AbsoluteBestNews: Fresh Views on Sports, Entertainment, & News
"If you can't get your foot in the door, make your own 'effin door" – Adam Best
Opportunity knocked, and as a result of how these 10 (5 more than I promised!) FoxSports.com regular bloggers stepped up and capitalized, they are coming through the “‘effin door” called AbsoluteBestNews.com with me. Wish them well, as these are your own (in no particular order)…
Burton (who made the FoxSports.com Next Great Sportswriter II Final Four) has long been a favorite of mine. In fact, I thought that his take on the possibility of an A.I. trade—quite the popular subject nowadays—was as good, if not better, than any other writer’s anywhere. Only Rocky Balboa rivals his passion for all things Philly, but Burton covers much more than just the City of Brotherly Love. His incendiary coverage of the NBA and NFL never disappoints. Considering how much we like those leagues over here at AbsoluteBestNews.com, Burton will more than fit in.
“Tastes great… Less-filling,” remember that old slogan? Not only does Cox’s (a Next Great Sportswriter I Finalist) commentary taste great, but he also has great taste. Whether he is highlighting the work of other talented writers or covering unusual topics in his posts, he simply knows how to pick ‘em. Fortunately, he mixes vast sports knowledge, pop culture prowess, and smooth journalistic style smoothly, so his writing is “less-filling” as well. Cox’s many talents will be utilized at AbsoluteBestNews.com.
Point blank—Siddhartha is the best NASCAR writer of the bunch. Quite frankly, I don’t think that any other NASCAR blogger here on FoxSports.com is even in the same league. Sidd also impressed me with his ability to cover music and various other categories, and will play numerous roles over at AbsoluteBestNews.com. His slightly off-topic Oak Island post he submitted showed me that he’ll be De Niro-esque when it comes to playing those different roles.
Wholf (a Next Great Sportswriter II finalist) describes herself as “part Carrie Bradshaw and part Lee Corso.” Well, Corso never looked this good while doing his thing. This “Jill of all Trades” is not only a sportswriter, but also a successful stage actress and reality TV personality. Her social commentary on both sports and society is both entertaining and informative. New York may have had Bradshaw, but this L.A.-based site now has its answer—Tracy Wholf.
Meadows was recently proven to be the most popular blogger on FoxSports.com. He deals with relevant material, speaks for the people, and is insanely productive. And he does it with a certain swagger that is requisite for all of the good ones. I compare Meadows’ writing to Shaq. You know he’s going to give you a big game each and every night, speak his mind, and leave you with a couple of gem quotes to chuckle over. Meadows will be the Rick Reilly of AbsoluteBestNews.com, breaking down the most prominent stories in sports early, often, and effectively.
Krinkos’ stuff cracks me up every time I stop by his blog. His style is just so damn readable and enjoyable that there was no way I could have left him off of this list. Speaking of lists, Krinkos seems to have that format mastered. Apparently I am not the only one that enjoys his blog posts and lists, as he has recently been FoxSports.com’s Blog of the Day several times. Like every other writer on this list, Krinkos also has impressive range.
Deeley is easily one of the most-respected writers in the FoxSports.com community, but also possibly the most-versatile. His professional style and on-point observations really caught my eye, but in the end it was his hockey writing, arguably the best on FoxSports.com’s blog community, that set him apart from the field. Additionally, the fact that he is a talented radio personality makes him a more-than-welcome addition to the AbsoluteBestNews.com team.
Rivera (a Next Great Sportswriter II Finalist) is a talented writer and the consummate professional. I compare him to Scottie Pippen, as he seems to do absolutely everything well, yet other than his NGS selection, he doesn’t get the credit he is due. I came away impressed by his submissions, and even more impressed by his attitude and willingness to do whatever it takes to help AbsoluteBestNews.com succeed. Rivera possesses the exact combination of talent and teamwork that we were looking for and we expect him to excel as a Featured Contributor over on our site.
Is Wilkinson eighteen? Nope. Did Rolling Stone magazine snub a young Cameron Crowe because he didn’t have to shave daily? No. Wilkinson may not have been old enough for FoxSports when the judges selected him for NGS II, but over at AbsoluteBestNews.com I have a little saying, “what matters isn’t your age, it’s what you can put on the page.” After all, we’re judging writing, not wine. Plain and simple—the kid can write. Already a featured writer for sites such as RealGM.com, the future is bright for Wilkinson. I’m glad he’s onboard, and look forward to letting him, “write, Forrest, write.”
Like his beloved Steelers, this PA sports nut turned blogger extraordinaire lays it all on the line every time he steps up to the keyboard. Gallo’s passion-filled anecdotes, lists, and columns are always distinctly “Eddie.” His stories about Pap, the Hummer, and his Weekly Truth Series just stood out when considered against the rest of the field. It didn’t take me long to figure out that I wanted him to be an important ingredient in the original AbsoluteBestNews.com recipe.
That being said, thanks to everyone that submitted and the glowing support this project has received from this community. I was flabbergasted by nearly every submittal, but when it came down to it, these 10 were perfect matches at this point and time for what I am trying to accomplish at AbsoluteBestNews.com. I really feel that these fellas, and a certain talented lady, are ready to start crafting some of the best material on the web today. Who knows, after this turnout I might even be back for OKWC II.
Anyway, it’s time for me to put on my chef’s hat and start cooking up those ingredients I talked about. Expect a site launch from us sometime in August!
Thanks Again,
Adam Best
AbsoluteBestNews.com
Editor-In-Chief/Lead Writer
absolutebestfilms@gmail.com
Yes, my secret identity has been revealed. I was always a big Spiderman fan so I think it is fitting that since Peter Parker had his face shown in S2 and recently in the comics, why not me too right?
Very nice group we have, and I can't wait to get started.
Norcal, er, I mean Greg, even Rey Mysterio got rid of the mask. Jack Black tried to bring it back in Nacho Libre but it didn't stick.
As for Spider-Man, the 10 of you are more like the X-Men. Hopefully, I won't have to shave my head and roll my #### around in a wheelchair to make this site work, but if that's what it takes, that's what it takes.
Again, I'm stoked to have you on my team and sorry that I had to wreck your anonymity.
Last edited by absolutebest on July 20th at 1:38 AM.
Thanks for the selection, Adam -- I look forward to writing with this wonderful group of writers. NappyTemple, Norcalfella, Siddhartha, tjw, SoCal, George, The_Dan, Rivjo, and Burger21: Congrats on your selection, I am truly honored to be named among such excellent writers. Hopefully we'll all become more acquainted with one another in the near future.
And for some weird reason I can't leave a comment on Rob's (SoCalSportsFan) blog. Since I was able to congratulate every other winner on his or her page, it's only fair that I single Rob out as well. Congrats on your selection! It was only fitting after being passed over by the NGS judges twice.
Forrest, congrats again and glad to have you as part of the team. You're right; that is a staggering list of all-star writing talent (and you're on it). Who knows about this writing stuff, after assembling this squad maybe Coach K should hire me as a Team USA Basketball consultant and fly me out to Sin City real quick.
On a serious note, I can’t wait for all of us to become further acclimated and begin working with one another. As I like to say, “this is only the beginning.”
Absolute: I'm looking forward to hit the ground running with this - thank you for the opportunity. And if we're the X-Men, how do all the characters match up?
Belle as Jean Grey seems a logical choice, and The_Dan probably should be someone from Alpha Flight since he's from the Great White North. I'm probably one of only five people on this site who actually remembers Alpha Flight, so I'll stop here...
In all seriousness, I'm truly honored to be part of this select group as many of my favorite writers on this site are represented. Lady and gentlemen: it's time to make our voices heard.
Roy, aka "Nappy" (your X-Men moniker) I'm honored to have you on my team. I'm a little on the young side for Professor X, but in this day and age, make-up and prosthetics can fix that.
I'm ready to get rolling. I'm so jacked that I couldn't sleep. So, I'm up working on a screenplay and watching Face/Off, which is a ridiculously unbelievable concept, but yet I still love the film.
Anyway, this site will launch at the perfect time for you and I especially--right before football and basketball season. Trust me; we will be heard!
Last edited by absolutebest on July 20th at 4:32 AM.
Ultra, I was hinting that they were that good, not that Fox had anything to do with it. But hell, if Fox wants to promote the new site, I have no problem with that whatsoever. :)
Adam, thanks for the nod. We will talk later. As for why you can not put comments on my section, I took that feature off until I post another sports related post which should be sometime today. I am on vacation and did not want to answer comments on my non sports related posts. Time to get back to sports.
Adam - I can't express how grateful I am to be included in this "Who's Who" list of creative writers. As I said over on my blog today, what I appreciate most is that, even after your initial disappoinment in the NSG, you were willing to include us little Fox bloggers in on your path to greatness. I will do my very best to justify my selection and provide you and your site with worthy material. Thank you again and congratulations to the other winners. I am thrilled that many of my very favorites were selected.
man, that is one all-star caliber blog-team. I read all their stuff and must I say, they are good at what they do. Good to see you guys get what you deserve and best of luck in the future at absolutebestsports.com.
absolute, good luck with this as you have selected some great writers. Congrats to everyone who made it, all are deserving and I look forward to the launch of the site.
Congrats to all the winners this list might need a NHL guy not just a fervent Red Wings fan but a NHLer, you know what Adam I should have entered, any chance that I could still submit an entry? If not I will for okwc2. The list is real impressive.
Adam: I am totally stoked that you chose me to be a part of your vision. I just got home from teaching summer school and got the good news. I can't wait to hear more about what you have cooking up. To be included with these great guys and gal is something to be proud of.
I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say we are going to do this right and we'll be looking to kick some serious tail.
For the record regarding our locations, I was born and raised in NYC. (Da Bronx specifically) Currently I live in Albany, NY but I still consider myself a true NYC boy through and through. My wife is from Syracuse and it's a good mid-point for us to be close to our families.
To all the other AbsoluteBestNews upstarts: I am extremely proud to be associated with you all.
Eddie, quite the day you are having. Both and OKWC Winner and Blog of the Day? You're on a roll. And that acceptance speech that you gave over on you blog, I could've sworn that you were George Clooney.
Seriously, I am just as grateful to have you guys on my team. Yes, my run on NGS II was disappointing, but it went down like this for a reason. This site has the chance to become something special for more than just me. As far as little Fox bloggers, I am one just like you. We are a team, so it's "our" path to greatness.
There is no "I" in "team," but also no "I" in AbsoluteBestNews.com (which is the name of the site, I've seen a few people call it AbsoluteBestSports.com). Can't say it enough... I'm thrilled to have you all onboard.
RecSoftballHero, thanks for the kind words. This is a star-studded group, but that was easy to put together with so many talented writers submitting. I took a long, hard look at having more than 10 winners, but at the end of the day I felt that this was the perfect group/number.
itzallgud, thanks. I have selected some great writers, and while many who didn't make it were also deserving, the 10 I picked just seemed to fit in with what we are trying to do. 10, this 10, was the magic number, so to speak.
Norcal, we are blowing up! I can't believe that this is your first time on the front page. You get less respect around this place than Johnny Drama does at Ari's agency! Like Turtle's life after Saigon signs, that all is about to change.
With a burger, ice cream and Gallo (salami)... even Wimpy wouldn't like that burger, but we'll craft it into something enticing and edible.
Screw The One! The Ten brings it like Bobby Badfingers! Guess I'm Regis?
LGRW, thanks, as always, for the kind words. I'm done with OKWC for now, but after seeing how much interest this contest has generated, OKWC II is a big possibility. And we have a pretty damn good hockey guy in The Dan.
MustardMan, Media Empire, I like the sound of that. Makes me feel a bit like Steinbrenner, but oh well. Thanks for the props. These guys and gal deserve it.
John, aka "rivjo," we are going to do this right and kick some serious tail. I'm extremely proud to have you on my team. Love your "team player" attitude and the skill set you bring to the table as a writer. Let's get into the kitchen and start cooking. Congrats again!
wow, i'm devastated. i missed the whole process. i guess i should keep my head up more often. good luck with your venture. lemme know if you need a super villain.
I get the corner office! I take two hour lunches. And I am going to need my company Blackberry shipped to me overnight. I really look forward to being part of such a great team! I have a lot of respect for every single one of these writers. And I strongly believe that if we all put our heads together we can move mountains. Thanks a ton for the selection. I only wish that more great talent from this site would be coming with us from the start, and hope that in the near future there will be more opportunity for other writers. Congrats to everyone. I look forward to giving my BEST!
Last edited by Siddhartha on July 20th at 1:19 PM.
Best, maybe you should consider a 11th writer, in Mojambo...apparantly somebody at fox thinks he is a pretty damn good writer, as seen by his place on most intersting blog board. Yes, this is sarcasm for those who don't recognize it.
Well, I guess all I can say is congrats to the lucky 10 that were chosen. You all truly deserve to be up there, and there is no shame is losing to you guys. If AB decides to have an area for comments, or the like, expect to hear a lot from me. AB, I hope you do choose to have a second contest of this sort, I would still love to be involved somehow. I've got four days of the week next year at uni, where I don't have any classes. I'm going to have to find something to do.
Demon, I really tried to bring this to everyone's attention over the course of the week. We might need a villian at some point, though. Keep your eyes open for OKWC II!
Norcal, I like Regis, but I think I'll roll with game show host Chuck Barris instead. Confessions of a Dangerous Mind is a whole lot cooler than being a coach jockey with Kelly Ripa and using lifelines. Thanks, though.
Prima donna! Just kidding, Sidd, ecstatic to have you onboard. I not only think that we can move mountains, I think we can "chop 'em down with the edge of our hands." Pick up all the pieces and make the best damn site this side of FoxSports :)
As for taking more writers with us... I wanted to, I really wanted to. But after brainstorming with my partner and a few respected confidants, I decided that 10, these 10, were right for AbsoluteBestNews.com right now.
ricko and RamPride, can't you hear the legions of fans... "We want mo', we want mo', we want mo' Mo-jam-bo!" Even after considering his T.O.-like 'tude, it looks like I might have to add him to the list. He's just that good.
NeoAC, there are no losers in this contest. Everyone that submitted impressed me on one level or another. Unfortunately, I had to cut it off somewhere and decided on 10. As for the comments section, I definitely plan on having that be part of our site. I always thought that it would be great to be able to leave comments for Marc Stein or Rick Reilly. This isn't quite that, but it's the best I can do. Thanks for the support.
Adam Best is a filmmaker and sportswriter who resides in Miami. He and his brother Zach have their own Kansas City Chiefs blogsite -- Arrowhead Addict.com. Best also covers the Miami Dolphins and NFL for Real Football 365.com. He was one of 16 finalists on Fox Sports.com's Next Great Sportswriter II contest.
