(City of Houston) Chronicle settles for mediocre "sportswriters"..

Actually his articles tend to report the facts, what has everyone's panties in a bunch is his blog. Blogs tend to be opinion driven. Not only that, but the main gripe I hear from people tends to have nothing to do with what he wrote rather with what the headline reads. Even when he explains himself, everyone already has made a predetermined decision on what they think about him.

 

I think it's fair to ask fans to gather their own information IN THE SITUATION of weighing fan writing to a journalist's writing. I'm using it to make a point because it was mentioned that the clutchfans writers are better than people like Solomon.

Most people on this site don't do any original information gathering and steal other people's information. Good writing and analysis may be something Clutchfans can do sometimes, but is it original research/reporting? How often is it not good analysis v. bad analysis? Analysis and sports writing are two separate things. Analysis is one of many things sports writers do and I think to weigh them on that one thing isn't fair.

There are several posters on here who are good at their niche: Writing analysis on the Rockets. But ask them to do other things and I bet you they'll be flopping around like a fish out of water.

 

Again, what original information has Solomon gathered? The information that this past 42-40 season is one of the 10 worst seasons in franchise history? I guess it's so original that he later had to back pedal and say it was only his opinion, but he stated as facts in his article.

That's because you only see them writing analysis on this board. But that doesn't mean they can't do other things well. Jason Friedman used to be a poster on this board. And he turns out to be a much better sports writer than both Solomon and Blineberry combined (imo anyway). Who's to say there's not another JF among CF members?

 

Dammit... retry.

Solomon's poor, poor content is not to be dismissed so easily. His content is not irrelevant as long as his styling and format is better than posters on a public forum, where such styling and format is neither required nor would be appreciated...

The question now is how much original research does Solomon do before he writes his 'professional' analysis onto a paper? Personally, I would feel embarrassed passing off some of his articles for public scrutiny. I'm not denying that he probably has a rare well-researched piece; but it's a shame he can't do it more consistently.

Finally, if he was such a respectable writer he'd consider his target market and its reaction; that is, unless you choose to argue that negative publicity is good publicity. Given how effective that has been for him, I could be convinced.

Touche. So when Solomon tries to insult the Rockets' management and fans, he should consider the same advice; his well styled and formatted points come off as trite otherwise.

Yeah.. so I'm grumpy and tired. Let me assure you that you bring a great case to the table to defend journalism; but unfortunately you're wasting it on Solomon.

 

I wouldn't say MOST of the board. That is a huge exaggeration. Yeah, a few of the posters here, not to mention Clutch himself, definitely can do a better job.

 

I think this is a pretty important point to note and highlights a point I have seen referenced quite a bit in the music industry circles I hang in.

The media industry has changed so much that there is little value in the good writers who put together well researched, thoughtful articles. Now there is a premium placed on volume of content rather than quality - the world of the bloggers. There is definitely a difference between a blogger and a writer. It's not to say you can't be a writer if you are a blogger or vice versa, but the nature of the blogging medium lends itself to a style that frankly is more more unrefined and reactionary. It will suit some talent better than others.

I don't know Solomon's work very well(seems overwhelmingly negative) but it could very well be possible that he is an actual writer who needs the editing process to correct himself. That's just to say he may very well be a talented writer who struggles at the blogging aspect because he may need that time to reflect and edit.

I'm not trying to make excuses for Solomon, but I think everyone here should take a step back and recognize that your expectations need to change if you still think sports writing comes in the form of a Peter Vecsey article in the Post in the 90s. For better or worse, it's a completely different game now.

 

I would like to take this opportunity to point out that Jonathan Feigan consistently writes thoughtful Rockets commentary on his blog, and answers most reasonable questions. Don't want him getting lumped in to any Chron bashing here.

 

he used to write for Houston Press too and has real talent...

as for original info I am referring to his ability to report. Not the blog entry you refer to.

 

Haha I love your last comment because I think you're right. He's a weak sports writer when compared to some others out there. Still, he's got a right to blog his opinions. His analysis was definitely off, however I think some of the claims made against his are way out on a limb. He's a good writer and a decent reporter. Blineburry was better, wonder why they kept him anyway? I'm sure most people know why but won't say it.

He's not a respectable writer by any means since he most likely is the bad cop between him and Justice's good cop act.

They want hits so they both have different voices to pander in blogs. It's kind of pathetic really. Still, I don't think clutchfans could do their actual reporting better.

This is all part of a new world where blogs are being confused with journlism... I honestly HATE how chron does its sports blogs. They get too loose with their audience and end up causing problems like this.

 

just because im too lazy to capitalize and add punctuation

 

Our players, gms, coaches and towelboys all have a Twitter and Facebook account these days.

I don't see the need for middlemen anymore.

 

its calld shrthnd n lazines. if we wuz paid 2 rite then wii wuld tipe n spel korektedly. proper formats, styles, hi-kwality niche tekneekz?? u mean like wat dey teach u in kollidge E301?? btw. wat r editerz 4 den? im more impressed with JCDenton's highly detailed graphs than solomon.

 

lol nice response to that no brain solomon

u put alota thought and effort into this lol good job

 

I may be missing something but isn't Solomon's piece more of an op-ed piece?

I mean most of what he is saying is opinion, and technically it is well written, and it is doing the job it was intended in causing discussion and hits to the website.

Just because you don't like someone's opinion does not make them a bad writer.

DD

 

Very easy for you to say. The only reason this is even a subject for discussion around here is because the writers in question have dared to voice opinions (that's right OPINIONS) that aren't what some of the red koolaid drinkers want to hear. Some columnist disagrees with the prevailing sentiments in Rocketsland and all of a sudden, he's an incompetent SOB who can't write at the pre-kindergarten level. So what if Solomon or Justice or whomever isn't onboard with celebrating a 42-40 season or who dare to be critical of an organization that's done zip in the 15 years since the championships? If you cannot tolerate the opinions of others then don't read them or listen to them especially if you are the type of person who is so fragile that said opinions can affect you this way.

 

Agreed but you have to realize whom is typing and the maturity level of the audience.

What does anyone expect on a Rocket's fansite? Objectivity? Come on...

DD

 

Well said, I was shocked about how defensive people on this forum got b/c of Solomon's comment

It's just an article, not the end of the world

It doesn't matter if he is wrong or right, at least it will get us thinking if we(by we, I actually meant Morey) made a mistake, and that is always good cause no one is perfect

 

I agree, and he does post here....but I have not seen him in any of the threads about him.



DD