Deadspin Fallout! The Rookies! Boners! Ombudsman!
Ombudsman n. – “a person who handles complaints, a mediator; a spokesperson for the rights of a particular individual or group.”
We have created our own ombudsman position, one that will be filled by our very own 310ToJoba, from the baseball blog of the same name. He can be reached here at all times and is getting “paid” to address the needs of the readership. Direct your inquiries his way, and maybe you’ll receive a response that contains more help than profanity. However, the Surgeon General requires us to warn you not to hold your breath on that front.
The collection of authors at this site are constantly determined to improve. This column will be a voice and forum for the aspects of this fair corner of the Internet that can be improved upon. We have no idea how frequently it will run, but as always, feel free to contribute in the comments section or to email the ombudsman directly.
Holy. Crap.
I think the last 48 hours for the Deadspin commentariat can accurately be summarized by the following moment of cinematic glory:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=774JiSMWdQQ]
In all seriousness, when The Rookies staff got together and came up with the idea of having me write an ombudsman column, the intent was to have it run on something like a monthly basis. Obviously, the events of the past two days at Deadspin have set a bunch of things in motion and this site seems to be in a very unique position that demands some immediate attention.
The writers of The Rookies were brought together by a common Deadspin bond via the comments section. (Actually, Shakey and Chuck had previously met during a magical session on eHarmony, but that’s a story for another day.) Regardless, when it became apparent that the new string of executions and de-starring at Deadspin was driving some of the best and brightest from that same comment section over to our little corner of the Internet, we were all excited to say the least. Allow me to redact our general euphoria, as demonstrated time and again in our super-secret Executive Suite:
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Nevertheless, the shakeup at Deadspin has undoubtedly given this site a lot of increased attention. Yet even though The Rookies is getting a lot of hits and comments because of the harm the new commenting policy is causing the Deadspin readership, the authors of this site do not wish further ill upon the commentariat or the Deadspin community simply for our benefit. We certainly do welcome the people who made the crossover to join us during these heady days and the brain trust of this site hopes you will stay with us for many, many more posts.
In other words, we want this to be somewhere you can go to have fun and not just a place to visit because some secretive ninja took your star away.
Think of us as a halfway house for you to safely and securely vent and talk about sports and chicks and stuff. Only unlike a lot of other halfway houses, we hope you never get “better” and have to stay with us forever! Har har.
Look, the short of it is that you’re always welcome here. We’re not going to police you unless you’re really deserving of it. We also don’t have stars to give out in the first place so that alleviates that problem! It’s a cold day in hell when one of the writers isn’t kicking around in the comments section of this place so there’s always a ready ear for your troubles. If not, use the Roster page to hit us up. I hear Minda is even taking suggestions for sandwich recipes!
Again, welcome, and we’ll catch you on the flip side.
Also: If you’re interested, our friend Andrew Bucholtz has an interview with AJ Daulerio on the events of the last 48 hours, and some insight of his own. It’s cogent.
We’re not going to police you unless you’re really deserving of it.
So, it’s like Somalia, with less pirates?
@Lloyd
Hopefully with better tits. It’s like they’ve never heard of a bra before down there.
PS: due to my bannage at DS I will be coming to this site and stylepoints more often.
I can already feel the love. Since I’m a vindictive prick I can also, of course, feel the hate.
Is this heaven?
@Arsenio Billingham Well it sure as hell isn’t Iowa.
@FiddlingWhileJimRomeBurns
Well, as long as it’s not Detroit, I feel alright.
And Andrew Bucholtz got in a good interview with AJ. And yes, you still won’t feel better about it. In fact, you’ll probably like AJ even less.
http://sportingmadness.blogspot.com/2009/06/on-ground-deadspins-aj-daulerio-speaks.html
I somehow escaped the carnage yesterday…even after that fucking FAILBOT popped me for making a Kobe anal rape joke…I’m going to have to try harder today…and suggestions on what I should say over there?
@lloydcarrpoollane Take a good look at the list of people that were banned. I’d say that any comment to the effect that things were better under Will’s reign will get you gone pretty quickly.
@Knight_of_the_burning_River Well, if this were Detroit we might have a chance at some “free” government money, so it wouldn’t be all bad.
well, I’m rebuilding the neighborhood pub (with some help of course). was discussed last night, and this train *is* leaving the station – we’re right now looking into hosting and platforms. stay tuned – updates will be posted here: spindead.tumblr.com
@FWJRB: after reading Bucholtz’s post from JB’s comment, I think a few guesses about who’s on AJ’s Hit squad might do the trick.
also, trust me, not all of here in Detroit get the free money. My auto company has not taken the hand out….yet…
“We’re not going to police you unless you’re really deserving of it.”
That sounds like a challenge, boys (and girls). But hey, lawyers police themselves and look how that turns out!
@ElGatoCocaina
The BAR is a joke and I’m pretty sure the commentstapo is too.
@ElGatoCocaina
Wasn’t Wall Street allowed to police itself the last few years, too?
@lloydcarrpoollane Which is why when I buy a new car next spring Ford will get consideration and Chrysler/GM will not. I wish you and your co-workers the best of luck…keep fighting the good fight.
Re: Deadspin/AJ…I really used to try to give AJ the benefit of the doubt. I was definitely critical of the direction the site took post-Will, and I realize I did have some not-so-nice things to say about AJ…but I honestly did attempt to temper my comments. No more. The truth (as I see it) is that AJ is a poor writer being forced to live in the shadow of a decent/good one. Effectively he’s Jake Plummer in Denver. And we all know how that ended up working out.
I’ve missed [real] Deadspin for almost a year now…being shown the door at a site that’s a shadow of its former self by that hack basically means nothing. At the end of the day I’ve got a great job, a wonderful girlfriend and a fat paycheck. Life doesn’t really skip a beat.
@Knight_of_the_burning _River
But that lead to hookers and coke. If this site can lead me to hookers and coke, well, god bless.
In case it wasn’t clear, sarcasm. I wish these guys the best of luck.
@lloydcarrpoollane Good to hear you all are fighting the good fight. Keep it up.
@FiddlingWhileJimRomeBurns Couldn’t have said it much better myself. I wasn’t as active a commenter as many of you all were (blame it on me being not as funny), but I’d been an avid reader for the last 2-3 years or so. Being a Cardinals fan helped with that, during Will’s years, of course. That said, there were a lot of things that changed after Will left that weren’t for the better.
@ElGatoCocaina and not just hookers, the high class, escort-y types that can afford plastic surgery and whatnot. Win-win.
@lloydcarrpoollane
First, keep on fighting the good fight. I’ve got one of your products, good sir.
As far as who’s the commentstapo, could care less, honestly. Sculptor has the train rolling.
Thanks Guys, We’ll keep kicking ass. Hey, stock was up yesterday!
My last ride (pre-GTI) was an SVT Contour. As long as Ford keeps putting out fun cars (that also happen to be practical and get decent mileage…4 doors and 30MPG for the SVT) they’ll always be on my list of possibles.
Hey FWJRB…They’re bringing back the Taurus SHO…it’s gonna fuckin’ rock! Supercharged AND an Ecoboost engine…
After checking out the remains this morning, I’m guessing start of crosslinking to some clown-ass vampire site today meant a lot of the smartassest of the smartasses had to go yesterday. It all makes so much sense now.
Nice! Do you know when it’ll be released? Tell me it’ll have an AWD version too…
@OchentaYcinco I’m sure Wesley Snipes will be this weekend’s guest editor. He could use the paycheck.
@Ochenta: yeah, I saw that. it’s almost too ironic for words. vampires.
@FWJRB: I think the Taurus SHO is a 2010 model, late this year. It has 10 extra horses on the EcoBoost.
Provided it’s on sale before April 2010 I’ll take a look at it.
@Sculptor
I had more respect for them when they were shoving Kenny Powers down our throats.
ElGatoCocaina is right…The base 2010 Taurus is out in July,(production starts in Chicago the week of 6/15)then the SHO a few months after that…
So, it’s like Deadspin, but, I can comment and particiapte instead of living vicariously through the brilliant comments of others?
And my Guv’mint employer’s website filter allows this?
So, ah, FYI, if you become unemployed in NJ, there is one person in the dept who will be erstwhile occupied and unable to get you your monies.
And, by the way, what the fuck is up with a Gawker vampire site? Are they trying to capitalize on the Twilight sweep of the MTV movie awards? It’s like when Itchy and Scratchy added Poochie to “Hip” things up.
@James Brown: Hey, it’s a business. Gawker just finalized that big Clamato ad buy, and there is no stopping the train!
@[i]TimeBoozeCrews[/i]
Amen on the government filter. What department are you at?
@lloydcarrpoollane
It’s an HBO cross promo, like with Kenny Powers.
@OchentaYCinco
I think Tampax is more appropriate for them.
@James Brown “Hi, I’m AJ Daulerio of Deadspin, and I’m here to tell you that when I’m experiencing a heavy flow day my pad of choice is MaxiThins.”
so the whole Bloodcopy site is an advertisement? if so, what a waste of money.
@steroidsearchinstitute
Dept of Labor. It’s a clusterfuck or entitlement and asinine web blackage. You?
Anyone see the AJ interview on Bucholtz’ site? This whole thing was his idea and commenters ARE running the ninja team. I feel like I’m back in high school.
@FiddlingWhileJimRomeBurns
My God, man. We need a photoshopper on that, STAT!
add me to the list of de-starred, but active (for now)
@Fiddling: I, too, have been critical of AJ (one may or may not remember him taking a shot of me of sorts in is intro post), but I thought hiring Craggs was a good move. I like Dash, too. Oh well.
So now we know what it looks like when the underground sells out. Fucking assholes. May I join the party here?
@TTF: yeah, I saw that. what a dick. at least I now know why he cancelled his plans to attend the MPP.
@Token Tennis Fan: I think Craggs and BDD are the only two decent writers right now. In my opinion, AJ’s writing is just okay–I don’t like his tone. Never a big fan of Dash. I miss Chandler
My humble thoughts are AJ did what he had to do to to keep those incredibly hip and cool Gawkertards pleased and cutting checks, he just went about it…poorly.
He’s from Philly, and this area is generally devoid of tact. That doesn’t make it excusable, just explainable.
@Magics: Next thing you know, AJ will be doing pieces for E:60.
@Sculptor?!!
Might also explain Colleen’s quick comment execution. And he gave her no explanation over it, either.
Token Tennis Update:
After beating Nadal, Robin Soderling wipes out Davydenko to reach the semifinals.
@ lloyd
If he’s ever did end up doing E:60, it’d explain a bit. At least we can attribute the banhammer to some of the awesome Selena Roberts comments. I seem to remember many kind words on the subject.
Nice of suss to prove on the Danica thread that this is nothing more then a pack of commenters settling grudges; his comment is completely lacking in quality and humor- as it always is- yet he remains unscathed.
@timboozecrews
Veterans Affairs, Medical Research.
Any IT people out there who can walk me through how to hack through a federal government firewall?
@steroidresearchinstitute Generally speaking there is always a port or two that’s freely passed through a firewall. I’d recommend setting up an SSH tunnel via one of those open ports to your home firewall/PC and using it as a relay to the Internet. If you can get it going not only will you be able to surf, but your employer won’t be able to see what you’re looking at (provided you also tunnel your DNS requests).
Google is your friend on all if this…it’s pretty easy to find. Start by looking for SSH tunnels Internet access.
@steroidresearchinstitute You might begin by attempting to use port 53…it’s pretty rare that DNS is locked down, though if you’re working VA it’s not out of the realm of possibility.
Well, this day had to come eventually, I guess. Remember the days of Leitch.
PS, 310toJoba is a cantankerous prissy fuck chisel.
How long before we just end up live blogging all day?
I give it 5 weeks
@FiddlingWhileJimRomeBurns Holy shit, I was kidding. Thanks though.
PS if my HTML doesn’t work this time, I quit.
@ Shakey
+1 for fuck chisel, gotta remember that one.
@FiddlingWhileJimRomeBurns BTW, will this SSH tunneling thing get me fired? I kinda need this job. And federal IT people tend to be ornery
@Grimace: I steal all of my funny words from MrRedDevil. God bless his heart.
@steroidresearchinstitute
Guv’mint job, man, I thought that meant gravy train where you can’t get fired. Though, the Feds may be crazier and more ornery than State. Mercifully, I’m federally funded, administered by the state of NJ.
It took 2 IT people here to connect a printer to my computer. I’m not worried.
@steroidresearchinstitute Entirely dependent on how crusty your IT guys are. It’s not illegal, but it might be against the rules (if you get my meaning). You might want to re-read your Internet access policy and/or find a reasonably friendly IT guy and ask them. I can tell you how to get around/through the firewall/proxy…not necessarily how doing it would be received.
FWIW I don’t know of too many IT guys that are paranoid enough to look for SSH tunnels going through non-standard ports. You’d have to really be a little unhinged to spend time looking for that.
Rooks, I thank you for your efforts and I appreciate the measured and thoughtful tack that you’re taking. I think it comes back to if you build it, they will come.
@FiddlingWhileJimRomeBurns
Our main IT guy is a full blown wackaloon, so I think I may pass on the hacking. Thanks though
If we have Yostal on our side, we can win this war!
Yes we can!
Change we can believe in?
/Obama’d
So, will the next comment ninja task be to identify who’s commenting here that’s technically still alive over on Gawker and start purging them?
@Knight_of_the_burning_River
I would think that, but arrogance is on our side. I think the ninjas will be patting themselves on the back too much to go to step two.
anyone catch the title of the new post? hypocrites.
Sharapova out at Roland Garros.
What up Fuck Hammers?
I’d like to start by thanking The Rookies for their fine hospitality. It is much appreciated.
I thought I was done talking about this Deadspin bullshit, but I have something to say in response to the interview Fredo gave at http://sportingmadness.blogspot.com/
I stand by my previous comments that AJ is a COWARD and a BIG FAT PUSSY.
I understand that some commenters did not like the way things were going, but to secretly go to AJ and propose that you can “fix” things by running people off is complete fucking horseshit. How small can your cocks possibly be?
Anybody in the Secret Ninja Gang is a BIG FAT PUSSY. (This is all getting a little too surreal, and stupid).
This whole thing was handled poorly from the start. If you have a problem with me or anybody else, then you should have the testicular fortitude to tell me. But to secretly hide behind AJ’s skirt is the true sign of a fucking COWARD.
You guys deserve AJ and AJ deserves you. May your family have the stench of a thousand dead, rotting, camel carcasses.
@MrRedDevil
And you’re alright in my book. When you get to visit up here, we should go for drinks over at the new microbrewery they opened up. I think Blackhorse is the name of it.
@ James Brown: Thanks yo.
@TTF: Poor Maria. She’ll need some comforting.
@Sculptor You talking about the Twitter one? Yeah, classy.
@ Red:
Back in with a bang, huh? Good for you.
As for Maria, it’s nothing a little roofie colada can’t fix.
@OchentaYcinco:
If this means there’s going to be a whole Clamato-themed pseudo adblog, then sign me up!
@MrRedDevil:
Saw that. “I have very little say in the matter.” My ass. Forgive me for indulging in a brief late-90s wrestling metaphor, it’s like he was going for a “Shane Douglas throws down the NWA title” moment, but ended up with a totally underwhelming “Eric Bischoff was really the Hummer driver” result. This officially ends my late-90s wrestling metaphor. Thank you.
@MRD: you know you’re welcome at the new pub when it opens, right?
@Q: what got me was when AJ admitted he’s having FUN doing this.
@Silent_Q:
But what about Mick Foley’s anti-hardcore gimmick?
@Yostal: They get you to? or did they just de-star you?
@Sculptor?!?: Thanks hot stuff.
@Silent Q: Well played. I’m sure Dean Malenko approves.
@Knight_of_the_burning_River : I was thinking the same thing. They’re going to have to troll for executions now.
Hey Sculptur,
In this new world, I would like to officially throw my name in there and be a productive member of Spindead.
If you have to let me down, be gentle, I bruise like a peach.
@Her?: I’ll add ya to the list.
That list is small, but growing. I’m both stoked and humbled by all this support, gang.
We’re hashing names, hosting and platform right now. Once we’ve got the big shit out of the way, we can line up content etc.
@Her?: Oh, be gentle, huh? Well I don’t seem to recall you being gentle when you vaguely and harmlessly poked fun at the softball girls yesterday!
Actually, nevermind. Welcome to the island of misfit toys.
@Sculptor?!?:
As would I. I’m probably one of the newer kids, but I’m willing to roll up the sleeves and get to doing the woodwork on the bar.
Hey Sculptor, I would offer to help with the site too, but all I know how to do is to call people vulgar names. If you need a Vulgarity Baron, then let me know.
@Ochenta
+1 … Wait. Maybe we need a new reward system. Hmm… $1?
@Her? I would definitely enjoy reading whatever you have to write on a new site
@Sculptor I’d love to contribute a little, too, if I could. It’s been a while since I’ve done any blogging, and the current job doesn’t allow enough time to do anything on my own, but I do miss writing and comisserating about sports. Then again, I’m sure you’ll get a thousand requests just like that, but, I’m putting myself out there.
@red devil, @sculptor
As well I’ll volunteer my services to get really drunk every week and tell everyone “what your goddamn problem is.”
@3:10
By the way, I don’t feel some of the comments here are up to par, lets talk.
@Red: Fuck! That’s the job I wanted, you cum-guzzling douchenozzle!
Need a helper?
I suppose, Rookies, that I shall favor your site for my random general national sports information now. Deadspin’s rise and fall runs parallel in many ways to ESPN’s, don’t you think?
It’s always odd to me how the Nouveau riche can get all uppity… but, it never seems to fail.
Deadspin, RIP. 2005-2009.
@her? : Maybe &1…as in “And 1″…?
$ might be for people who sell out…
/ Glares at DS….
@Mr. Red Devil,
Well said, sir. What would really be funny is if it the ninja was Weed Against Speed, and his goal was to just drive more hits to his site.
Just kidding WAS, but paranoia can’t be helped anymore. Seriously though, Iracane lets me in, Pete stars me, I managed to impress 143 “followers” for whatever that’s worth, but I add no value to the site. That makes sense.
-Formerly Wonderlic—myballs
@ Sculptor:
I’d be happy to contribute to the SpinDead project as well, but I’m in the same boat as some others with limited capabilities outside of the occasional verbal jab or asinine opinion.
@thundercracker2: Lemme tell YOU something that YOU need to know about YOURSELF!
@lloydcarrpoollane: sure fuckface. cum-guzzling douchenozzle is NICE.
@lloydcar
&1, I like it, we’re getting closer
@wonderlic/Ro-day-o
I know exactly what you mean, I was good enough to be up for comment of the fortnight, but somehow being in your posts does not add to value.
Now I’m no mathamagician but I’m not sure those add up.
@Her?: I love mathamagic.