Happy 5th anniversary Ace/tweetstorm open thread/POSBANG

Submitted by Real Tackles Wear 77 on

Congrats on five years Ace, I know I appreciate all your hard work!

 

So, I started working at MGoBlog five years ago today. I'll try not to say too many things, but I have some things to say. (1/?)

This was @mgoblog's post announcing the new additions at the time. This was my job description:

 

 

You might note that I do, like, almost none of that stuff. I didn't start out writing game recaps, covering hoops, breaking down film...

...really, any of the stuff I do now. But @mgoblog realized early on that I was much better suited to that work than recruiting reporting.

Instead of getting frustrated that I didn't quite fit the mold, Brian let me find my niche, and the job continues to evolve to this day.

 

And that was more important than I think he even knew. Then, to add to that, he's been infinitely understanding about my health.

Simply put, I wouldn't have been employable in any other line of work my first four years on the job.

But the support I got from Brian, @Misopogon, @Heiko25, @aeschnepp, @NastyIsland, @EUpchurchPhoto, @FullOfTwitt, and our great community...

...not only allowed me to keep doing what I love, it gave me a reason to keep pushing through some really trying shit.

I'm beyond fortunate to have this job. I haven't lost a bit of that childlike wonder when I walk into the press box to cover a game.

I'm just so damn appreciative of the people who've allowed me to get where I am, and I can't wait to see what the next five years brings.

Alright, I'm done, and Brian will surely poke fun at me for getting sentimental. I wouldn't expect any less.

(And sorry, y'all, but you will pry this job from my cold, dead hands.)

stephenrjking

August 22nd, 2016 at 10:41 AM ^

To be honest, I'm glad things have moved the way they did. I'm just not that excited about recruit interviews and I think that's better left to other sites. And the game recaps, while brief, are a nice bit of content to tide readers over until Monday. Better this way.

Space Coyote

August 22nd, 2016 at 11:08 AM ^

I think Tom was unique at the time, and that made having that information on MGoBlog worth while. But he was unique, and just having another person randomly step in just didn't fit (I think we all saw that with Brandon Brown, and whatever your opinion of him, there was no doubt it was much more awkward than it was with Tom previously).

I would still like more content on the blog. I feel there are things where coverage could be better for Michigan related things (for instance, why was there no short front page article on the guys that were drafted and the impact they had at Michigan and what they bring at the next level; what about Michigan Olympians; just basic Michigan related stuff that don't require a ton of time to put together but are of interest to Michigan fans and even add a minor increase to the amount of content around here), but I don't feel like that was an area MGoBlog needed to be.

I've liked how Ace has grown as a writer and I always appreciate his post game recaps and the other content he adds to this site. While it isn't what was initially described, I think that's for the better, because he's put out some of the most consistent stuff on the blog, IMO, while having his own unique voice as a writer to differentiate himself from others on the blog (having multiple writers with their own voice is better for the blog as a whole, this isn't a shot at the other writers in any way).

Also, Ace help out my blog quite a bit on Twitter by retweeting some of my early stuff and in-game analysis stuff, so I'm always very appreciative of that (and he got his following in large part due to MGoBlog, so it's a bit of an appreciation up the chain).

ypsituckyboy

August 22nd, 2016 at 11:15 AM ^

I'm still waiting for the UMHoops/MGoBlog merger. I enjoy the basketball content, but I think there's still room for growth. Would even be cool to see if guys like like Ant Wright, Novak, or Bartelstein would do occasional guest posts given the firsthand experience.

Space Coyote

August 22nd, 2016 at 11:36 AM ^

It's a bit to be expected that the hoops-centric site creates better bball content overall, and I think they understand the game a bit better, but Ace brings his own content to the table that is still of value (even if sometimes I don't personally agree 100%, which no one should ever agree 100% when it's opinion generated content, and I think some of the better bball minds have their nits to pick as well). 

But a UMHoops/MGoBlog merger would bring great value to the bball content on the blog; don't think it'll happen though as I think both do well enough on their own and may not get enough individual value added from merging. I don't really understand how that would work in this scenario though.

LSAClassOf2000

August 22nd, 2016 at 10:49 AM ^

I do remember the tweetstorm, and indeed, happy anniversary to Ace, whose contributions here are incalculable and invaluable. He even helps out with the modding from time to time, as those of you who are regular visitors to the Sticky will note, so he's been an occasional life-saver when it comes to keeping order here as well. 

I don't know that we've had work anniversary posts here before. Interesting development.

 

1VaBlue1

August 22nd, 2016 at 10:57 AM ^

Congrats, Ace!

I've known for a loooonnngggggg time that working for, and with, people you like is well worth the effort.  It makes each day easier to get going, and makes work less like actual 'work'.  And lets face it, if it was supposed to be fun, they wouldn't have called it 'work'!

Bocheezu

August 22nd, 2016 at 10:59 AM ^

hoping the fact that we haven't heard much about your health lately means that your health is not an issue anymore.  If it still is, then you have a lot of character to keep it on the down low and focus on the job regardless, because that's not easy.  Keep up the good work and it's good to see that you enjoy your job.

Frito Bandito

August 22nd, 2016 at 11:05 AM ^

Pretty sure he has me muted on Twitter for calling him chat sports Ace. It was only a joke and I appreciate what you do here!

lilpenny1316

August 22nd, 2016 at 11:05 AM ^

I didn't know much about the health issues you faced or are still dealing with, but I applaud your perseverance and determination while dealing with the forklifts of your life.

CorkyCole

August 22nd, 2016 at 11:11 AM ^

You do a fantastic job, Ace! A good boss knows how to use the skills of his team to maximize the potential of the business. More reason behind why this blog continues to grow and reach new heights.

Looking forward to your coverage of the upcoming season!

MinorRage

August 22nd, 2016 at 11:57 AM ^

5 years goes quick. We all really appreciate all the hard work you guys put in. As the season gets closer you all continue ratcheting up the content to fuel our addictions!

BlueinOK

August 22nd, 2016 at 12:16 PM ^

Thanks, Ace! I can't believe it's been five years. I remember the days before you were here and it didn't seem that long ago. Wow I'm getting old. Congrats to five great years so far!