Write the gamer, don't try your stand-up material...

[markvid]

This from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's story on Temple-Penn State, which, of course, went on without Joe Paterno who is recuperating at home after his leg and knee surgery.

So the Penn State football team did something for their ailing coach: They went out and won one for the gimper.

Ouch. Just plain awful.

 

[Mystery_Meat]

Quick, someone cue up the Price is Right losing horns!

 

[The Basement]

This from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's story on Temple-Penn State, which, of course, went on without Joe Paterno who is recuperating at home after his leg and knee surgery.

So the Penn State football team did something for their ailing coach: They went out and won one for the gimper.

Ouch. Just plain awful.

that is brutal.
funny if a player said it, but from the writer? = bad.

 

[Batman]

bah-dum-bum-chhhh...thank you, thank you. That writer just flew in from Happy Valley and boy are his arms tired. Be sure to tip your waitress and try the veal.

 

[DyePack]

Give him a break. It was Temple; he probably had the lede written days ago.

 

[ShelbyFoote]

Ugh, I hate these threads. They only should be allowed if the person that starts them is willing to post all their crappy ledes through the years.

And for the record: I think graf is fine.

 

[Smasher_Sloan]

It had no byline?

 

[Riddick]

Ugh, I hate these threads. They only should be allowed if the person that starts them is willing to post all their crappy ledes through the years.

And for the record: I think graf is fine.

I love these threads. Helps me know what not to do. Though, I'm sure I'll be pissed when the day arrives and it's my lede at the top of the thread.

 

[Montezuma's Revenge]

I'd rather see a writer try something than do the same old same old.

It's one quick line. It's not like it's one of those long, painful setups with no payoff.

Threads like this are one reason why there are so many constipated writers. So many people get browbeaten into being afraid to try anything.

 

[loveyabye]

I thought it was funny.

 

[Riddick]

really? gimper? funny? oh geez!
Are you also the same person who saw and enjoyed Gigli? The only person.

 

[SF_Express]

Is it brilliant? I guess not.

Is it so bad that it's worth a thread here?

No.

 

[Kaylee]

Speaking as a writer, I think we can all admit that there are times when our zeal for the clever phrase makes us look like boobs.

Which is what a copy desk is for.

Blame them.

 

[shotglass]

Speaking as a writer, I think we can all admit that there are times when our zeal for the clever phrase makes us look like boobs.

Which is what a copy desk is for.

Blame them.

Brilliant.

 

[Editude]

That's true, if the desk has been given the tools and authority to make more than grammar changes. That's why it's nice being a line editor.

 

[whatgives]

It's a decent line. Lighten up.

 

[pressboxer]

Last year I covered a high school playoff game that ended 43-42 in overtime. The first snap of the game went for a touchdown and it was pretty much a horse race the rest of the way.

My lead, which was written by halftime: Quick, read this story before somebody scores again.

The SE from a neighboring paper was next to me in the pressbox and let it be known he would never allow that in his section.

The story got second place in the state APME contest. I did not submit it for entry.

Go figure.

 

[Songbird]

A few years ago a high school playoff baseball game was in the top of the 7th inning, local team one strike away from winning. Lightning struck so the ump postponed the game. Local team was pissed off. My lede was: "Excuse them while they curse the sky."

It's OK to have fun sometimes. Disclaimer: listening to Hendrix on the way back to the office inspired the lede.

 

[Babs]

I'd rather see a writer try something than do the same old same old.

Threads like this are one reason why there are so many constipated writers. So many people get browbeaten into being afraid to try anything.

I agree, try something new. Otherwise gamers all sound alike. They should be interesting enough so that someone who was at the game has a reason to read it.

The gimper bit wasn't funny, but maybe the next one will be. Let's not lose our creativity.

 

[novelist_wannabe]

Is this line groan-inspring? Definitely.
Is it worth of ridicule? Uh, no. Give the dude credit for trying and leaving the vanilla lead to the AP.