MGo vs. WLA

Submitted by ts on

 

 

I want to thank everyone who contributes to the Michigan blogosphere for helping me sham my way through the workday. That said, I hold Brian personally responsible for the 2005 season and now the WLA shows up and ruins RR's first year. Please! No more Michigan blogs!

This season has been rough for everyone. Water bottles have been thrown back and forth. Hopefully, a win against MSU will reunite the fan base for a while. Until then, I find myself somewhere between this strange divide. As a sarcastic asshole, the WLA holds a certain appeal for me, but then a few minutes ago I read that poguemahone, their token friendly and surprisingly literate OSU fan was born in 1989. I was at the '89 OSU game and I'm not sure that I have much to say to an OSU fan who has no recollection of the Cooper years or pre-Lloyd Michigan. I know there are a few oldsters who hang out in their clubhouse but this still made me feel like PC Guy.

The following are some differences I've noticed. Feel free to correct me or add your own.

 

Michigan football is...

MGo: A long and storied tradition.

WLA: A blog started by Brian like 3 years ago which featured Haloscan, a top-end commenting system.

 

“Watching the game” involves...

MGo: Avoiding familial responsibilities, drinking scotch, yelling at the TV.

WLA: Avoiding homework, drinking Zima, yelling at the live blog.

 

Lashes out violently when...

MGo: McGuffie, McGuffie, incomplete, punt.

WLA: Someone is wrong on the internet.

 

Favorite UM player

MGo: Willie Heston

WLA: Tits/Beaver

 

Ideal woman

MGo: Scarlett Johansson

WLA: Matt Damon/unicorns

 

 

Comments

jamiemac

October 24th, 2008 at 8:29 AM ^

......should make for an interesting thread for a Friday afternoon.

I would be one of the oldsters, I guess, that frequents the WLA clubhouse. Heck, ts, I was at the 1979 OSU-UM game!!

I like both places as a UM and football refuge......and I enjoy the friendships--even if some of them remain only cyber friendships--that have been cultivated the last year or so by hanging out on both blogs.

I always was a passionate UM booster, but I feel so much more connected and "into it" ever since I discovered this site and the other off shoots. Thanks for helping me rediscover a true passion in my life.

I know the WLA may be hard to take and they come strong with their opinions, but they're a very fun bunch and poke fun at themselves as much as they poke fun of comments on here they don't agree with. Shrug them off if they irk you as they're just fellow fans with the same passion for the Maize and Blue as the rest of us.

To Brian and the WLA, I say keep up the good work and Go Blue!!

Chrisgocomment

October 24th, 2008 at 9:05 AM ^

The WLA are cuddly as unicorns. They're really a fine bunch who happen to have strong opinions. You can either choose (or not choose as I do) to get involved in the flame wars. You have a choice on these internets. Don't get so damn beat out of shape if someone disagrees with you.

chitownblue (not verified)

October 24th, 2008 at 9:10 AM ^

Not to respond to a jokey-post seriously (but I will), but I think you'd find that the age/marital status of the WLA folk is pretty diverse.

jamiemac

October 24th, 2008 at 9:16 AM ^

Football Goals:

Mgo......stop coaches from punting on the other teams 35 yard line.

WLA......stop fans from overreacting about the fates of teen-agers. That, and, of course, more passing plays to unicorns.

chitownblue (not verified)

October 24th, 2008 at 9:45 AM ^

The handle of a frequent commenter on our website.

I don't want to get into "what I dislike" about some commenters here. If you've read anything I've written here, or, really, on the WLA, it's pretty clear what sort of thing I strongly dislike. And, whatever, I'm just one dude.

dex

October 24th, 2008 at 9:50 AM ^

You can't handle the truth! Son, we live in a world that has walls. And those walls have to be guarded by men with intense opinions about internet discussion of college football. Who's gonna do it? You? You, well-adjusted fan who doesn't get violently angry at stupid internet posts?

 We have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for Anthony Fera and you curse teenagers. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know: that yelling at stupid posts, while ultimately pointless, probably decreases their frequency. And our existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, protects our forum...You don't want the truth. Because deep down, in places you don't talk about in real life, you want us on that wall.

You need me on that wall. We use words like rational, intelligent, entertaining...we use these words as the backbone to a life spent defending something. You use 'em as a punchline.

I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then questions the manner in which I provide it! I'd rather you just said thank you and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you're entitled to!

chitownblue (not verified)

October 24th, 2008 at 9:53 AM ^

Also, lest anyone jump in here and take this thread too seriously:

There is no actual "WLA vs. MGoBlog". The only reason why we know each other is because of this site. We are, unabashedly, fans of Brian and MGoBlog, and generally of the opinion that it is, bar none, the finest college football website - blog, or "journalistic" on the intertubes. Our stupid little site doesn't exist without this.

Route66

October 24th, 2008 at 9:53 AM ^

I have been a member here at MGB for just over 2 whole weeks. I have been following it for about a year. This site along with WLA have been CHEAP therapy for me this season. Some guys love porn(or at least can get away with it), I like MGoBlog and WLA.

Is there real dissent between the two that I didn't know of or was this entry as much toungue/cheek as it looked?(let me make it clear that I have never thought there was and I am not trying to be that guy all huffy and puffy) I just HATE those PC v MAC adds so maybe I got all defensive when I saw that analogy.

If there is a feud, or you make it into that, keep it to yourself as I need to get back on the long couch with my eyes closed and hands folded thinking of UFR's and unicorns alike.

ts

October 24th, 2008 at 10:00 AM ^

I guess I don't see the difference between cursing a decommitted kicker and cursing some guy who curses a decommitted kicker. I mean, other than you being right. As you said yourself, both are ultimately pointless and I think such constant vigilance would detract from my overall enjoyment of the actual content of both blogs. But whatever, I salute you, sir. Better you than me.

dex

October 24th, 2008 at 10:05 AM ^

Don't take what I said too seriously up there.

 

I do like to combat posts I think are dumb because it's fun and I think dissent to those opinions helps keep MGoBlog, a bastion of good commentary, from turning into Rivals.

Either way, I love 95% of the posters and content here. But popping into a shit thread and throwing some internet blows is more fun than posting "good work" 100 times a day for me. I'm a very negative person.

ts

October 24th, 2008 at 10:35 AM ^

If Joe the Plumber doesn't get his murderous rage out on Saturday afternoons by bitching about RR, he might kill someone with a pipe wrench. 

tigersjunkie

October 24th, 2008 at 10:55 AM ^

After this happened, I worry for you DEX. 

 "A Japanese woman could face a prison sentence after killing off her virtual husband in a computer game." 

What has the world come to!!!??? 

Chrisgocomment

October 24th, 2008 at 10:02 AM ^

Also:

WLA
Regardless of what you think of some of the personalities or comments made, if you have time in between Brian's fine work you should read some of their posts, they're very funny. I am especially enjoying the "Rogues Gallery" on the Spartans this week. Fun fact: George Perles was fired in 1994 because of a grade tampering scandal. I did not recall this, and the fact that he is now on the Board of Regents at MSU is pure comedy gold. See, you can learn something.

caup

October 24th, 2008 at 10:41 AM ^

in the typical population of WLA vs MGoBlog is that the MGoBloggers are more apt and willing to criticize the current coaching staff's DECISIONS. Unfortunately, most of the geeks who love and frequent MGoBlog DON'T KNOW SHIT about actual football strategy and coaching methods, so sometimes it's a pain in the ass to wade through a lot of WORNG WRONG WRONG commentary. The WLA population, as a whole, is definitely more knowledgeable about what's going on, but I feel like they're sometimes a bit TOO apologetic of the coaches. I mean, c'mon, there have been A FEW dumb coaching decisions this season that haven't exactly helped an already dire situation. Notice I said "A FEW." I still have the utmost faith in this staff but I'm not afraid to criticize it when we (me and my peeps) see something that our own pretty significant experience in the sport interpret as a mistake. But hey, nobody is infallible and this staff shouldn't be held to that standard. I'm certain that RR and his staff (Shafer included!) WILL succeed. I'd just rather not get shouted down (or dismissed condescendingly by gsimmsons) if I dare to find fault with a particular decision. It can't ALWAYS be the players' fault.

ts

October 24th, 2008 at 10:48 AM ^

I don't know if the WLA people are more knowledgeable (besides gsimmons) but they are generally better writers (besides gsimmons). That's the main difference for me. I think of the WLA as Brian-level writing, slightly off-topic and without football knowledge. lol

dex

October 24th, 2008 at 10:52 AM ^

I don't think any of us (besides gsimmons) are experts, but we are more knowledgable about football than the writing would probably lead you to believe. But between simmons and MGoBlog, we don't have a lot to add to the conversation.

I mean, when our comment section doesn't degenerate into munging, handlejacking rival players, and talking about the current economic situation we have some pretty good football talks.

STW P. Brabbs

October 24th, 2008 at 4:09 PM ^

All other points notwithstanding, you're definitely short-selling Brian's writing ability.  He is a particularly gifted writer who has more talent than anything else I've seen evidence of in the Michigan blogosphere.  And he's an engineer, which will baffle me to the day I die. 

gsimmons85

October 24th, 2008 at 11:59 AM ^

I am a friend to the MGoBLOG community and the WLA, but not attatched to either, im sure none would claim me.

i never claimed to be a good blogger, but im not as bad a writer as some make me out to be. spelling is not a strong suit, obviously.

second, i never dismiss people for questioning coaches. I get pissed at people who say things so matter-of-factly about coaching decsions, that is just plain stupid.

I say all the time to myself, "i would have done this different, or that different" about my own games and games im watching. But thats a lot different then shouting, OMG EVERYONE WATCHING THIS GAME CAN SEE THAT THIS COACH IS AN IDIOT!!!! SHAFER SHOULD DEF. RUN THIS SCHEME BECASUE IT WORKS AND THIS DOESNT... GGGGRRRRRRR RRRRRABBBBBBLLLLEEE... and that is the only thing that i really get upset at people about.

and for the past year sorta of calming the masses has been my goal for comming around here, and for most people i think its apprecated, but others feel the need to get upset about that. Im not on this blog to learn anything about football from anyone, im only here to give perspective, if you dont like my perspective, so be it. Trust me i have alot of REAL people that dont like what i have to say about things, i can handle a couple of internet people thinking the same.

But the way people expect me to be ok with people bashing coaches, even though its my profession is funny. If i bashed any of the professions represented in this blog at all, i would be chastized for thinking i could know more about a profession than somone who was actually in it.

www. gsimmons85.blogspot.com

caup

October 24th, 2008 at 12:18 PM ^

gsimmons is one of my internet-blogger heroes (whatever the heck that is) for his calm attitude and knowledge of the game.

I've just noticed a subtle shift in his 'tude lately. But that's understandable, because the quantity of dumb commentary around here has increased, and that's bound to get a coach cranky.

Sometimes I think he might be having some internal dialogue, questioning some things, but chooses to play Devil's Advocate and always defend the staff simply to help counterbalance some of the negative hysteria. And if this is the case, I applaud that.

gsimmons85

October 24th, 2008 at 12:27 PM ^

remember you are talking to someone who is having a very intense and important football season going on as well, so of course im going to be a bit more on edge when i see how easily fans feel justified in questioning the abilities of coaches.  Real football season for me, alwyas brings out the more hardned gsimms, just ask my students and players...

and of course i always am going to take the side of the coaches on here, that is who i represent in this little world.  Even though i argue with my coaches everyday about something they are doing that i dont like, and want to be done different...

gsimmons85

October 24th, 2008 at 1:11 PM ^

and i do apologize for not being as nice as i use to be, i promise when things go back to normal on this earth    michgian wins alot,  football season is over, and i get to be at home with my kids more, ill get back to being like you rememberd me i promise...

TitleIX

October 24th, 2008 at 2:49 PM ^

as Brian is definitely more staid (in a GOOD way).
WLA dudes--clever and crazy all at the same time.

A better comparison MIGHT be (note the emphasis) Tony Kornheiser and Dennis Miller. The first an accomplished smart journalist with a whole lotta fan sprinkled in without much filter, the second a brilliantly odd, and culturally literate commentator who could border on elitest given the obtuse references to literature, world history, and porn.

Either way, each is good for who and what they are.

And, I now insert those empty Rodney King words....can't we just all get along???? :P

chitownblue (not verified)

October 24th, 2008 at 5:39 PM ^

culturally literate commentator who could border on elitest given the obtuse references to literature, world history, and porn.

 

Is like best thing ever. We are, admittedly, big fans of elitist porn.

mjv

October 24th, 2008 at 3:15 PM ^

titleIX -- does that imply that the WLA is going to get fired and replaced by a fat guy who is 10 years past his prime riding around on a bus? If so, where do i get in line for a turkey leg?

colin

October 24th, 2008 at 6:12 PM ^

that what this world needs more of is unicorns.

And if those unicorns are in the final stages of undress while beckoning across a room with a single hoof to another unicorn, then maybe...just maybe...the terrorists won't win.