The five best writers, period.

I don't mean who gets the best stories. I don't mean who's the best reporter. I mean - who do you think, when it comes down to it, has a sheer ability to write great sentences, choose the right words and get their point across even if you don't agree with their point?

The five best in journalism/non-fiction/essay writing

The five best overall, in any field. (Which could include the above.)

Note: this is not "oh, I like their politics and I agree with them." This is who you think really knows how to write.

Go.

 

The five remaining good writers who haven't been bought out/laid off/sent packing and who haven't given in to all the various dumb initiatives disguised as serving the reader.

 

If I see Charlie Pierce's name on a story, I usually will read it.

 

I can't think right now, but from those amongst us, I vote Double Down. Wish he could remember his password and quit changing userids though.

Xanadu was good and still does interesting stuff off the beaten path.

Moddy. Because he bitch slaps us with words and likes Beamer.

KYsw, because he's a great guy, my first Secret Santa exchange recipient, and he's buying a house.

Spike. Because I had a few beers with him and his wife in Baltimore after the riots, and they trusted me not to kill them. We did meet in broad daylight though.

 

I love Jonathan Abrams.

 

It's not just that I used to work with him, but I enjoy reading Gregg Doyel. He's been on a roll the last couple of years.

 

I don't always agree with Passan, but he always has at least an interesting take on a subject.

 

He spits hot fire!

 

In no particular order, Dan Jenkins, Scott Ostler, Frank Deford, Jim Murray, Tony Kornheiser.

 

Not necessarily disputing -- just asking a question.

Does he demonstrate a little more subject depth than on PTI, meaning something outside the world of NFL QBs -- particularly Tom Brady -- and the occasional foray into the narrative that drives the corrupt college football world?