Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Housekeeping A Note to Our Readers
Posted by Christopher Frizzelle on Wed, Jun 17, 2009 at 11:55 AM
All good things come to an end, and we're glad this thing lasted as long as it did: Erica C. Barnett gave notice today. She's flying the coop and joining her pal Josh Feit at local-politics superwonk blog Publicola. She will kick ass there and will be missed here.
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2
sweet jebus...
I'm predicting that the comments will go over 200...
98% of them will be rude and 74% of those comments will mention the words, "red wine", "QFC", "bitch" or "megabitch".
the server may crash.
I'm predicting that the comments will go over 200...
98% of them will be rude and 74% of those comments will mention the words, "red wine", "QFC", "bitch" or "megabitch".
the server may crash.
9
michael @2: i'm sure you're right, but then it will be the end of all that noise. and that will be nice. and erica? learn to moderate yourself. you have a brain, you just seem to lack perspective. good luck.
12
Yes, good luck, Erica. Though I didn't often read your Seattle politics coverage (for obvious reasons), I have definitely enjoyed your other posts. I hope you don't have to put up with as much shit there as you have had to here.
13
Good luck, ECB! I've enjoyed reading your writing, and the Stranger will have a hard time finding someone just as fierce to fill your spot. All the best!
18
Oh man I had thankfully forgotten about that imbecile Josh Feit. Dammit. Erica seemed OK, hopefully her replacement is as good.
22
Oh, that's a shame. Good luck at your new job, Ms. Barnett; I'll miss seeing you here on the SLOG.
23
Good luck to you, Erica - I've just added Publicola to my bookmarks and look forward to seeing you there.
24
Good luck at Publicola, Erica. Although I often (oh, who am I kidding, almost ALWAYS) took some kind of issue with your opinion pieces, your news reporting was quality, and your coverage of local politics was thorough.
28
I have never gotten why she is such a lightning rod for people. I suspect the complainers feel women are not supposed to have strongly held views. Hope she finds her niche at Publicola.
31
I'm sure she'll do well at Publicola.
That said, are there any straight people left at The Stranger now?
That said, are there any straight people left at The Stranger now?
33
What's the record on Slog for most comments on a post? I have a feeling this will give that post a run for its money. Congrats Erica!
36
Erica C Barnett, I will miss your talent here at The Stranger.
Good luck in your new position.
fuck the haters.
Good luck in your new position.
fuck the haters.
37
Wow, that's incredible news. I'm gonna have to go have a drink to celebrate - er, drown my sorrows. That's it, drown my sorrows, yeah.
Maybe a nice glass of red wine. (I cant fucking believe I said that.)
Maybe a nice glass of red wine. (I cant fucking believe I said that.)
39
I will miss you here Erica... You have been my favorite local reporter for years (no diss to the other Stranger staff). I'll have to check out Publicola once you start too.
If The Stranger hires a new news writer I hope they hire someone else who cares/writes about local women's issues. It's sorely needed in this city.
If The Stranger hires a new news writer I hope they hire someone else who cares/writes about local women's issues. It's sorely needed in this city.
52
:(, indeed. Good luck, Erica. You'll be missed.
The Stranger never really replaced Josh, and I doubt they'll find a good replacement for you, either.
The Stranger never really replaced Josh, and I doubt they'll find a good replacement for you, either.
54
Holy smokes -- I just checked The Stranger masthead this morning because it seemed like ECB has been might scarce recently. Good luck to you, Ms. Barnett!
56
Thanks for everything, ECB, particularly for being so fucking ON IT when it came to the ladies and feminist issues. Good luck!
57
Thanks Erica for holding on to your opinions. I particularly appreciated your abortion rights stands. @25, what is it with you people? You just want slog to be a boy's club? Who's next, Jen Graves? Megan?
59
* Do not make fun of Erica C. Barnett
* Turn off cell phones and/or pagers
* Remove your hats
* Remove your gum
* Keep your feet off the furniture, rails, or benches
* Do not bring any electronic recording devices or cameras except those allowed by the Judge
* Turn off cell phones and/or pagers
* Remove your hats
* Remove your gum
* Keep your feet off the furniture, rails, or benches
* Do not bring any electronic recording devices or cameras except those allowed by the Judge
62
Frizelle and Savage will have to up their bicyclists can do no wrong rhetoric on Slog to make up the slack.
65
Erica sometimes drove me nuts, but I did appreciate that she stood up for the ladies, even when being emotionally assaulted for doing so by some of the readers. It would be nice if there were a few more women writers on staff...just sayin.
66
Good luck, Erica! I'll miss you and reading your tirades (which are always awesome, even if I don't always agree with them on all points). I hope you really enjoy your new gig. And I also hope it comes with a raise and good health insurance.
xoxo!
xoxo!
67
An interesting decision on her part, given that her profile is potentially much higher via her (former) position as the Stranger's News Editor. But I hope it's good for her.
A simple suggestion: it's time for the Stranger's news section, which has felt like it has been imploding for a while, to hire someone from outside the Stranger to be its next news editor. Someone with reporting experience whose goal in life is to be more than a mainstream journalist, a writer of gotcha pieces, or a policy wonk incapable of explaining the workings of government to people who are not already part of it. A real deal alternative journalist who thinks beyond public policy as "news", and who wants to use alt weeklies (while they still exist) to do fair but hard-hitting public interest journalism instead of hating on or refusing to quote those s/he disagrees with.
A simple suggestion: it's time for the Stranger's news section, which has felt like it has been imploding for a while, to hire someone from outside the Stranger to be its next news editor. Someone with reporting experience whose goal in life is to be more than a mainstream journalist, a writer of gotcha pieces, or a policy wonk incapable of explaining the workings of government to people who are not already part of it. A real deal alternative journalist who thinks beyond public policy as "news", and who wants to use alt weeklies (while they still exist) to do fair but hard-hitting public interest journalism instead of hating on or refusing to quote those s/he disagrees with.
68
Now I know where to go if I want a completely hairtrigger opinion on women's rights issues. Thanks for the heads up!
69
Almost the lone voice fighting blatant sexism will be sorely missed - and her city hall stuff was always a good read.
Now there will be more space for anti Mormon rants, fuck Obama tirades, and Frizelle telling us he has a crush on his brother.
Oh, well. BEST to you Erica, read all your stuff for years.
Yes, will link to the new site. Hope they pay better, too.
Now there will be more space for anti Mormon rants, fuck Obama tirades, and Frizelle telling us he has a crush on his brother.
Oh, well. BEST to you Erica, read all your stuff for years.
Yes, will link to the new site. Hope they pay better, too.
73
I've disagreed with you a lot, Erica, but have always respected you and your writing. Best of luck at the new gig. You will be missed.
75
I'm curious ... was this her choice? Or was this "suggested" she call up Josh to see if they could find her a spot?
Seeing as how she hasn't been posting much, it sure seems a very "timely" move to Publicoa given the current job climate. And seeing how ECB hasn't exactly represented the Stranger in the best light lately....
Hmmmmm
Honesty is the best policy... lately the Stranger doesn't seem to be completely transparent in this regard...
Or so it seems to me.
Seeing as how she hasn't been posting much, it sure seems a very "timely" move to Publicoa given the current job climate. And seeing how ECB hasn't exactly represented the Stranger in the best light lately....
Hmmmmm
Honesty is the best policy... lately the Stranger doesn't seem to be completely transparent in this regard...
Or so it seems to me.
76
@75, I was thinking the same thing. And with the wine issue it's not like she has the same access to local officials like she did. I mean can she really show her face on the Seattle Channel and have credibility?
81
Really, feminists of Seattle? ECB's lame, knee jerk/text book/MOR, poorly written rhetoric/dogma was your only source for a feminist perspective in Seattle media?
That's sad.
That's sad.
82
I'm with kerri @ 73. I don't have to agree with the opinions to appreciate the effort.
Good luck at your new gig, ECB. (I'm guessing you won't have to commute to it.)
Good luck at your new gig, ECB. (I'm guessing you won't have to commute to it.)
84
Please join ECB at Seattle Municipal Court Room 1003 tomorrow, June 18, 2009, at 13:35, to offer your support.
90
Sorry you're leaving, but it sounds like a great place for you to work. I'll miss you! All the best!
p.s. fuck the haters.
p.s. fuck the haters.
91
@81 lets just hope this opens a door for a strong, intelligent, saavy woman with a firm grasp on reality to step in and make a name for herself in this town.
92
Whoa, she's not leaving just because of what might happen at her court date tomorrow, right? It seems like rather weird timing.
I've been reading ECB in my local weekly since my Austin days. I'll kind of miss her shrill voice... And her political reporting is always solid.
I've been reading ECB in my local weekly since my Austin days. I'll kind of miss her shrill voice... And her political reporting is always solid.
93
Rats. I really enjoyed Erica's writing, and I liked what she brought to Slog. I'm unsure I'll read a local-politics superwonk blog, given that I am a mere fan of Seattle who lives in the UK, but I wish her all the best.
Ooh, I do dislike *change*.
Ooh, I do dislike *change*.
94
Erica was hands down the best reporter at the stranger and probably the city. I used to skim the slog for her posts.
I've missed her lately as noticed she's dropped off a bit on the reporting front.
On the other hand, I heart Pubicola they are producing the best political reporting in the city and state right now.
I'm glad there is still somewhere to go where I will be able to read her writing. Best of luck ECB!
I've missed her lately as noticed she's dropped off a bit on the reporting front.
On the other hand, I heart Pubicola they are producing the best political reporting in the city and state right now.
I'm glad there is still somewhere to go where I will be able to read her writing. Best of luck ECB!
95
Ding dong the witch is dead!
Maybe they will pay her enough for her shrill whine so that she can try paying for her cheap wine!...
Probably not.
Fucking Klepto.
(Can she please take Chuck with her?)
Maybe they will pay her enough for her shrill whine so that she can try paying for her cheap wine!...
Probably not.
Fucking Klepto.
(Can she please take Chuck with her?)
96
as a new fan of Publicola, it seems like a good fit. but i'm really going to miss ECB's coverage in thursday's papers. good luck, ECB, and screw the haters.
Graves and West: if you go anywhere, i'm going to throw a total shitfit. seriously.
Graves and West: if you go anywhere, i'm going to throw a total shitfit. seriously.
98
as a new fan of Publicola, it seems like a good fit. but i'm really going to miss ECB's coverage in thursday's papers. good luck, ECB, and screw the haters.
Graves and West: if you go anywhere, i'm going to throw a total shitfit. seriously.
Graves and West: if you go anywhere, i'm going to throw a total shitfit. seriously.
100
Is Publicola at all concerned that Erica may very well be an alcoholic if she needs to steal it to get drunk?
I mean...isn't that like, serious?
I mean...isn't that like, serious?
103
Sounds like Publicola will soon have an infestation of Trolls. I am guessing this means Blogs are now establishment. Looking forward to the unabridged ECB.
104
Tried Google to see what all of this ECP/Muni court is about and came upon this: http://soundpolitics.com/BarnettGarnishe…
Not terribly interesting.
Not terribly interesting.
105
Erica,
Hope you've been sharpening up on your Photoshop skills. You're gonna need them so you can copy and paste all those Tweets into your posts. It's too bad...I really, really wanted to be a fan of Publicola.
Hope you've been sharpening up on your Photoshop skills. You're gonna need them so you can copy and paste all those Tweets into your posts. It's too bad...I really, really wanted to be a fan of Publicola.
107
@104
I thing their refering to ECB's recent failed effort to liberate a bottle of cheap wine from it oppresive overlord QFC without paying the requisit fees.
But that's some funny shit!...
1.) it explains why she has to steal her ripple ($37K a year aint much (but its at least twice what she's worth)
and
2.) How the hell does a consummate bike-nazi get so many car related tickets (which, not surprisingly, she didn't think SHE had to pay)?
Apparently citizen ECB thinks she doesn't have to pay for her wine or her parking (which is particularly galling considering how much whining she does about parking.)
I thing their refering to ECB's recent failed effort to liberate a bottle of cheap wine from it oppresive overlord QFC without paying the requisit fees.
But that's some funny shit!...
1.) it explains why she has to steal her ripple ($37K a year aint much (but its at least twice what she's worth)
and
2.) How the hell does a consummate bike-nazi get so many car related tickets (which, not surprisingly, she didn't think SHE had to pay)?
Apparently citizen ECB thinks she doesn't have to pay for her wine or her parking (which is particularly galling considering how much whining she does about parking.)
108
Who the hell are the misogynists going to use for a target now? ECB has always gotten a knee-jerk instantaneous nastiness from some of the mouth-breathing knuckledraggers around here, which has often had the unfortunate effect of completely muting her original point (then again, maybe that was the goal). Good luck to you, Ms. Barnett, and I'll look for you on Publicola!
109
I'll miss Erica. You were fierce and fearless and it can't have been easy to face all that hate for expressing your valid opinions. Who will take up the feminist beat now?
110
Double-check the calendar... Okay, it's not April 1...
Hey ECB --
I'm one of those commenters that loved to hate your work -- but I've got to hand it to you: Your "voice" was always a contribution, as maddening as I usually found it.
Count me as one your haters who looks forward to reading your work over at the new place. I won't know how to quit you.
Truth be told, I coined my Slog handle, "oneway", as a reaction to your love of unsanitary food carts (if they're so great in Austin, let's chip in for a one-way ticket).
Good luck, ECB... and good luck to the Stranger finding somebody to generate as much comment traffic as ECB.
Big kisses.
Hey ECB --
I'm one of those commenters that loved to hate your work -- but I've got to hand it to you: Your "voice" was always a contribution, as maddening as I usually found it.
Count me as one your haters who looks forward to reading your work over at the new place. I won't know how to quit you.
Truth be told, I coined my Slog handle, "oneway", as a reaction to your love of unsanitary food carts (if they're so great in Austin, let's chip in for a one-way ticket).
Good luck, ECB... and good luck to the Stranger finding somebody to generate as much comment traffic as ECB.
Big kisses.
111
@108 - don't worry, they'll find someone.
Besides, @110, they always have Dan to draw the big comment traffic.
Besides, @110, they always have Dan to draw the big comment traffic.
112
I'm with Kerri -- although I disagreed with you often and vociferously, Erica, I always respected the work that you did.
Haters can SUCK IT. Erica was and is a great city reporter.
Haters can SUCK IT. Erica was and is a great city reporter.
113
Trevor @67 FTW. And if it's not obvious already, The Stranger should (ahem) HIRE ONE OF THE LAID-OFF REPORTERS FROM THE P-I to replace ECB as Stranger News Editor. Doncha think so?
115
I don't understand the knee-jerk haters as it's easy enough to dismiss ECB based on any number of criteria based on any thing she's written here...
116
Good luck ECB! I always liked your feminist stuff. I guess I'll be picking you up on Publicola now.
118
I, for one, will not miss ECB's angry, sex-negative, mysandronistic contributions to this here blog.
121
Glad to see Josh does not consider criminal history in his hiring practices. (Lick knob, Dan!)
As for Mr. Tim Keck, of the Hugo Boss persuasion, now long till the exodus starts to rattle the self-styled hipster who makes his living from tittie adds?
As for Mr. Tim Keck, of the Hugo Boss persuasion, now long till the exodus starts to rattle the self-styled hipster who makes his living from tittie adds?
122
Glad to see Josh does not consider criminal history in his hiring practices. (Lick knob, Dan!)
As for Mr. Tim Keck, of the Hugo Boss persuasion, now long till the exodus starts to rattle the self-styled hipster who makes his living from tittie adds?
As for Mr. Tim Keck, of the Hugo Boss persuasion, now long till the exodus starts to rattle the self-styled hipster who makes his living from tittie adds?
123
Glad to see Josh does not consider criminal history in his hiring practices. (Lick knob, Dan!)
As for Mr. Tim Keck, of the Hugo Boss persuasion, now long till the exodus starts to rattle the self-styled hipster who makes his living from tittie adds?
As for Mr. Tim Keck, of the Hugo Boss persuasion, now long till the exodus starts to rattle the self-styled hipster who makes his living from tittie adds?
124
OK, I refuse to read 123 prior posts. Erica, you've done a fantastic job. You are great. You look good, too. You were magnanimous in the face of retarded animosity (dumm und dreisst und vom Dorf, aber auch frauenfeindlich), undeserved, undignified, inaccurate, uninteresting, et cetera. I'm so glad to hear you won't be leaving this area.
125
Now reading. Fnarf, ECB STOOD OUT! She reported on what's important, reaped unreasonably hatred, and I don't even know. I don't even know.
127
Ah man, and here I was thinking Publicola was a refreshing change of pace. Now it's just the Noah's Ark of Stranger wonkery.
128
Wait a minute... so who's left? For news, there's Frizzelle, Eli, Dominic, Jonah, Dan when he's got a hot button issue and... and....
No offense, guys, but not a lot of heavy hitters here. Will the Stranger be on the outside looking in for civic politics now?
No offense, guys, but not a lot of heavy hitters here. Will the Stranger be on the outside looking in for civic politics now?
131
ECB was the subject of my favorite SLOG moment: when all the staffers and readers logged on to share their own run-ins with the law. Sweet, heartfelt, funny---it was SLOG at its best. It reminded me of a similar moment in the abortion rights fight, before Roe v. Wade, when a group of women bought large ads outing themselves as having had illegal abortions.
133
I just realized I forgot to mention Mudede. I'm sorry, Charles. I do value your contributions to this paper and this blog.
135
:'(
As soon as I read the headline I thought it might be this. Maybe someting got telegraphed somehow? Well, good luck, Erica! And condolences to the Stranger. Who's going to be the new politics reporter? Get someone good.
As soon as I read the headline I thought it might be this. Maybe someting got telegraphed somehow? Well, good luck, Erica! And condolences to the Stranger. Who's going to be the new politics reporter? Get someone good.
136
I'll miss Erica's views on sexism, transit, and city hall. There are few in the city with her chops on transportation or local government. Publicola will have the best local wonks in the city with this move. I still doubt it will be as readable as Slog/The Stranger, nor as fun. Her voice, her advocacy, was much of The Stranger's. This next year will be interesting for Seattle journalism.
137
Well, I had no idea how little the stranger paid (until now) nor that Erica was such a close neighbor to me (waves to the NE).
Nor did I want to... I feel a little creepy/dirty now. Stoopid internets. Republicant snarks Jim and Ron especially.
Erica,
Your writing is great much of the time, your passion undeniable, your detractors... clearly smitten. Altogether, a nice collection of resume highlights from your time at a rag like this. Enjoy riding the momentum, and sucking in cleaner air in the new digs.
Nor did I want to... I feel a little creepy/dirty now. Stoopid internets. Republicant snarks Jim and Ron especially.
Erica,
Your writing is great much of the time, your passion undeniable, your detractors... clearly smitten. Altogether, a nice collection of resume highlights from your time at a rag like this. Enjoy riding the momentum, and sucking in cleaner air in the new digs.
138
Welp, this is what I get for not coming to Slog every day, and now no one will read this. But I'm going to share it anyway. ECB was kind enough to meet me when she came to town a few years ago to check out our light rail system and compare it to Seattle's. (I remember seeing a subsequent Slog post about it but not an article in the online edition of The Stranger.) Anyway, she was courteous and gave me a nice slice of Seattle that I was missing since moving back here. This was before all the absurd hatred for her came out, and I doubt she would do it again if asked by another out of town poster.
Best of luck, Erica.
Best of luck, Erica.
140
Erica, I think you're just great. How will they possibly find someone to fill your position? You're a rock, baby. Thanks for everything you've done.
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