I have been going back and forth on this in my mind for awhile now but I have decided to hang it up. I have really enjoyed contributing to this site--its been a little over 2 and a half years now for me personally and the website is about to make its 4th anniversary overall.
When I first started posting, there was a comment from someone asking what we were hoping to accomplish with this website. For me personally, I wanted an outlet for my self and for others to share their frustration about Shaughnessy. Dan is a talented writer but I was frustrated with his seeming laziness, his personal vendettas, and his weak logic. Contrary to the opinion of some of those who commented, my agenda was never about protecting heroic athletes against Shaughnessy's biting criticism.
Deep down, I also harbored (a probably misguided) belief that Shaughnessy would happen upon this site and magically change his ways and become a good writer (again?). Let me assure you folks...Shaughnessy is not walking through that door. I actually had a nice 20 minute conversation with Shaughnessy recently. I did not discuss this site with him; I am not sure he knows about it; or if he would even make the connection between me and the site. Even if he is aware of site, he is not changing his ways. For better or worse, he is what he is.
In any event, I had sent him a critical e-mail questioning his ethics in light of his laziness/self-plagiarism for the spring training column and for accusing Ortiz of being a liar without accomplishing due diligence. He offered his rationale which I did not find altogether convincing but I at least respect his willingness to face the heat. He actually went to a lot of trouble to contact me, accommodating my schedule. Considering I questioned his ethics, he was pretty gracious about it all. We had a cordial discussion and agreed to disagree... but it was a civil discussion nonetheless. During our discussion, he made the point that much of the banter on the internet has become shrouded in anonymity and in this transformation of communication, we have lost a lot in terms of civility. I would like to think this site has always been conducted in a mostly civil way but I recognize that at times, I personally have resorted to some amount of petiness and I regret that. The intent is/was to provide constructive criticism. I think we always strived to be fair - giving Shaughnessy credit when he would write a good column but more than often not, it seemed to me that he was mailing it in--which I think is a shame.
But again, Shaughnessy is not going to change at this stage in his career. He has a carved a successful niche for himself and many view him as the voice of New England sports and that is a pretty good accomplishment so I imagine he is doing something right. He seems comfortable with himself and that is good. And from what little I know, he seems to be a compassionate Dad and there is a lot to be said for that.
If anyone is interested in carrying on, please drop me a line - just email me - my email address is in my profile. Other than that, I would like to thank the dedicated followers of this blog and for those who have taken the time to leave comments. I have always enjoyed the banter. I have no idea how many people follow this blog but I am grateful that people would actually take the time to stop by and leave a few words of wisdom. Yes, even thanks to Bruce. Your contrarian voice has been good for business. I dont think I have agreed you with much at all but at least I can give you credit for being able to laugh at yourself - an ability that I see peek through your posts from time to time.
Again, thanks to everyone. I am grateful.
(Edit 8:33, Tuesday): Also, in my haste, I forgot to add thanks to Chief, DBVader and the late Jerry Gutlon- thanks for being great teammates!)
11 comments:
August 24th. Mount Vesuvius explodes destroying Pompeii in AD 79.
Dan Shaughnessy Watch closes down 2,030 years later.
Coincidence?
he made the point that much of the banter on the internet has become shrouded in anonymity and in this transformation of communication, we have lost a lot in terms of civility.
This comment is pure bullshit. Dan got to sit up on his throne for all these years spewing his bile regarding anybody he didn't like and when the bile was returned it's a loss of "civility."
Great. That's just fuckin' great. Just where am I supposed to do my Shank / Globe bashing now?
Gee willikers, Dave, sorry to see you hang it up. You raised the discussion a notch and gave your own criticism a goodly dose of credibility by refusing to join the Shaughnessy-is-always-evil brigade. I hung it up a couple of times too, but nobody noticed so I oozed back aboard.
Bruce
I think people notice when you do not post. So I only get a compliment when I decide to hang it up? I guess I better savor it.
good chance that the site may actually continue -- we will see what happens. More to come
Dave M
sorry to see the site close down.....there is a silver lining though, NO MORE Objectivedouche.....let's hope that ass clown doesn't migrate over to the BSMW site....I doubt it, his boy Shank is just a footnote over there....and let's face it, I don't think the "objective one" reads anybody but Shank. To do otherwise would probaly be "cheating" to Shank's #1 fanboy
dbvader nails it as to why this space must continue:
"....... Dan got to sit up on his throne for all these years spewing his bile regarding anybody he didn't like and when the bile was returned it's a loss of "civility.""
The Shank is a loose cannon. Sites like this must grapple with the "bile" that is spewed out.
We must reel in the Shanksters of the world and get them back to doing their job:
Job Description for a Reporter
The primary job of a reporter is to go out and get a story, and explain the event to viewers, readers or listeners in a fair and accurate way. This job description is for reporters working in print, online, radio and TV stations.
Find A Story
Get the Story (This part of the job description for a reporter includes going to the place where the story is happening and interviewing people, witnesses and people affected by the topic you are covering.)
Write It (As a reporter, you have to sum up what is going on in a way that makes sense to your audience. You will include facts, quotes and attribution.)
Be Fair to Both Sides (A good reporter presents two sides to a story, when two sides exist.)
Edit Your Story
Meet Deadlines
Increase Readership
g
Excellent work, g! Great way to start off the new year, too, with a nice extra-credit project!
OB,
This was especially for you:
"Be Fair to Both Sides (A good reporter presents two sides to a story, when two sides exist.)"
I hope it wasn't too difficult to comprehend?
I know that The Shank is Clueless within his Singularity.
g
I have been told by folks at the Globe that the CHB absolutely knows about this site.
I find it laughable that The CHB would comment on the civility of Internet users, as he is as bad as this town has seen at raking muck and throwing stones without any good reason -- or any reason at all. At their core, bloggers and the rest of the Web pack do far more good than harm -- in par by exposing the rampant hypocrisy and ignorance that has turned Old Media into an anachronism. To complain that you don't like how the message sometimes gets wrapped is a feeble attempt to change the subject. If anything, the Web has exposed us to hundreds of writers/reporters/analysts far superior to anything we could have read in the Globe, Herald or any other paper. Old Media is the classic example of the Peter Principle. Shaughnessy remains mired at the Globe because in this day and age, it's the only place he's suited for.
Well, there or as a greeter in a wax museum.
Dave, thanks for all your countless contributions, both in this space and for the USA.
interesting - I literally had the same conversation with Dan a few months ago regarding one of his annoying notes columns...nice enough fellow on the phone, but in the end - kind of a douche. I don't get why he felt like he needed to tell me his side of the story anyway? Just found this blog, hope it's not going away...
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