So, I finally checked out the "Bissinger/Leitch" argument, once it became clear that episode was setting off the Journalism debate outside of the sports journo space. For all the bluster about Bissinger being a complete asshole, my main impression was: "We've secretly replaced Bob Costas with Jim Gray Crystals. Let's see if anyone notices the difference." I was half-expecting a nameless thug to dash out and break Leitch's knuckles with a lead pipe. For his part, Leitch handled the ambush rather well. Although, he did screw up in at least one place: Gawker sites are controlled membership, with Deadspin using postings as a form of audition. Those who can prove they've can make comments that jibe with the blog's desired 'mood' eventually join. So, the "anyone can post" comment is a sign of butt-covering. However, if Costas/Bissinger actually had legitimate intent to begin with, they'd have wrung Leitch out with that point. They were working from a playbook (if not a script), however, so there was no actual discussion of how Deadspin sucks. Actually, that exchange reveals their overall play here. HBO/Costas/Bissinger have used Deadspin as a proxy for sports blogs, and the blogosphere in general. Doing otherwise might have led to legitimate discussion of the topic. |
| posted at: 16:52 | permanent link to this entry |
Today's topic for discussion is:
| The merits and drawbacks of iced coffee. |
| posted at: 03:41 | permanent link to this entry |