Brian Cook Appreciation Thread

Submitted by jsquigg on

It's been a rough year for all of us, but I feel it's been especially rough for the main author who has had to deal with more than enough shit of late.  I, for one, am addicted to this community and am thankful I'm not the one expected to give so much weekly content.  Spread your thanks for Brian, and on the same note Ace, Seth, Heiko, and anyone else who makes this site what it is (I know I've forgotten too many of you).  I'd rather go down fighting as a Wolverine than win as a Bucknut.

klctlc

November 30th, 2013 at 11:17 PM ^

I felt exactly like Brian.  I love this site it is therapeutic.  Brian is  business man and a fan.  I don't know how he stays as objective as he does.  Go look at 11 warriors, and other sites, we are so spoiled.

Argyle

November 30th, 2013 at 11:17 PM ^

+1 and warm fuzzies to Brian and all the Mgo contributors. Tough season. Time heals all wounds. This is still the best fan site for any team, college or professional.

JilesDauz

November 30th, 2013 at 11:22 PM ^

Thanks Mr. Cook. This site helped me get into football at this deep level. I would've never been able to follow the program as I do without you guys. 

LSAClassOf2000

November 30th, 2013 at 11:23 PM ^

I will defer to the paid staff if they wish to remove this one, but appreciation for the founder of this blog and provider of this space is definitely not a bad thing to show. Indeed, I am grateful to be able to interact with some of the most fanatical Michigan people on the face of the Earth here, and I am thankful that I am trusted to help defend this blog and its purpose through being a mod. 

AC1997

November 30th, 2013 at 11:27 PM ^

Brian - 

You have created a site here that has grown perhaps beyond anyone's initial expectations.  There are many reasons for this, but two of them come immediately to mind.  The first - your emotion.  You've maintained your status as a fan, not a media member, and that makes your take on all thing Michigan so much more genuine and powerful.  There will be times when your emotions rub people the wrong way, but that's going to happen now that your site has so many followers.  Hell, OSU fans were ripping Herbie today because he shook the hand of a wounded warrier wearing Michigan clothing.  As your fan base has grown, there are no doubt a few Michigan equivalents to those idiots - don't let them affect who you are or the product you produce!  

The second thing that I think makes your site great is the analysis.  We don't get puff pieces about what a great guy the third string fullback is or how Michigan is working on their execution this week.  You illustrate to us why things work, why they don't, and what could happen in the future.  Don't lose sight of that as you deal with stubborn fans or coaches who bring you down.  Show us why the offense isn't working, how it could work if run correctly, and how other teams are succesful with it.  

We need you Brian!  Help see us through this painful time in Michigan football!!!  Don't give up on us just because some morons are giving you crap!  

 

Thanks again for all your hard work.  

Wolverine Devotee

November 30th, 2013 at 11:34 PM ^

I love this place. Only place I can talk to educated Michigan fans.

And plus, it keeps me sheltered from going out and talking to people. Like socializing. What a disaster that would be.

WolverineRage

November 30th, 2013 at 11:37 PM ^

Seriously, to all you guys who contribute and to Brian for providing a place that usually has great discussion on all things Michigan.



When push comes to shove we have some of the most loyal and fantastic fans in college sports. We have outliers and a lot of us have been known to have our less than stellar moments (or maybe that's just me ;-)) but in the end we all love our University and want them to kick ass at everything all the time no matter how unrealistic that may be.



So once again thanks to all of you guys for giving us a place to throw our two cents in.

BrownWolverine

November 30th, 2013 at 11:40 PM ^

this is my first post ever, but seems like a good time to let you all know how much your work is appreciated. thanks for being candid and having a point of view. I may not agree with you a few times but I still respect your opinions and this community.

MaizeNBlue

November 30th, 2013 at 11:51 PM ^

Thank you, Brian! It's been a rough fall and some M fans have shamed themselves. But I hope you don't forget how many people (the vast, vast majority) greatly appreciate what you do.

I have become a more informed and passionate fan from reading your stuff over the years. For Free. That is awesome, and I've never stopped thinking that even in spite of the rough couple years we've had. Thank you!

EDIT:  Thanks to the rest of the staff, too!

gwkrlghl

November 30th, 2013 at 11:52 PM ^

about anything and everything. No UFR? Shit. Questioning hockey team's effort? Shit. Anything that displeases anyone? Shit.

People lose their mind way too easy. I wish people wouldn't be so damn confrontational all the time. The man provides the best college sports blog on the internet (ime) and for free. Lay off.

+1 for Brian Cook

JamesBondHerpesMeds

November 30th, 2013 at 11:53 PM ^

I've been an mGoReader since 2005, and this may have been the most trying and frustrating stretch of Michigan football I've experienced since then. Yet regardless of the challenges, I'm thankful these keepers of the key have created a place that I'm always excited to peruse on a daily basis.

Cheers, Brian. Have a Bell's Winter on me.

Class of 1817

November 30th, 2013 at 11:55 PM ^

The entire MGoStaff deserves its own thread.

Brian, his own Lifetime Appreciation Thread.

I salute by amending and paraphrasing one of Ufer's greatest quotes:

Michigan Stadium is the hole that Yost dug, Crisler paid for, Canham carpeted, Cook blogged about, and Schembechler fills up every Saturday!

The Michigan fanbase owes you much. I know I do as Michigan fan.

So thank you and Go Blue!

michiganfanforlife

December 1st, 2013 at 12:05 AM ^

I get so much out of the content and camaraderie here - it's all thanks to Brian and his staff. I might not always agree with them, but I always appreciate their opinions. Like always, this site will help us through the long offseason, and I can't wait to buy Brian's new magazine next year. GoBlue!!

UMinSF

December 1st, 2013 at 12:07 AM ^

I sincerely appreciate having a fantastic place to feed my obsession with my favorite team and alma mater.  

The negativity and lack of civility from some of the people who post comments can be frustrating; I hope you realize there are tons of people like me who enjoy this blog every day, and are grateful for everything you and your team do.

EnoughAlready

December 1st, 2013 at 12:13 AM ^

This site is, after all, a business.  I don't thank the manager of 7-11 for making money off me.

I don't like Brian.  I think he's clearly biased, and too overreactive.  Nonetheless, I do think he (and his staff) have put together a (usually) worthwhile site.

Rabbit21

December 1st, 2013 at 12:13 AM ^

Will throw in my two cents here. The writing style and sense of humor we get in all of the articles here are awesome and as best I can tell unique to this site, I' m glad Brian, Ace, Seth, BISB and the rest of the crew do what they do. This site is a great place for Michigan fans and I appreciate the effort that goes into it to bits.

HelloHeisman91

December 1st, 2013 at 12:20 AM ^

Special thanks to the staff and especially Seth who took the time to respond to me and write the piece about a family friend, Jack "The Magician" Weisenburger.  Thanks again, Seth.  I spent some time with his family over the holiday and they all loved the piece.

justingoblue

December 1st, 2013 at 12:29 AM ^

He should get some special appreciation for being as accessible/helpful as he is.

Brian needs no elaboration, IMO. Ace is a genuinely nice guy that takes his (seemingly non-serious) job very seriously and has done a hell of a job becoming a great contributor to the site. Heiko I haven't really had much interaction with but he seems like good people and hopefully he'll cure cancer. BiSB is the most exceptional golden retriever I have ever encountered.

Also, PGB/CooperLily21 and LSAClassOf2000 can't go without mention, so, uh...mention.

XM - Mt 1822

December 1st, 2013 at 7:39 AM ^

i still remember that 'roll tide' comment from thanksgiving day.  you're still grounded, and no X-box for you either.  

 

seriously, you guys do a great job.  like many things in life, there are always going to be boneheads.  part of wisdom and discernment is knowing when and if you need to pay any attention to those people.   here's hoping you get that filter set properly and quickly. 

macdaddy

December 1st, 2013 at 12:21 AM ^

My days would be much less enjoyable without MGB. And some of the best stuff isn't even Michigan related (I'm thinking of the David Foster Wallace post). Now THAT'S a good sports blog. Keep it up Dear Leader.

Oscar Goldman

December 1st, 2013 at 12:23 AM ^

Brian, sincere thanks for this blog.  It is my favorite source for Michigan football (even during the rough times), but also good humor and laughs (usually).  This hasnt been the greatest of years for myself either, but this blog is a source of great enjoyment for me, and for that I am truly greatful.  Keep up the good work, and remember how many people out there really love this place.