Pest control has, it would seem, returned. Except that, on this occasion, nobody from outside the breakfast club is allowed to pass comment. Which is outrageous. And it's precisely because we've not been initiated that we're outraged.
Poor old Chris. You'd think that living with Bill Hartston's family for a year must qualify one for the breakfast club, wouldn't you? But no. Chris has now upped sticks in protest and is at such a low ebb that he's living with non-chess players. I share a fridge with three titled players but, again, radio silence has prevailed. Hear that, Steve? A fridge! All the eggs and bacon you want. We might be running low on foie gras though.
For a man who is only too delighted to disgorge his chess address book in his publications, the lack of even a courtesy phone call from Steve over the past 13 months has been very disappointing. He's obviously losing touch with who the top people really are. And in more than one way too. Even Joey Stewart has a higher ECF grade than Steve and he's dead!
Come back to us, Steve! Let us once again tell you how wonderful we think you are. It's only fair.
It's a shame really, because the 'moves we would all like to play' feature is actually very good and worthy of comment and discussion.
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame really cos I have no idea what you're rambling on about?!?
ReplyDeleteHello Mr. Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteWe merely believe it's not in the journalistic spirit that only Mr. Giddins' friends - i.e. people who aren't going to criticise him - are allowed to contact him with regards to his writing. If you're preaching to the converted, you might as well go home.
I fully believe his account of receiving many unpleasant comments on his previous blog, but that's no reason to throw your toys out of the pram. As he's a prolific and experienced chess journalist and author, I would have expected him to show more integrity.
His referral to his detractors as 'termites' is where the pest control references emanate from. What the wealthier members of the chess community eat for breakfast is up to them, but I see no reason to include it in any report, especially not in such a self-indulgent manner. The main bulk of his reports and features are more often than not entertaining and worthy, but I think a lot of people are put off continuing by what sometimes precedes it.
We've attempted to subvert the issue by 'wanting in' to the Breakfast Club. That's just us being daft.
Thank you for exercising your right to criticise.
RTK
Yo Phil dude. Wasn't criticising, just bemused. And who says I'm a Mr?
ReplyDeleteAlright, Alex Anonymous?
ReplyDeleteI wasn't having a go with the final line of my last comment. By all means, let rip. It's healthy.