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.

Go Blue Rosie

December 1st, 2013 at 9:24 AM ^

As a girl who is obsessed with Michigan football, basketball and hockey, but lives in the middle of nowhere in Syracuse, this site is a godsend. I hate that this year the trolls seem to have taken over the boards and comments but I know it will get back on track. I also hate all of the personal attacks and can't understand how Brian deals with it all the time. From one very grateful MGoUser, thank you!

dryadams

December 1st, 2013 at 9:32 AM ^

As a first time poster and long time lurker, I want to thank Brian and all of the staff for what they do for us - the true MICHIGAN fan. I stumbled on to Mgoblog years ago after being fed up with the crap on mlive. The quality of the work on this site is unbelievable. I love the sharing of information and the snarky humor that exists in this community. It wouldn't break my heart if you sent all the haters and trolls back to mlive where they belong......

Bombadil

December 1st, 2013 at 9:44 AM ^

Thanks Brian and mgostaff. I appreciate all the great content that sets this site apart. It's unfortunate that the level of intelligence and wit in the writing goes over people's heads and leads to negativity. I hope the return of the moderating system will clean up the unnecessary vitriol.

willow

December 1st, 2013 at 9:52 AM ^

I reached the last post and found my exact thoughts.   I live in a backwater in SW Michigan with most fans rooting for ND and/or MSU.  I have to drive 50 miles to find a group to watch the games with, but I can get on Mgoblog instantaneously and find some soulmates and perspective.

What Brian has created is a phenomenon.  His writing is terrific and we all love his ability to state facts and feelings with wit, creativity and, most of all, humor.

I've followed for years. (I should have written down the year I discovered the site.)  What I most appreciate is the recruiting news from the staff AND outstanding contributors, the spontaneous wit that suddenly appears in a string of comments and the detail of the analysis.

Mgoblog is evolving with news on and props to many of the other sports that are gradually moving to elite levels of performance.

Let's keep being classy and not apologize for banning trolls or others who don't belong on this site.

Thanks to you, Brian, we have a wonderful forum here.  Without your leadership and the talented staff you have attracted, it not would be as rich, varied or interesting.  Let the passion continue!  

 

SWFlaBlue

December 1st, 2013 at 9:56 AM ^

I discovered this blog more than 5 years ago and it has become a standard part of my day. What Brian and the rest have developed and delivered is unique among any blogs, sports or otherwise, that I have encountered. Their efforts are very much admired and appreciated.

Brian's recent frustration is understandable. This season has altered the blog significantly. The overwhelming amount of commentors who choose to share their opinion on any and everything has cluttered the site and made it utterly depressing and nearly pointless to read.

In the past, there was an unspoken understanding that any posts and comments should add value to the discussion - either with information or well thought opinion. Now, it's just off-the-top, emotion-fueled drivel, and very angry, depressing drivel at that.

As you age, you begin to understand the long-view of situations in life, and learn to accept the immediate moments and not overreact. There are far too many posters who are interested in being heard and sharing their immediate emotion in every moment.

In the past MGoBlog - this immediacy only happened during the Live Blog, not in the forums. Now, all forums are mini-live blogs - repeditive, emotional, caught in the moment with no thought or perspective.

Change needs to happen. Only Brian can decide what it will be. Charge us. I will gladly pay. Reintroduce the point system. I will gladly participate. Whatever it takes to allow the valuable part of this blog to return to its higher position. I look forward.

Go Brian and Go Blue.

victors2000

December 1st, 2013 at 10:11 AM ^

Stiff upper lip and all that, chap! I get tired of reading all the differing view points and negativity but I can just decide not view or post; you are the master and commander who really doesn't have that choice. For every dork that comes to the site there are 10 of us who are not (hopefully more and not less, lol) that really appreciate all you do for Michigan fandom.

 

You are the best, thanks Brian for being there for us!

ChalmersE

December 1st, 2013 at 10:13 AM ^

I have been following football since before Bo was hired and even had the privilege of covering Michigan football for a couple of years while I was on the Daily -- yeah, 24-12; I worked the game for ABC.  I found about this site while watching the Horror in a bar.  I have followed it religiously ever since and have learned more about football in that period than in the entire 40 years before.  I also write for a fantasy baseball site.  Keeping the content fresh and timely -- and sane -- is no easy task.  The team at MgoBlog does a phenomenal job of doing just that -- and I'm sure that is a testament to Brian's leadership.  I don't always agree with the guys, but if we all did, then this wouldn't be nearly as good a site as it is.  

This year has been extremely disappointing.  I shared the apathy that clearly influenced the Monday column.  I spent the latter part of the week watching clips of underdogs prevailing in an effort to get psyched for The Game and didn't really succeed, but while losing is never a satisfactory outcome, I feel like I think I would have felt if Michigan hadn't made the miraculous comeback in the first UTL -- disappointed but not upset.  For the first time since Notre Dame, I have a sense that things will get better -- regardless of who's the OC.  After all we're just 11 points away from a BCS bid -- and we're not Florida!

Thanks to Ace, Heiko, Seth, Brandon et al!  Many thanks Brian!!!  Go BLUE!!!!!!!

 

ND Sux

December 1st, 2013 at 10:56 AM ^

Brian is the best sports writer I have ever seen, and the rest of the staff is terrific as well.  I really enjoy reading everything, even the serious analysis includes comic relief, which is essential for seasons like this one. 

Great site, great writing, mostly great fans.  Thanks to Brian and everyone else (including many posters) who make this site what it is: the best. 

Edit: Forgot to mention the mods...you all do a terrific job of weeding through the shitstorms and your decisions to nuke or not nuke are usually spot on.  It wouldn't do to tolerate everything, or be too heavy handed with the flamethrower.  Your balance is important.  Nice work. 

mGrowOld

December 1st, 2013 at 10:21 AM ^

Based on the roughly 8-9 hours per day I'm here I think it's safe to say I like the place very much. It's like a second family in many ways except this family doesnt roll their eyes and get bored when I want to talk Michigan sports for hours on end.

Thank you Brian.

DaBigDaddy

December 1st, 2013 at 10:23 AM ^

I expect Michigan Football to be elite not just like OSU buy better than OSU. I expect Michigan to play and win the Big Ten championships every year. I expect Michigan to dominate their rivals every year. That's why Hoke was brought here 3 years ago, but he did not meet those goals. Next year, Michigan will likely lose to ND, MSU, and OSU again put Hoke 2-2 vs ND, 1-3 vs MSU, 1-3 vs OSU.

Seth

December 1st, 2013 at 10:41 AM ^

Anyone else=Bryan (Blue in South Bend), Brett (Mathlete), Brandon (Coach Brown), Chris Cook (server wrangler) and the mods and liveblog mods and the community.

timtebro

December 1st, 2013 at 10:45 AM ^

You raised me up, so I can stand on mountains!

On a more serious note, thanks for putting your soul into this blog. This site is second to none. Also, thanks for not converting our logins to Facebook logins..... or maybe this is in your master plan?

/s

Northville

December 1st, 2013 at 10:55 AM ^

I believe it's some of the best sportswriting in the country. Mgoblog provides added depth and coverage that the MSM can only dream of. All with personal twists and insights that are very entertaining to read.

It's added welcome (and addicting) layers of depth to the joy and misery of being a Michigan fan. Keep up the good work fellas. You have nothing to apologize for, or defend, and you know it. GO BLUE!

Gob Wilson

December 1st, 2013 at 10:58 AM ^

This is the best site of its type out there. I've been involved in football and a fan for over 50 years and I still learn from this site every day. You are to be commended. Thanks for doing this. 

Blue Noise

December 1st, 2013 at 11:02 AM ^

I've been reading this site since 2005 and have never felt compelled to start an account and post until now.



MGoBlog is a treasure to the Michigan football community. I hope Brian understands the trolls on Twitter or here mocking him represent but a sliver of fans in comparison to the thousands whose who make multiple visits here per day and cherish the content of this site, regardless of whether they agree with the views of its writers.



Keep up the excellent work everyone.

htownwolverine

December 1st, 2013 at 11:13 AM ^

Dear Leader is the 'Shining Light from Heaven!'. His wisdom, humanity and graciousness are unparalleled and cannot be questioned.



I shall read Dear Leaders words for eternity as they provide guidance in these troubling times of my beloved football team.

nickb

December 1st, 2013 at 12:02 PM ^

I was concerned it was only a one sided pro Michigan athletic department site. Initially, I had my concerns but this year I found that Brian and his team are not hesistant to criticize and more importantly nor are the posters.I believe part of this is doing away with the negative grading and allowing posts that express their anger at not only the team but the the coaches.

As a result, the site has more credibility and relevance. Keep up the good work!

Vote_Crisler_1937

December 1st, 2013 at 12:36 PM ^

The day after a tough loss and I have logged in at least 6x. This is my most favorite place on the internet. I will check back another 10-15 times today if it's like any other day.

Blue Blue Blue

December 1st, 2013 at 1:00 PM ^

please.   Brian founded the blog and generally does a very good job.   However, this is his paying  JOB now (good for him)  and he is making enough money to have employees...... so taking a little email shit from your customers doesnt seem like much of a hardship.

 

and while "Fickle" was a fine column that captured the emotion of the moment, his prediction of a 39-0 win for OSU was juvenile at best and worthy of Chicken Little.  Anyone in the M administration and football program who read or heard of the prediction will now consider the "journalism" of MGoBlog to be second rate.  But spin on, appreciation thread!

 

PS  my huge neg of points is the result of my suggesting Hoke/Borges blew the Big Ten last year at Nebraska by not having a real backup QB ready, despite having the frequently dinged Denard at QB......

You Only Live Twice

December 1st, 2013 at 1:18 PM ^

No one ever, ever agrees with another person 100%.  This site is noteworthy for not only having great content from the staff but also excellent comments sections. I'm a newbie to the site, having looked around for someplace to hang out after my longtime (and always) favorite blogger decided he had real life to live... you know who you are....you are forgiven but dang it I will have to follow 2 blogs when you return...

anyway, this site is a little intimidating at the beginning but gets easier to navigate in time.   And no question about it, there was so much more enjoyment to be had from this depressing season, courtesy of MGoBlog.  Great analysis, a little snark, always entertaining.

part of the fun of watching football with other humans is the exchange of opinions.  I had my own very strong opinion of not going for the extra point yesterday, and we are still debating it today ;)  Others around us also had their take on it.  What keeps this being fun, win or lose, is knowing my opinions don't mean anything, and consistently showing up to support those who are doing the job.   Similarly, I don't have to agree with everything said here, to have a blast on the site. Kudos to Brian, the entire staff and knowledgeable commentators.

 

HisDudeness

December 1st, 2013 at 1:19 PM ^

The contribution you guys make for Michigan sports news, and more importantly analysis, is much appreciated. The board has gotten frustrating with dumb posters over the last couple years...there's a lot of us out here though that read, listen, and look forward to more.

gomaize11

December 1st, 2013 at 2:41 PM ^

Your team has turned MGoBlog into my favorite website for the past four years or so now. Even in the offseason I find myself checking at least two or three times a day for new content. I actually pick up a lot of news info from the MGoBoard before outlets like CNN!

Great job, please keep on truckin. I don't know what I would do without all the info you provide!

klctlc

December 1st, 2013 at 2:43 PM ^

Reading all this reminds me how much I get for free. Just donated a little bit.  This site is awesome and I really appreciate the content and ability to contribute/vent.

PeteM

December 1st, 2013 at 2:52 PM ^

I read a lot of blogs about Michigan sports, sports in general and politics.  I think that Mgoblog has some of the most consistently excellent writing and analysis anywhere regardless of genre or budget.  I began reading this site during the year of infinite pain.  Among the highlights over the years include the Bo (7 swans) tribute, breaking the Carr retirement story and some of the UFRs during the Denard era (dilithium).

Wherever I meet Michigan fans -- east coast, west coast or abroad -- everyone who's serious about Michigan football reads this site.

rjeasto

December 1st, 2013 at 3:30 PM ^

Brian,

Hang in there, man!  Don't let the mouth-breathers keep you down!  This is the best sports site known to man, and we are all indebted to your incredible work!

Also, if you are looking to bring in someone to take care of these self-loathing degenerates for you, then I would like to submit my application for hire.  I will accept payment in the form of beer and hot pockets, and I will need to be supplied with a trident and a tricycle in order to successfully conduct business.  

Keep up the phenomenal work, MGoBlog Staffers!  You are the standard! 

mtzlblk

December 1st, 2013 at 3:34 PM ^

I really enjoy all the content on this site and very much appreciate all the blood, sweat and tears that go into producing it each week. 

I read the front page content religiously and am undoubtedly a more informed and better fan for doing so.

during the RR years and all the controversy I got caught up for some time in the forum and trying to debate/fight over what should happen and at the end I just stopped going there at all and did not miss the divisiveness, pettiness and overall feeling of rancor at times from a group that should supposedly all be on the same side. Welcome to the internet. It was disheartening and for the most part I just stopped...although I have jumped in a little bit recently, though already feeling that I'm done with that again. Perhaps 'The Reckoning' will purge it enough to make the comments section once again enjoyable and it sucks that it ever got to the point that people attack one another and the purveyors of this site. Those that create vitriole should be purged.

I found when I restricted myself to just reading Brian & Company's main posts and some small amount of legitimate debate of their assertions from those much more knowledgeable than myself, I went right back to loving this site and checking in on a nearly daily basis. 

Guys...thanks so much for everything you do here.