An open letter to Mark Cuban
My name is Andrew Kamenetzky. Along with my brother Brian, I cover the Lakers for the Los Angeles Times' Lakers Blog. The work we do complements our paper's beat writer and columnists. In some ways, we bridge the two parties, combining a style similar to the latter with a goal of spending as much time around the team as the former. We attend and cover practice whenever possible. We attend every home game, doing extensive pre/in/post-game reports. We occasionally go on the road (I'm actually planning on being in Dallas a week from today for their game against the Mavericks). We've covered the Lakers since 2006 and through a combination of hard work, creativity and professionalism, have garnered ourselves a loyal, intelligent readership. I would also imagine we're not the only bloggers who've found similar success with a newspaper.
Because of this, I must say your decision to ban any writers with the word "blog" attached from the Mavs locker room is nothing short of a slap in the face. Not simply because it makes any work we'd do that much harder, but because the explanation provided on your own blog (irony alert!) doesn't even do us the respect of creating a plausible rationale. Your locker room is too small to house a few more writers? That's really what you're running with? A premium on elbow room? If things start getting really crowded come playoff time, will you demand that scribes lose a few pounds or find their credential yanked?
(By the way, I've been in your locker room. Not particularly small, by any means. And if you're looking to prove this weak point by linking a photo into your essay, you should have selected one with people actually clogging up the works. In your pic, the area looks sort of... well... big. Just a suggestion.)
The explanations you provide in backing your case are equally flimsy. For example, to say that ESPN's Marc Stein can write a blog, but escape "blogger" classification because of his reports on ESPN.com or ESPN's airwaves is not only a leap in logic, but actually undercuts your blog-banning premise. Stein's credibility doesn't come from whatever medium employed, but his employer. Are you telling me that if Stein wrote formal features for a low-profile website, then dropped by Wayne and Garth's pad to do his TV broadcast, he'd be treated the same way? I seriously doubt it. Stein is (and should be) issued a credential because he's with "The Four Letter Network" and they have credibility. As does a newspaper such as the Los Angeles Times. I'd say we've pretty much reached "on the map" status. As such, a certain amount of respect is expected. And in every case but yours, accorded.
Which brings me to my next point. Your theory that it's unfair to penalize certain bloggers because they're not backed by a paper is absurd. That's literally the job of your media relations department. They receive credential requests and evaluate their legitimacy. And I'm willing to bet a substantial sum (by my standards, at least) that they occasionally deny someone access, likely because the outlet they represent doesn't have enough clout, a scenario that goes beyond the cyberworld. I guarantee there's been a time when favor was granted to a writer from Sports Illustrated, but denied to a writer from Mom and Pop's Basketball leaflet. And guess what? That's exactly the way it should be, whether you're talking TV, newspapers, magazines, Internet, etc. Certain people have business brewing in the locker room, while others may desire that access, but either don't need it or haven't earned it. And at the risk of sounding like a snob, I should be in the Dallas' locker room and a guy who created an absolutely killer Mavericks blog in his spare time shouldn't. Why? Because this is my job and that's his hobby.
I can also put it to you in a way that paraphrases your own logic. "A blogger isn't a blogger isn't a blogger."
In making this dubious decision, you'll inevitably end up granting better access to various "non-blog" reporters who spend less time around the NBA (much less a specific team) than somebody in the trenches that happens to go by a certain title. By focusing on the semantics of "blog" and not actually bothering to evaluate content and context (one phone call to the Times would assure you that we're indeed held to strict standards, which is far closer to the norm than exception), you're punishing an entire group of writers with generalizations. Not to mention undercutting your own credibility.
I'm sorry, but this decision is miles beyond "curious." I can believe it's vindictive, considering this issue just "happened" to strike you as pressing right around the time you booted the Dallas Morning News' Tim MacMahon from these apparently tight quarters. It's rather coincidental that MacMahon has blogged about a team you own in your city's largest paper since 2006, but the day you learned of his existence "happened" to coincide with the day he wrote a post critical of Avery Johnson sitting Jason Kidd-- and doubting the honesty of your thoughts on the matter-- down the stretch of a 97-94 loss to the Spurs. I can also believe that you're looking to distract from the fact that the Mavs are an unimpressive 6-5 since acquiring Jason Kidd. I can also believe this is simply you craving a little spotlight. What I can't believe, however, is that a man who made a fortune through the Internet and can legitimately pride himself on an innovative nature is unable to distinguish between what I do as employment and a fan blogging in his basement. I ask that you please stop insulting my intelligence by claiming otherwise.
Like I said, I'll be in town for the Lakers-Mavs game. If you take exception to my thoughts, I'd be happy to discuss the matter with you in person. We can meet in front of the visitor's locker room. Or in the media room. Or the area where I'm seated for the game (which I'm now concerned might be up in the nosebleeds). Or your office. Or a particularly cozy AAC parking lot. Anywhere that's not inside the Mavs locker room works fine with me.
Thanks for your time,
Andrew Kamenetzky
Wow this totally took out my anticipation for the game...
Posted by: Charles | March 11, 2008 at 03:59 PM
fuh-het about cuban. lake show needs to play D and rebound tonight against the raptors!
Posted by: xtro | March 11, 2008 at 04:00 PM
AK/BK
I just had a chance to review my tape of the Kings game. Are there any grumblings in the locker room about Martin throwing Sasha down and Udrih running over him? Sascha made no effort to foul him and the referee closest just called foul on him and none on Martin. It is one more example of how bad the officiating was in that game.
If the Lakers do nothing it will happen again.
Posted by: LakerNorth | March 11, 2008 at 04:01 PM
http://tinyurl.com/34moao
http://tinyurl.com/2yrgct
Posted by: Charles | March 11, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Dropping in to fire up fellow Lakers fans for the game tonight against the Raptors!!! Lakers all day, everyday!!! Keep the faith Laker fanantics!!! Catch you later everyone, go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 11, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Who cares about Cuban and his anti-blog stance
Lets talk about the Lakers
They will win tonight becuz the Raptors really suck and are injured
THEN THEY WILL LOSE 3 OUT OF THE NEXT 4
WHY?
BECAUSE THEY ARE PLAYONG QUALITY TEAMS ON THE ROAD
GET READDY FOR US TROLLS DURING AND AFTER THE ROAD TRIP
THE LAKERS WILL BE EXPOSED
Posted by: Troll Man | March 11, 2008 at 04:04 PM
LakerNorth-
Not really, though after the game guys really hadn't had a chance to actually see the play. But I can tell you in the other room, they were killing Sasha for being a flopper. Honestly, my interpretation is that Martin likely pushed off to try and create space for the jumper, but that Sasha also took the opportunity- at a relatively inopportune time- to try and draw an offensive foul. He didn't see the play behind him, and ended up getting trampled.
The contact, in my mind, wasn't that bad, and certainly nothing you'd expect to have called at that point of the game.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | March 11, 2008 at 04:06 PM
I predict the Lakers to lose today.
Posted by: never | March 11, 2008 at 04:07 PM
Sorry about the second link guys!!!
Posted by: Charles | March 11, 2008 at 04:08 PM
AK = AWESOME!
You go K-Bro's!
If he responds - tell him we are ready to rumble in big D - he can pick the parking lot.
Hopefully, in another two weeks he will have to personally invite all the "respected" bloggers because there won't be enough media covering his lame choke-worthy team.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: psychedlakergirl | March 11, 2008 at 04:09 PM
Troll Man,
Which team do you root for?
Posted by: Charles | March 11, 2008 at 04:09 PM
zen,
The thing is he does have space because the same way every writer isn't granted a press pass is the same way bloggers should be dealt with. I write for my college paper and if I applied for a press pass I'd be laughed at. This is the same way bloggers should be dealt with. You've got to make these decisions the same way you do with traditional writers.
Being a blogger doesn't mean you're not a journalist and you're not professional. The idea that all bloggers are created equal is absurd.
Posted by: Xodus | March 11, 2008 at 04:11 PM
never turn on the DVR
Posted by: toad | March 11, 2008 at 04:14 PM
MARK CUBAN IS THE ANTI-CHRIST!!! LOOK AT HIS FACE AND HIS EYES. HE CAN CONTROL THE REFEREES AT HOME
Posted by: Botsoy | March 11, 2008 at 04:15 PM
Charles,
Loved the links.
We've got to get Andrew some Dit Da Jow, pronto!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 11, 2008 at 04:15 PM
Never - thanks man! We're sure to win now!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | March 11, 2008 at 04:16 PM
Posted by: Charles
Troll Man,
Which team do you root for?
*********
the referrees
because they're still throwing games better than anyone
Posted by: Troll Man | March 11, 2008 at 04:19 PM
Troll Man,
Who's your favorite referee?
Posted by: Charles | March 11, 2008 at 04:33 PM
-LakerNorth on "bad" officiating-
"If the Lakers do nothing it will happen again"
If the Lakers do SOMETHING, it will happen again, to both sides. Get over it.
I'm gonna buy Never-Never Land, marry Janet, live in the treehouse and make babies.
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | March 11, 2008 at 04:38 PM
AK/BK,
Will Bynum begin running on that futuristic treadmill for sure this week, or is it barring a set back.
I googled a couple photos of the treadmill and the first thing I thought was, to quote Will Smith in Independence Day, "I got to get me one of these." haha.
Posted by: Xodus | March 11, 2008 at 04:39 PM
EVERYONE IN TEXAS HATES CUBAN. DUM*ASS IS HIS OFFICIAL TITLE AND HE REIGNS OVER ALL THAT IF PATHETIC. HE NEEDS TO SELL THE TEAM AND END THE CURSE THAT HE HOLDS OVER THE POOR MAVS.
Posted by: SPURSGURL | March 11, 2008 at 04:40 PM
Greetings Fellas
AK/BK, I have a feeling that Cuban's going to eat crow on that blogger ban. I dare say this LakersBlog has more of a following than most of the beat writers at the LATimes.
Like it or not, the press plays a major part in a team's market value and success. In a 3 NBA team state, start banning an ever expanding blogosphere and you can become the next irrelevant team (ie. Grizzlies, Clippers). I think Mark Cuban's forgotten how bad his team was in the 90s and how nobody cared.
Lakers are a lock to win tonight. I expect at least 50 from Kobe tonight as a revenge for his 1 point 4th quarter last game.
Posted by: Bynumite | March 11, 2008 at 04:41 PM
Xodus,
Bynum is going to begin SPRINTING on that high tech treadmill this week as long as we can get him some primo quality Dit Da Jow and convince him to apply it five times a day!
K Brothers, if you can get Bynum, Ariza, and Mihm some Dit Da Jow, then I'm buying!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 11, 2008 at 04:47 PM
AK;BK I appreciate the hard work and dedication you both put into this blog but I had assumed you were both had credentials to get into any locker room with a media pass. Maybe I dont understand how it all works but I think Cuban makes some good points. The problem is you guys are doing a great job but how would he and the Mavs know that and be able to evaluate every blogger who wants to enter the mavs locker room. Lets say I started a blog tomorrow and went to the game. How should I be evaluated in comparison to you guys or other bloggers and how many bloggers would take the opportunity to get on the "inside".? Kinda seems like a free pass to me.
Posted by: Laker Lover | March 11, 2008 at 04:48 PM
Here is the post of the Blog dictator - Mark Cuban. He sounds like Mike T. LOL!
http://www.blogmaverick.com/
What a great travesty that people like Mark Cuban acquired enormous wealth and becomes power hungry. He got his wealth from suckers in the Wall Street technology mania in the late nineties when he sold Broadcom and now he is the No. 1 digital dissenter of what made him rich. This billionaire is hungry for recognition, one time he wanted to compete with Donad Trump TV show, put up his show but it was cancelled because it was too complicated. Then, Cuban went to Dancing with the Stars, anything that would feed his ego, he would delve into it. He has his billions, owners of Dallas Mavericks but still not satisfied and unsettled with what he has accomplished, he wants more. If you read at the histories of dictators, this is how lofty individuals with demented mind react when they become powerful. They started small and then they rose to power, becomes fidgety, unhappy with little kingdom and their accumulated wealth, so they create chaos to attract news and expand further their domain (power) from: Adolf Hitler, Idi Amin and most recently, Hugo Chavez.
Putting it in another context, AK/BK, Mark Cuban is a sick individual. He needs treatment not confrontation.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 11, 2008 at 04:52 PM
Posted by: Charles
Troll Man,
Who's your favorite referee?
*******
The 3 officiating any Laker game
Posted by: Troll Man | March 11, 2008 at 05:00 PM
Those are some fightin' words, Mr. AK.
Much props and respect to what The K bros do for the Laker fans all over the world.
Cuban just bitter because he knows that his team is not in a position to win a title now or in the future.
Posted by: sixonezero | March 11, 2008 at 05:01 PM
I said old dog.
They thought I said old blog.
Ever since, and always armed with my big fat Cuban Cohiba, I'm seldom denied access to hot and sweaty locker and laundry rooms across the WNBA.
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | March 11, 2008 at 05:02 PM
For someone who has made a fortune, being fortunate, he sure is an A-HOLE. I mean, besides being just that, and a fozzy hole, he is a hypocrite. To have an explanation as to why blog writers are not credible on a blog is ludicrous. Besides Kobe being slighted, this is greats me as heated as anything. Cuban is a fan who got lucky, and I was cool with it for a while, cause I want to be that lucky. But he is just abusing power, that he shouldn't really even have. He is a hack owner, with no class. AK and BK I trully respect what you do, as society dictates we must all have a function. As I am jealous that your function is considerably more fun than mine, I think you two do as terrific of a job as anyone on the times staff, and it is absurd to me that Simers and Plashche are all of a sudden more credible than you. I think from a reader standpoint, you guys leave your egos at the doors, while those other LA times writers are frequently talking about themselves instead of the team. Get a clue Cuban, next time Dallas is in town I am going to heckle Cuban about, Being an A-Hole, a hypocrite, and a disgrace to anyone with good fortune. More power to the two of you, and i vote for AK and BK to become new writers for the LA Times Sports page.
Posted by: Nik Kannan | March 11, 2008 at 05:06 PM
Laker Lover,
If you started a blog you wouldn't be granted a media pass, anyway. At least not until you established that you were thoughtful, accurate and had a large readership. Even that doesn't guarantee that you'll be able to receive credentials to an NBA game. Look at Kurt from the forum blue and gold blog. He's got one of the best Lakers blogs out there and he still doesn't get credentials.
And this still doesn't make all blogs equal, because the only way to do that is by not allowing bloggers to attend games at all, which he isn't doing.
Posted by: Xodus | March 11, 2008 at 05:06 PM
Laker Lover,
Here's the thing...
The K Brothers are writing for one of the largest newspapers in the country.
Their blog has been mentioned on television and gets about 50,000 hits a week and growing.
And they are paid for it.
That makes them professional journalists. Period.
As professional journalists who work for a respected, major newspaper, they have every right to be treated as any other professional journalist.
The K Brothers both publish a hell of a lot of material daily on this blog. They have multiple threads and they respond extensively to a fair share of blogger posts each day.
They are certainly posting a greater number of words each week than say... T.J. Simers. I would estimate each of them publish at least five times the amout of words of T.J. Simers each week.
And they have a dedicated readership.
There's no way that someone of their caliber should be excluded.
I mean, if it's a blog that gets 100 hits a day, okay, the Mavs probably shouldn't give that person full press credentials.
In this particular case, it's clearly not appropriate.
Mark Cuban is clearly responding this way because he's being egotistically vindictive towards a major Dallas blogger. it's that simple.
Mark Cuban is a creepy, beady-eyed, tool.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 11, 2008 at 05:07 PM
Laker Lover,
The Mavs (along with every pro and college team) have an entire Media Relations staff and their job is to evaluate every credential request. If you started a blog and put in for a credential, they would take the time to decide. My guess is they'd say no, but in any event, they're fully equipped to make these decisions. Plus, 75% of the people getting credentialed are the same folks over and over. They learn who everyone is, so a lot of this isn't terribly complicated.
Xodus raises an excellent example with Kurt and Forumblueandgold.com. That's an outstanding Laker wesbite (I don't even mind praising the competition. haha), but if Xodus is correct that he can't get credentialed (I honestly don't know), it's because they often distinguish by the outlet backing the writer, not the medium itself. And if the outlet has credibility, then the writer likely will, too. I'm not saying Kurt wouldn't deserve a credential. Not even. My point is simply that it's not easy to slip your way in like a free for all, which makes Cuban's argument ridiculous.
Plus, does Cuban actually think that BK and I, Tim MacMahon or whoever are just allowed to write whatever the hell we want while getting a check from a major newspaper? No factual accountability? No language standards? No quality standards of any kind? The Times honestly couldn't care less what we do, they just stamp their name on it? C'mon now. That's absurd.
And Cuban knows this, which is why, like I said, I don't even think HE's buying what he's selling.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | March 11, 2008 at 05:15 PM
Well I for one think Mark Cuban is right!!!!
I laugh at your logic.
Ha Ha Ha!!!!
Posted by: Clark Muban | March 11, 2008 at 05:15 PM
Ak and BK,
Props. Moreso even than juicy Lakers hype, I find a good contemplation of the writing process fascinating. And the (dying? transitioning?) newspaper business is close to my heart.
A meditation on what it means to be a blogger for the LA Times would be fascinating in and of itself, but your simultaneous treatment of that badly-coifed blowhard to a dose of logic-medicine was nice double.
That said, Mark, if you're reading, I would be an excellent choice for Official Mavericks Blogger. I can toe the party line at all times (ask the Kams, I haven't had a SINGLE post deleted here) and criticize Stern all you want and you won't have to deal with the repercussions. Just let me in that locker room. I promise I won't do anything to sabotage the food or equipment when the Lakers come calling in the playoffs.
Posted by: Jesterguru | March 11, 2008 at 05:25 PM
... (a) nice double.
Fricken typos. Am I gonna have to start spell checking my blog posts?
I LOLed at Clark Muban.
Posted by: Jesterguru | March 11, 2008 at 05:40 PM
Charles,
Thanks for the link! I was really startin' to miss seeing Drew do his thing.
--FearlessWhackJob
Posted by: FearlessWhackJob | March 11, 2008 at 05:48 PM
Cuban is a dope. I rather enjoy the fact that Kobe doesn't like him and takes it out on the Mavs whenever we play them.
--FearlessWhackJob
Posted by: FearlessWhackJob | March 11, 2008 at 05:49 PM
I think Cuban just wants to be able to sue an entity with money if they say something libelous(?) or slanderous.
Just tell him that the L.A. Times and T.J. SImers have your backs!
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | March 11, 2008 at 05:53 PM
By the way, Smush Parker has been released by the Heat.
Posted by: The Lake Show | March 11, 2008 at 05:55 PM
AK
Hey..maybe if your done being the hero of writing your highly popular "To whom this may concern open letter"..maybe you can do alil research for me and find out if its true because of the impact of the Rockets streak..and since we place them this weekend (i think).i heard ABC was picking up the game for 3:30et Sun in an attempt to garner more veiwers and cash in. Have you heard anything?
Thx.
Posted by: Lakeraholic | March 11, 2008 at 06:16 PM
AK/BK - you had me at hello.
Everyone,
Have you guys forgotten that "Laker Lover" (i.e Flaker Loser) is a TROLL - he's just trolling for a reply that is already included in AK's letter that he doesn't read, and he does it the same way, "I think you're great BUT...."
Don't waste your breath AK, he just didn't get enough attention as a child.
BTW,
Dit Da Pau for everyone!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
KOBE FOR MVP!!!
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | March 11, 2008 at 06:24 PM
Right on, Kambrothers!! Write on!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | March 11, 2008 at 06:26 PM
It must be sad for Cuban - he's got all the money in the world but he just can't BUY THAT CHAMPIONSHIP NO MATTER HOW HARD HE TRIES.
Just not used to hearing the word "no" I guess when you are used to paying for everything.
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | March 11, 2008 at 06:26 PM
why Kobe doen'st understand bb.His comment yesterday "Ill start to be a little more aggresive here offensively and making teams really have to adjust a little bit more and and commit a little bit more" ...HELLO KOBE>>>>>DEFENSE is the problem not offense....If Kobe is a leader he would ONLY motivate about D right now...It s this kind of comment that will kill the Lakers in the playoffs...It s D not O that will win you games!!!! Question..If Houston finishes with a better record than the Lakers is there any doubt that McGrady is the mvp????
Posted by: neil | March 11, 2008 at 06:45 PM
Jow is good stuff. it works.
Posted by: man | March 11, 2008 at 06:51 PM
Well-reasoned argument AK. I really want to see if Cuban responds to this, and I have to say that I'm surprised by his stance. Seems really odd for someone in his business to be doing.
Posted by: Michael A | March 11, 2008 at 06:56 PM
THE BEST ABOVE-THE-RIM GAME IN THE NBA…
Charles, thanks for the link to the Andrew Bynum YouTube.
Everyone, click on this link to restore your faith: http://tinyurl.com/2yrgct
Even die-hard Andrew Bynum fans like myself have forgotten just how dominant Andrew was playing before he got injured. Andrew has the best above-the-rim game in the NBA. Watching his incredible athleticism, unbelievable footwork, soaring dunks, and stifling blocks on defense, there is no question that Andrew is the NGLC (Next Great Lakers Center) and will someday succeed Kobe Bryant as the Lakers team leader and superstar.
I implore every Laker fan on the blog to click on the link you provided just to remind themselves that despite how great the team has been playing with Pau Gasol at center, they haven’t seen anything yet. Remember that the logo said that the Lakers were the best team in the league BEFORE they traded for Pau Gasol. Remember that Kobe said that the Lakers were a championship contender with Andrew in the starting lineup.
I have personally rooted my beloved Lakers to 11 NBA championships and I have never been as excited about any player as I am about Andrew Bynum, with the exception of Magic Johnson, the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). To have raised the level of his game as he has done where he is already among the 5 best centers in the NBA at age 20 is totally unbelievable. What is this guy going to be like when he is in the prime of his career?
It is not inconceivable that we are watching the baby steps of the greatest center to ever play in the NBA. There is a long way from here to there but there is no doubt whatsoever that Andrew Bynum is going to be the best center in the NBA for many years to come and the anchor for another series of Los Angeles Lakers dynasties. Watch the YouTube, guys, and then you will understand why we need this guy back. He instantly will solve all the problems we have on defense and give us the physicality and toughness to win it all.
Andrew Bynum, the NGLC – the Next Great Lakers Center.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 11, 2008 at 07:04 PM
booo cuban.
I appreciate your work K bros.
Posted by: sambosola | March 11, 2008 at 07:07 PM
AK
Great letter. Poised, well crafted and stinging---wow! I especially loved the face to face possibility. Just so you know I'm voting for the parking lot. hehe. Cuban is a tool. You're blogging and popeye pete's blogging are not even in the same universe. Now if some our loyal posters wanted access....that's a different story.
More power to you brother. Good luck with this one.
Posted by: jandro | March 11, 2008 at 07:10 PM
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-lakers-
bynum&prov=ap&type=lgns
Awesome!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | March 11, 2008 at 07:16 PM