An Open Letter To Jay (Jayski) Adamczyk

by Diecast Dude on Feb 8, 2008 3:56 AM EST in News

Dear Jay:

A pop quiz for you. Name two common characteristics among the following:

Shaquille O'Neal
Peyton Manning
Kasey Kahne

The above are but a small fraction of sport's leading lights. And they are all clients of Sports Media Challenge (http://www.sportsmediachallenge.com). In other words, when you're talking about SMC you're talking heavy hitter. The kind of company that isn't about to throw any anything out there. (If you're interested, a more complete list of SMC clients is available here.)

SMC has developed an online tool called Buzz Manager. In their words, it "constantly searches the internet for information about your organization or specific individual subjects. It measures and analyzes the 'Buzz,' and then accurately presents the results in time saving, easy-to-use reports. Your Buzz Manager consultant can even proactively engage conversations to protect your brand before rumors spread. Buzz Machine automatically provides critical information about 'the buzz' on the web, everyday. Information is updated constantly and at your fingertips 24/7." In short, like the company that created it Buzz Manager isn't about feelings or favorites or hunches. It deals with facts and presents them just as they are.

Now, a couple of days ago SMC made an addition to its Sports Blogs Index. Again quoting them:

The Sports Blog Index is Sports Media Challenge's ranking of the top sports blogs on the internet. These sites are not necessarily the most visited sites on the internet, though traffic is a factor. Each SBI blog is rated on three main criteria: Influence, Community and Relevance. It is important to note that the Index is not a completely objective or subjective measurement. Each blog is ranked on a variety of quantitative measurements before Sports Media Challenge analysts adjust for qualitative factors.

An overview of the three main criteria:

Influence
The influence is a measure of a blog's overall impact within the blogosphere. This is primarily based on a blog's incoming and outgoing links. In particular, the SBI looks to measure links on the main area of a page as opposed to links within a page's blogroll or sidebar. While blogrolls are useful for a new site to gain exposure or for an established site to point out blogs that are notable, they are not a particularly good measure of what blogs are truly producing "linkable" content.

Community
A blog's community is a large part of the SBI measurement. While page views and visits are a good indicator of the size of the community, neither is a good indicator of how active a community is. The community measurement takes into account web traffic as well as comments, unique commentators, and response rates along with several other factors.

Relevance
The final criterion is primarily an analysis of the blog's actual relevance. The open ended nature of blogs provides for great content, but often the subject matter on any one blog my range beyond its stated or implicit subject matter. In addition to a check of relevant content, this includes a check of the ensuing discussion. While a community may be active, if the discussions are continually off topic, then it is reflected in the ranking.

The addition I'm referring to is a list of the top ten NASCAR blogs. In order, they are:

The Daly Planet (http://dalyplanet.blogspot.com)
From the Marbles (http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/blog/nascar_marbles)
One Bad Wheel (http://www.onebadwheel.com/blog/)
Bench Racing with Steve and Charlie (http://benchracing.onpitrow.com/)
Restrictor Plate This (http://www.restrictorplatethis.com/)
Answer This... (http://drinkthis.typepad.com/answer_this/)
NASCAR Ranting and Raving (http://4ever3canadianeh.blogspot.com/)
Kathy's Pit Stop (http://blogs.thatsracin.com/kathyspitstop/)
Life in the Turn Lane (http://turn-lane.blogspot.com/)
Full Throttle (http://cranialcavity.net/fullthrottle/wp/index.php)

Let's take a look at those ranked two through ten, shall we?

From The Marbles -- Primary writers are Bob Margolis, respected and oft-referenced traditional media writer; and Darren Fauth, a skilled and knowledgeable new media writer from One Bad Wheel.

One Bad Wheel -- Speaking of OBW, along with the aforementioned Mr. Fauth the site features James J., who is also skilled and knowledgeable. A must read site.

Bench Racing with Steve and Charlie -- The online home of Steve Wronkowicz and Charlie Turner's On Pit Road weekly radio show which routinely features top-level guests such as Jeff Hammond, Larry McReynolds, Rusty Wallace, Boris Said... you get the picture. The blog equals the radio show for information, observation, and lively, educated opinion.

Restrictor Plate This -- Yes, that's me. Been blogging about NASCAR since 2003, first as an independent and since April of last year as part of SportsBlog Nation. Accepted as accredited media by major -- and I do mean major -- racing leagues. Praised in print by members of the traditional media. Conducted interviews with the likes of Ellen Siska, David Poole, and Lee Spencer. This isn't your stereotypical written while wearing pajamas blog.

Answer This -- Love her or loathe her, you never ignore her (Tall Glass of Milk) as she digs deep into the salacious side of NASCAR.

NASCAR Ranting and Raving -- The great NASCAR blog from the Great White North. 4ever3 knows his stuff and writes from both head and heart. A must-visit for all, especially fans of Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Kathy's Pit Stop -- She mentions the facts, asks people what they think, and then kicks back as the liveliest comments section in the NASCAR blogging world kicks into high gear and occasionally high umbrage.

Life in the Turn Lane -- Two words: David Poole. 'Nuff said.

Full Throttle -- Marc fuses pointed wit and an encyclopedic knowledge of most every racing league there is into a blog the wise check early and often.

Now, in addition to their vitality and importance, proved not on the basis of opinion or personal taste but rather on solid research by a leading edge company that plays only with the big boys, what do these blogs have in common?

You ignoring them.

Oh, The Daly Planet you link to daily, which given how Daly's stock in trade is grousing about most everything ESPN does in regard to NASCAR must endear you to those folk in Bristol who gave you a boatload of money so they could incorporate your site into their online presence. However, that's beside the point. The point is your flying in the face of reality by in part or whole neglecting to list all of the blogs demonstrated to be leading the way in terms of content, relevance, and importance. I'm curious as to why this is.

Obviously I can't speak for the other blogs on the list. I speak solely for myself. RPT's purpose is to inform and entertain while creating a spirit of community where fans of all drivers feel welcome. Based on fact, not feelings, apparently I'm doing fairly well at this. Equally apparent is how the other nine blogs on SMC's list are doing their job, and doing it well. Yet you continue to focus on only one member of the list. Why?

The choice is yours. You can either accept the truth and acknowledge reality by adding all of the entries made in all of the blogs being discussed here to your Articles/Columns/Story Links page on a daily basis. Or, you can continue to mention solely those blogs and sites that routinely give you an online tongue bath via dripping praise for you at every possible opportunity. Regardless of which way you choose to go, each speaks volumes about you professionally and personally. Your call as to which volume it will be.

We'll be waiting.

Don't forget the "Diary For Dale" contest running throughout the month of February! You can win one of two 2008 Dale Jr. diecast cars! Click here for more information!

0 recs | Comment 27 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Well said

You had me at "pop quiz". True to your word as always. I'm not sure if I will email Jay now or not. Anything that I write is going to look pretty lame next to that. I wouldn't want to blow your premise. Thanks for the good work.

Bench Racin' Charlie

by Charlie Turner on Feb 8, 2008 1:43 PM EST 0 recs

Did you catch...

... his response (http://jayski.com/pages/stories.htm)? It's pretty much what you'd expect.

by Diecast Dude on Feb 8, 2008 2:20 PM EST up 0 recs

I'd write him anyway...

... and ask him what's the deal. He's got the link; he's got your credentials. He has no excuse.

by Diecast Dude on Feb 8, 2008 2:21 PM EST up 0 recs

Speaking of stereotypical

How do you like my new Lightning McQueen jammies? Just the thing for bloviating, ruminating, and comfortably lounging around while wasting time blogging.

"Obviously I can't speak for the other blogs on the list."

Yes you can, and a fine job you've done too.

Signed: The Half-Vast Staff of Full Throttle.

by Marc on Feb 8, 2008 1:50 PM EST 0 recs

Hmm...

http://disneyshopping.go.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/DSIProductDisplay?catalogId=10002&storeId =10051&productId=1220933&langId=-1&categoryId=15002

Aren't they kinda small for you?

You read his response, right? Didn't know spelling out facts constituted bullying. Ah well.

by Diecast Dude on Feb 8, 2008 2:27 PM EST 0 recs

Spelling out Facts?

Or simply spelling words correctly? </cheapshot>

by mike on Feb 8, 2008 2:55 PM EST up 0 recs

Yeah, I just read it

But don't you know... that IS the stereotypical response in some quarters of the racing blogosphere (including someone on the list). Point out facts and you're inhibiting others from talking.

Point out the lunacy in that thinking then your called a "bully."

I did note he linked to a piece I put up in the last few hours on that page. That's a surprise, 'cause the way Wordpress works it normally alerts me to any linked-to articles from FT. This is the first time he's done so I believe although WP isn't perfect, but it did show up as linked by him on my WP "dashboard."

IF WP didn't miss any previous links, it seems to show he picked up on the article by noting this "open letter" than looking at my site.

You gotta love this Jayski quote at the top of that page: "I am not here to help sites get their hits and page views, I am here to post what I think readers will like and what I like, no more, no less"

And what if his readers desire to learn about the top rated blogs? And rated not be themselves but a highly respectable outside and completely independent source.

Guess it's not important.

But it is important to note your open letter and proceed to whine and cry about it.

by Marc on Feb 8, 2008 3:12 PM EST 0 recs

Jayski whines?

Well what is this? You sound like the Democrat begrudging the Republican for their hard work while you maintain an incoherent perception that someone is the cause for your inability to get ahead when it is actually due to your own lack of intestinal fortitude and creativity.

No one owes you nor anyone else anything. Keep working and improve your product if you want it to grow and stop blaming others for their success and your lack thereof.

by MariettaDawg on Feb 8, 2008 8:12 PM EST 0 recs

Um actually MariettaDawg...

All those blogs on the list, except The Daly Planet, have gotten ahead just fine without Jayski linking to them. Why, perchance, do you think they made that list?

All any of them are asking is for Jayski to realize their work is as viable, valid and noteworthy as anything else he links and to stop exlcuding their work because they are bloggers. Usually, their work is much more valid and a helluva lot better than some of the garbage Jayski does link and, yet, he continues to ignore them.

by Bobbleheaded on Feb 8, 2008 9:11 PM EST 0 recs

MariettaDawg, no you DIDN'T!

Please spare me.

First, have a look at the jayski page linked to above.

First note at the bottom the line that reads: "I do not to link to fan/personal blog sites/pages"

Now scroll up a ways and you will in fact see a couple blogs listed, with links. So in essence he can't follow the rules he sets for himself.

Secondly his main stock in trade is to link any and everything dealing with NASCAR. (to hell with validity, he'll publish 20 corrections later)

One with a modicum of common sense, not to mention a bit of honesty, would soon realize a press release from Sports Media Challenge is newsworthy.

Not just because 10 blogs are listed, because the highly rated ones are FINALLY being recognized for existing, let alone offering something more than the hate filled, sycophantic nonsense that fills most of the fan forums.

So yes, jayski is whining, too bad get over it. Frankly whatever ESPN paid to buy him off could have just as easily been spent, at cheaper I might add, giving a weekly raise to Bristol's underpaid secretary's and assign her/him the job of skimming the news wires daily and publishing the results on ESPN's home page.

That's ALL he does. And all he's worth.

by Marc on Feb 8, 2008 9:45 PM EST 0 recs

in reality....

this site is whining that it has not been recognized by one individual as an important site while others' sites have? This is an even worse argument than the one previously posed. The only reason anyone here cares about what Jayski has to say (or post as the case may be) is that he is more successful with his site than anyone else. Would you care if I did not link this site or any of the others from the top ten list on my research methods blog? I don't think so.

Focus on making this one better (not that this is a bad site at all) and quit blaming others.

by MariettaDawg on Feb 8, 2008 10:00 PM EST 0 recs

quit blaming others?:

First of all, and very frankly speaking, you're clueless.

None on that list of ten needs Jayski or anyone else's notice. The vast majority have received and continue to receive accolades that far exceed any Jayski can hand out.

You claim he's more successful than "anyone else." By what criteria? Page hits (and note he proudly displays that at the bottom of his page.)

Here's a clue for ya... I or anyone can post "Paris Hilton" or Danica in a posts title and get deluged with goggle hits that far exceed his daily hits.

Is he more successful for being bought by ESPN? Well, what the hell, everyone has a price. And the price he extracted far exceeds what is offered.

As stated previously, he offers nothing anyone with a web browser and rudimentary knowledge of how Goggle works can't reproduce.

But don't let reality invade your thought process, the shock might send you into apoplectic rage.

by Marc on Feb 8, 2008 11:11 PM EST up 0 recs

And BTW

Take a good look at the left sidebar, does that look like a blog that needs any extra attention from Jayski?

All anyone is asking is for an honest response from Jayski how he can ignore a press release from a VERY important media source within the sporting community.

Nothing more, nothing less.

by Marc on Feb 8, 2008 11:18 PM EST up 0 recs

MD...

Why would they care if you didn't link to this site or any of the others on your research methods blog? What does a research methods blog have to do with NASCAR blogs?

Now, back to the topic at hand, doesn't it strike you as odd that most of the best NASCAR blogs (let's say eight of the ten on that list) aren't being linked by the guy that's made his living linking to other NASCAR content?

by Bobbleheaded on Feb 8, 2008 11:00 PM EST 0 recs

Bobblehead...

Please, factual arguments obviously fails to make an impression.

by Marc on Feb 8, 2008 11:13 PM EST 0 recs

tell me...

if he and his site are so inconsequential, then why are you so irritated that he does not link this and the other sites from his site?

by MariettaDawg on Feb 8, 2008 11:22 PM EST 0 recs

Again

for the terminally think in the skull, I or I suspect the majoriy of people could care less who he links to.

Go back and read the initial posting. THE complaint is Jayski's only reason for being is to link to NASCAR related stories. Period. ESPN pays him to do nothing else.

IF you think it's acceptable to NOT post a press release from a highly respected media outlet with such a long and esteemed list of clients (including his own "boss" ESPN) for the very first time adds NASCAR related news to its list of coverage there is no hope for you ever seeing the point.

Additionally, at a time when a major media group (Tribune Co.) has cut it's coverage of NASCAR to concentrate on "local sports" someone of Jayski's stature within NASCAR's media "bubble" should WANT to note the added coverage by SMC.

But he apparently could care less. And THAT is the point that you nor Jayski have a clue about.

by Marc on Feb 9, 2008 4:21 AM EST up 0 recs

amusing...

just how personally you are taking this. the snide insults are actually flattering.

at least now you admit that Jayski's site is one of high stature. he did that all on his own and was linking daly planet before espn bought his site. he chose what he liked and linked it because it was his site. he still has this freedom because he built his site and it was successful before it was bought. he never was and i doubt will ever be the tool of any other media outlet and is not going to post something just to post it or even because you or anyone else thinks he should. so what if he does not post a release about a top ten list? if he did not do it its because he did not think his readers would care. i think even you would admit that his sense of what his readers want is dead on.

the only reason anyone cares is because he is on the top of the heap and its easier to get a leg up by trying to tear someone else down instead of improving your own product. you make this site look bad for the crybaby attitude. this is a good site so move it forward instead of holding it back.

by MariettaDawg on Feb 9, 2008 11:06 AM EST up 0 recs

My dear MD:

There are various phrases currently favored in the blogosphere describing different tactics used in (ahem) "debates" over any given topic. One is 'strawman,' defined as a debater wishing to divert attention from any flaws in their position by setting up and then attacking a third party. A variant of this is ad hominem in which the other person/persons in the debate are directly attacked rather than the debate's actual topic being addressing or ones own position being defending.

In your case, you're doing both.

Trying to insist the issue is one blogger whining about not being linked to by Jayski completely sidesteps the actual issue. Did you not read the post? The issue is Jayski routinely or completely ignoring all of the blogs save one listed by a major, respected sports marketing company as having both value and importance in today's online world. That is the issue. Nothing else. Continuing to tackle the strawman of your creation by clinging to your 'whining' argument is a weak exercise in attempted diversionary tactics. If you cannot address the actual issue, your argument is both irrelevant and invalid.

You also constantly move the goalposts by ignoring addition facts laid out before you. Marc pointing out how Jayski ignores his own posted edict about not linking to blogs by routinely linking to the Daly Planet, which in turn wasts no opportunity to publicly suck up to Jayski while the other blogs do not? (/crickets) The demonstrated fact that this and the other blogs on the list except the Daly Planet have succeeded quite nicely on their own without any help from Jayski? (/crickets) The inability or unwillingness of Jayski to acknowledge these sites? (/crickets)

No, my dear, I am not envious or jealous of Jayski. None of us are. For one thing, we all know how to write, with spellchecking and everything. Also, we offer genuine content as opposed to cutting and pasting snippets from the work of others. Finally, we enjoy one thing from traditional media Jayski can and will never enjoy: respect for our work; references available should you care to pursue the matter. Which may explain why he can't stand us and pimps the Daly Planet, since Daly's entire shtick is kvetching about traditional media.

Thanks for playing, but next time try actually reading the rules before entering the game.

by Diecast Dude on Feb 9, 2008 1:54 PM EST up 0 recs

Thanks for the Philosophy 101 lecture.

I actually aced that one many years ago.

In any case, i go back to a previous question. If Jayski lacks such respect, then why do you care if he mentions "the list" or not?

You are the one not making sense. On the one hand you belittle him yet on the other you pine for his acceptance. There is more than a bit of hypocrisy here.

by MariettaDawg on Feb 9, 2008 2:10 PM EST up 0 recs

How deliberately oblivious to reality are you?

Despite Jayski's "my site -- my rules -- me me me" protestations, the position he holds as a transmitter of news dictates doing just that. If he wants to run a personal site, then he can say "this is a personal site" and be done with it. The very fact he accepts payment from ESPN belies any assertion his site is a personal one. Jayski is a highly visible and visited part of the online conversation and information about NASCAR. Whether the site is respected or not is immaterial to the point at hand. It is what it is. Therefore, it bears the responsibility to conduct itself in an appropriate manner, that being a news site.

ESPN is a news organization. By dint of affiliation, and by it's own statement at the top of the page ("NASCAR News, Rumors, Info and Stats / A portal to the world of Internet NASCAR info. . .") Jayski is a news site. Jayski's words, not mine.

Genuine news sites have the responsibility to -- now listen carefully -- report the news. Genuine news sites -- listen once more if you can -- gather information and present it without bias or filtering designed to slant what is presented toward reflecting the personal view or views of those either part of or connected to the site. This is what is being requested of Jayski. Nothing more, nothing less.

You have already been told the original open letter that started this dialog stated Jayski should run links to all the blogs listed by a major, respected sports marketing organization, this list generated by fact-based research and not personal opinion, due to their fact-based level of importance in the online world. This was stated in the original post, and has been directly reiterated to you. Yet you continue to argue this is somehow a personal matter. You have already been told directly this is not a personal matter. It is an issue of Jayski failing to fulfill his obligation to provide the service his own words state Jayski.com to be.

I do not pine for acceptance by Jayski. I could care less about acceptance by Jayski. I don't need acceptance by Jayski. I, along with every other blogger on SMC's list, am a success with or without Jayski. Does this make sense to you? This has already been directly stated to you, yet you continue to insists it is not so.

I am not responsible for your unwillingness to accept truth. As it has become quite apparent you are here only to continuously repeat the same arguments no matter how often they are refuted, as noted elsewhere in these comments this conversation is over. I have other things to do beside waste time on the self-satisfied whose satisfaction is based on willful ignorance of the truth.

by Diecast Dude on Feb 9, 2008 4:54 PM EST up 0 recs

Strawman tactic?

The hell you say.

I passed on pointing out the obvious. It's plain it would sail over the head and land somewhere in a forum from where MD in all probability normally resides.

MD, now that the author/proud owner of this site has clearly laid out the rules, can we move along now?

by Marc on Feb 9, 2008 2:22 PM EST up 0 recs

MD

Yadda...yadda...yadda.... and etc.

And BTW, saying Jayski holds "stature" within the NASCAR media bubble isn't the same as your take on the statement. ("admit that Jayski's site is one of high stature)

His "stature" is directly related to his paycheck signed by ESPN. Their are hundreds of sources, some paid some not, that are far superior than anything Jayski has ever produced.

BTW, explain what jayski does that even you, or any 14 year old junior high school fan couldn't do as well?

by Marc on Feb 9, 2008 2:10 PM EST 0 recs

No doubt what he does is simplistic....

by some standards. But you know what....he did it first, he still does it better than most, and he was/is paid very well for it. I also understand that there are such people that begrudge people like him for his hard work and the just rewards he has earned.

by MariettaDawg on Feb 9, 2008 2:15 PM EST up 0 recs

What hard work?

What would that be?

Checking his email everyday for links to stories sent to him. (or his assistant Mark Garrow BTW)

Or using the fantabulous thing called Google and pulling up all the NASCAR related stories every few hours and reposting them? (sometimes vastly in error and have to be amended within minutes because he does ZERO fact checking)

So tell me, just what does he do a 14 year old can't do? (And sorry getting paid by ESPN doesn't count)

by Marc on Feb 9, 2008 2:28 PM EST up 0 recs

Thanks....

for proving my point.

Y'all enjoy. I'm going to watch the ARCA race then off to a charity event. For what it's worth, I am glad to have found this and the other sites. I agree that they are great sites that have evolved their craft through hard work. Keep it up.

by MariettaDawg on Feb 9, 2008 3:29 PM EST 0 recs