Inside Cable News

February 14, 2008

That’s all folks…

I always knew the day would come when I’d have to pull the plug on ICN. Eventually its demands on my time would interfere enough with my schedule and impact my life so severely that I’d have to scale it back. Scaling it back was not an option. You don’t do less just so you can keep doing it. You don’t cut corners. You don’t resort to posting filler to make up for a lack of quality posts. You don’t do all those things and watch your viewers tune out because your product is going south. You either make the effort to put out a quality product or you quit. Actually, those rules apply to cable news too. I’m looking in your direction MSNBC dayside.

Anyway, I’ve reached that point. I can’t keep ICN going in its current form anymore. If you’d noticed it’s been slipping a bit this week as I floundered to try and “do it all”. That was a wake up call. Time to call it a day. Time to reclaim those five hours a day of of my life that are devoted to doing something I like but which I can’t make a living off of. And then there’s my real job which pays me more than I could probably make blogging.

This was all just supposed to be a part time thing for me anyway. A hobby. I was supposed to be part of a team. Yeah, when we started we sucked. I sucked. But over time I found my footing and started doing something with the blog. Though I’m sure some people still think I suck…

If you had asked any of us when we started whether ICN would be where it is now, we’d have laughed in your face. We were just four cable news viewers who thought it might be fun to have a blog. They got bored. I didn’t. But I never for an instant thought it would get this big. Sure, I had help. Let’s be honest here. If Stelter hadn’t first gone to China and then quit TVNewser, this blog wouldn’t be as widely read as it is now. I still find it mildly amusing that there’s five people working on TVNewser now and I still regularly beat them to articles on the internet, particularly in the morning. And I’m on the wrong coast. That’s one thing I won’t miss…getting up at 5am PST just to do blog rounds.

I guess it just shows that if you have something to say and you say it well, people will read you. I never had the connections TVNewser had. I had a few good sources here and there but I knew I couldn’t compete head to head in the scoop department. Not on the west coast anyways. So that wasn’t where I wanted to stake my claim. I wanted to do it in the analysis area. One of the things that always irked me as a reader about TVNewser, going back to when Brian ran it, was it would post a story that would just scream for some sort of analysis or even just saying the obvious, and it wouldn’t come. That’s something that the print media press is guilty of for that matter.

There are occasional exceptions where a columnist will write a really good piece showing informed insight of a critical nature but by and large it seems to me like the print press spends too much time pulling its punches and not calling BS when it should. Are they too scared of losing access? Hey, the networks need you a hell of a lot more than need them. Grow a pair. If FNC puts Courtney Friel front and center in the face of withering criticism even by hard core FNC viewers, you have to say something. If CNN hires Campbell Brown and puts her in the timeslot and a similar format to the failed Paula Zahn Now, you have to say something. If CNBC crows about its daytime ratings but doesn’t cop to the scratching in primetime, you have to say something. If NBC exiles MSNBC’s best news anchor out to LA where she’s immensly overqualified as a correspondent, you have to say something. Don’t present the story as it was presented to you if you think it’s crap because that does a disservice to the viewer who doesn’t understand what things really mean and how things really work. I know it’s tough to do and I’ve had my own stumbles in that area. But it’s the right call.

I don’t know if I really accomplished anything. I would hope I made sense at least some of the time. I had my moments. There was the time I put out Steve Capus’ verbatim comments regarding the announcement of NBC U 2.0 from an internal Town Hall meeting…and I could just see Stelter muttering to himself as he linked to it, “How the hell did he get that?”…simple…someone sent me the raw video and I transcribed it by hand. There was the time I interviewed the Bin Laden web trawler about not getting a response from CNN after he submitted it to iReport. And of course there was ICN breaking news about NBC News new round of budget cuts, which apparently aren’t done yet.

But this blog was never intended to be an industry blog, at least not by me. This blog was always first and foremost for the TV Viewers. Obviously if you write well and long enough the industry will start reading you anyway but they weren’t who I owed my allegience to. My allegience was to the everyday folks out there who want news and have their favorite talents and network and want to hear about them. This was something that TVNewser also lost when Brian joined Mediabistro. When it was Cable Newser, you’d see Stelter at the usual stomping grounds like TVHeads.com, TVSpy, and other message boards. He was considered one of us back then. But with the switch to TVNewser came a change in direction and all that was lost. I never wanted to lose touch with my roots.

So now I return to private life; a free man if you will. Yes, I’m sure I’ll start jonesing to reach for the computer when something interesting happens on TV. This is like an addiction really. Already this morning I can think of three or four things that should be written about. But like I said, I just don’t have the time. This really isn’t a sudden knee jerk thing. Some people out there know I’ve been talking about this for a while now. I was thinking about it before I went to NYC in November of last year. But I wanted that trip bad. Think about it. I got in to CNN, CNBC, FNC, and MSNBC. Me. A private citizen. Someone not in the industry. A nobody.

I’ll still be around the internet and I’ll leave my email active for now. I’ll pop up on the various boards giving my opinion when I feel like it. But I have to say that even this morning, when I decided to end it today as opposed to waiting for this weekend, I felt a big weight come off my shoulders and was enveloped in a sense of euphoria. That says something about how driven you have to be to do this.

I want to thank all the people at all the networks who have helped me over the years, some more reluctantly than others. All the sites that linked to me and put me in their blogrolls, thanks. All the sites that didn’t, you know who you are and so do I. I want to give special thanks to Scott Jones at FTVLive for being the first blog to note ICN, back before I had even joined.

So long…

Filed under: Cable News - Spud

220 Comments »

TrackBack: http://insidecable.blogsome.com/2008/02/14/thats-all-folks/trackback/

  1. Well this sucks.

    Thank you for the venue while it lasted.

    Comment by daubermaus — February 14, 2008 @ 1:30 pm

  2. Good luck in your next job with Keith Olbermann.

    Comment by Rob — February 14, 2008 @ 1:34 pm

  3. thanks for a couple great years…
    one question;
    who would u reccommend as a replacement?

    Comment by apk — February 14, 2008 @ 1:40 pm

  4. I’ll miss this place but certainly understand your decision. Thanks for providing us this site for so long. It’s been informative, fun and yes a place to raise our blood pressure now and then.:-)

    Comment by myview — February 14, 2008 @ 1:48 pm

  5. thanks for a great a ride. checked you out everyday! I ask the question, too. who would you recommend as a replacement?

    Comment by cas — February 14, 2008 @ 1:50 pm

  6. Spud:

    Would a lot of feedback dissuade you from doing this?

    Comment by William — February 14, 2008 @ 1:52 pm

  7. Thanks Spud! Good luck? OK. Now where do we go? Who’s driving?

    Comment by Kirk — February 14, 2008 @ 1:58 pm

  8. Spud……

    This can’t suck enough, but I think regular readers/posters understand the incredible time & money constraints…and we wish you well….But, if we stroke you up enough, will you cave like a two-dollar suitcase and keep going?

    We’d sure like your recommendations on where we should log on in order to get the most accurate info on cable news….

    Meanwhile, I guess we all have to find a new place to bitch a lot……besides, we were hoping your last post would be “G.E. Pulls Plug On MSNBC”…..

    Comment by Nick D. — February 14, 2008 @ 2:01 pm

  9. awww.. I am going to miss this.. I check it out several times per day

    Comment by Chet — February 14, 2008 @ 2:02 pm

  10. WWWWHHHHAAAAATTTTTTT?!?!?! This has to be an April Fool’s joke! You have no idea how much I love this blog. I probably check it like 20-30 times a day LOL (sad as it may be). This was, by far, the best cable news blog out there IMO — beats TVN by a mile. Plus the fact that you had the comments section really made this site worth visiting — true, I’ve had my fair share of disagreements with some people here but for the most part I’ve enjoyed reading what everyone has to say (whether I agreed with them or not). I especially loved your in-depth analysis you did once in a while on various issues — where else could you have found that?

    I don’t know about you guys, but I think we NEED this blog because it keeps other blogs (especially TVN) in check, and makes them work harder to keep up with you. If you really want to let go, then that’s your choice. But you should know how much myself (and others!) appreciated this blog and your daily efforts. I hope you consider finding a replacement for ICN — would be a shame to see it die completely.

    Comment by THE Anonymous — February 14, 2008 @ 2:04 pm

  11. Spud,

    Thank you for a great site, one that I have regularly read since I discovered it last summer. You have done an amazing job, and you can be proud of your work. I wish you the very best.

    Comment by Mike R — February 14, 2008 @ 2:10 pm

  12. Oh, bummer! My natural impulse is to beg you to reconsider - this is one of my favorite blogs. But I know what it’s like to keep doing something that’s no longer fun/interesting.

    I’d just ask you to consider finding one or more replacements rather than closing the blog entirely?

    Comment by Arthur — February 14, 2008 @ 2:10 pm

  13. Understood Spud. Thanks and Good Luck. In commemoration I have decided to retire from blogging as well and have submitted my final post.

    To the Fox News groupies, I recommend that in the future you leave your sniveling comments on how unfair Olbermann is to mister Bush over at Olbermannwatch.com.

    Comment by elmonica — February 14, 2008 @ 2:11 pm

  14. Spud, can we all know how you truly feel about Olbermann, O’Reilly, FNC, MSNBC and everybody else?

    Comment by randy — February 14, 2008 @ 2:11 pm

  15. Bummer.

    Comment by spiffo — February 14, 2008 @ 2:12 pm

  16. AH SPUD!!!

    So sorry to hear it…But understand…

    Thanks so much …I have appreciated this blog for some time….

    Comment by Wenchie — February 14, 2008 @ 2:15 pm

  17. Spud, Sorry to see you go. Thanks for the help you gave us when we were starting out.

    Comment by Bill G — February 14, 2008 @ 2:24 pm

  18. Spud,
    It has been a pleasure to read. The best of luck to you in your life! Take care,
    Charles

    Comment by Charles — February 14, 2008 @ 2:25 pm

  19. SPUD!!! We will all miss you and thank you. The industry will be less without your views, research, comments and news alerts.
    I know all of us would like to “beg” so that you would stay on, but if you have made your mind up, so be it.
    Maybe subscriptions????? Someone has to be competition of TV Newser - it’s like Nielsen taking over and the industry having one rating service. I know, pipe dream.
    TV Colleague

    Comment by TV Colleague — February 14, 2008 @ 2:33 pm

  20. sad to see you go… good luck with everything. Hope to hear from you often on the MSNBC on MSN board!

    Comment by jman — February 14, 2008 @ 2:38 pm

  21. I hope I can do this job half as well as spud did:

    Twitter.com/cableticker

    Comment by cableticker — February 14, 2008 @ 2:41 pm

  22. I check this thing at least 15 times a day. This is bad for me.

    Comment by SCOTT — February 14, 2008 @ 2:49 pm

  23. Sorry to see you leave. I have been reading your Blog several times per day. It is great. I fully understand that you need a personal life but we are ALL going to miss you and your site. It would be great if someone was able to carry the torch once you leave.
    Good luck.
    Bill

    Comment by Bill — February 14, 2008 @ 2:49 pm

  24. really sad to read your announcement…….but totally understand your reasons. i work at home and check your site several times a day……it’s always a real pick-me-up! other than giving you the keys to fort knox…….if there’s anything else we can do to get you to change your mind, let us all know…….if not….GOOD LUCK and thanks!!!

    Comment by banzai bid — February 14, 2008 @ 2:54 pm

  25. Thanks for providing this forum. Best of luck to you in the future!

    Comment by Jay — February 14, 2008 @ 2:57 pm

  26. Spud, your blog really introduced me to blogging. That’s why I started my own blog. This would be the perfect time for Connie Chung to pop out and sing “Thanks for the Memories.”

    Comment by cornycob — February 14, 2008 @ 3:08 pm

  27. I came late but was always a good place to come will miss
    you. Liz sad.

    Comment by Liz — February 14, 2008 @ 3:16 pm

  28. Well this just about ruined my day. I check your site, Spud, probably 10-15 times daily. This just really sucks! :(

    I wish you well, thank you for all the hard work you put into this site daily/hourly. There isn’t another site out there as well managed, informative, and fair.

    Where do we go now?

    Comment by jerziegrl — February 14, 2008 @ 3:17 pm

  29. Congratulations on getting a personal life, but…
    I am very sorry to see such a quality blog end. I did not always agree with what you said, but I felt your comments were very important to the industry. Your blog was on my must read list every time I signed on to the web.

    I hope you will reconsider or find a means to continue. You are doing an important service — but I wish you greatest success in all your do hereafter.

    Comment by Kayla W — February 14, 2008 @ 3:18 pm

  30. Spud, you will be missed. I’ll also miss the insight provided by Ira, ImNotBlue, Alison, Sarah, Terance, and all the other regulars on this blog.

    It was part of my daily ritual.

    Elmonica, you will not be missed. At all.

    Comment by bigred — February 14, 2008 @ 3:19 pm

  31. Loved the blog. ICN was my entre into media blogging. I found yours first. Sorry to see you go Spud. I didn’t post often but I read nearly every day. Good luck.

    Comment by Mia — February 14, 2008 @ 3:20 pm

  32. This blog is - was - one of my daily visits. Very sad to see it and you go! Good luck, I enjoyed your work and for the most part, all of the comment’s as well.

    Comment by dt — February 14, 2008 @ 3:25 pm

  33. I’m sorry to see you go, Spud. I’ve enjoyed this blog and I will miss it. Good luck to you in the future!

    Comment by Laurel — February 14, 2008 @ 3:27 pm

  34. I started with tvn, but I have liked icn since Brian left. Good luck.

    Comment by chase — February 14, 2008 @ 3:32 pm

  35. Thanks for the great work you’ve putted into this blog & good luck for the future!

    Comment by Jeff — February 14, 2008 @ 3:38 pm

  36. Spud,

    Even though you de-listed OlbermannWatch.com, we’re sorry to see you go. Best of luck.

    Robert Cox
    Managing Editor
    Olbermann Watch
    Voted #1 Keith Olbermann Blog in the World - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

    Comment by Robert Cox — February 14, 2008 @ 3:39 pm

  37. You are the best Spud. Thanks for providing a very professional blog. Hopefully, you can keep it online as a permanent historical archive. You are a class act sir. Good luck with the down time!

    Comment by untitled — February 14, 2008 @ 3:44 pm

  38. I don’t comment much but I read daily. I’ll be sorry to see you go.

    Comment by Holla — February 14, 2008 @ 3:49 pm

  39. Nooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Comment by Lance — February 14, 2008 @ 3:51 pm

  40. Oh, bummer! Good luck to you!

    Comment by Olivia — February 14, 2008 @ 3:54 pm

  41. Good luck, I’ll miss this blog a lot. I’ve blogged before on a semi popular news site and to do so on a regular basis is hard and very time consuming. Most people don’t really realize how much time and energy it takes, especially without getting paid. It would be different if it were a full time job but it’s not. I wish you good luck in the future.

    Comment by LR — February 14, 2008 @ 4:06 pm

  42. Good bye Spud. I loved this blog from the first day I found it. You devoted your time and energy to make this blog a go-to place for a cable news viewer. Good luck on any future endeavors you might delve into and have a good sleep from now on too.

    Sincerely,
    Aaron Lowe

    Comment by Aaron — February 14, 2008 @ 4:08 pm

  43. what a way to ruin my day. sad to see you leave Spud, inside cable news was part of my daily routine. now where am i going to get my cable news fix?

    Comment by bze — February 14, 2008 @ 4:14 pm

  44. I just found your site yesterday and today I find this exit letter. No loss here I guess.

    Comment by Scott — February 14, 2008 @ 4:28 pm

  45. Oh NO! ICN has gotten to be a habit with me. Although I don’t comment much, I read it many times a day. I’m already starting to get withdrawal symptoms.

    Good luck in all your future endeavors, Spud. You performed a great service and will be missed.

    Comment by Grandpa D — February 14, 2008 @ 4:31 pm

  46. Hey Spud, I know how you feel. I once had a job that left me with no time for anything other than work. I quit it a noon one day and the burden lifted from my shoulders was other worldly. I still remember the feeling and that was in the 60’s.
    I have often wondered how you managed to have such a great site and have a life and a job too.
    Best of luck. I will feel a little empty for awhile with no ICN.

    Comment by Judy Stage — February 14, 2008 @ 4:43 pm

  47. Thanks for your efforts. Good luck with your future endeavors.

    SMG

    Comment by SteveMG — February 14, 2008 @ 4:44 pm

  48. Geez… I’ll really miss this all. ICN has been a daily routine for me. I checked it about 10 times a day.

    I want to thank you very much, Spud, for doing such a great job. And I’m wishing you all the best for the future from now on…

    Comment by FOXFan — February 14, 2008 @ 4:47 pm

  49. Noooooooooo! On the upside, I get back at least an hour of my life a day too-I check this blog like I was a crack addict. I’ll miss your fairness and evenhandness with ALL the cable networks and for letting us knew where you stood, when you had an opinion on something. I’ll miss your dedication to keeping us all informed and most of all, I’ll miss the people here at this blog-well, some of them anyway. You’re the only TV news blog that truly does what it says it will, without charging anyone for the privilage and you allowed others input too. Good luck in the future Spud. You WILL BE MISSED, more than you could possibly know. Big hug!

    Comment by Alison — February 14, 2008 @ 4:59 pm

  50. THIS SUCKS! I DEMAND A REFUND! Oh wait, Spud put up with us for a long time. So, for that, thanks a lot Spud and you’ll definitely be missed. :

    Comment by Terance — February 14, 2008 @ 5:05 pm

  51. Hey! My comment got automatically snipped by the spam action. If anyone decides to start a new blog email me caps321 at cfl.rr.com

    Comment by Terance — February 14, 2008 @ 5:07 pm

  52. I checked this blog first thing in the morning and the last thing at night, and countless times in between.
    Though I haven’t commented in the past few weeks,
    I will miss it.

    Comment by Cella — February 14, 2008 @ 5:26 pm

  53. Wait… can’t we talk about this?

    I feel like we’re all getting an, “It’s not you, it’s me” note!

    What am I going to do with my free time now?! I don’t want to have to start commenting over at TVN! That place is a nightmare for actual discussion!

    Okay, what about this… instead of having a frequently updated blog… you give us just a weekly “Hot/Not” blog. That way we’ll still get the top stories… a bit of discussion… and you’ll have more free time! Come on! We can’t quit cold turkey!

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

    Comment by ImNotBlue — February 14, 2008 @ 5:30 pm

  54. Thanks for all the work and a great place to learn about and discuss all things regarding Cable News, Spud.

    Comment by FishOil — February 14, 2008 @ 5:33 pm

  55. Very sorry to see you go - I checked this blog often and really enjoyed it.

    Comment by repperrD — February 14, 2008 @ 5:36 pm

  56. Don’t fret ImNotBlue! Word has it somebody already took advantage of this situation and started a new cable news blog. (very innocent look) Click my name, eh. Translation: I have to read up on blogsome and figure out how to add links in my posts.. it doesn’t seem to work like my regular html in notepad.

    Comment by Terance — February 14, 2008 @ 5:42 pm

  57. Voted #1 Keith Olbermann Blog in the World - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

    Comment by Robert Cox — February 14, 2008 @ 3:39 pm

    Isn’t that kind of like having the biggest house on the cul-de-sac?

    Anyway, sorry to see you go Spud.

    Comment by Shaun — February 14, 2008 @ 5:59 pm

  58. Terrance, It didn’t take my comment. You didn’t ban me already I hope.

    Comment by elmonica — February 14, 2008 @ 6:05 pm

  59. It’s there, elmo… might have taken a moment or two.

    Comment by ImNotBlue — February 14, 2008 @ 6:06 pm

  60. Thank you for all the time and effort you’ve devoted to bringing us information over the years! I hope you enjoy getting your life back. If you don’t, come on BACK! We’ll miss ya!

    Comment by newswatcher — February 14, 2008 @ 6:08 pm

  61. Sorry to hear you’re leaving the blogosphere Spud, ICN has been a mainstay of my travels around the net–sounds like this move will be good for you, but ICN will really be missed. Best wishes.

    Comment by Marty — February 14, 2008 @ 6:15 pm

  62. DON’T LEAVE SPUD!!!!! I FOUND THIS SITE DURING IMUSGATE AND STAYED. YOU DID SUCH A GOOD JOB!!!! I LIKED HOW YOU GOT TO GET INTO THE NEWSROOMS! THAT WAS REALLY COOL!

    Comment by Harley — February 14, 2008 @ 6:22 pm

  63. Spud,

    Thanks for a great site. Like Harley, I came across this site during the Imus fiasco and have been a daily reader since. You provided some great information with insightful analysis. I’ll miss this blog. Best of luck in your endeavors.

    Comment by Mike — February 14, 2008 @ 6:40 pm

  64. Spud it was a great honor to work with you in those early days and months as one of the 4 founders. I wish you the best in everything that you do.

    Comment by blogthat — February 14, 2008 @ 7:06 pm

  65. Dayummmmmm! Bad news! This is probably the 1st place I check up on when I get on the internet. Great blog and you will be missed.

    Comment by Lurker — February 14, 2008 @ 7:06 pm

  66. Wish you were sticking around. I’d hate to see you go.

    Comment by Soup Cans — February 14, 2008 @ 7:18 pm

  67. I’ll miss your blog a whole lot, spud…I placed your site in my favorites a year ago or so and it was the first thing I checked on each morning..

    I’ve enjoyed all the comments as well.

    Best wishes,

    A.M.

    Comment by A.M. — February 14, 2008 @ 7:21 pm

  68. Bravo, Spud. And, encore.

    Comment by G-Man — February 14, 2008 @ 7:25 pm

  69. Spud, this is HORRIBLE NEWS! Like the others, I check in here constantly. Thank you so much for your research, work and impartiality.

    I will gladly patronize the new sites as proposed by Terrance, cableticker or anyone else. I love (almost) everyone here and hope to see you all at these other sites.

    And if you ever change your mind, Spud, we will be here!

    Thanks again!

    Comment by Missy — February 14, 2008 @ 7:25 pm

  70. I’ll miss ya Spud. You did an amazing job with this blog. My FireFox Favorites Toolbar will never be the same without ICN up there. :(

    Comment by OverHere — February 14, 2008 @ 7:26 pm

  71. Sorry to see you go Spud. Good luck in the future.

    Comment by TBDave — February 14, 2008 @ 7:48 pm

  72. I don’t even know where to start!

    I have loved this site; it is one of the few where I post.

    So many great friends here on both sides of the aisle that I have loved bantering with: ImNotBlue, Terance, Missy, Cella, Arthur, Aaron, Lurker; far too many to mention. Even elmonica, who true to form, has to end this blog with a hateful cheap shot at Fox viewers.

    So Spud, the best of everything to you and your family in all your future endeavors!

    Comment by Ira — February 14, 2008 @ 7:55 pm

  73. What? I just found this blog this week! I’ve enjoyed reading it and wish that I had found it earlier.

    Comment by Laurie — February 14, 2008 @ 8:04 pm

  74. Oh no! Spud is breaking it off with us and on Valentine’s Day too. Sigh.

    I’m sorry to hear that ICN will be no more as I’ve enjoyed your insight into the cable news industry, Spud. You’re to be respected for what you’ve accomplished with the site and for your mindfulness about offering a quality product. As far as I’m concerned, scoops are overrated as I’m not particularly impressed by “who got what first”. The reason I was drawn to your site is because of your focus on analysis, your even-handed treatement of the issues/media personalities and your sense of humor.

    While I’ve been commenting a lot less lately (as I’m turned off by the number of comments that spin nearly every cable news item into a political issue), I’ve always made it here to read your posts. I totally understand where you’re coming from when you say that you “felt a big weight come off my shoulders and was enveloped in a sense of euphoria”. Been there, done that back in 2006 with regards to work decisions and personal time issues…and I’ve never been happier or more successful. Kudos to you for doing what you need to do.

    Thank you for taking your valuable time to create a site like ICN. It will be missed but your becoming a “free man” is of far more importance so reclaim your time and life guilt-free. May you be blessed with health, wealth and happiness, Spud. Take care.
    Laura
    (aka STP)

    Comment by STP — February 14, 2008 @ 8:08 pm

  75. I have enjoyed reading your blog for some time now, but understand it must take up a great deal of time to produce.

    Thanks for doing it, and may you enjoy your “time off”.

    Comment by Missouri Show Me — February 14, 2008 @ 8:08 pm

  76. Well, darn. I just found you a couple of weeks ago and was enjoying your updates.

    But I (sorta) understand. Life pulls you in so many directions, and sometimes *something* has to give.

    Best wishes.

    Comment by david — February 14, 2008 @ 8:15 pm

  77. Always a must read - especially enjoyed the comments section. Adios and thanks

    Comment by DanOregon — February 14, 2008 @ 8:32 pm

  78. Spud,
    I have not commented much lately as I too have had a demanding schedule. BUT SAY IT AIN’T SO!!! I read ICN everyday and have great affection for you, ImNotBlue, Missy, Ira, Randy, Lurker, Arthur, BigRed, Terance, Cella, Alison, Elmonica, Shaun and the list goes on. I had to limit my blogging time and decided that if I at least read ICN I could get a great cross over of opinions. You created something special that is not found elsewhere on the net. I, like all the others can truly understand the time problem. (If only sleep was not a human requirement). However, please give a little thought to ImNotBlue’s weekly suggestion! Thank you for putting me in my place when I needed it, you are a straight shooter! Good Luck to you and your family.

    Comment by Aunt Mary — February 14, 2008 @ 8:45 pm

  79. Wow Spud. I’m literally sad. If only money was to be made from this. You have a goldmine of well informed and mostly affluent readers, and it’s too bad you can’t capitalize on it somehow. Thanks for all you have done.

    Comment by Haile Welde — February 14, 2008 @ 8:49 pm

  80. I emailed Spud as soon as I read this, but it looks like I was unable to convince him to reconsider. There really is nothing like ICN anywhere else, and without Spud there never will be. A great loss.

    Comment by johnny dollar — February 14, 2008 @ 8:54 pm

  81. Thank you for your devotion and hard work, Spud. I will miss this blog. I check it several times a day. STP is right - it hurts to get dumped on Valentine’s Day. I am sad, but I wish you the best of luck. We’ll take you back if you reconsider and come back to us.

    Comment by Goldfish — February 14, 2008 @ 8:58 pm

  82. I really enjoyed this blog. I learned more about the inner-workings of the news networks that the mainstream media would ever reveal. Thanks for the ride.

    Comment by Peter Bond — February 14, 2008 @ 9:05 pm

  83. It’s no exaggeration to say industry moves followed ICN posts, rather than the other way around. It’s become indispensable.

    Before you leave, a question: Was there pressure exerted by anyone to shut down the site?

    Comment by steve — February 14, 2008 @ 9:09 pm

  84. I’ll add my thanks and feelings of sorrow to the chorus. I hardly ever commented, but have been reading for longer than I can remember. Enjoy the time you’re getting back and wish the rest of us well in finding a site as informative & addictive to read.

    Comment by Mitch — February 14, 2008 @ 9:16 pm

  85. Yours was only second to Drudge in my morning internet viewing - same in the evening. Thank’s much - I didn’t contribute much, but sure did enjoy reading everybody’s input. Best of luck, and happy trails!!

    Comment by Ricky — February 14, 2008 @ 9:35 pm

  86. All these comments directed at Spud, and not one response. Perhaps Elvis has left the building.

    Comment by William — February 14, 2008 @ 9:51 pm

  87. Spud, you’re breaking my heart, and on Valentine’s Day. I check this site every day and love to read all the comments, even those that are not parallel to mine. I often wondered how you maintained the site, held a full time job, and wanted some kind of life on the side. I understand your decision but it’s a very sad day.

    I always loved your analysis and the fact you tried to be neutral and keep the commenters civil. As someone said earlier, “professional” and with “class.” I really enjoyed your pics of your NYC trip. Thanks for your efforts and enjoy your newfound time.

    One final plea, wouldn’t you consider doing a blog on your terms and schedule, focusing on commentary, analysis, etc.

    Comment by Char — February 14, 2008 @ 10:10 pm

  88. Someone should put together a “Best Of” list of ICN. We all enjoyed the NY trip. Wow, spud will forever be missed.
    And to think, I just started my own blog a few days ago because of how great this one is. I’m only in my teens but am an avid cable news viewer. I really wanted to know cable news ratings. So, I searched cable news ratings and found this and TVNewser. Needless to say, you rock Spud. Best of luck.

    Comment by cornycob/jmkaib — February 14, 2008 @ 10:13 pm

  89. sad to see u go….now only one source for tv cable news…well wishing u all the best

    Comment by lower-third — February 14, 2008 @ 10:24 pm

  90. Guys, I haven’t bothered to check my email today. I just upgraded my DirecTV to HD and had nothing but problems with the DVR unit so I went back to Replay. Sigh.

    As to the future, I don’t know. I can’t keep doing constant updates like I used to. If I could just do mornings and evenings that would be different. But it would be a differnet blog with a different focus and I’m not sure a lot of you would be as interested.

    Comment by Spud — February 14, 2008 @ 10:24 pm

  91. Well, I can’t add much more than what has already been said. I will miss reading this blog. Read it every day, many times a day. I learned so much about Cable news, and all the people in it.

    You kept us informed of all the Cable news that I never read anywhere else. Always wondered how you had the time to do it.

    I wish you well. Take care, and thanks for giving us a place to hang out.

    Barb

    Comment by Barb — February 14, 2008 @ 10:28 pm

  92. Happy trails to you, Spud.

    Comment by Ellen of News Hounds — February 14, 2008 @ 10:30 pm

  93. sad to see u go….now only one source for tv cable news…well wishing u all the best

    Comment by lower-third — February 14, 2008 @ 10:31 pm

  94. “But it would be a differnet blog with a different focus and I’m not sure a lot of you would be as interested.”

    But maybe give it a shot and check out the response? I’ll show up. Please take a break, recharge your batteries, and consider it.

    Comment by Char — February 14, 2008 @ 10:34 pm

  95. Spud

    You could just do evenings, after work on your downtime. Also see if you can get some sponsors on your blog, earn some spending $$$ on the side.

    Comment by Lurker — February 14, 2008 @ 10:41 pm

  96. SPUD,
    You were a must read EVERY DAY by every manager at MSNBC. They’ll miss you…I’ll miss you!! Do it weekly!!!

    Comment by Sean Mc. — February 14, 2008 @ 10:44 pm

  97. Did corporate execs at MSNBC/CNN/FNC crawl up your backside?

    Among the many who consulted this site, several reacted.

    Good luck, Spud.

    Comment by steve — February 14, 2008 @ 11:19 pm

  98. Spud, any free time you have for us is better than nothing! Anyway, if ya close that gmail account.. make sure to send me the “other” email address, eh.

    Comment by Terance — February 14, 2008 @ 11:38 pm

  99. Big bummer.
    Thanks for all of your hard work and good luck, Spud.

    Comment by RSM — February 14, 2008 @ 11:42 pm

  100. This marks the end of an era.

    Comment by Bob — February 15, 2008 @ 12:03 am

  101. It’s been a pleasure, Spud. Thanks for having this site. Altough I’ve only been around a few months it has become a part of my day. I’ve really enjoyed myself here. I’m going to miss it.

    Be well!

    Peace….

    Comment by StephenMartin — February 15, 2008 @ 12:06 am

  102. Spud,
    Thanks! Your blog was a must read for me on a daily basis. What sites do you recommend in your place? Thanks for the work.

    chris

    Comment by chris — February 15, 2008 @ 12:07 am

  103. Spud,

    Frequent reader, infrequent poster. Ditto what has been said above. Thanks for the forum, I’ll miss (most) of the posters (Missy’s my favorite among many). Good Luck!!

    Comment by saad-o — February 15, 2008 @ 12:40 am

  104. Spud,

    Thanks for all your hard work, dedication, and impartiality. This blog will be missed.

    Scott (Baton Rouge)

    Comment by Scott — February 15, 2008 @ 12:40 am

  105. Whaah.

    Comment by laural — February 15, 2008 @ 12:41 am

  106. I will miss this site, but good for you! Thanks for all the info and letting us voice back!

    Comment by Matt — February 15, 2008 @ 2:18 am

  107. I seriously hope you reconsider, Spud. (I wish I had your real first name) However, I gather that you will not so best of luck with your life outside of the “blogosphere.” I’ve appreciated ICN since I started following cable news on the internet and was fortunate enough to contribute to a blog that was once on your roster. Again, I hope you change your mind but best of luck. You will be missed.

    Really though, can we get your first name? I hate referring to you as a potato.

    Comment by Edward Schatz — February 15, 2008 @ 4:26 am

  108. Is today April 1st?

    Oh, so sad to hear this, Spud! I knew and started to read your blog last year, and I do think you make a blog good! You even make me, a reader from Taiwan, can know the latest news about the networks in other side of the earth!

    And once again, I appreciate your help to let me upload your CNBC and MSNBC photos to Wikipedia! I don’t know how to describe my thankfulness adequately, so I just say it one more time: THANK YOU!

    Hope someday can see you back to bring the latest movement of the networks to the world again! I hope that day comes as soon as possible!

    (Damn it, I hate why I didn’t learn English well…)

    Comment by Kevin from Taiwan — February 15, 2008 @ 5:24 am

  109. Spud:

    Thank you for all of the time and hard work you’ve put into this wonderful blog. Your thoughtfulness, dedication, & insight will definitely be missed.

    I will also miss the discussions & viewpoints from the the “regulars” and other people who’ve posted their viewpoints over the past year (since I first located this blog).

    Spud, thanks again for your effort and I wish you nothing but the best in the future.

    Rich

    Comment by Rich — February 15, 2008 @ 5:58 am

  110. Sad news, but good luck with it all Spud.
    Thank you.

    Comment by craig gordon — February 15, 2008 @ 7:03 am

  111. Hey Spud,
    Due to this overwhelming response from the fans, I wish you would reconsider. Less updates would be no big deal. This blog is a lot of fun and the readers are very sharp and especially knowledgable. Isn’t there someway you could get some ad revenue from all of this “specialty traffic?” I certainly didn’t mind dealing with the pop-ups. Shutting this site down would be a major drag.
    Very Sincerely,
    Jay H., Metairie, LA

    Comment by Objective Analyst — February 15, 2008 @ 8:01 am

  112. Thank you for your efforts in putting together an awesome blog. Good luck to you in any and all future endeavors. Your site shall be missed…

    Comment by Kris — February 15, 2008 @ 8:17 am

  113. Spud, please reconsider. I’d rather have a morning update and an evening update than nothing at all. Hell, I’ll settle for a morning update alone-it’s what FTV does-and he charges for it and your blog is way better than his! I’m sure too that some of the regulars around here wouldn’t mind shooting you pertinent links, etc. to make your job a bit easier.

    Comment by Alison — February 15, 2008 @ 8:30 am

  114. I hope you will reconsider and do it at least part time. I encourage you to sell advertising space (if possible) so that the market rewards your hard work and talent.
    Thanks for your great posts, for providing a place where viewers to comment, interact with each other and influence the industry. I enjoyed the civility of the posters and the wide spectrum of comments on your blog.
    Best wishes

    Comment by Steve L — February 15, 2008 @ 8:54 am

  115. You’re a good spud, Spud.

    Thanks…you will be missed.
    Good luck in the real world…it’s much more satifying

    Comment by Rich — February 15, 2008 @ 9:13 am

  116. You’re a good spud, Spud.

    Thanks for a great job! Good luck in the real world…more satisfying out here.
    Rich

    Comment by Rich — February 15, 2008 @ 9:21 am

  117. I am going to miss you Spud, All the Best for you and your family and success in all your endeavors. I hope you occasionally pop up commenting or something on Chickaboomer!

    Laree/Ree

    Comment by Ree — February 15, 2008 @ 11:07 am

  118. Man what are ya doing? Where do I go now to get the straight stories???

    Comment by Joey C — February 15, 2008 @ 12:20 pm

  119. Spud,
    I wish you would keep this blog going even if it is just the daily ratings. I love to hear the back and forth between those of us who love the truth of FNC and those who have somehow gone over to the dark side of MSNBC and others. Who knows, we may be able to persuade them to come back to the real world!!!

    Comment by Millie — February 15, 2008 @ 12:45 pm

  120. Alright, Spud. Jokes over… bring it back.

    I want you to know, I spent all day yesterday whining to the people at work that my favorite blog was going away! They didn’t quite understand, so sympathy wasn’t much to be had… but screw them.

    I spend the whole drive home thinking what I’d do without this blog… walked in the door… hung up my coat… and began drinking… and didn’t stop until my eyes were too heavy to keep open.

    I want you to know, I have one of those funky wireless keyboards, with five “favorites” buttons. Numbers 2 is my work email… 3 and 4 are my other email address… and number 5 is Google. But NUMBER 1… top of the preverbal keyboard “speed dial”… is ICN… and always has been.

    I’ve been reading this site for, I suppose, about 3 years now. It’s become part of my daily routine. Like so many others, it’s the first site I check in the morning, and one of the last I check at night. I remember going on vacations, coming back, dropping the suitcase, and booting the computer, just so I could check the news on ICN.

    So many people around here have become more than faceless bloggers. A real community of people and friends, discussing and debating news about the news. And I’m not exaggerating it when I say the internet will be much less interesting with this place.

    Spud… I beg you to reconsider. But perhaps that’s too selfish of me and the other bloggers. I suppose you are entitled to an actually life… and perhaps it will encourage some of us to get ones of our own.

    Please PLEASE, however, even if you don’t come back full time… at least consider my idea of a weekly “Hot/Not” post… just a little something to remind us of the glory days. I’m sure most of us around here would be happy to participate, and help in any way we could.

    And if your mind is made up, and there’s no changing it… I wish you all the best. This site has inspired me, and maintained my interest in world events, more so than any of the networks could hope to do. You did something really great with this site… and it will be missed more than my words can express.

    Much luck in the future-
    Redd
    (Because Redd is Not Blue… duuuuh)

    Comment by ImNotBlue — February 15, 2008 @ 12:54 pm

  121. good luck

    i’m bummed. looks like you have a lot of readers. your blog + TVNewser were a daily fixture. I too love cable news and will seek to fill the void your blog will leave in my own search for truth.

    Thanks and good luck

    Comment by kevbo — February 15, 2008 @ 1:16 pm

  122. Hi,

    My luck to read a archive story, go to the home page, put it in my bokmarks, and then to read the latest post, DUH!!

    Why can’t you pass it to one of the other good blogs (e.g. lost remote), rather than actually “killing” it ?

    It would be a great waste of all the work done to build it up, let alone that traffic.

    Yours kindly,

    Shakir Razak, UK

    Comment by Shakir Razak — February 15, 2008 @ 2:23 pm

  123. Thanks Spud and all the best to you.

    Comment by Jeannie — February 15, 2008 @ 2:45 pm

  124. This has been my first experience with blogging and I don’t think I’ll ever find anything to compare with it. But I understand your reasons, just wish they weren’t there.
    Best always, Spud, you have been an absolute joy.

    Dee Ryan

    Comment by Dee — February 15, 2008 @ 2:53 pm

  125. Its so sad to see all the people who have been touched in some way be this blog. Oh well. Only diamonds are forever.

    Comment by cornycob — February 15, 2008 @ 3:05 pm

  126. thanks for all the good work. i hate that you have to do this. i will miss you.

    Comment by kate — February 15, 2008 @ 3:11 pm

  127. Hey Spud, You may have thought you were a nobody, but judging by the number of responses to your ‘that’s all folks, I beg to differ with you.

    Comment by Judy Stage — February 15, 2008 @ 4:35 pm

  128. Spud, Thanks for all the great work and dedication. You put out a quality product and that can be hard to find these days. Sorry to see this site come to an end. I’ve really enjoyed it.

    Comment by california dreamin — February 15, 2008 @ 4:42 pm

  129. Thanks for all the info. This news is a bummer.

    Comment by double-elle — February 15, 2008 @ 4:42 pm

  130. Guys, I haven’t bothered to check my email today. I just upgraded my DirecTV to HD and had nothing but problems with the DVR unit so I went back to Replay. Sigh.

    As to the future, I don’t know. I can’t keep doing constant updates like I used to. If I could just do mornings and evenings that would be different. But it would be a differnet blog with a different focus and I’m not sure a lot of you would be as interested.
    I would read it Spud.

    Once again, best of luck and I hope the DVR works.

    Comment by Aaron — February 15, 2008 @ 4:51 pm

  131. Wow! What a shame! This is one of my most visited websites and I am absolutely gutted to see it go!

    Comment by Paul Tomlinson — February 15, 2008 @ 6:44 pm

  132. Say it isn’t so!!! Oh, but it must be - I read it on TVNewser, TV Spy and News Blues. Spud, please don’t go. I don’t know what I am going to read now. I check this site frequently during the day. Have you considered weekly updates, or asking volunteers to post. You are anything but small potatoes.

    Comment by Apryl Chapman Thomas — February 15, 2008 @ 6:56 pm

  133. Well, thanks for the quality blog none-the-less, you’ll definitely be missed in my own mind considering my common 4-5 time check of this thing daily. Thanks for all the great work and hopefully everything forward works out well for you!

    Comment by Chris — February 15, 2008 @ 8:11 pm

  134. Like many of the others, I didn’t post much but always enjoyed the site. Thanks for all of your time and effort. Good luck in the future, and please let us know if you launch a similar endeavor in the future.

    Comment by chalmers — February 15, 2008 @ 8:25 pm

  135. OK, Spud, you really need to reconsider. ImNotBlue has turned to alcohol to fill his lonely ICN-less days. Please save ImNotBlue. I enjoy his comments.

    Comment by Char — February 15, 2008 @ 8:33 pm

  136. Allright folks… Spud says he’d consider just doing morning and evening updates.

    We must all lobby him hard to do that and keep the blog alive!!

    I would read it, and I know many of the others on here would too.

    Keep it alive Spud!!!

    Comment by bigred — February 15, 2008 @ 9:26 pm

  137. Spud, seriously, morning and evening updates would be just fine. I know another media blog that only updates twice or 3 times a week.

    We’d love to keep you around!

    Comment by Laurel — February 15, 2008 @ 10:30 pm

  138. Spud:

    I was read daily for 18 months, and while I have only commented a half dozen times, I truly enjoyed your site. I bet your “regulars” like me would contribute a small fee to help offset your costs (although it doesn’t free up any time-lol). Seriously, though, the fact that I am 133 comments in should tell you that your site was appreciated and worthwhile. If you are interested, post a comment asking for those who would contribute to keep you going (if you are so inclined). If not, best of luck to you, and thanks for the enjoyment you gave me….

    Comment by jpq1999 — February 15, 2008 @ 10:45 pm

  139. Can this be like Olbermann Watch when they died and came back. Please?

    Comment by Don — February 15, 2008 @ 11:09 pm

  140. Come on back Spud so I can provide tiny urls like the following from Wolf Blitzer and CNN to the Fox News groupies:

    http://tinyurl.com/2vmeg6

    Comment by elmonica — February 15, 2008 @ 11:18 pm

  141. Well, I guess I will have to look elsewhere to find out the latest on the latest Fox News programs not hosted by Uma Pemmaraju.

    Good luck and God Bless.

    Comment by Bob — February 16, 2008 @ 2:42 am

  142. Spud,

    Please consider just doing morning/night updates or whatever fits into your life. I think we can all agree that anything is better than nothing.

    None the less, all the comments are just a testament to the service and information you have provided all of us over the years.

    If we all got down on our knees and begged, would that help?

    Comment by jerziegrl — February 16, 2008 @ 8:27 am

  143. I agree with the above. Even a once daily update would be terrific. Try it until the conventions and see how it goes….

    Comment by Kirk — February 16, 2008 @ 10:17 am

  144. All good things must come to an end. God deemed it that way and no matter what…..that’s the way it is. We injoyed it while it lasted. Thank you very much.

    Comment by Daily reader — February 16, 2008 @ 10:56 am

  145. What a loss. This site has been a must read. Thanks for the heart and soul you put into this Spud. I will certainly miss you. Happy Trails!

    Comment by newsfan — February 16, 2008 @ 3:34 pm

  146. Spud: First of all I thank you for all of the time that you have put in for us. I would be thrilled if you would stay on even if it is once or twice a day. Heck, we will even give you weekends off. I dont mind if you turn this into a pay site with all of the time that you put in.

    Comment by Tom P — February 16, 2008 @ 3:47 pm

  147. Spud, this has nothing to do with your crush on Chris Jansing, does it? After all, she’s not part of the cable news scene anymore….

    Comment by Jackie — February 16, 2008 @ 11:35 pm

  148. Always have read this blog. Sorry to see it go! There is a new blog: Cable News Wars http://cablenewswarstoday.wordpress.com that is very similar to this blog to give you all a heads up! May want to check it out.

    Comment by clrwyout — February 17, 2008 @ 10:15 am

  149. Even a weekly wrap up would be great. Please reconsider!

    Comment by RC — February 17, 2008 @ 2:48 pm

  150. Thank you for your work on this site. I read it often. I’m sorry to see this site end, but I’d rather see you do what is in your best interests. Best of luck in the future.

    Comment by Tom — February 18, 2008 @ 12:05 am

  151. What a loser!!!
    Quitter? Who told you that stupid idea? Obama or Clinton? They still killing each other now? People still have much fun… you should too…ha…ha…ha…!
    Ok, To be a Champ or to be a Loser is just a moment of thinking…A moment that when you believe you are unable to fight or simply quit?
    I think your blog is good…now, but try to make it better. Try to define your particular website with more /rich value contents, so you can have chances to gain some big bucks with it!
    Quitting is easy thing that anyone can do…even a little baby? But state for a fight for your own damn good that doesn’t have many people do…!
    Going to this far and now simply quit…uhm… You are real loser….ha….ha….ha…!
    There’s a saying: “NO PAIN, NO GAIN”.
    That’s all I have to say!
    You Decide 2008…Your Decision 2008…HA…HA…HA..!
    Good Luck!

    Comment by NewChallenger — February 18, 2008 @ 1:58 am

  152. Thank You Spud for your blog.

    Comment by puck — February 18, 2008 @ 1:10 pm

  153. New Challenger, he just told us that he needs more time for his real life! This site was excellent as it was, but for him to make it even better would consume even MORE of his time, which he just told us he cannot spare!

    I think it’s about time those of us who want the site back, even in limited form, to volunteer to do what we can to help Spud with what he does. Spud, is there anything we can do that would take some of the burden off you? Would it help if any of us researched certain sites, posted certain articles, moderated the forum?

    You can see that we really value your site and want it back, even if in limited form. Lots of other sites (TVHeads, Olbermannwatch.com, etc.) have a team of people working on the site so that the burden isn’t left to the site’s owner. You have such an established group here that it would be a shame to let it fall apart.

    Please let us know what we can do to help. I’m sure I’m not the only one willing to devote some time to help this site alive!

    Comment by Missy — February 18, 2008 @ 8:41 pm

  154. True to form, I made another typo (even after I proofread):

    It should read: Please let us know what we can do to help. I’m sure I’m not the only one willing to devote some time to help KEEP this site alive!

    Comment by Missy — February 18, 2008 @ 8:44 pm

  155. Never put a comment to ICN before but I’ve loved reading your blog for at least a year. Thanks for the only news blogger I’ve NEVER gotten irritated at. When all the stuff is lifted from your shoulders, doesn’t that just feel tremendous? Thanks for a job well done, will miss you but so happy for you.

    Comment by s.marie — February 19, 2008 @ 12:59 am

  156. Spud, You have a unique talent for getting to the grit of a story.
    You’ve got the inside track on current cable news.
    A real class act. I would be interested if you just did mornings and evenings like you offered. Why not deligate parts of your columm to inside cable newbies. Spread your vision. Don’t let it die on the vine. Thanks for your column, whatever the outcome.

    Comment by JAB — February 19, 2008 @ 2:44 am

  157. If you leave, ICN should be dropped. It is ICN because of you. If you put it in someone else’s hands, that would be like Jon Stewart handing his show, his baby, over to Carrot-Top. Thanks again, best wishes again.

    Comment by s.marie,west coast — February 19, 2008 @ 3:40 am

  158. Please check out the site
    CABLE NEWS WARS
    it’s similar

    Comment by peggy — February 19, 2008 @ 7:02 am

  159. I have already been posting on Ouside Cable News.
    Wish we could work something out here, also.

    Comment by Cella — February 19, 2008 @ 9:25 am

  160. Hi Cella,

    I hope you are doing well. Could you give us the exact address of Outside Cable News? I couldn’t locate it, even via Google.

    Comment by Missy — February 19, 2008 @ 11:30 am

  161. Hey, Missy,
    outsidecablenews.blogsome.com
    There is a wonderful piece on what happened on Fox News Watch posted there today.
    Hope you check in soon, Missy.

    Comment by Cella — February 19, 2008 @ 11:58 am

  162. Cella & Missy, I’ll see you there.

    Spud, COME BACK!

    Comment by bigred — February 19, 2008 @ 12:06 pm

  163. Let’s round everyone up and get on with it.
    See ya’, bigred and Missy.

    Comment by Cella — February 19, 2008 @ 12:37 pm

  164. I just looked at Cable News Wars. The site looks like it may be my replacement to this one. It could use a little work, but it looks Ok.

    Comment by Tom P — February 19, 2008 @ 7:51 pm

  165. outsidecablenews.blogsome.com
    There is a wonderful piece on what happened on Fox News Watch posted there today.

    Cella: I’ll bet this site is run by the person who used the name “ImNotBlew!”

    Couldn’t resist!

    Comment by Ira — February 19, 2008 @ 7:57 pm

  166. NewChallenger, you’re an idiot.

    For the record, ICN ain’t for sale. You can’t transfer a blog and expect it to be the same (see: The Note without Halperin)

    As for me, I’m going to take some time and decide what I want to do next. ICN as you knew it, with 24/7 updates, is dead. If I ever returned to blogging it would be mornings and nights only. I was doing blog updates from work and I knew eventually I would get busted. So I stopped. Any future blogging, if I chose to come back, would be without daytime updates as I have no way to do it.

    Comment by Spud — February 19, 2008 @ 8:09 pm

  167. Damn! This was the first thing I checked in the morning. The blog I trusted to give me the facts on my faves!

    I felt like such a grown up each time I mentioned “yeah, I always do ICN”.

    Hope you get all that time (5hrs!)to really morp into a new personna every will enjoy as much as we did the original!

    Thanks,
    Maggie C

    Comment by Maggie C — February 19, 2008 @ 11:58 pm

  168. WHY AREN’T YOU MAKING ANY MONEY OFF OF BANNER ADS HERE??? THAT SHOULD BE A SOURCE OF INCOME TO KEEP THE BLOG GOING!! HOW MANY HITS PER DAY ARE YOU GETTING ANYWAYS?? WHERE IN THE HECK WILL I GET THE DAILY NEWS CHANNEL RATINGS FOR FREE?????

    Comment by TYE — February 20, 2008 @ 3:10 am

  169. I was doing blog updates from work and I knew eventually I would get busted. So I stopped.

    Spud: And I always thought you were the boss!

    Anyway, to quote the title of that old record by the SOS Band: “Take Your Time, Do It Right!”

    Comment by Ira — February 20, 2008 @ 12:27 pm

  170. Ira,
    It is time for you to turn off talk radio and Fox News and get a dose of reality. You are living in a dream world and it is time to wake up. You may be a dinosaur but you don’t have to act like a fossil.

    Comment by elmonica — February 20, 2008 @ 1:00 pm

  171. ^^
    I’ll miss you elmonica. You see, you’re a constant reminder of how silly and immature the far left is. Every time you post it tickles me.

    Comment by StephenMartin — February 20, 2008 @ 2:20 pm

  172. > You may be a dinosaur but you don’t have to act like a fossil.

    Man, talk about something coming out of left field!

    Comment by johnny dollar — February 20, 2008 @ 2:32 pm

  173. Damn!

    elmo, you’re shutting down too? Your blog was one of the best examples of how BDS turns someone into a whiny miserable intolerant nut. It was fun messing with ya lol.

    Comment by Lurker — February 20, 2008 @ 2:39 pm

  174. Man, talk about something coming out of left field!

    Johnny: Yeah, I have no idea what he is talking about!

    And Lurker, did elmo actually have a blog that is being shut down? Maybe the sanitarium is finally limiting his computer time!

    Comment by Ira — February 20, 2008 @ 7:50 pm

  175. You may be a dinosaur but you don’t have to act like a fossil.
    Good one.
    Maybe the sanitarium is finally limiting his computer time!
    Good come back

    Comment by Aaron — February 20, 2008 @ 8:03 pm

  176. I went to the new site recommended by Cella (see post #161). Lots of our friends from this board are beginning to post there. And elmonica is there as well.

    Anyway, it looks like it will be a good place for us to transition to. I don’t know who the site’s author is, but he/she is doing a great job in posting relevant cable-related items. And the format seems identical to what Spud uses here, so it will be very familiar to use.

    We still “love ya”, Spud, and thank you for work here. If you ever resurrect this site to any degree, let us know so we can come back and visit. Otherwise, you may even like the new site, and visiting there would certainly not take up a lot of your time.

    Comment by Missy — February 20, 2008 @ 8:23 pm

  177. Spud…Ha…Ha….Ha…Are you still alive! Spud, I thought you’re half dead already…!
    Ok, just kidding…don’t get mad…just want to cheer you up or help you seeing things differently.
    As you explained situation, I think your problem is really small….very small to resolve.
    Site management problem…One of solutions is to share responsibilities to others (who will help you manage the site when you are not available or absence).
    As you know, there are many great people in this blog who ready to help you out.
    Just post a question if anyone wants to help you managing this blog (when you are not available).
    Of course, you have the idea about what types of candidate you are looking for. You can give those people some limited authorities, but you have the override power to oversee (of course, you can withdraw that authority if one makes so many mistakes).
    Ok, you have the ideas…!

    Comment by NewChallenger — February 20, 2008 @ 11:42 pm

  178. I have actually never posted here before, but I read this blog a lot. Thanks for keeping it up for as long as you did. Good luck in the future.

    Comment by Someone — February 21, 2008 @ 1:09 am

  179. Ira, Click on elmo’s name, that’s where her blog is. Also I don’t think elmo’s a guy but i could be wrong.

    Comment by Lurker — February 21, 2008 @ 6:19 am

  180. Still checking this website every day just in case. Shame to see the comments have desended into petulance.

    Comment by Simon — February 21, 2008 @ 7:20 am

  181. Sorry to see you go. Best of luck to you and thank you for this blog. I checked out OUTSIDE CABLE NEWS. They are REALLY anti-Fox. Don’t think I’ll like it.

    Comment by Carol — February 21, 2008 @ 8:30 am

  182. “They are REALLY anti-Fox.”

    It ought to be quite interesting then hearing you explain why I haven’t posted about BO’s lynching statement or the “Responsible News Agency” action. I mean, if what you say is true, I’d probably be “all over” something like that, right?

    Comment by Terance — February 21, 2008 @ 1:03 pm

  183. So Terance is “Outside Cable News”? I’ve only been there a few times, but so far, it looks like a great site. Thanks for picking up the responsibility now that Spud has “retired”.

    Comment by Missy — February 21, 2008 @ 7:52 pm

  184. Spud, you will be missed. Just please keep our contact info. If you change your mind, let us know.

    Comment by Susan — February 22, 2008 @ 7:10 am

  185. Lurker: Congrats on getting another email read on “Red Eye.”

    Comment by Ira — February 22, 2008 @ 12:12 pm

  186. Thanks Ira

    I had a great photo for them but they chose their own

    http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/jonfavreau-elf_interview_lg.jpg

    Comment by lou — February 22, 2008 @ 2:42 pm

  187. Terence is doing a great job over at www.outsidecablenews.com

    I hope everyone will check it out. Carol, I assure you it’s not an anti-FOX site.

    Still hope you come back too Spud.

    Comment by bigred — February 23, 2008 @ 2:28 am

  188. Hey, there’s someone else around here who has a blog on cable news too, you know.

    Comment by johnny dollar — February 23, 2008 @ 10:10 am

  189. Hey I thought you were shutting this down? I believe you will be back.

    Comment by foxmeansbusiness — February 23, 2008 @ 6:09 pm

  190. Here is another good cable site.
    http://cablenewswarstoday.wordpress.com/

    Comment by fox means busines — February 23, 2008 @ 6:15 pm

  191. Good look Spud, I was not sure if I should wish you all the
    best or smack your ass for leaving us, but hey it is your life and time. All the best from this side of the pond.
    Steph the Brit maybe a thread from Queen Bodica lol
    Good luck xxxxxxx

    Comment by Scrat — February 24, 2008 @ 3:46 pm

  192. Spud, I know you’re done with the blog, but you are going to keep up as an archive right, this is a pretty good resource and it would hurt to lose it even if it’s not updated.

    Comment by Pat M — February 25, 2008 @ 2:56 pm

  193. Farewell and best wishes, Spud. It’s already been said, but I didn’t post very often but loved the blog. You have a great talent but I admire your well-thought-out and honest decision. God bless in future endeavors!! You will be missed.

    Comment by Nancy — February 26, 2008 @ 5:50 pm

  194. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

    Comment by So what? — February 27, 2008 @ 1:10 am

  195. Apparently, whoever authored Cable News Wars had deleted their blog.

    Comment by Bob — February 27, 2008 @ 11:05 pm

  196. Yea I just went there and they deleted it.

    Comment by foxmeanbusines — February 28, 2008 @ 1:52 pm

  197. Are there any sites out there which orovide cable news ratings?

    Comment by don — February 28, 2008 @ 6:42 pm

  198. I’m having withdrawal pains from your blog Spud. Cable News Wars appears to be defunct and was a valiant effort but not the same.

    Any chance you will reconsider?

    Anybody have any suggestions for substitutes that are not totally one sided?

    Comment by Steve L — February 29, 2008 @ 9:53 am

  199. Come back, Spud. Please.

    Comment by William — February 29, 2008 @ 11:54 am

  200. Steve L,
    If you feel at home with talk radio listeners, Fox News aficionados and the 19 percenters, head on over to Johnny Dollar’s place. Say hello to Ira and J$ for me while you are there.

    Comment by elmonica — February 29, 2008 @ 1:10 pm

  201. Thanks, I think. I’m sure Steve will be very at home at a site where all points of view are welcome. Fair and balanced!

    Comment by johnny dollar — February 29, 2008 @ 2:35 pm

  202. Steve L,

    johnnydollar.us and outsidecablenews.blogsome.com are both excellent sites to post at and/or visit. Many of our former people from this site turn up at these others. And even though elmonica still comes out to haunt conservatives, many of us are used to her by now.

    Comment by Missy — February 29, 2008 @ 8:16 pm

  203. Thanks for the suggestions. One of the things I liked about ICN is that it did not appear to me that it had an institutional political bias. The topics were chosen on the basis of news worthiness or interest as opposed to attempt at making some type of left or right political point. Once the topic was posted I think we got (for the most part) a good cross section of mostly polite opinion and that moved the debate forward. It was not the usual echo chamber. Do you think these other sites are similar?

    Comment by Steve L — March 1, 2008 @ 1:40 pm

  204. Spud, I don’t mean to rush you, but you should make a decision soon before people completely stop checking in on your site. It would be nice to have soom updates.

    Comment by trd — March 1, 2008 @ 8:56 pm

  205. people barely comment in the other blogs, unlike here. i was hoping to read everyone’s thoughts on olbermann’s recent ratings spike, especially him winning the demo thursday

    Comment by chacho — March 1, 2008 @ 10:56 pm

  206. Steve, I honestly do think both Johnny Dollar’s site and Outside Cable News (run by Terance, who used to post here) are very fair. J$ is a Fox fan, no doubt, but he is fair in his moderation of the site and welcomes comments from all viewpoints. And Terance seems to be fair as well, and posts a plethora of items regarding cable news.

    Many of our colleagues from this site are over at these other two, so please join us!

    Comment by Missy — March 3, 2008 @ 10:46 am

  207. Im still here.

    Comment by fox business Network — March 3, 2008 @ 12:00 pm

  208. Spud, what on earth can we do or say to make you reconsider? i’m so use to this site that i refuse to delete it from my list of favorites, hoping that you would come to your senses.

    Comment by bze — March 5, 2008 @ 5:08 pm

  209. @Steve L (post203): Inside Cable News no political bias? HAH! In your dreams. Every comment about MSNBC always had some kind of negative swing on it. There were rarely any negative comments or negative aura with posts about FoxNews on ICN.

    Johnny Dollar’s place “fair and balanced?” Yeah, in a million years. Johnny Dollar is a fool who posts junk from that dope John Gibson thinking he is actually a good commentator. The guy is a complete dope and completely insensitive, laughing at the death of Heath Ledger. Couple that with the complete pass he gives to the crap that O’Reilly, Hannity and other FNC dopes spew. Hey O’Reilly, there ARE 200,000 vets living under bridges. Go try it out for a day!

    Comment by AnotherOneBitesTheDust — March 5, 2008 @ 6:06 pm

  210. Ah…well damn this was one of the best mostly unbiased ratings sites around. The others are usually run by extreme left types trying to promote Olbermann, bashing FOX like morons, etc

    Comment by Brian — March 6, 2008 @ 6:23 am

  211. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! snif, sigh. Thanks Spud, your blog was the best, non better. Good luck to you.

    Comment by Obama 08 — March 11, 2008 @ 10:46 am

  212. I checked this blog every day, loved to read all the opinions, this is/was my omly blog I checked, I am so sad :(
    Billie

    Comment by Billie — March 12, 2008 @ 5:21 pm

  213. Spud,
    Are you coming back for a few days a week. You said you would consider it.Made up your mind yet. We’re all still patiently waiting.

    Comment by don — March 12, 2008 @ 5:26 pm

  214. Spud, Just wondering if you are leaving your site up because you might come back. I cannot make myself delete this site from my bookmarks and I keep hoping.

    Comment by Judy Stage — March 18, 2008 @ 4:19 pm

  215. I left it up because it’s now an archive. But after much deep thought on the matter I brought ICN back here…

    Comment by Spud — April 1, 2008 @ 11:04 pm

  216. I find your site very interesting and I really admired your in depth knowledge of the topics shared. Would you mind linking my new blogs? Thanks. Keep it Up.
    —————
    visitsingapore.blogsome.com
    visitphilippines.blogsome.com
    visitusa.blogsome.com
    visitaustralia.blogsome.com

    Comment by Visitor Blogger — April 27, 2008 @ 9:11 pm

  217. very nice blog… can we exchange links??? pls reply to my blog.. thanks!!!

    Comment by Did You Know? — May 14, 2008 @ 9:30 am

  218. how sad. this blog is not updating anymore. huhu :(

    Comment by Nursing Licensure Examination Results 2008 — June 13, 2008 @ 5:47 am

  219. thats all folks??? i always read it when i watch bugs bunny show. hehe

    Comment by Free PSP Games Download — September 3, 2008 @ 10:23 pm

  220. tit doesnt updating anymore because they have a new blog. visit it

    Comment by Parantar — October 15, 2008 @ 10:53 am

RSS feed for comments on this post.

Leave a comment



Anti-spam measure: please retype the above text into the box provided.

Get free blog up and running in minutes with Blogsome | Theme designs available here