Last Wednesday morning, I sat at a cafe table and banged out an essay on blog comments. This sparked a fairly big conversation on this site. Well, I’ve had time to think it over and …
I want to make it clear that I am not against ALL COMMENTS on blogs and news sites. I LOVE it when people act nice at the dinner table and a great conversation is born, but I hate sitting around listening to teenagers bitch. And the internet seems to bring out the teenager in all of us. Why? Well, because the internet has basically has become the handmirror in which we groom ourselves.
We sweat over our Facebook pages, Twitter our thoughts, and work hard to define ourselves by attacking things other people like. We’re always preening and strutting online, becoming our own teen-idealized selves. The Web 2.0 has become our new permanent high school talent show. Rather than using the web to merely book plane tickets, purchase books, and do all kinds of really useful stuff, we’ve let it become a two horse race between porn and creating Advertisements for Ourselves. But hey, that’s what the marketplace wants, right?
But how do we guard against our teenagey worst in the marketplace? We police each other.
Comment sections can be great and compelling content, but someone needs to keep the cats herded. If we don’t have a hall monitor in there, someone is going to rip the paper towel dispenser off the wall and take a dump in the urinal. Which is funny for two seconds, but after that, you don’t want to go in there.
The Dallas Morning News needs to police the comments they allowed to be published under their banner. If it appears under their banner, they are responsible for it in my opinion.
And why don’t we just ignore the comments? I’ll tell you why, because we can’t. We curse the rubberneckers all the way up to the accident scene and then what do we do? We look because, hey, we’re already here.
As I said recently, many comment leavers are like those morons you see jumping up and down in a television live shot. They are probably decent people in regular life, but once the camera goes on they have to act like monkeys on meth, staring wide-eyed at the lens with big grins, waving and flipping off while the straight-faced reporter is telling us the ages of the kids who died in the fire. These people just can’t handle the sudden opportunity to throw a wrench in the back of somebody else’s robot, because, hey look, a stage! I don’t know why cameras, and microphones, and open forums do that to us, but they do. Perhaps, they appeal to our inner teenager. Sure we could prescribe ignoring the background jackasses as we are watching the newscast, but to my limited ability, it is impossible to focus on the tragedy of a house fire when there’s a fat shirtless guy tweaking his nipples and saying “hi mom!”
Ironically, on my comments post, I left the comments on and got a fairly responsible response. I didn’t even have to moderate much. I probably edited out only two or three. See? When people police themselves just a little bit, the world is a better place, and an angel gets its wings.
Forums and comment sections are the ideal place to find the doucheratti glued to their digital megaphones and usually the chattiest have the least to say, but there can be wonderful conversations among people wanting to advance the ball, not just play smear the queer, and those are the people I love hearing from. That is why I’m all for comments sections. Just well-moderated.
Now outside of vitriol, there is another online enemy that is more insidious. Snark.
I pray the same prayer every night.
“Lord, please let her finally notice me at work tomorrow, and please let everyone else consider snark so 2005.”
Perhaps God-Santa does answer prayers along with giving out Nintendo DSes, because I am beginning to sense we are approaching a psychological tipping point- when snark has run its course. Most smart people I know get bored easily, and I think they are becoming bored of their snarky internet selves. I see the early adopters turning on newcomers in snarky forums. But will they quit? Hard to say.
The problem is that snark is an effective and addictive ego-insulator that is hard to quit while others are still doing it. Why be thoughtful in two hundred words when you can be snarky in twenty? Why make a counterpoint at all, when you can just point and make fun?
I know this is going to sound as square as Morrissey’s jaw, but if we are going to attempt a conversation at all, let’s talk, not quip. Am I the only one who gets tired of living in a world with a million Junos? We get it. You are cute, self-possessed and a bon mot away from Bartlett’s Quotations, but you are also annoying the shit outta me.
If snark ever dies, I’ll skip the funeral. Wanna join me?
break.com is a great example of how bad un-moderated comments can get. bensbargains.net as well. you want to discuss the video or deal legitimately? too bad. it’s all a bunch of douche bags running wild. moderation FTW!!!
What’s so different between the teenager trying to be a teenager and the ticket acting a clown, like Scoops Callahan? Or how about you going to jail for a funny bit? Or what about the wonderful Overcusser?
I g’agree some people are completely ignorant, but what we might view as ignorant, others might find funny. Just like we all love ticket bits that stop down professional settings, while others might view them with the thought, “give some idiots a press pass and they think they can ruin the show”.
Can’t we all just get along?
I happen to think the world is now a stage, and for some God unforseen reason, we all think we are the lead actors of that stage. When and where did we get so full of ourselves?
People don’t walk down the streets and say hello to each other any more, we are on the phone to someone who will stroke us. It’s all about me, didn’t ya know?
It’s all about shock value. Wanna see my scar?
I might take this post a tad more serious if your webpage was not stock full of half naked women. Please don’t lecture when you are committing some of the webs biggest sins. Essentailly baiting people with porn and then railing against the idiocracy.
Jay, it would be easier to take your point if you weren’t dangling on the end of my line with a porn hook in your mouth.
Seriously, if you want to take this post as tongue-in-cheek so you experience a consistent tone on the website, then I have no problem with that.
Giggle
I only read your blog for the articles.
double giggle
I might take this post a tad more serious if your webpage was not stock full of half naked women.
For Jay
I may be dense, but I really don’t get why you started up the naked women theme days in the first place. I find myself trying to figure out if you are trying to make a point, but I am coming up with a blank.
As for the comments, I think it is fun to read what others have to say and it presents a view of our culture that you really can’t get anywhere else. Often what I see is that we are not doing a good job of educating our citizens. There are times when I find the comments frustrating and at those times I quit reading.
“Naked women theme days? What? I merely post pictures of cool objects,” he said innocently.
My advice to anyone who is put off by the women (who happen to be in the pics) is to simply ignore them. Just like vitriolic comments.
Ronda, when are we going to get a drink and talk sports?
objects? exactly. not nice, Gordon. I’ll have a drink with you anytime, but I don’t want to talk sports!
“Naked” women? I have yet to see a “naked” woman on this site. Lots of scantily, and at the same time, frustratingly over-dressed women, but no naked ones. If I missed them, I’m pissed!
I apologize for not being more clear. I am certainly not saying your blog is not entertaining, it is. And hot women next to pool railings is a welcome diversion to the overserious, swine flu panic stories that litter the web and television. But your site is dedicated to the idiocracy, either creating it or providing an avenue to view more of it. To me the idea of you striking up a serious conversation in this space feels disengenuous and fake, at best. And then to reply to my comment with the same snark your post speaks out against proves that your point is more lecture than serious conversation. I view a lecture this way, “Do as I say, not as I do.”. Let your blog be what you intended, time waste. If you want the site to be more than that you will need to build some credibility first. As a snarky idiocracy time waste your site is fantastic and I love it.
Jay, I swear the things I am saying here are not disingenuous or fake. I really mean the things I say in this post. But I understand if someone can’t take me seriously because of the radio job.
And I failed to put an emoticon after my response to your comment which would have signaled that I was trying to be funny, not snarky. I love that you choose to talk with me in this forum and I want you to feel welcome to make good comments.
The problem is that I hate emoticons. Semi-colon Close parenthesis
Jay – I show my wife every single photo. We both just laugh and admire the beauty. It’s better that way.
I’ve never been one to read or leave a comment on a website. Now you’ve written two posts about comment sections and in turn I’ve become a commenter on both of them. Silly me.
Snarky is the poor man’s drive thru version of talent or intellect. You mix a little cynicism with this dramaturgical life that we all lead and poof…..there we are. Snark will die when weakness stops giving way to sarcasm and passive aggressiveness. I think many people have become numb to the idea of progress through such forums as these. It’s easier to read the story and launch a quip out there, rather than creating a full blown thought provoking response.
On another note break it down serious for the P1 sometime soon……like when you guys talked about fathers and sons saying I love you awhile back. I like it when you guys go for depth now and again. If you have recently done something like this and I missed it, then I apologize. It seems that I’ve fallen in love with the Blues and recently I’ve been listening to Lightnin Hopkins, Muddy Waters and Albert King during much of my time in the car.
You and Jay bring up an interesting aspect of this site and the radio show. The blend of the serious and the funny. I personally love it when we have “father and son” talk, or some other serious discussion. We always get back to the idiocracy in a few moments. And make no mistake. I acknowledge that the Ticket and this site is part of the idiocracy.
But I can see how it would be confusing for the casual consumer who wants a single-purpose appliance.
There are consumers who want us to do straight sports all the time and there are consumers who want us to do shtick all the time. And each one complains. But I suspect most people like the blend. Maybe not though. I’ll think on that for a bit.
I think the mix of shtick and sports (as well as real-life conversations) is what makes the ticket and in particular the Musers so entertaining. I’m all for a good mix and I honestly think those “real” conversations are the things that creates such loyalty with double kick-ass P1′s like myself.
Keep it up Gordo
The word dynamic comes to mind. I think if one is a huge fan of the show (like myself) then they’re able to understand the serious social commentary along side refrigerator Mondays.
You boys provide a nice blend. In addition I like the blend you provide on your blog.
Hey scro, do you like bacon?
Gordo -
I just got back from Chamonix for some late season skiing. One thing I noticed is that french women are effing beautiful. They know how to look classy and beautiful, and they don’t throw their lives away in sweatpants and Looney Tunes sweatshirts.
I also noticed there are not a lot of Mexicans, but they still manage to find a way to pour concrete.
Probably the type of comment I should edit out, but I like any mention of the Looney Tunes sweatshirt.
Why should you edit the comment, because it is stereotyping Mexicans? They don’t hit the dump button on you when you make a stereotypical comment on the air. You’re just trying to be funny and so is Johan. You can’t waste time editing out comments. You’re going to get idiotic comments in any forum, whether it’s left vs right, liberal vs conservative, Cowboys fan vs Eagles fan or just commenting on a news story or video. There are reasons to why people leave such idiotic comments; either they aren’t very smart or there is something that has happened to them through out their life that has turned them into this “look at me” person. The world is full of them.
What I don’t get is this campaign against idiot bloggers or posters has made you snoop to their level by using a phrase like “listening to teenagers bitch”. I can’t believe you even dedicated time to recognize them . They are “look at me’s” starring in their own movie and you looked and kind of validated that if you act like a moron someone is going to notice. If you hate it or are against it don’t give them recognition, it only feeds them. As far a policing comments “f*ck that”, let those idiots be and the ones that “get it” that can have interesting and intelligent conversation will; you just have to give them more credit. Curve!
I enjoy your site for the mindlessness of it but maybe your blog is adding to the idiocracy. Has a “great” conversation ever been born here? Rarely is there a comment posted that isn’t a quip or a regurgitation of a Gordo-ism. Let’s wave an American flag and salute another VSBB. You will not change anyone no matter how hard you blog.
Man, dude. That’s, like, depressing.
Misanthropic much?
Yes, this site has a mixture of gratuity, shock value and scat humor to it (or whatever you would call a predisposition to the fascinating world of feminine fluids), but I think Gordo makes some points, especially the ‘idocracy’ related ones, quite brilliantly. Why can’t our fearless leader have some range?
I don’t think that just because this site has a mixture of the grotesque (like the tits on the locket girl) and the grave (like this current strain of cultural criticism) means either subject is less entertaining, or even sometimes inspiring. Gordo’s taste appeals to both the high and the low brow, and I think that is hard tightrope to walk.
So if all you like is the boobs, fine. And if having boobs on a site makes it hard or impossible for you to absorb any thoughts higher than those of a caveman, then all I have to say to you is “uggghhhhhh.”
Personally, I find your website entertaining. I really enjoy pulling it up and saying the simple word “NICE”, to the random refrigerator Thursdays, etc. Your website is a good source for my coworkers and I to randomly talk about and sometimes laugh at throughout the day. Keep it up!
v/b:b
Hi Gordo! Were you a big fan of F. Scott Fitzgerald back in high school? Your self-loathing really seems to have bubbled to the surface during the past week or so. If you truly are dissatisfied with what you’re doing, then by all means make some changes in your life. Do what you have to do to be happy!
Love you!
I’m not unhappy, and I love my job and the people I work with.
I didn’t really read Fitzgerald until my mid-20′s. His insights were hit and miss, but his language and flow were amazing.
I never really noticed any self-loathing in his writing. In his biographies you got that, and certainly in the Crack Up, but not his prose. But I need to revisit to make sure.
That’s good to know, Gordo! I was thinking that Ja and Craig needed to put away all the sharp objects in the studio.
I detected some of that self-loathing when I reread The Great Gatsby, although it was subtle. Of course, I could have been influenced by the biographical material.
That is 2 in a row that I 100% agree with. Sites like fark.com are overrun with 50+ comments in a row of snark. It is so damn tiring. How often can you read someone say “everything sucks and you’re all too stupid to understand me” sarcastically. I fear that every 5 minutes 100 new people discover and fall in love with internet snark. Sorry, I mean 100 stupid noobs.
I don’t think you’ve ever tried to hide your role in the coming idiocracy. And the blend of serious, sports, music, etc. is the #1 reason why I love the ticket.
Gordon:
I enjoy your work and your writing reflects a keen and highly self-aware brain. But is it possible and even ironic that all of this writing and observation you are doing, publicly, is also a mild form of preening in front of the mirror ? Are you any more or less qualified to blog or write than any of the backbiting strangers out there ?
Don’t stop writing — you’re very good at it. But perhaps you are not that different from the masses who enjoy hearing themselves talk.
Everybody wants a forum. Everybody wants to yap. Even this comment reflects this basic human desire. While you attempt to pinpoint the reason or source behind snide comments on blogs, I don’t think any revelation or idea you can derive — that people like to be heard and all want to be known and famous and its all silly idiocracy — really is any different than the basic human motivation behind what you do. You want to be heard. You want be known. We all do. You just do it better than most people, with a little more civility, and a little more humor and insight, than us, and have managed to scrape those talents into a highly coveted (by many of “us,” I would surmise) job and position.
Take care. Love you.
And there sat Gordo…in his Heffner-like smoking robe going commando underneath…staring, pondering the reasons why he even started a website named after himself.
And then…it hit him!
No, not the sudden epiphany that can end world hunger, cure AIDS or create a utopian blogging society, but the dizzying, eye-crossing after-effects from the inebriating smoke he just sucked out of his viking pipe.
“Eh he…Riiiiiiiiggghhhttt!”
LOL
I like the “blend” !
so keep blending but no bending.
Nice video on internet commenting…
http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1907543
That was a good good video!
I think the general problem amongst “commenters” are that they fall in to one of a few categories (and most of these are a reflection of personalities in general, and not so specific to bloggers). Here’s my take, I’m sure there are more out there besides what I have below.
1) Me First – the jackwad who thinks that being the first to comment on a given topic or thread is worthy of a reward or something. Ususally with a line like “First post!” This is the same dolt who ran to be first in the bathroom line in elementary school and wore it like a badge of honor. I don’t get it.
2) The Shock Jock – the one who posts a link or comment so over the top just so people will notice him/her and comment. It’s a somewhat weak form of self-validation, just like wearing a Hitler moustache or cussing in Church. Usually in the form of a drive-by. It’s short and quick and to the point. I’m entertained by some of the Shock Jock’s material and have even contributed to this a time or two.
3) The Smothers Brother – the one who posts something funny or of a unique skill trying to catch a cheap laugh or applause. Its usually something on par with an odd skill like yo-yo’ing or America’s Funniest Videos (who doesn’t love AFV). Good wholesome blogging fun.
4) The Over-Blogger (not to be confused with the Over-Cusser) – This person has to novel their way through, usually requiring copius scrolling down the blog. They thrive at the lecturn and want everyone to soak in every last word they have to say even if they aren’t saying much. I generally tune most of these people out unless I’m interested in the topic of the day. I’m just kind of indifferent to most of these types. I don’t ususally stick around long enough to get their point. I know people tune me out, I’m not hurt by it
You will find these in all walks of life, and they most likely have something of value in what they are saying, but deliver it in such a way that it’s lost on most people.
5) Ripley’s Believe it Or Not – This post or link contains something generally so off the wall it spurs conversation and viral email. But at the end of the day do we really need the lung-tree or horny granny? (Not a shot at Gordo or any of the posters here within this blog, I come here for the linky goodness, keep em coming)
6) Repsonsible Blogger – This is generally someone who has something worthwhile to contribute to the conversation, sometimes contributing a fact or nugget that the general forum audience is unaware of that is usually well received and the spark of conversation. This is like most adults who actively participate AND listen in general conversation.
But I think the biggest problem with low quality blogging comments is that most people who generally wish to participate in thoughtful and productive conversation, do so with friends and acquaintences in a forum other than digital media. What you are left with is a group of degenerates seeking attention and validation for what they have to say instead of using their powers for deeds of good such as the Iraq, reading a book to children at a local library or teaching sunday school class.
Thoughtfully yours,
Me
You left out: The Guy That Writes 10 Paragraphs That No One Will Read But Sure To Comment On.
See Point #4. And new Point #7.
7) The Flame Fueler – The guy who doesn’t read but feels a need to comment on the thing he didn’t read and subsequently starts a flame war. You know these types, say no more.
I don’t understand why so many see a conflict between what you said in your serious post and what you normally post here. I like the mix of serious and sarcastic. It is a reflection of the conversations of real people.
I know very few people who are either serious or snarky 100% of the time, and all of them are very unhappy.
Real life, well-adjusted people mix in elements of both in day-to-day conversation, and there’s no reason that this site cannot reflect that.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snark
Did you know Snark was also an intercontinental nuclear cruise missile and a small, inexpensive, and lightweight sailboat.
Does this mean Snark will destroy us all and still provide a lifeboat for means of escape?
Think about it…..
I think it depends on if the missile or the lifeboat gets here first. Thanks for the snark info.
Steve
Dear Gordon,
Like the privates and firearms, snark is something that not everyone has the maturity to handle. Snark can be entertaining and even insightful in the hands of professionals like Joan Rivers and PJ O’Rourke. But, just like when you first heard a senior citzen say “bling” for the first time, you know when a pop culture phenomenon has run it’s course.
TBMR
Good rainy day time kill. Thanks, all.
Here’s a serious, yet interesting, Wiki page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_coupled_cousins
It’s a list of famous people who married their cousins. Rudy Guliani is on it. Some other surprising names, too.
Gordo,
I’m with you. The internet is like most things, for all of the great things it offers, there’s that disgusting under belly that when exposed make you wanna vomit. I believe the internet will survive snarking. Stay hard, internet!
Comments on any blog are like the DVD bargain bin at your Super Walmart. Sure you have to wade through a thousand copies of Strange but true crime stores, Gaydar Returns, Lassie come home, etc. Every once in a while though, you find (to your immense pleasure) a worthy and entertaining movie.
This world wide interweb thingy is messy like the bargain bin. Really, it shouldn’t be surprise. What were you doing before? Remember, before the internet? If you wanted to learn something you didn’t know, you couldn’t Google. You had to do real research. When you wanted to read an article, you had to have a subscription or borrow a copy of the magazine, paper, etc.
When you wanted to make outrageous and deragatory sexual pronouncements, you had to wait until Christmas, when the whole family was there.
Are we worse or better off due to the internet? I think this here site is proof, that yes, we are. It is a strange place and it is filled with some unhealthy people. So is my own home.
Maybe I don’t take this stuff seriously enough, but can someone define “snark” for me? Is it a sarcastic, narcisstic shark? If so, then it must be my wife.
[...] I am responding to this post: http://gordonkeith.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/the-monday-morning-essay/#more-1200 [...]
Gordo,
I am more upset that there arent any “naked” women on your site today. Isnt it Red Towel Monday or Sports Car Monday or something? Its raining and dark and I came to your site for naked women to brighten up my day!
Gordon:
Here is my theory, with absolutely no scientific basis. Maybe not everyone, but most people want to be noticed. There is simply a drive in people to get noticed by other people. In my estimation, there are two main ways to get noticed by a large amount of people:
1) Become famous. This method usually works for an extended period of time and generally involves becoming an athlete, artist, actor, journalist, politician, etc. The issue with this method is that it generally requires talent, drive, and time. A talented person has to possess the drive to succeed and spend the time required to pay their dues and earn their fame. There are anomalies, however, such as Paris Hilton, or anyone else conforming to the paradox of being famous for being famous.
2) Do something spontaneous and often offensive to garner attention. This method works for a much shorter period of time and requires almost no innate talent or drive whatsoever. One must perform an outlandish behavior to garner attention, or simply be in the right place at the right time. Examples include flash groups, Jackass-type moments, offensive actions, public nudity, getting caught in the camera’s eye, etc. The innerweb has only exacerbated this type of behavior because people have near immediate access to any amount of attention grabbing media: YouTube, blogs, Twitter, Facebook, web forums, and of course comment sections. People are always trying to outdo each other in an effort to be the most noticed person. Think “The Aristocrats” with a cast consisting of very little talent and experience. This won’t usually garner long-standing renown, but it will provide temporary notoriety that can easily be duplicated multiple times. Additionally, unlike becoming famous, on the internet these things can be done anonymously so the perpetrator need not face any negative consequences. Case in point, what if Miss California’s anti-gay marriage and pro-opposite marriage comments had been made anonymously on a web forum? Would it be newsworthy? Likely not.
Of course there are always exceptions to every rule, but this is the best with which I could devise during my lunch. Stay hard.
Gordo,
I dig this blog and I do have trouble taking you serious but to me, that’s part of your charm. I have to think with this blog. BTW the objects that you are posting are just incredible. I barely even noticed that there were women in those pictures also. I think I’ll have to go back and check each one….very slowly.
Could someone find a bikini shot of Ellen Page for Gordo.
Gordo,
I admire your attempt to build an pristine internet comment area void of snark……you are the David Koresh of the internet.
Please comment on the Snark that passes for journalism now…..
gordo,
Your infinite wisdom is needed on this one…
can you get the swine flu from getting pulled over for speeding?
teacher designs new x-box game and has it named after her. Begs the question: What’s in the box.
http://home.uchicago.edu/~clithero/
Good points all, Gordon. And let’s not forget the mainstay of so many blogs– the rant. A really good rant can be a joy to behold, but when it’s a person’s bread and butter, day in and day out, then it gets old. Yeah, the easy witticisms come from the snark of tearing down a convention, but eventually, if it’s all torn down, the landscape gets pretty boring.
Like a bowler who gets better bowling straight after he learns to curve it, I believe that I can take your commentary here seriously, even after having laughed at your (mostly) successful attempts at humor, Gordo.
I really like the whole idea of commenting, often because I know a little about a lot of things. The best blog for this used to be The Dallas Observer, about 18mos. ago. Since then, it has become mostly a trap of inside jokes between commentors, or just people not getting to the heart of the story. Shame, because that thing was (and occasionally still is) incredible–but reading sniping from authors who couldn’t publish novels, and long religious diatribes, not so hot. You want sarcasm & sniping–go to DOb’s comments.
I like the pics of the women on this site–I’m far too feminist to condone it, but if it was me, I’d send that baby worldwide with my name all over it.
I think, on occasion, some people’s brand of humor can be misconstrued. For instance…I can come off quite sarcastic in print, but in person, what I said is usually followed by a giggle and switched super fast into a positive. Dunno, maybe that’s not a common problem, but could explain stuff. But I refuse to do “j/k” after everything to not seem “snarky”. I’m just not.
I spend my days often working with teenagers, who are very concerned with their egos, yet when you get up close, ultra fragile–the more they need to flaunt, the more fake it is. My theory is that we’re all just hiding behind our puffy, grandiose ideas that we can express online freely. Some of them are good & coherent, and show how beautiful we really are. Others, not so much, and reveal that truth as well.
A final point–perhaps why I haven’t commented on any blog in months, is that it seems no one is interested in commenting on the article or the issue at hand. Just about something random or someone blasting you for your POV rather than opposing. Which is an inane waste of time. This one has been a good release and a great issue.
Thanks Gordon!
Oh, and is there any way that you can change my unhappy triangle to the purple circular one with the toothy smile? I have a contagious smile. Everyone in Uptown LOVES me. Who can blame them, quite honestly.
Not being sarcastic, snarky, egotistical or anything else, believe it or not…just honest.
Essentialism at its most extreme.
Gordo – Regarding your view on DMN responsibility, while the law will continue to evolve with blogs and liability of site creators who allow comments, where I believe it stands now (without fact checking) is that the courts are more likely to hold a host site liable for comments posted to the site if the site host actually attempts to moderate comments.
And, yes, I realize that your view probably doesn’t change with this knowledge.
So, if a site host wants to avoid liability for the comments made in the forum they provide, then they should provide that forum without qualification. That’s the better strategy right now.
Josh Lewin just said “snarky”. That’s my cue to not overpost.
How many people read my log ass first post to the end and got to my master punchline of “Such as the Iraq”?
Was it well timed? Would posting it earlier have been more effective in this blog? Is it too obscure an inside reference for the casual gk.com viewer?
I thought it was master stroke of comedic genius, but 55 comments and it hasn’t been mentioned yet? Do I sound pathetic yet? Someone tell me I’m funny…please?
(I’m just trying to validate my comments and make myself feel better)
I was chased by this guy in a dream –> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O09y–0m0Wg
Gordon.. I love your social commentary. Both on air and off. Kudos!
I have never felt an urge to comment, but I have read them. For the most part I have enjoyed what usually always ends up being the internet’s version of a battle of (t)witts. I participate by reading, and I guess deep down I have felt a bit of guilt for this. I am most certainly dumber for it that is for sure. I can see the legitamacy for comments in this forum, or in something like unfair park, but I don’t see where they benefit anyone in the news forum. Does anyone remember the young lady that died running in the Dallas Marathon a few months back? Well, the story that ran on dallasnews.com had a comment section, and of course, someone had to say how dumb it was for anyone to run a marathon in the first place. It went down hill from there. I could just imagine her friends or family reading that and thinking how inconsiderate we all are. I don’t think I have a point here, but I enjoyed being able to rant.
Gordo… you could respect the art here…
http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=qrkn41&s=5
Do you think she’s gonna have tryouts for future shows to be the next ear of corn?
Mr Gordon,
Do you read all of these or just approve at random?
My head is tired just scrolling thru them much less trying to read all of this dribble. Please post more hot chick pics, that is a nice addition to your once dormant web site.
You are a smart and witty guy, sadly most P1′s have little or no socially redeeming qualities.
sep
Whoa. Several bold and disagreeable claims there that I distance from.
I agree with your assessment that the Internet brings out the teenager in commentators. However, D Magazine’s are at least 1/2 their fault.
I don’t mind aggressive journalism, broadcasting or blogging (I’m looking at you, Gordo), but I do mind passive-aggressive spewage. D pontificates and dishes a lot of criticism, and they should expect to receive what they give.
D Magazine has positioned itself as a competitor to TDMN by publishing newspapers, expanding their blogs and hiring reporters who have experience in business and sports, not just society and food.
If they can’t take the heat from this competition and especially the notoriety, then maybe they should go back to covering A&E and the social scene?
That is all. Back to work.
The Internet is the Graffito covered wall of Rome brought to life in modern times.
Never before could you scribble something that would have so many viewers – unless on a wall in the New York subway or a tattoo on Lyndsey Lohan’s taint.
So comment away, noble Internet users! It is your right!!!
“The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls.”
Apparently the prophets are also good at drawing genitalia as well.
Gordo,
You’re a hero and one of a kind.
Either right before or right after you mentioned that DMN in particular should moderate their blog comments, they did just that on Tim MacMahon’s Cowboys blog. All blog comments go straight to the blog owner for “approval” now before they’re published. And they have a bunch of pissed off readers.
A bunch of Cowboys fans from all over the country had forged friendships there. We were always allowed to use it more as a Forum than a typical blog and DMN was OK with that. You can’t have any kind of “flow of ideas” when you’re waiting 30 minutes for something to post. There used to be 3 unwritten rules: No profanity (they do have a filter), no threats and no racial slurs. Other than that, anything goes, and for the last 2 years everybody was OK with that. Then high-profile, high-minded people like Mark Cuban and yourself started publicly questioning the value of blog comments, especially if they weren’t moderated.
I was told for years that we needed to police ourselves. If a blog comment was objectionable, we could report it to the “proper authorities” and have it removed. You, of all people, ought to understand how this IS censorship in its worst form. Comments sections aren’t a God-given right, but either don’t allow them at all, or allow all of them within reason. We’re not “starring in our own movie”…we’re football fans in our 40′s. I know we could all use an IM but that’s not the point. We do stay in touch via email, etc…But they took our “playground” away. So going back to Cuban’s question, “Do blog comments have value?” Is it the bloggers job to babysit, or the readers job to read what they want and filter out the rest?
You’ve stirred up another hornets nest. Poured the kerosene and handed out the matches, then walked away whistling a tune.
I hope you don’t get Pig Flu. You are good.
Tim Burns
San Angelo
Great pics, G. Not even the slightest hint of “the crook”.