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" The Gravel Pit "
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Wrestling
2 ½ Years is a Pretty Long Time
Posted by Retro Rob on Sep 27, 2003, 11:53
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2 ½ Years is a Pretty Long Time
“A hobby should pass the time, not fill it”
- Norman Bates, Psycho (1960)
I imagine it’s rather obvious where I am going with all this. I’ve been watching professional wrestling for the last 12 years of my life. Quite frankly, I’m not getting at the point that I will no longer be watching wrestling because when it comes right down to it I’m still drawn in.
However, I’ve been writing on the internet for almost three years now. My memory is a little foggy, but I believe that I started in February of 2001 and boy did I suck. I actually deleted everything that I ever wrote prior to getting the gig at The Smart Marks. In retrospect, I cannot believe that I actually posted some of that crap on the internet. Honestly, it was almost embarrassing to go back and read. And to top it off, someone thought I was good enough to write for their site in March of 2001. Sure I was relegated to WWF Metal recaps and some tape reviews, but nevertheless. Had I not received the position at Rantasia (thanks Matt!), I would have without a doubt thrown in the towel within just a couple of months.
Now lets jump ahead about a year to the Spring of 2002. You all know the history of this site and all that, so no need in repeating anything. I really don’t know how many other people applied for the same position as I did back when the site first opened. Although, if they are of the caliber of people like nWoScorpion and Hitman383 (whatever his name was) I can understand why I was chosen. Regardless, I’d like to thank Dames, Will, Tom and whomever else was involved in the selection process for giving me the opportunity to write for a pretty large amount of readers.
Of course, like with most things you never stick to whatever your original responsibilities were supposed to be. When I first came aboard, the impression was that I would just review tapes, which I did quite consistently for about four months. In addition to the tape reviews, I recapped Confidential for over a year. If any of you can name ANY writer on the ‘net who stuck it out with that show for as long as I did (or longer), I’d like to know because congratulations are in order. And how we could we forget what really put me on the map? Who needs good writing skills and consistent content when you could just as easily post a controversial interview with a fairly popular wrestler? Sure things were looking pretty bleak for about two hours, but I’d like to give a quick shout out to everyone who stuck by me during that fiasco both at The Smart Marks, as well as other sites, specifically 411.
Fortunately, controversy attracts attention and that very attention led to the creation of a unique and reasonably successful column, The Booking Report. When it comes right down to it, the premise of the column is original, which actually surprised me when I first thought it up. I mean the idea of comparing Raw to SmackDown really isn’t much of a mindbender. And the fact that *I* thought of it really is a slap in the face to writers around the world.
So I guess now is as good a time as any to get to the actual point here. In some ways, I’d like to blame a hectic schedule for the reason why I’ve had enough of this. But here I am right now Saturday afternoon writing this. Sure Saturday is pretty much my only completely free day, but if my heart were really still in this that wouldn’t be a problem.
When I first started writing it was because of a newfound interest. The fact that I had lots of free time was taken for granted. Once that free time was taken away, I noticed just how necessary it really was in order for me to pump out columns every week. Nowadays I have to get myself to sit down and spend an entire afternoon writing one column when a) I’m fucking tired, b) I haven’t even watched both shows yet, and c) I have plenty of other things I’d rather be doing.
After all that, the bottom line is not that I am done forever. I just need a break. Will that break last a week, a month, a year? I haven’t any idea. Since this is my last hurrah for an undecided period of time, I may as well use this little soapbox to thank a bunch of people in a more individualized fashion. If I leave anyone out, I apologize. Feel free to bitch me out over e-mail though.
Dames – I don’t know if you acted this way towards everyone who wrote on the site, but I was able to tell that you appreciated my contributions, whether they were on time or a week late. Knowing how highly you regarded my work was one of the factors that probably put off this farewell column up until now.
Will – Sure he doesn’t do much writing for the site, but he sure as hell plays a role in most of the columns you see on the main page. Whether it be editing, helping out with new ideas, or running the Crossface, thanks for everything. If I’m around, feel free to invite me to the chats still.
Tom – I went to you for advice on a few things relating to the site, but in the grand scheme of things, who gives a fuck about that? More importantly, the Hold’Em tips will always take priority.
Barron – So two and a half years of writing also means two and a half years of conversing with you over AIM. The fact that you thought my early work was worth feedbacking sort of scares me, but regardless you’ve been a great resource over that period of time.
Nik – Only about four people know that Nik actually wrote the prelude to the Trish Stratus Part 2 column that could be found in my archives. I always felt king of bad that his name was never attached to it, so now that is off my chest. Ever since you started on the site, your HTML assistance and our interesting conversations were all appreciated.
Brandon – I don’t know if you ever directly helped me out, but it was nice finding someone with an interest in The X-Files.
Bower – Interesting how my last dance was more or less synchronized with Jay’s. That wasn’t planned, but is a little coincidental. Thanks for all your support over the last couple of years. It’s sad to see you calling it quits, but who am I to talk.
Anderson – Knowing that you would download The Booking Report onto you Palm Pilot and then read it during class was pretty cool.
Calvin – Sure I got a decent amount of hits on The Smart Marks, but Calvin hooked me up with about twice as many at LOP. Of course most of them were also annoying marks that bugged the hell out of me with their pro-WCW, nWo, and Nasty Boys e-mails. So, consider this one a mixed thank you.
And finally…
Trish – Yeah we had a bumpy ride, but I still love you baby. Keep in touch.
This is the end of the line. I might be doing something really stupid right now, but if anyone is interested, feel free in taking over my current Booking Report gig. However, when I do decide to return, don’t forget whose baby you are simply watching. And lastly, thanks to the handful of you who would send me feedback every week.
Now that I’m gone, you’ve had the best, so just fuck the rest.
Drop me a line.
Take a look at my Archives.
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