Conflict of Interest Bring It On
posted by on June 8 at 8:25 AM
It only seems appropriate that my first post should be about The Stranger, since ye olde Slog writers are continually getting flak for talking about themselves. I’m actually a fan of the self-referential posts and the overwrought inner workings of the staff. It’s kinda like spying on that weird neighbor across the street or eavesdropping on the bus.
Since we’re all slogging from the comforts of our homes or (non-Stranger) offices today, there won’t be any Overheard in the Office posts concerning crazy things Charles has uttered, wacky outfits worn by Nipper, or disgusting foodstuffs making the rounds in Editorial.
Sigh. It’s gonna be a long day.
Thankfully, I’ve got dirt on Christopher Frizzelle and Eric Grandy to share, after conversations with both of them at the packed-to-the-rafters CSS show at Neumo’s last night. I am beginning to believe that Freaky Friday is actually an experiment in psychological terror, possibly conceived by the Editorial staff while stoned out of their gourds on wacky tabacky.
I should state this for the record: I like Christopher and Eric. I have disagreed with them many times in the past, and hope to do so again in the future. This does not mean I don’t think they are good dudes. I am happy to know them. I cannot, however, overlook the diabolical glee they each exhibited when discussing today’s switch-a-roo.
Christopher was positively giddy when telling me that he could hardly wait to comment on whatever we post. “You can dish it, but can you take it?” he asked, with a suspicious grin on his face. He then voiced his concern about the volume of today’s content. “I don’t know how you guys will keep up,” he said, proudly adding that Thursday’s Slog post total hovered around 40.
I had to remind him that the twenty-plus Editorial staffers that churn out such numbers are actually paid to write, unlike the motley assortment of nine ne’er-do-wells they’ve assembled here today, most of which will be furtively posting while employed at places other than Stranger.
Eric was more understated in his attempts to psyche me out. We talked a little local music world gossip and shot the shit about the Line Out segregation and their lack of participation in today’s inevitable online chaos. It was a fun and friendly conversation. But, under his genial manner and honest enthusiasm beat the heart of a warrior. I could see the look in Eric’s eyes and it all but screamed, “I’ll get you, Kerri Harrop, and your little dog, too!”
Payback, as they say, is a bitch. Let the games begin.
Only 40, guys? When that's your JOB? I could do 40 by myself, but I was told to keep it to six. I may have six in queue by noon.
Uh... Fnarf? Have you visited www.thestranger.com? Or picked up a hard copy of the paper? We don't just do Slog, sitting around the office all day long, tapping out Slog posts. We do Slog IN ADDITION to putting out the paper--basically, we took our jobs (putting out the paper), and added another set of FULL TIME JOBS to our work load.
Before you and Kerri do a victory dance, the real test would be you guys doing Slog ALL WEEK LONG and putting out a whole issue of the Stranger too. While Slogging this week I was also putting together features, putting out fires, and doing my other writing -- for the Stranger and other publications.
So... like... EAT ME!
Touchy touchy.
uh Dan,
be cool my brother.
Oh, come on, Dan, that old rag writes itself, you know it. But now you're getting a taste of the REAL challenge: commenting.
Hey, we have dozens of pieces coming in for the queer issue right now, Fnarf. I'll forward 'em on to you and you can edit 'em while writing your posts...
And, hey, when I wrote the comment above I was laughing, not steaming...
I think that Fnarf and Kerri Harrop should both be allowed more than six posts. Will in Seattle should get like three, because I'm likely to hate whatever ill-conceived slop he throws up about Fremont being the coolest, or any of his other boring pet issues.
Well that didn't take long... not even nine am and the fur is already flying!
I avoid Fremont like rape.
So was I, Dan.
Dear Fnarf,
I was addressing Josh's comment, Fnarf, not your comment. SO LAY OFF!!!
xxxooo
Dan
@9: So you only go there when it corners you in a dark alley?
Zzzzzzzzzzz.
(I've always wanted to do that. It's so easy, and so dismissive...like a good hooker.)
You guys are doing great keep um coming!
Dan, why are you behaving like a total hussy?
Sounds like a challenge. Do you guys want a week-long vacation? Kerri can write next week's Stranger, Gomez can sell some ads, Fnarf can write a few chapters in your next book, Will in Seattle can babysit for a week.
Then we'll see who really wins. What's the worst that could happen? Bankruptcy and asset liquidation?
Why should I behave any differently than I usually do? Total hussy -- today, yesterday, tomorrow.
Best. Trash talk. Ever.
(Like Schmader, that's a comment trope I've always wanted to use...)
Dan @ 6 - there's a "Queer Issue" of the Stranger? Oh come on. Aren't they all?
It would be more amusing if you did a single hetero issue per year. Throw a bone to the poor victim Christianists, you know. In your inimitable style, of course. ;-)
I had to remind him that the twenty-plus Editorial staffers that churn out such numbers are actually paid to write, unlike the motley assortment of nine ne’er-do-wells they’ve assembled here today, most of which will be furtively posting while employed at places other than Stranger.
I'm actually glad you mentioned this, as a disclaimer for the inevitable retort, "OMG you guys are writing for them for free!" The writers don't get paid to Slog either. They get paid to research and write the actual articles.
Overheard in my Office: Jack shit. I'm listening to my iPod. My 'office' is a large closet, literally. Obvious jokes forthcoming in 5... 4... 3...
Was this whole Freaky Friday event supposed to shine light on the hard work that The Stranger staff accomplishes?
the stranger is a different issue each week?
You have a little dog? We'll need to update our Enemies of Slog list.
"There's a "Queer Issue" of the Stranger? Oh come on. Aren't they all?"
OMG -- that's hilarious, Sachi! I'm surprised no one has thought to make that particular joke before. No, wait -- a quick check of my email archives shows that that joke has been made roughly three million times already.
Dan's on fire today. Il craint d'etre au chomage.
@24: I believe "A. Birch Steen" also makes the same comment every year in the Table of Contents.
Dan, you seem to have made it first @ 6. :-)
Best -
Sachi
@22-
who let Novoselic in here?
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