ve offered a theory as to why it’s important that you make sure people know that you’re a confident and intelligent person, but I haven’t tried to offer any reasoning for why you felt the need to attack another blogger. You have created a strawman and have roundly defeated it.

Also, one’s ability to do something very rarely makes that a wise decision. I have the strength in my arms and hands to choke another man to death. I choose not to because it’s unwise, unprovoked, and unnecessary.

by J.J. from Kansas on Dec 16, 2009 3:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So, you disagree with me, but that does not bias your judgment? BS, and you know it.

Since you’ve had to remind me and everybody else that you are, indeed, a confident and intelligent man, I guess I am missing the hypocrisy

Again, I have I had to remind people of this because many of your cohorts claim otherwise, with no support to do so.

Your inability to separate a single commenter from every commenter and take them on individually led in large part to my opinion on where you fit on that scale.

It is hard to argue with 25 individuals when you are all posting similar comments. I apologize if I lumped you in with them.

As for your scale, it is bunk, plain and simple. It has no basis in actual psychology, and it is something you made up completely. To argue with you about its merits is pointless. You created it, so to you, of course it makes perfect sense.

I’ve offered a theory as to why it’s important that you make sure people know that you’re a confident and intelligent person

Yes you did, and it caused me to defend myself, which according to your scale only makes me fall further, so what am I to do?

but I haven’t tried to offer any reasoning for why you felt the need to attack another blogger

You use the word attack as though I called him a bunch of names, stole his wife, and punched him in the face. I called out his work. Separate that from an attack on the person, if you will. The first personal attack came from your side, not mine.

You have created a strawman and have roundly defeated it.

You keep claiming victory, and yet I am still here. You have not won anything. You have simply repeated yourself over and over again. Keep trying though. I’m sure eventually you will convince yourself further of your victory.

Also, one’s ability to do something very rarely makes that a wise decision. I have the strength in my arms and hands to choke another man to death. I choose not to because it’s unwise, unprovoked, and unnecessary.

There is a big difference between choking someone and writing a blog post. I have the right to write my opinion. You do not have the right to choke people. That is what I was referring to when I say “because I can.”

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 3:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

There is a big difference between choking someone and writing a blog post. I have the right to write my opinion. You do not have the right to choke people. That is what I was referring to when I say "because I can."

Another example of being unclear in your writing. Of course “because I have the right to” and “Because I can” hardly separate my counter claim that one’s ability (or right) to do something does not make it wise. Fine then, I’ll change my analogy. I have the right to vote in every local election. I choose not to exercise that right in elections where I haven’t taken the time to learn for whom or what exactly I am voting. To vote simply because I have the right without first making sure I know I’m doing it while well-informed is foolhardy and dangerous.

You use the word attack as though I called him a bunch of names, stole his wife, and punched him in the face. I called out his work. Separate that from an attack on the person, if you will. The first personal attack came from your side, not mine.

I used the word attack correctly. You’ll notice that the implication that you attacked his person is yours, not mine. Also, I’d like your opinion of which phrase was the actual first personal attack. I’m actually a little surprised and dismayed that it’s not only important to you to believe that you’re only responding to unfair attacks, but also that they’re unwarranted, as you hadn’t started anything. Your entire first post was an attack. You used A2Y as an example for why there is something wrong in the hockey world. It does not get much clearer than that.

You keep claiming victory, and yet I am still here.

You said earlier that your post could have been argued in a civilized manner if only people had not resorted to the tactics with which you’ve been forced to respond. It seems you’re working off the assumption that every argument has to have a victor and a vanquished. That’s actually not civilized arguing.

I disagree with a lot of what Greg Wyshynski writes, but I don’t think he’s an idiot among the smart. I’m sorry that you can’t accept that. It also plays nicely into my claim that you’ll do nearly anything to avoid a crisis of confidence that accepting the fact that you’re not as smart as you think you are would bring.

by J.J. from Kansas on Dec 16, 2009 3:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I choose not to exercise that right in elections where I haven’t taken the time to learn for whom or what exactly I am voting. To vote simply because I have the right without first making sure I know I’m doing it while well-informed is foolhardy and dangerous.

And you would be lazy not to learn about that election and fulfill your responsibility to participate in the process. I choose to participate. If that is displeasing to you, tough.

Also, I’d like your opinion of which phrase was the actual first personal attack.

Going after a picture of me and calling me bigoted homosexual names isn’t personal attack? Huh. OK then. I went after his work, not him.

I’m actually a little surprised and dismayed that it’s not only important to you to believe that you’re only responding to unfair attacks, but also that they’re unwarranted, as you hadn’t started anything. Your entire first post was an attack. You used A2Y as an example for why there is something wrong in the hockey world. It does not get much clearer than that.

Right now, all I am doing is responding to unwarranted attacks. You are one of few people who have challenged me on the basis of my work. I have tried to respond in kind. I used A2Y as an example of what the NHL uses to deny credentials. That is, again, and attack on the work, not the person. My entire first post was attack on the WORK.

You said earlier that your post could have been argued in a civilized manner if only people had not resorted to the tactics with which you’ve been forced to respond. It seems you’re working off the assumption that every argument has to have a victor and a vanquished. That’s actually not civilized arguing.

Agreed, there does not need to be a victor and vanquished. So why do you continue to claim victories? You continuously claim you have beaten my weak argument, yet the argument still continues. If you have defeated it, why are we still here?

It also plays nicely into my claim that you’ll do nearly anything to avoid a crisis of confidence that accepting the fact that you’re not as smart as you think you are would bring.

I am axactly as smart as I think I am. I can accept that I have my limits, however, I have no doubts in my abilities. You say that tells you I have a crisis of confidence. I disagree. Can we let it go?

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 3:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I’ll let it go.

by J.J. from Kansas on Dec 16, 2009 4:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I am a Pens fan, and the Chief is like the Claude Lem….umm….better not use that one around Wings fans….

The Chief is like the Ken Linseman of bloggers. If he isn’t on your team. You effing hate him, but you would love to have him on your team. The Chief makes my blood boil sometimes…..but I know if he were a Penguins writer that I would love him.

The best thing for both sides in this argument is to just forget it. The A2Y diehards will defend him to the death, no matter what he says or does. Let it go, man.

by Link_Gaetz on Dec 16, 2009 2:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

We haven't heard THAT one before

My respect for you instantly doubled because of your “teaser” about owing Russo a beer. And then it went back to shit after you decided to take the easy way out and bring the whole city of Detroit into an argument that has nothing to do with the economic troubles of the city.

Now you’re just a bitch that resorts to the levels of the bloggers you ragged on in your original post. If we make you so “sick”, then why don’t you just mind your own damn business and leave us to ours? Nobody asked you what the hell you thought in the first place.

Find me on twitter @chollis

by motownchollis on Dec 16, 2009 2:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Nobody asked you what the hell you thought in the first place.

And no one asked you either. That’s the beauty of this country. No one has to ask me first.

My respect for you instantly doubled because of your "teaser" about owing Russo a beer.

If you respect me more because I owe Russo a beer, then you are a sad person.

nt back to shit after you decided to take the easy way out and bring the whole city of Detroit into an argument that has nothing to do with the economic troubles of the city.

Only trying to relate your “Chief” on his own level.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 3:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Apparently you missed the sarcasm section of AP Li..shit, that’s right, you were too good for it.

And since you want to relate to the Chief so much, why don’t you come “down” to our level and join myself, the Chief and some other “wannabes” on our weekly podcast this week. It’s only proper since we’ve come all the way over to your turf. Come hang out at our place for awhile.

Find me on twitter @chollis

by motownchollis on Dec 16, 2009 3:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds Like A Famous Idea

Notice the all caps?

Yes, Pinky. Do join us you sanctimonious piece of shit. Come on down to our level.

by a2y on Dec 16, 2009 3:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I’ve already come down to your level. And until the name calling stops, shove your podcast up your ass you scrofulitic waste of oxygen.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 3:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

There we have it.

You really are too stupid for your own good.

And until the name calling stops

followed immediately by

scrofulitic waste of oxygen

doesn’t mean you win on the high road. It means you used bigger words when you engaged in name calling.

Just admit this whole thing was to get some damn clickthroughs and go cover your fucking team.

2100 Woodward and Twitter

by john.kmiecik on Dec 16, 2009 7:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I’ll pass. I don’t do interviews.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 3:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Shocking

Talk all that shit and now you won’t join us for a little podcast? Pussy.

by a2y on Dec 16, 2009 3:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

See above comment.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 3:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Because it would be like going on the Rush Limbaugh show. You and the rest of the group would call me names, not allow me to make my point, and then claim an amazing victory over me for not being able to defend my argument. Why should I bother?

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 3:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like a swell time to me. You sure you can’t make it?

Find me on twitter @chollis

by motownchollis on Dec 16, 2009 3:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes. Absolutely certain.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 3:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ha...

…I aLOL’d (TM Tyler) right there. You are such a candy ass. Thanks for the great day. You may have embarrassed all Wild fans, but you sure gave us a year’s worth of material.

by a2y on Dec 16, 2009 4:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Glad I could help.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 4:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh you did...

…and your gift, like the clap, will keep on giving. Do you know Darren Garcia? You two should talk. He’s kind of a regular at A2Y too.

by a2y on Dec 16, 2009 4:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I am truly glad that I can provide entertainment for you. I do not rightly care who Darren Garcia is. All I know is that the bulk of the people I have talked to today have nothing but bad things to say about your blog. Why they won’t come on and get involved is beyond me, but they won’t.

Make sure you send me a link so I can continue to be part of the fun, will you?

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 4:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Laying down life lessons

Holy Crap, I’m amazed at your grasp of the English language. You were just too cool for school, weren’t you? Ha, all those nerds in AP English. Sitting around, reading literature, discussing prose. What morons! You mean to tell me they weren’t just simply born with a full grasp of the entire catalogue of Shakespeare and Thoreau? Absurd.

You’re Professor Journalist aren’t you? The one laying down lessons like “only capitalize ‘important’ letters” or “whoa, punctuation in the middle of a title? Armageddon for bloggers everywhere.” Man, my quota for learning for the day is maxed out.

Ooh, and can I get in on that beer you and Russo are going to have? We can sit around at laugh at all the silly Africans, and how the AIDS epidemic is all their fault. Clearly, that is what professional geniuses do with their spare time: mock those who are suffering at no fault of their own. I think I saw something in the agenda for MENSA’s next meeting about laughing at cancer patients for having the gall to have spent time in the sun. What n00bz LOLOLOLZ

I have to apologize. I had you pegged as Pinky. Clearly, you are the Brain. Now get back to taking over the world Dr. Style Guide. What ever will the fans of the Wild do without their super-genius wonder-boy to tell them all about Marty Havlat’s tweets.

by CaptNorris5 on Dec 16, 2009 3:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I don’t even know where to start with this.

Holy Crap, I’m amazed at your grasp of the English language. You were just too cool for school, weren’t you? Ha, all those nerds in AP English. Sitting around, reading literature, discussing prose. What morons! You mean to tell me they weren’t just simply born with a full grasp of the entire catalogue of Shakespeare and Thoreau? Absurd.

Indeed, they did not. Either did I. As I said above, I will not apologize for being smart. Regardless of what names you may call me, or anyone else, this is not high school, and I do not have to bow to your overwhelming coolness because you were stuck in remedial English your entire life.

You’re Professor Journalist aren’t you? The one laying down lessons like "only capitalize ‘important’ letters" or "whoa, punctuation in the middle of a title? Armageddon for bloggers everywhere." Man, my quota for learning for the day is maxed out.

I think your quaota for learning stopped in the third grade, but who am I to judge?

Ooh, and can I get in on that beer you and Russo are going to have? We can sit around at laugh at all the silly Africans, and how the AIDS epidemic is all their fault. Clearly, that is what professional geniuses do with their spare time: mock those who are suffering at no fault of their own. I think I saw something in the agenda for MENSA’s next meeting about laughing at cancer patients for having the gall to have spent time in the sun.

This doesn’t even make any sense, so I don’t know what to say.

What n00bz LOLOLOLZ

Impressive grasp of internet gibberish. Well done.

I have to apologize. I had you pegged as Pinky. Clearly, you are the Brain. Now get back to taking over the world Dr. Style Guide. What ever will the fans of the Wild do without their super-genius wonder-boy to tell them all about Marty Havlat’s tweets.

Dr. Style Guide. I like that too. I may use that in addition to Pinky. You guys are so clever with your little nicknames. I can’t wait for the next one.

As for Twitter… well, I believe it is just one of the latest steps in the downfall of society. Marty Havlat can shove his tweets.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 3:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I do not have to bow to your overwhelming coolness because you were stuck in remedial English your entire life.

Clearly something went over your head. Perhaps I can explain it to you. You see, sarcasm is another rhetorical tool writers of prose have in their expansive grab-bag of goodies. I employed that tool to mock your claim that you failed AP English because you were just too smart for it. I wasn’t asking you to apologize for being smart; on the contrary. In fact, I was pointing out the “douchery” (S.I. unit of douche. You probably missed that while you were skipping AP Chem) of claiming that you were just too good for advanced English courses. Moreover, I feel that you’ve misunderstood the entire tone of my above comment. See, I wasn’t mocking you for being bright and thumping my chest because I’m Joe “2.4” Cool. Rather, I was mocking you for boldly professing your genius for all of the world. I would imagine someone possessing such intellectual superiority would have been able to surmise as much.

This doesn’t even make any sense, so I don’t know what to say.

Sigh. I’ll spell it out. See, an analogy is a comparison between two or more situations used to infer that if those situations are similar in some manners, then they will be similar in others. Here, I provided the scenario of the two of us laughing at Africans because they suffer from an AIDS epidemic. This was meant to be analogous to your decision to mock the residents of Detroit due to the particularly abysmal economic climate that currently exists in the region. You see, in both situations the victims of a horrible endemic are being blamed as though they were the cause. Also in both situations, it is clear that only an immature little shithead who had no idea what he was talking about would find humor in such tragedy.

Hope that clears things up for you Doc.

by CaptNorris5 on Dec 16, 2009 3:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

As for Twitter… well, I believe it is just one of the latest steps in the downfall of society. Marty Havlat can shove his tweets

then what’s with all of the Twitter buttons on this site? Oh I know, it’s NOT MY BLOG. So you contribute to a blog that contributes to the downfall of society. Your words, not mine

by mserven on Dec 16, 2009 3:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 3:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i wont really get into all that much...

but what is the point of making fun of a city and people that are struggling economically and then apologizing in the next paragraph? This isn’t a live speech, the backspace button is there for a reason. All that does is indeed show you took the low road and related nothing of that to hockey.

Winging It In Motown

by Casey Richey on Dec 16, 2009 3:19 PM CST reply actions 2 recs

It is what it is. I took the low road to relate to your fellow Detroit blogger. If it offended you, then the apology is to you. It was used as a device. If he is going to take the low road, and will not come up a few notches to fight the battle, then I went down to his level.

The apology was meant to make sure it was not taken personally, but at face value and for what it is; a slap at The Chief and his mentality.

Distasteful? Sure is. Sometimes, on the low road, that’s where things end up.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 3:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Let's do this

Let’s take a break and go back to the original point, shall we? I am tired of defending myself, my professionalism, or my intelligence.

If anyone would like to continue the conversation in a respectful manner, I am glad to join in. Much like JJ from Kansas has done, keep it civil, and I will participate. Cuss and call names, and I’m walking away. I did my low road dance for the day.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 4:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Original point.

Again, never said I was unhappy with your readers, nor your fans. I did say they are conspiracy theorists, but your readers seem to be proud of that. It likely comes from all of those years working at the Ford plant. Oh wait, that closed? Sad. Maybe the GM plant, then. That closed too? Oh. Well maybe it is from the fumes of dead bodies laying around in parking ramps for weeks at a time.

Dammit. See, I got drawn onto the low road again. I apologize to all of the laid off auto workers who are reading this. I’m sure the jobs will come back eventually. Perhaps you could move to Tennessee and work for Nissan, Toyota, Honda, or Hyundai and then you could cheer for a the Predators and be done with the association to A2Y.

You’ve defended this by saying it was a device of some sort, used to… um… play the Chief’s game… or something. I’m confused exactly what point you were trying to make. As I tried to illustrate, in a manner that apparently was overly mean, I don’t think your logic makes much sense.

It seems to me that you wanted to take that pot shot at Detroiters, but you didn’t want to live with the fact that making such a pot shot is kind of a “meanie-pants” thing to do. Thus, the “retraction” – if you can reasonably call it that.

by CaptNorris5 on Dec 16, 2009 4:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

See, now this is civil.

I posted something above on this as well, but I will reiterate for the sake of ease.

I used this device at the time I wrote this piece. I was writing in the haste of a defensive posture, and I regret doing so. In the original text, the comments were aimed at The Chief, to suggest that maybe he had lost his marbles in some kind of industrial accident or through a huffing mishap. It ended up being a slap in the face to the entire population of Detroit, and for that I apologize.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 4:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I just re-read the paragraph and I was definitely not clear on my intended meaning. I apologize again.

See JJ, I can admit when I’m wrong.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 4:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m very proud of you.

by J.J. from Kansas on Dec 16, 2009 4:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And my life is now complete.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 4:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Unfortunately, your professionalism is not off limits in this discussion.

Especially when you’re pointing at blogs like A2Y (your words) and saying they are part of the problem by not writing up to your standards of professionalism. You’re pointing to them and saying their existence, writing and following are not letting you gain press credentials, something that you can’t possibly argue against being a professional item.

You’ve acted incredibly unprofessional through this whole thing, and it’s not really that big of a mystery why a professional status symbol (press credentials) hasn’t been granted upon you. If you can’t muster a strong argument over a bunch of internet commentators, I can’t imagine your argument to Wild PR has been all that strong.

2100 Woodward and Twitter

by john.kmiecik on Dec 16, 2009 7:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Once AGAIN… I do, indeed, have press credentials. Good lord man. Read the comments, will you?

The fact that YOU call me unprofessional means nothing to me. Thank you for your comments today, and please, be sure to visit often. I will no longer be discussing the professionalism aspect of my writing. If you choose to comment on it again, feel free, but there will be no further response. Bring something new, or go away.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 10:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

doubtful

For starters the college you went to has no journalist degree. Secondly throughout this whole debate all you’ve been is unprofessional, hell your whole post in the first place reeks of unprofessional to the highest level.

You’ve also shown it to be pretty clear that you can’t debate your way out of a paper bag so you take to insulting people, trying to deflect or change the subject when backed into a corner, or use semantics rather than back up your comments in the first place. All of which are generally uncharacteristic of professional journalist in the first place.

by Realm on Dec 17, 2009 2:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I’ll just have to live with your disappointment that your journalistic ability could not garner anything other than when my daughter was born and some info about what happened during the pregnancy. Congrats on that information gathering.

What school did I go to? What degree did I receive? Were my grades good? What’s my favorite color? Do I have any friends from my past that may hate me now? How about scandals like medical issues or divorce?

Does it matter? No. It doesn’t.

Get a life.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 17, 2009 8:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Okay I actually had to look this word up "scrofulitic"

But the best I could come up with was this:

Main Entry: scrof·u·la
Pronunciation: \ˈskrȯ-fyə-lə, ˈskrä-\
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin, back-formation from Late Latin scrofulae, plural, swellings of the lymph nodes of the neck, from plural of scrofula, diminutive of Latin scrofa breeding sow
Date: 1791
: tuberculosis of lymph nodes especially in the neck

Are you saying that a2y has turbuculosis or are you calling him a pig?

by 42jeff on Dec 16, 2009 4:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Perhaps both. I’ve never met him.

Scrofulitic simply refers to the state of having scrofula.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 4:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I have to ask...

Where on Earth did you find that word?

by 42jeff on Dec 16, 2009 4:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I honestly have no idea where I picked it up. No idea at all.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 4:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not looking for a fight

Hey, Reynolds. I’ve said some stuff, but only at A2Y, so maybe it shouldn’t count, right? Anyway, I didn’t read all the comments, nor from this or from the previous post. I’ll try to say at once what I didn’t like about them.

[Detroit] fans and bloggers still seem to think the entire NHL fanbase and the NHL itself is out to get them somehow

True, we just can’t help it. But the posts you mentioned had nothing to do with this. Maybe some fun at cost of the Penguins, but no conspiracy theory.

The main poster at From Abel to Yzerman, IwoCPO, is truly the most homerific of all homerific bloggers I have ever read. Is there anything wrong with that? Nah, as long as the reader understands that and takes every word written there with that information in hand.

Probably all reader know that. “Abel to Yzerman” scream Wings, the logo has players and the logo… It is a Wings blog. And right there on the sidebar it says: we’re juvenile, deal with it.

Despite the fact that if the Wings could get Crosby, IwoCPO would give his (her?) right arm to make it happen

I"ll accept the his/her comment as a joke. But here’s the thing that no one seems to get regarding A2Y and Crosby: we know he’s a good player. The quotes are not to say he’s a bad player, only just not captain material (yet, at least). Sure, he’s over-marketed and everything, maybe only because he’s Canadian, but it is simple, NOT captain material.

“Bloggers such as him (her?) serve as the antithesis of what most bloggers are, which is fans who have some semblance of objectivity.

That’s where we disagree the most. To me a blog is still “web+log”, as in a diary. Diaries have opinions. Web logs are the place for opinions, exaggerations, and most commonly have a specific target (on sports case).

I only remembered those things, I know they from another post, but it seems that you’re answering stuff here right now.

by Herm of A2Y on Dec 16, 2009 4:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I am doing what I can to answer things, yes. Thank you for presenting your case in a civilized manner. I have not gone back to A2Y after about noon, as it just did not seem like I was going to get anywhere over there.

True, we just can’t help it. But the posts you mentioned had nothing to do with this. Maybe some fun at cost of the Penguins, but no conspiracy theory.

I disagree. The one post says (without going back and pasting it again) that the Wings cannot win every year because of officials and a commissioner with his tongue stuck to a stop sign. While I agree Bettman is a tool (who doesn’t), it sounds awfully paranoid.

Probably all reader know that. "Abel to Yzerman" scream Wings, the logo has players and the logo… It is a Wings blog. And right there on the sidebar it says: we’re juvenile, deal with it.

Fair enough. I agree that most readers know that.

I"ll accept the his/her comment as a joke. But here’s the thing that no one seems to get regarding A2Y and Crosby: we know he’s a good player. The quotes are not to say he’s a bad player, only just not captain material (yet, at least). Sure, he’s over-marketed and everything, maybe only because he’s Canadian, but it is simple, NOT captain material.

OK. A few of your supporters have said otherwise, but I’ll take your word for it, as you are more rational than most. Let me ask this: Why? Why is he not captain material? What aspect of being a captain does he not embody? (This is a sincere question, because I just don;t understand why not.)

"Bloggers such as him (her?) serve as the antithesis of what most bloggers are, which is fans who have some semblance of objectivity.

That’s where we disagree the most. To me a blog is still "web+log", as in a diary. Diaries have opinions. Web logs are the place for opinions, exaggerations, and most commonly have a specific target (on sports case).

Maybe I should have clarified and put something in about “bloggers who want to be more than bloggers” or “bloggers who want access” or something along that line. The point remains that NHL teams do not need any more ammo in their fight to keep bloggers out. Regardless of your feelings on new media, old media, or anything in between, blogs are all going to be lumped in together by the NHL.

I know The Chief doesn’t care what his blog does to the overall reputation of bloggers. I can even respect that in an “I don’t understand, but its your world” kind of way. What I don’t get is why me calling out two posts on the site leads to bigoted name calling and 25 people flying over here to attack me personally. That, I do not get, and proves that not only does he care, but hates to be told his work hurts the cause. (as though “The cause” is some grandiose thing.)

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 5:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Moronic

All of you should be fired from these blogs. Nobody visits these pages anymore because of stuff like this. Keep your comments to yourself.

by gaborik on Dec 16, 2009 5:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

That would be why the comments section is separate from the article. You chose to read what you choose not to read.

by mserven on Dec 16, 2009 5:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

For the first time today, mserven and I agree.

(Side note, gaborik is a tool, both the player, and this person)

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 10:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Trash

I hate to validate you by adding to your blogs total comment tally, but I couldn’t let this pass. Using this in an attack on Detroit or Red Wings fans is sick.

It’s bad enough to mock people’s lives and hardship brought on by the economic crisis in Michigan (nothing incenses me more, in fact), but using that story places you well beneath contempt. Flat out disgusting.

Oh, and take the hit to your pride, take some writing classes. This English degree-holder says your writing could use some serious work.

by Matt Saler on Dec 16, 2009 5:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

OK, I already apologized three times for the comments directed at Detroit. Accept them or don’t, they have been offered.

As for my writing, I am comfortable with my writing style, and so was every professor I ever had. So… eh.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 10:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Back to your original point...

…….are the example NHL teams point to when they refuse to credential bloggers.

For the sake of your argument, lets pretend that A2Y is a reason why credentials are not given to bloggers.

Which NHL teams are pointing to blogs? Who are “they”? Who is getting refused? Are good bloggers getting refused? If so, who? By which teams? How often is it happening?

by mserven on Dec 16, 2009 6:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

The only team I can confirm that credential bloggers with full access, season long creds is the Caps. I know certain bloggers for HockeyBuzz (gag, sorry Brad) have been given creds for the Wild, but my understanding is they are not season long, though I could be wrong about that.

If another team does issue season long creds, I am unaware of it, and would be interested to know.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 10:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So the Caps & Wild do. Which teams then are you representing when you make the claim that bloggers are not getting credentials due to blogs like……

by mserven on Dec 16, 2009 11:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

One question, please.

BReynolds,
how old are you?

Amazing.

by stonehands78 on Dec 16, 2009 6:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Old enough to know better, still to young to care?

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 16, 2009 10:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Missed the point

The best part of this entire post is that you completely missed the entire point of Iwo’s response AND managed to somehow go for a standard cheapshot on Detroit, doing everything you complained about in your first post.

Plus my favorite part…

Next, you mention alliteration. Putting question mark in the middle of your title is not alliteration. It is just stupid. (Damn, low road again.) Alliteration is the use of words that all start with the same sound to cause a feel of motion and building in words. Something like “The Chief is a homophobic hosebag homer” would be alliteration.

Which totally misses the actual alliteration Iwo had in his post. Thanks for the English lesson though. The smartest people are always ones that call themselves smart on the internet.

Also, as most know, the internet is public. While I do not condone any sort of harassment by anyone (and the majority of A2Y people wouldn’t) simply annoying someone and finding open profiles isn’t anything actionable. Please don’t act like like it is. (Though if there is any sort of threat, I take that back and say people need to grow up and totally side with you here.)

by moore0102 on Dec 17, 2009 12:03 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

The comments were actionable, trust me. Just because the internet is public, does not make it OK to issue thinly veiled threats.

As for alliteration. I did completely miss the w’s, you are correct.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 17, 2009 12:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

While I agree that no one should be extending this discussion beyond you, please be sure you are not making empty threats just to make a point. If the information that you are claiming was accessed is a site/information that is available via a Google search, then there is no crime being committed other than stupidity. Were the comments posted of a threatening nature or just intrusive? Posting “rude” comments on a personal blog that can be accessed by anyone is not a crime. If it were then everyone that posted on your blog today would be headed to jail. I don’t blame you for being pissed, but don’t throw out things like there is a detective “looking forward to any escalation”. Cops don’t look forward to escalation.

by mserven on Dec 17, 2009 12:08 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Man, I’m not up for a debate on this.

The comments were sent out to many members of my family, and are being interpreted by me as threats, yes. I’m not up for a fucking long debate about this. Don;t fuck with my family, and don’t fuck with my personal life over this. It isn’t worth. The fact that you think I would post it to score points shows just how twisted you must really be. The words the detective used were “looking forward to any escalation.” Maybe he’s bored. Maybe he likes his job. I don’t fucking know. I’m not him.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 17, 2009 12:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Dude I am not debating you. As I said if the comments were of a threatening nature, do what you need to do. I sure as hell don’t condone that behavior.

by mserven on Dec 17, 2009 12:18 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Honestly

I don’t know why you even bothered with fighting Abel to Yzerman. The internet is an endless pit of blogs and opinions, and there are ALWAYS going to be writers like A2Y. You can write about how bad they are for professionalism all you want, it isn’t going to stop them from posting. And you know what? It shouldn’t. The government doesn’t silence the jackasses that protest soldier’s funerals, and for good reason. If you silence one person, where do you draw the line? It’s called freedom of speech for a reason.

Secondary Note: I know you’ve apologized for ripping on Detroit and I don’t expect you to again, but it was a low blow. A lot of people take shots on Detroit, and frankly they don’t phase me anymore because everyone does it. But using the economy and high crime rate just to make a point was crossing a line, and a bit ironic since the whole arguement here is about professionalism. A word of advice: in the future, stick to writing about the Wild. I’m sure the Wild have something going on right now that is worth writing about.

Back off man, I'm a scientist

by rwum14 on Dec 17, 2009 2:56 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I’d like to chime in with an agreement with rwum14 here on the Detroit-bashing. Yes, BReynolds, you’ve apologized for it. Anybody who’s already called you out for it should accept that, but every new person has every right to continue calling you out for it. You pretty much deserve the browbeating you’re getting for it.

by J.J. from Kansas on Dec 17, 2009 7:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That’s fine and dandy, and they can keep calling me out for it, but there will be no reply to it.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 17, 2009 8:44 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So A2Y can write whatever they want, but I should stick to the Wild. Got it.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 17, 2009 8:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Any knowledge gained from the Xanga page will not be discussed. The fact that some of the only people who has been somewhat civil in this debate actually caved to the peer pressure and went to read a blog about my daughter… well, I’m disappointed. I know, you’ll have to live with the heart break.

I’m done discussing the degree. I’m done discussing my credentials. I’m just done.

I have answered the same questions for 25 people, and I’m done. Sorry, but the game has grow tiresome, and I have better things to do. Call it a victory for A2Y over the evil and corrupt blogosphere. Call it God damn well please.

I’m done. Your cohort went too far, and cost you all the fun and games of continuing the debate. Take it out on him. I’m done.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 17, 2009 8:50 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

It’s done from here. I don’t want to claim any sort of victory, but now that you’ve deleted one of my posts on which I said nothing wrong, there is no longer any room for civil conversation between us. I was being civil in that post. I won’t rehash it, but it does seem to confirm my initial suspicions.

As far as this action goes, I will claim that you yourself have completely destroyed your own argument, the one you were putting forth in the original post that started this maelstrom in the first place. You have acted in a wholly unprofessional manner and have become the type of writer that NHL teams can point to when they refuse to credential bloggers. While you’re busy thanking the Chief for adding to the problem, go ahead and pat yourself on the back.

by J.J. from Kansas on Dec 17, 2009 10:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The post was deleted because one of the people posting went too far. I regret that, but it had to be done.

Your post was a reply to that thread, and the site does not distinguish. I apologize. It was not intended to remove any post from anyone except that person.

http://www.hockeywilderness.com

by BReynolds on Dec 17, 2009 10:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs