Comments on: MMA Journalism Roundtable: Media Pressure http://www.mmaopinion.com/blog/2009/07/31/mma-journalism-roundtable-media-pressure/ MMA Opinion and Cheap MMA Gear Sat, 17 Mar 2012 15:45:02 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Yael Grauer http://www.mmaopinion.com/blog/2009/07/31/mma-journalism-roundtable-media-pressure/comment-page-1/#comment-8054 Yael Grauer Sat, 01 Aug 2009 22:27:13 +0000 http://mmaopinion.com/?p=3541#comment-8054 I will write straightforward news-only articles when I have conflicting feelings on the topic, or lean a certain way but don't feel strongly enough to expound upon it... but for the most part I agree with y'all. I will write straightforward news-only articles when I have conflicting feelings on the topic, or lean a certain way but don’t feel strongly enough to expound upon it… but for the most part I agree with y’all.

]]> By: ironman http://www.mmaopinion.com/blog/2009/07/31/mma-journalism-roundtable-media-pressure/comment-page-1/#comment-8043 ironman Sat, 01 Aug 2009 16:15:25 +0000 http://mmaopinion.com/?p=3541#comment-8043 Cameron, I'm glad you liked that quote. Part of why I like writing for MMA "Opinion" is that it's not just about reporting what's happening (though we certainly do that sometimes). It's about trying to offer some insight, some analysis, some perspective and, occasionally, some emotion or reaction. It's my way of finding something interesting to say about issues that have been beaten to death by the journalists who insist on reporting things with the emotional energy of the Associated Press (and, as a result, read like something produced by zombie typists). Anyway, that's sort of a second thought, added in. Cameron, I’m glad you liked that quote. Part of why I like writing for MMA “Opinion” is that it’s not just about reporting what’s happening (though we certainly do that sometimes). It’s about trying to offer some insight, some analysis, some perspective and, occasionally, some emotion or reaction. It’s my way of finding something interesting to say about issues that have been beaten to death by the journalists who insist on reporting things with the emotional energy of the Associated Press (and, as a result, read like something produced by zombie typists).

Anyway, that’s sort of a second thought, added in.

]]> By: E. Spencer Kyte http://www.mmaopinion.com/blog/2009/07/31/mma-journalism-roundtable-media-pressure/comment-page-1/#comment-8042 E. Spencer Kyte Sat, 01 Aug 2009 15:20:56 +0000 http://mmaopinion.com/?p=3541#comment-8042 I hate the herd mentality. It drives me insane. If 99 sites are reporting the same thing and 1 has something different or a unique spin on it, I'm definitely reading that 1 unique site and picking one out of the herd. I agree that some things have to be covered, but you can always put your own spin on things or take it from a simple announcement into a breakdown or something different. My two cents... Canadian. I hate the herd mentality. It drives me insane.

If 99 sites are reporting the same thing and 1 has something different or a unique spin on it, I’m definitely reading that 1 unique site and picking one out of the herd.

I agree that some things have to be covered, but you can always put your own spin on things or take it from a simple announcement into a breakdown or something different.

My two cents… Canadian.

]]> By: Cameron Conaway http://www.mmaopinion.com/blog/2009/07/31/mma-journalism-roundtable-media-pressure/comment-page-1/#comment-8028 Cameron Conaway Sat, 01 Aug 2009 01:40:01 +0000 http://mmaopinion.com/?p=3541#comment-8028 Yael, Great questions and great idea! This was an interesting discussion. Many times I think of the credentials of some of the MMA writers, and I can't help but think the "herd" mentality is an easy trap to fall into when writing = paycheck and notoriety rather than passion. Of course, we all want/need a blend of all three, but when those balances begin to tip, when the way to get noticed (and paid) is to write rumors as facts (Kimo's death, among others) the Internet provides writers a ridiculously efficient way to avalanche. Josh, I think you nailed it when you said: "...some writers simply don’t know how to say anything interesting and, as a result, simply provide information about what’s happening, without any sort of input or commentary that helps inform and educate readers." When we do read something timely, trustworthy, intellectually opinionated and creatively written - on Sherdog occasionally - I immediately turn to that site as my source. Thanks! ~Cameron Yael,

Great questions and great idea!

This was an interesting discussion. Many times I think of the credentials of some of the MMA writers, and I can’t help but think the “herd” mentality is an easy trap to fall into when writing = paycheck and notoriety rather than passion. Of course, we all want/need a blend of all three, but when those balances begin to tip, when the way to get noticed (and paid) is to write rumors as facts (Kimo’s death, among others) the Internet provides writers a ridiculously efficient way to avalanche.

Josh, I think you nailed it when you said: “…some writers simply don’t know how to say anything interesting and, as a result, simply provide information about what’s happening, without any sort of input or commentary that helps inform and educate readers.” When we do read something timely, trustworthy, intellectually opinionated and creatively written – on Sherdog occasionally – I immediately turn to that site as my source.

Thanks!

~Cameron

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