Trying My Hand At Writing

[Purple Punishment]

Hey guys, I decided that I would like to attempt to write articles on bleacher report. I would like to know if anyone on here could give me some constructive critcism before I post my first article. I would greatly appreciate it because we have some great fans with great knowledge of all sports. Thank You

[lowrider]

Give me what you got and I'll do my best. I'm not a professional writer but I'll read your main ideas and make sure they make sense.

[Purple Nurple]

Dont post any Bleacher Report articles here, lol. Do you remember that debacle?

Also, constructive criticism will come [i]after[/i] you write the article, no?

[thewarden86]

Feel free to hit me up. While I'm not a pro, I've always had a bit of a knack for writing.

[Purple Punishment]

Nurple, i have to write the article and then submit it before it gets published. I would like to know what avid sports fans think of my writing. I do not know of the Bleacher Report debacle, sorry.

[Purple Nurple]

Well, then post it here first. I'm sure they'll be enough opinions to make you never want to write again! J/K

Some BS rumor thread was started here last year and Bleacher Report picked it up and ran with it and it got national media attention......The powers that be here really dont want anything to do with BR.

[lowrider]

[quote name='Purple Nurple' date='23 July 2010 - 02:02 PM' timestamp='1279908151' post='436369']
Well, then post it here first. I'm sure they'll be enough opinions to make you never want to write again! J/K

Some BS rumor thread was started here last year and Bleacher Report picked it up and ran with it and it got national media attention......The powers that be here really dont want anything to do with BR.
[/quote]
Are you serious? haha. Thats crazy. What was the thread about or are we even allowed to talk about the infamous thread was about or would big brother step in if we tried to talk about it?

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='lowrider' date='23 July 2010 - 02:08 PM' timestamp='1279908480' post='436373']
Are you serious? haha. Thats crazy. What was the thread about or are we even allowed to talk about the infamous thread was about or would big brother step in if we tried to talk about it?
[/quote]
Among numerous debacles we've had in the past (longtime posters will remember them), the big one was a possible trade for Nnamdi Asomugha that never happened. A Bleacher Report article was posted and cited as a credible source by many fans, which turned into a giant rumor that was completely unsubstantiated, according to many Baltimore beat writers including Aaron Wilson and Jamison Hensley. In turn, the board was basically a big joke to them and our credibility as a place to talk serious football was undermined in blog posts by other beat writers.

We have a strict policy (that will be made official) on posting Bleacher Report articles as news, as people seem to forget that Bleacher Report is user-generated content similar to Wikipedia. In other words, anyone can write anything and pass it off as news.

Though we are discussing a policy change that would allow for mere criticism of one's writing (which I believe would be OK in this case -- as long as the intent is made clear), we're careful to allow anything involving Bleacher Report, period.

[lowrider]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='23 July 2010 - 02:12 PM' timestamp='1279908761' post='436376']
Among numerous debacles we've had in the past (longtime posters will remember them), the big one was a possible trade for Nnamdi Asomugha that never happened. A Bleacher Report article was posted and cited as a credible source by many fans, which turned into a giant rumor that was completely unsubstantiated, according to many Baltimore beat writers including Aaron Wilson and Jamison Hensley. In turn, the board was basically a big joke to them and our credibility as a place to talk serious football was undermined in blog posts by other beat writers.

We have a strict policy (that will be made official) on posting Bleacher Report articles as news, as people seem to forget that Bleacher Report is user-generated content similar to Wikipedia. In other words, anyone can write anything and pass it off as news.

Though we are discussing a policy change that would allow for mere criticism of one's writing (which I believe would be OK in this case -- as long as the intent is made clear), we're careful to allow anything involving Bleacher Report, period.
[/quote]
Reminds me of the episode from 30 Rock where one of the characters got a part in a movie as janis joplin and she looked at wikipedia for her source, and she was a hot mess by the end of the episode because her friends posted all random stuff on wikipedia. Pretty funny.

Thats pretty crazy. I was wondering why Bleacherreport was hated on this board. I mean I understand that it's just fans posting whatever but that explains a lot. Thanks.

[Purple Punishment]

Warden and Lowrider, check your inboxes in a few minutes

[Purple Punishment]

well my article is not about anything in regards to trades. I just finished it so whomever wants to give me criticism please let me know

[thewarden86]

[quote name='Purple Punishment' date='23 July 2010 - 02:24 PM' timestamp='1279909471' post='436382']
Warden and Lowrider, check your inboxes in a few minutes
[/quote]


[quote name='Purple Punishment' date='23 July 2010 - 02:26 PM' timestamp='1279909596' post='436383']
well my article is not about anything in regards to trades. I just finished it so whomever wants to give me criticism please let me know
[/quote]

Read and responded.

[Purple Punishment]

thanks for the advice Warden. I made the changes and added a little more to it. it is a finished product now. Im waiting for one final proof read from my friend that is in school for journalism

[Moderator 2]

As a vessel for creative writing I can not fault people for wanting to write for Bleacher Report, but that Draft Day mess had Peter King laughing at this site, and with the time we put into moderating it did not sit well with us.
PFT did the same thing to Flacco this past week, if you read their version vs the Suns version of what he said on Bulger, Smith and Beck you get two different takes and a poo storm followed.

[lowrider]

[quote name='Purple Punishment' date='23 July 2010 - 03:09 PM' timestamp='1279912175' post='436411']
thanks for the advice Warden. I made the changes and added a little more to it. it is a finished product now. Im waiting for one final proof read from my friend that is in school for journalism
[/quote]
wrote you back. I wanted to be as helpful as I could and I'm at work so I had to be stealthy about it haha

[Purple Punishment]

i have a finished product if anyone else would like to read. i have never written an article before in my life so i am happy go lucky to share!!!

[lowrider]

[quote name='Purple Punishment' date='23 July 2010 - 03:34 PM' timestamp='1279913649' post='436430']
i have a finished product if anyone else would like to read. i have never written an article before in my life so i am happy go lucky to share!!!
[/quote]
It was pretty good. I'd like to see the final product. Only way to get better is to keep writing. Or at least my brother keeps saying that. I've noticed my writing has gotten a lot better since joining this board, just because I write my thoughts down all the time

[Moderator 2]

Stick it in this thread with no links, I don't think any one could misconstrue it.

[lowrider]

[quote name='Purple Punishment' date='23 July 2010 - 03:34 PM' timestamp='1279913649' post='436430']
i have a finished product if anyone else would like to read. i have never written an article before in my life so i am happy go lucky to share!!!
[/quote]
I sent you another message for constructive criticism. Hope i was some help

[Purple Punishment]

okay here is my article!


"Hostage Report: The Individual Comes Before The Team" by Robert Smith

Brett Favre and Lebron James are two of the most known names in sports today. These gentlemen are known for their tenacity, their, game breaking abilities, and many other great qualities that they bring to their respective sports. I would like to add one more name to the list: Kidnappers.

As horrible as it the term may sound, both of these gentlemen covet the ability to stop a franchise dead in its tracks from making any decisions in regards to their upcoming seasons. Both Favre and James are coming off of seasons where they were part of teams, both favored to make it to the big dance in their respective sports. In both off seasons, each player displayed their power to place a franchise in limbo. James as a free agent, decided to join fellow phenoms Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade in Miami. This decision alone has set the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise far behind for the upcoming NBA season. The effects of James' decision actually hurt the Cavs much more because it came after the NBA Draft where Cleveland could have made moves to acquire a successor to the throne of King James.

Now Cleveland stands in many sports circles to miss the playoffs completely, just one year after the season where they had the most wins in the NBA. Arena businesses are going to be greatly affected; Predictions of lost revenue is in upwards of $40 million for those businesses in the coming season. It seems as though Lebron James may not have been as self indulgent as Brett Favre, but he held a enormous ransom over the city of Cleveland. A ransom that the Cavs were not able to pay.

With NFL Training Camps and the Preseason looming, many sports stations around the nation shift their attention to the Brett Favre fiasco. It is no secret that Favre is once again displaying his ability to hold the Minnesota Vikings hostage in hopes of him coming back for one more run at the Lombardi. As Favre rests in his Mississippi home every night until the Pre Season arrives, Sage Rosenfels and Tavaris Jackson will participate in the Vikings Training camp. Both will be battling each other to serve the backup role to Favre. All signs are pointing to another season with Favre at the helm of the Vikings. However, this behavior by Favre could have major ramifications on the Vikings organization. Brad Childress is basically allowing Brett Favre to have the #1 QB position without putting in a lick of work during the offseason. Rosenfels and Jackson both know that they have a zero percent chance of leading the Minnesota Vikings this year. How does this affect the Vikings organization? It clearly shows that the front office and Brad Childress think Brett Favre is much larger than anyone else playing for their franshise. It also affects the chemistry of the team, as Favre is not there building a rapport with them. Although the Vikings players are backing Favre in skipping training camp, the message is still projected loud and clear to Tavaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels

Neither the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Minnesota Vikings were allowed to make necessary moves towards continuity plans if either star was to not join these franchises. The actions of these two athletes subsequently placed their teams in limbo. Cleveland has already felt the effects of James skipping town. Although it is not likely that Favre will disappoint. The Vikings sit idly by as Brett Favre holds their franchise hostage. When is enough, enough? When will sports franchises show these athletes that they cannot come before the team? Though Lebron James has made his decision and will be playing for the Miami Heat this season, I have some advice for the Minnesota Vikings organization. Tell Brett Favre to "decide today or get out of the way because we have two hungry guys that want to play!"