Wright Thompson: outta the park, through the uprights, slam dunk, et al

But the definition of 'longform' has been changed as well.

Bill Simmons - arguably the most popular writer on the internet - writes columns routinely in excess of 5000 words.

And has he ever written anything that was not first person?

 

I'm a fan of both of them, but please don't ever compare Bill Simmons to Wright Thompson again.

 

Right, but people read Simmons because they like Simmons. He's the story, you know that going in.

It doesn't work across the board.

 

I'm saying that whatever we thought the "rules" were aren't the rules any more. I'm saying that Twitter succeeds 140 characters at a time, and yet people will read 20,000 words a week from Simmons. I'm saying that the internet is largely about obsessives providing content for other obsessives.

I'm saying adapt or die.

 

Can he write anything less than "The Arms of Krupp?" Ever? Jesus fuck, talk about someone in love with his own writing.

 

I bet Ragu hates the 140 character at Twitter.

As far as Simmons when I read his work I tend to skim. I bet most do.

 

I cherish every last word. I like his writing more now that I sometimes listen to his podcast and you realize that he isn't as pompous as his writing sometimes makes him seem. Anybody who is friends with Carolla and Kimmel can't be all bad.

 

Simmons book sale numbers argue that people actually read him.

 

Books sold do not necessarily equal books read. See U.S. Presidential memoirs for evidence.

 

So I'm one of those crazy people who actually reads every book I buy?

 

Good thread that poses compelling, necessary questions. People with something to add to the discussion are for the most part staying away from the kinds of shots that usually make me stop reading, and that makes ir more enjoyable (and more professional).

I felt the chill of my first Pacific Northwest winter. George Winston's "December" was on the CD player.

"Good thread," I posted.

 

Not sure if they read the books or not, M. G.

But to spend $30 on a book by someone from whom you're already getting 20000 words a week for free - on top of the 4 podcasts - says to me they aren't skimming the columns.

Again, obsessives providing content to other obsessives.