EDIT II:
Ok, so Baristanet doesn’t seem to like us. That’s a darn shame. We’ve said our peace, the response we got was … expected, and we’re done.
I never did get my Baristanet membership approved, either. Go figure.
I’ve included this text with the original post referenced, but I felt I needed to put this on the main content of the blog as well. This text has been added to the beginning of our post reporting the Montclair, NJ book signing.
I noticed that we were linked over at Baristanet in a very unflattering way:
The Other Colbert Report
Monday, November 19, 2007
Posted by Liz George on November 19, 2007 4:16 PMWe told you about Stephen Colbert in Montclert. Now, here’s a report from what just might be Colbert’s biggest fan. If people like this scare you, too, Stephen Colbert should be very, very, very afraid.
I tried to leave a comment at Baristanet, but my membership has not been approved and this response cannot wait.
Our journalistic ethics, and our dedication and professionalism on this site, has allowed us to interact with the fans and the TCR staff simultaneously, and to bring the most comprehensive Colbert-centric news coverage on the internet. Is this detailed? Yes. But to call it “scary” is an insult to everything we have worked towards in bringing the best and most thorough Stephen Colbert coverage on the internet.
The staff of NoFactZone.net takes great pride in its reporting of both mainstream media news as well as reports from fans. However, your definition of “scary” is much different than what we consider to be “scary”. Our definition of “scary” tends to lean toward violations of Stephen’s life outside of the public venue. We NEVER publish information about Stephen’s personal life, which is more than Baristanet can say. We never publish paparazzi photos. We never publish information about Stephen’s wife unless it is news from the red carpet, and we never publish information about Stephen’s children or their school (all mentioned on Baristanet in the past). We have also never mentioned which gym Stephen is a member of (again, more information that Baristanet has published). We don’t even tell our readers in which city he resides.
We are insulted at the light that Baristanet and its author have cast on our contributors and our blog, especially considering the reports of Baristanet in the past about the subject matter, and we hope that the readers of Baristanet will take this blog post as it was intended – a first person account of a fun and fantastic event for the fans of Colbert who happen to reside in Montclair, New Jersey.
DB Ferguson, Webmaster
That was unnecessary and just plain mean. Too bad the editors at Baristanet can’t fathom how it feels to greatly admire anyone or enjoy the thrill of meeting one’s hero. Clearly they have a lack of imagination in addition to their mean spiritedness.
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That is just plain mean spirited. What was the point in publishing that? Honestly, if they consider something as tame and unoffensive as this “scary,” I hope they don’t stumble across other fake news-related stuff I’ve seen on the Internets. They may not recover from the shock. ;)
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Never heard of them before, but it’s a little sad when such a pathetic, navel-gazing site which takes itself *far* too seriously (“a leader in both hyperlocal blogging and the online citizen journalism movement”) has the gall to accuse someone else of self-involved fandom.
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As the original author of this work, my own personal comments are not appropriate here (think Lewis Black or Lisa Lamponelli…yeah, now you smell what I’m cookin’.) I’ll leave the details to all of your imaginations.
Other than that, in all honesty, I’m way too upset right now to say much else other than that the Baristanet folks can rest assured that since this was, easily, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and that I almost bet I’ll never have the chance to meet him again, that they won’t have to waste their precious time slandering anything else I may write, or me, in the future. Wait? Isn’t that what they call slander? Hmmm…
There…now, don’t you feel better about yourselves? I really hope Kharma does exist.
Oh, and by the way, I learned about the book signing in the first place from No Fact Zone, NOT Baristanet. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve even ever been there until I read DB’s post.
Thanks for sticking up for me, DB. As if the strike isn’t upsetting enough…
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Lisa said, “Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve even ever been there until I read DB’s post.”
I’m not going to up their site visit count by visiting such a silly place (which is probably the opposite of what they’re hoping for).
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@Lisa (and DB), the account of the booksigning was as balanced and professional as everything else on the site. I used to work at a bookstore and nothing in the account was anything more than any fan of any author would think, say or do. Nothing scary there, just a genuine admiration for a fine actor/author.
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Those people are absolutely pathetic.
People who spend two sentences insulting a stranger and call it blog post are idiots. She has nothing to say, and she is talking to people who have nothing to say either. They are utterly vacuous.
They can’t even be creative in their insults. They can’t even be derivative in interesting ways.
And they seem so proud of their stupidity, emptiness, and lack of originality. They are actually offended by Lisa’s drive to create someting beautiful and detailed and expressive of an experience she found meaningful.
Maybe they’re threatened by it, but I doubt that they have even that much substance.
I think they just think it’s not cool–like it’s not cool to get caught reading for pleasure in Junior High.
I wish I could meet one of those people in person and talk to them and ask them what they’re thinking.
I bet they’d be stumped.
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Because this is a family-friendly site, I’ll refrain from posting what I’d really like to say.
It’s people like this who make the world a colder place, people who have nothing better to do than say nasty things about another’s accomplishments. Her snide, mean-spirited post is more vulgar than any string of expletives I could come up with.
This really, really pisses me off. Neither you or any members of your staff deserve this crap, DB. I’m so sorry.
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I’ll have to add this “baristanet” thing to my list of disreputable and dishonest organizations.
It’s funny – No Fact Zone is a silly fansite, and you still have better journalistic ethics than the vast majority of people out there.
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I usually don’t do things like this, but I just sent an angry email to baristanet. Some of what I said was rather mature and reasonable, but I must admit it kind of fell apart at the end:
“The point is you deliberately drew attention to this post in order to ridicule it and to encourage your readers to do the same. And that is super super lame. It’s as lame as all of the mean and snooty s#!t you probably did when you were going to whatever snooty highschool you went to.
You know the rich, stuck up, vacuous, prom queen bitch in every high school hijinx film made during the eighties? That’s you.
So congratulations on that. I look forward to the scene where you get mud splashed on your face and fancy dress, your boyfriend leaves you for Molly Ringwald and a weird foreign exchange student auctions off your undies to the chess club.
Jerk face!”
I think the “jerk face” bit was going to far.
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If DB is considered ‘scary’ by their standarts, does that makes us also ‘scary’ by association?… nah…
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@ barenjager, YOU GO! :)
I guess it’s what one can expect from a pretentious publication that’s trying to be an upscale “Pennysaver”.
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Lisa and DB:
I’ve never read anything on NoFactZone that was over the line; including the article that is being attacked by Baristanet. There is nothing wrong with posting a factual story about a public appearance at a bookstore.
The reason this Web site has so much support is that it is family friendly, and so unlike many of the celebrity oriented tabloid types of Web sites.
I visited Baristanet one time and was shocked with the type of personal information that was shared about Stephen Colbert’s personal life. I have not read anything else from Baristanet and I don’t plan to visit that site again!
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@ barenjager,
While your defense of Lisa’s original post is passionate and, I’m sure, heartfelt, I hope you’ll understand my plea for more restrained responses (particularly in these comments, which we are trying to keep family friendly). It would be unfortunate if Baristanet – or anyone, for that matter – were to feel that we were encouraging the posting of personal attacks. We are not. I take issue with Baristanet’s post for the same reasons DB mentioned. And I did not find Lisa’s post at all inappropriate; I thought it was a rather sweet entry about an event that clearly made her day. However, if it’s possible to make those points without seeming to encourage a flame war or other personal attacks, please consider that it might be better for all involved if we tried to do so.
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Baristanet is officially Dead to Me, as far as I’m concerned.
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*train whistle*
Madness!
Those misguided Baristanet Bransons have doused the wrong website. Allison, hand us that water bottle, if you please!
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… They thought Lisa’s report was scary? What, are they new?
Lisa’s report was giddy, yet respectful. An enjoyable read, containing nothing intrusive or manic. It was genuine.
God help these people if they ever read the Colboard or LJ. They won’t be able to find enough locks for their doors. ;P
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@Gaia Faye
I second your notion about some of the stuff on the Colboards. Fanfic it is not. I’ve seen some of it, and my little blurb doesn’t hold a candle to some of the things I’ve read out there.
@barenjager
From my brain, to your e-mail. It’s like one mind… I think my new favorite word is “vacuous”. (“…and that’s the Word.”)
I love it how one of their bones of contention was the fact that I didn’t know that part of Montclair, specifically, wasn’t the downtown area.
Get over it kids…I don’t live there.
Thanks to all for your support and kudos — I’m just glad that the right audience understood it’s original intention (I think barenjager hit the nail on the head). I’m feelin’ the love from the Colbert Nation, for sure…which makes all Baristanet malarkey disappear.
And sorry, DB, for all this craziness and aggravation on your end. We all admire you guys for all you do to keep the site fun, informative, detailed, and kept strictly professional. Lord knows there’s enough crapola out there on the Internet, but at least we all here know that No Fact Zone is a safe haven from all that other b*lls&$t.
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Well, it just makes me realize what a haven DB & everyone has provided for us. I love being a Colbert fan & having a place where I can read Colbert-centric articles and hear well-reasoned statements by other fans. I guess not everyone else is as in awe of the man as we are… Their loss.
I say we let them go on about their lives and hope that they will let us enjoy the shelter from nasty elements we find here. There’s enough unhappiness these days & we don’t need to worry about the sites that are looking to pick a fight or increase their readership. Don’t give them the clicks. We are rubber, they are glue :-)
Support the writers! Check out the campaign that unitedhollywood started if you need someone to get mad at, b-net isn’t worth it.
P.S. @Lisa – I LOVED your article, it was very well written & I loved the internal struggle / dialogue :-) Re-reading just now made me cry because I really wish things would just go back to normal. I miss him very much too. Why can’t we all just be friends?
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I enjoyed Lisa’s article, and, as I’ve said before, I love the bright, shiny NFZ site.
I didn’t follow the logic in the comment posted from the other site (“If people like this scare you, too, Stephen Colbert should be very, very, very afraid.”) What does that mean? If people like Lisa scare their readers, Stephen Colbert should be afraid? Huh?
Anyway, their opinion is just their opinion. I’ve never seen the site, and I’m not planning on going there. I’m going to keep on enjoying the great stuff I find here.
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Apparently a lot of bloggers don’t actually have anything to say, so they resort to mocking others in order to fill up space.
That never seems to be a problem here at NoFactZone.net – we’ve got plenty of positivity to put out, and no shortage of material. And if we ever are short … we just run that picture of Stephen… :)
I loved Lisa’s post, and I bet anyone who’s stood in line for Stephen can relate to it. As someone who spent four *months* mulling over the right question to ask him at Book Expo America, I appreciated her sharing her own version of that struggle.
So a big WHATEVER to b-net. They’re missing out on something that’s so darned special, and in their own backyard.
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The sneering by the Baristanet writer is puzzling.
I guess ‘THE WRITER’ figured it’s ok to write about the rows of enthusiastic fans waiting for, clapping for, and hoping to talk with Colbert–since apparently, none of *those people* were scary, or worthy of derision.
And I guess interviewing *those people* was ok too, since ‘THE WRITER’ did that as well. .
But if one of those fans were to write her own interesting and vibrantly rendered story about the experience of waiting for, and meeting Colbert, *from the inside*, suddenly that’s ridiculous and scary.
So just what qualities do they look for in a Baristanet writer? I see no evidence of talent or kindness, nor even intelligence (…she *really* can’t see that the two stories are essentially the same, just from different points of view? And that the more personal story was, in fact, the more interesting one?).
Maybe she was just worried by the competition?……rhinestones do pale next to diamonds.
lol! @ barenjager…’jerk-face’ was *NOT* too far…lol!…(and gee, the Baristanet ‘writer’ forgot to mention Colbert’s license plate number…*eye-roll smiley here*)…such a lackluster, tight-a$$ed piece of work…and her writing sucks too.
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I think what it comes down to is: honesty scares people. (Believe me, I’ve learned this the hard way over the years). For some people, honesty is more intimidating than just about anything. Invasiveness, manipulation, objectification…they’re all often considered necessities of life. Being open and honest about one’s feelings, though, is often considered taboo. I think a recent episode of The Office summed it up well when Kelly said (paraphrasing here), “What kind of guy says exactly what’s on his mind? What kind of game is that?” Personally, I value honesty very highly, and I thought that Lisa’s post was beautiful. It was heartfelt and genuine. And that’s exactly the sort of thing that frightens a lot of people.
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One more thing…sort of an extension of the honesty thing I posted above. I think that there’s an assumption with a lot of people that you’re supposed to like things simply because they’re trendy. Stephen seems to be one of the “it-guys” at the moment, and so he probably has some fans who are just going to forget about him as soon as his moment in the limelight has ended. Lisa’s post, however, showed how she legitimately respects him and will keep respecting him regardless of whether his popularity rises or decreases. And to many people, that sort of devotion seems unnatural. To some, posting personal information about a person, invading a person’s life, and/or objectifying a person is acceptable…just as long as it’s the trendy thing to do. If someone truly ADMIRES that person, though…that’s considered “scary”.
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Of course they’re scared. They’ve seen the size of our balls of journalistic integrity and they haven’t a single thatcher to swing.
Time for someone to cut through the e-libel and post a retraction.
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whoever made that comment doesn’t know comma rules.
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Then again, it could just be a way to leech off of our angry readership and drive up site statistics to increase their ad revenue. Immoral, but brilliant. Kudos, Baristanet.com!
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Ms.I
I actually thought I was rather restrained–attempting to add levity to my criticism. I meant what I said, but I figured it might also make the whoever read laugh–hopefully at his or herself.
Anyway. I’ll shut up now.
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The Jerkface bit was going to far, though. I do admit that.
It’s just such a satifying word to say.
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I didn’t even click to the other site after seeing “Montclert”. It may be petty of me but incorrect spelling doesn’t give me a ton of faith in a website. I echo what everyone else has said about NFZ’s integrity–the fact that this site respects Stephen’s privacy is one of the things I like best.
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@barenjager: I think the letter had the levity you were going for, with the comparison to 80′s movies and all. Well, it made me laugh, anyhow. :)
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Hello, kettle? It’s the pot calling. You’re black.
The people who run that site must be living in some fantasyland if they thought Lisa’s account was “scary”.
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Yikes! Had I known my little write-up would’ve caused so much angst, I would’ve simply said, “We came, we saw, we got some autographs, and it was cool.”
@barenjager
Those of us who are children of the 80′s, I think, did appreciate the Molly Ringwald movie reference. Ahh the 80′s…good times!
Now, I’m just waiting on pins and needles for DB’s membership to be approved…
I can’t tell you all how much I really appreciate all your support and lovely and heartfelt comments about my work. As an aspiring writer, it means a lot to me that you all appreciated it and defend it so wholeheartedly. I’m sendin’ you all some well-deserved NFZ love…*big hugs to all*!
I know I’ll be thankful for all of you this Thanksgiving… : )
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@ barenjager,
Don’t worry about it too much. I just don’t want there to be any confusion as to whether NFZ is in the business of leveling personal attacks (and people here seem pretty clear that we’re not); a reminder that we try to watch our language here seemed ripe for repeating, too. I’ve got a mouth on me that would make a sailor blush when you get me started, but we’re trying to keep things suitable for all ages here on the blog.
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stephen has always expressed appreciation of all of his fans, and that is why people love him. he knows about NFZ and appreciates the site i am sure very much. who cares what other people think, or cheesy paparazzi loving websites! we are having fun and enthusing over a public figure who is a heck of a lot more intelligent and interesting than all the hollywood starlets.
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All I can say: Baristanet clearly does not “get” “it”!
Lisa, don’t take them serious. I really enjoyed your report! Made me feel I was there getting that autograph. We need more of this!!
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I’d never heard of Baristanet prior to it being mentioned on the Colboard. I wonder how many of its website hits are the result of fans looking for additional Colbert-related information.
Liz George’s Baristanet blog entry reminded me of “status shifts,” and why they can be as ridiculous and funny when attempted in real life as they are in comedy.
Why would Liz George, a resident of the upper-middle class bedroom community that is Montclair, feel the need to disparage a non-resident’s account of a local book-signing? Baristanet covered the event, to the point of detail that they photographed and identified the first person in line at the signing. What did Ms. George find so discomfiting in Lisa’s account that she linked to the NFZ story in order criticize to its author?
There’s more than a little incongruity in Ms. George’s smugness. In a desire to distinguish herself from Colbert fans and their “scary” fandom, she admits to knowing of and reading the top website (NFZ) devoted to Stephen Colbert. Why would she pay such serious attention to NFZ entries if the life and times of Colbert is not part of her consciousness?
If Lisa’s book-signing report caused Ms. George to be frightened for Stephen Colbert’s safety, she obviously has stronger emotions of interest, care and concern for him than she is willing to write publicly. Although she made a foolish misstep in criticizing Lisa, I think Colbert fans should be the more generous party and welcome Baristanet reporter Liz George into the Nation, where she clearly belongs even though she’s not ready to acknowledge it.
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laughing at nothing
Wow…you’ve personally redefined the concept of diplomacy. Now THAT’S gutly…
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Sounds like Baristanet needs a mention on this site;
http://www.encyclopediadramatica.com/Main_Page
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Your post is reasonable and I agree. I’ve _seen_ crazy in various fandoms, all over the world; and I’ve never seen anything like that in NFZ. On the contrary, this is the most informative, fun, and respectful site – I greatly appreciate its existence. Anybody that says otherwise, I find myself doing a double take.
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@laughing at nothing: So it’s a case of the lady doth protest too much, hmm? Interesting idea, there!
As someone who writes crazily-detailed recounts of live appearances, I was infuriated for you, Lisa – but in the end, baristanet isn’t even worth the rage. Pity, perhaps, but not anger and certainly not insecurity because of that post.
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@Kinaesthesia
Thanks–it was mostly assuming things about my character that are grossly untrue and questioning the integrity of this site that angered me the most. Not everyone is required to like something they read, which is perfectly understandable. But, I draw the line at assuming I’m a stalker.
I second TheLakeEffect’s call for a retraction…I may just get one yet.
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Hi there,
I post regularly on Baristanet.com and am kind of surprised to see such outrage at what I read as a friendly little jab. I say this as someone who has been deeply involved in the various facets of fandom, on both sides of the equation, for most of my life.
From the perspective of a fan, I take it with a grain of salt when someone refers to my personal level of fandom as scary. Whether they are referring to a passionately written review of a new movie, my uncanny “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” skills, or my ability to list off any artist who’s drawn Wolverine over the last 40 years; what I find to be perfectly acceptable behavior will be construed as “obsessive” by others.
Also, (and I’m sure you guys have figured this out by now) Colbert is not only a celebrity, but a comedic celebrity. This makes anything he does in his public life subject of mockery. The same can be said for items put out by his fans for public consumption.
In short, I’m sorry that you guys couldn’t take what was clearly meant as a joke about one of our local celebrities. But, you’re taking yourselves just a little too seriously here. Don’t worry too much, though. It’s a flaw that a lot of BaristaNet posters have, too.
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@Mike:
We don’t want to get in a pissing contest. Because, quite frankly, it’s not nearly as fun as talking about Stephen. We posted a reaction, we got snark, we’re not in the mood to deal with it. We said our peace and let it go, and apparently so did the Baristanet poster. So we’re done.
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Well, they printed a retraction…despite the comments from the folks at the bottom of the page, it’s still an apology.
Check it out…click here.
And yes, that’s my personal e-mail to Ms. George verbatim. “Nailed it!”
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Fair enough and thanks for letting me put in my $0.02 worth.
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Ok, comments are closed. No more fighting. You wanna snark, go to Baristanet. We’re done here.
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