Pearlman tracks down one of his agitators, calls him up

Re: So you want to work in SJ?

Sure, he has a right to it. But we're people who actually pay attention to the byline and want to know the person behind it, and most people don't. I'm guessing a lot of people find him through individual links.

He's an extreme reaction purveyor who happens to be sincere. But upon first (or third) glance, there's not a lot separating him from your standard high-horse Mariotti-type who merely pretends to be affronted. Extreme reactions get an equally forceful pushback, and I'm surprised he hasn't been conditioned to it.

 

Re: So you want to work in SJ?

I see what you're saying, and that makes a ton of sense.

I guess I can empathize with him. When I was doing column work at one point in my career, every time I was the least bit critical - and I like to think I was sincere, like Jeff is - the onslaught of "Marriotti Jr.!" emails and comments would be unleashed. Or it would be the other criticism, its first cousin: "If you hate State U basketball so much, you should just do something else!"

So you are getting two criticisms that really sting: (1) That you are just writing to get a rise out of people, not because you believe in what you're saying; (2) That your work is agenda-driven.

But, yeah, you have to realize that's part of the deal. But I can see why it's hurtful. Because, really, people are questioning your character, while you know in your heart you are just trying to be honest. And it can drive you a little crazy wanting people to just argue your points on the merits instead of making it about you.

 

So Pearlman acts like ass, as usual, and we have two threads on him.
He has achieved one of his aims, get people to talk about Jeff Pearlman.

 

Pretty much nails it. spnited you better hope that pearls does not know where you live.

 

Jay and Silent Bob approve:

 

Re: So you want to work in SJ?

So why is it when TJ Simers does this, more than once a year or once in a career, it is labeled as poor journalism? Lazy journalism? They're good reads, showing people behaving badly, and cheap laughs. I find these types of stories and columns very entertaining.

 

Re: So you want to work in SJ?

As I posted on the other Pearlman thread:

Pearlman acts like as ass, as usual, and we have two threads on him.
He has achieved one of his aims -- get people to talk about Jeff Pearlman.

 

Well done.

 

What percent of people in this business actually aim for that?
I have always liked it better flying under the radar, not being talked about.
Or is getting talked about the only way to achieve job security or marketability for a lot of folks today?
It doesn't seem to have much in common -- making oneself the story -- with what this business used to be about?
(Uh oh, is the operative phrase "used to be"?)

 

It's to the point now where if anyone calls in with a comment/concern and keeps a civil tone, I'm shocked. We have one local idiot here who is fond of the 4 a.m. voice mail. He'll make the rounds every now and then, blathering on. I know my voice mail has a 2 minute time limit because of him.

Anyway, he got vulgar and threatening enough that management, which had been gathering material for a while, took the matter up with the police. Good times.