RotoPass Message Board / RotoPass Message Board / Site Suggestions and Feedback / TMR doesnt TRUM / Latest Posts

RE: TMR doesnt TRUM

kkoshorek@comcast.net — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 10:41:45 GMT

Maybe a daily TRUM and a daily Email article on the previous nights "doings in sports, etc."?!?!?!?!

TRM could still write and "pimp his stuff" (sounds weird) while the type of content that some members "expect" can be in this other article?

That would be another daily Email article to read for everyone....awesome.

Just my $0.02 - not complaining.

;)

RE: TMR doesnt TRUM

The Atavist — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 13:23:46 GMT

I'm a little late to this thread, but here goes . . . One can understand that life goesin its own directions and other things intervene making writing a daily column actually impossible. Not that it's for me to give one - but if I could TMR gets a pass. More power and as much success to him as he may wish.

That aside, I look forward to the TRUM as a day opening flyover the sports world from a fantasy perspective - something that gets me thinking about whatever moves I might make and orient me towwards sports events that I would not otherwise notice.

So, while I fully aprreciate the limitation that TMR himself reaching the diurnal TRUM. I think there's little excuse not planning for it in advance - and having one on deck ready in the morning. It takes just a little forethought and planning, and less wishingful thinking and recognizing that good intentions of getting done is not good service - the hallmark of TMR.

In sum, if TMR himself can't get it done for what ever reason, have someone from the TMR's deep and talenterd bench ready to go. A regular on decck slot. Surely, some one among them is inspired to TRUM each day, perhaps not the same writers. Have an order ready to step up - planned ahead And, if soemone knows they could be called upon they might at least make notes for that purpose, albeit they might not be used.

RE: TMR doesnt TRUM

mstrausberg@hotmail.com — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:59:33 GMT

Yeah, what everybody else said...

So let me try and condense this. Some more than others, but I know I look forward to the guest trummers and they do a great job. And I love Matt's TRUMs. To be honest, i like Pete's the best. BUt they're both great, even when Matt mails it in. I don't mind when he does, because its his baby. And I don't mind when its late.

But the one thing that upsets me is when there is no TRUM at all. I can take a mail-in, a late, a substitute, or all three. But when it just doesn't get done, it leaves me feeling very empty. So, Matt, if you know you're not going to get it done, have someone else do at least something please. It might be asking for too much, but if you don't ask, you don't get .....

RE: TMR doesnt TRUM

uconnhusky — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 07:48:00 GMT

(to the tune of the Dragnet theme) TRUM, TRUM, TRUM, TRUM!

As long as people are still talking about TRUMming, I'll throw in my four cents worth.

There are only two times in all my many, many readings of the TRUM that I have not read through to the end, and it was only because the writing wasn't fluent enough for yours truly to enjoy. Neither of those times was the TRUM written by either Mr. Berry or Mr. Becker.

When TMR TRUMs, I love the serendipitous ramblings, "reality" TV happenings, the random playlists, the insertion of love / hate lists, the cold hard honesty of life, the humor. The TRUM is part of what makes me feel like I belong to this close knit club which is The TMR -- even though I have never personally met or spoken with any of the fine folks who help to make this experience as rich as it is.

I have to say I do look forward most to when the TMR writes the TRUM, with Pete coming in a very close second. TMR's TRUMs give us the daily dose of nailing pop culture on the head with some tasty fantasy tidbits thrown in to boot. I think the TMR could actually get away with occasionally not mentioning sports at all and it would still be a more than satisfying read. I can also identify with Pete's references to bringing up a young family, considering I've got a growing brood of my own.

I consider the TRUM to be an essential part of my day. When it doesn't show up in my inbox, I am sorely disappointed, so thank God I can usually count on a double dose the following day.

Long live TMR's TRUM!!!!

RE: TMR doesnt TRUM

senorzubov — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 12:48:20 GMT

I have to second everyting Jon has said, and then some.

I had the pleasure of guest-TRUMming about a month ago, and it was possibly the most nerve-racking experience of my 4 months with the site. The TRUM is still the hilight of my morning, and I have no clue how TMR and Pete do it day to day.

RE: TMR doesnt TRUM

Jon Phillips — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 12:30:40 GMT

I, for one, can only comment on how hard it is to write a good TRUM, much less one every day. The fact that Matt and Pete can do it solidly with so much on their plates, and give you snippets of insight while making it free, is really a credit to them.

I have never been more nervous, eager or anxious then when I have guest trummed, knowing that all my peers and colleagues on here will be casting their critical eyes. It's a really amazing opportunity and one I never take likely, as it is one of the trademarks of this site.

I'm thrilled when I can fill in and spend hours on it. So I think that considering Matt's, Pete's and many other guest Trummer's sports knowledge and work habits make me look like a slacker, I am in awe of a daily free article in my in box that covers the world of sports in fantasy terms, no matter how short and sweet.

RE: TMR doesnt TRUM

Logman — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 11:57:43 GMT

I agree that the TRUM actually gets me UP in the morning (in more ways than one). ;)

I'm happy with anything I can get.

RE: TMR doesnt TRUM

SD — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 17:46:27 GMT

3 Greatest Trums Ever

3. These are the things I need to pick-up at the Grocery store

2. This is a list of stuff on my desk

1. The dog locked my wife out of the car

With that said I think everyone does a great job with the TRUM when their number is called. Pete has done some fantastic work. The TRUM is part of my morning, grab a cup of coffee and break open the TRUM.

Fantasy advice (except for hockey) is always appreciated but not a necessary part of any TRUM, it is a blog after all. It has survived much longer than I ever thought it would.

I think we are all looking froward to the day that Pete's 4 year old's wobbly legs fetches dad his morning coffee. Keep up the great work.

RE: TMR doesnt TRUM

bstone — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 16:35:40 GMT

Well put by Vyse there. The other thing is, we all forget that the other side of human nature, especially as expressed in literary form, is for a writer's style to be molded by their changing life experiences. And I'm not in any form attempting to comment on TMR's life other than to say that it's pretty obvious from the Fantasy Show, working with ESPN and NBA.com, redesigning the website--just to name a few--that he's not doing exactly the same things that he was two, three, how-many-ever years ago.

I'll also say that I agree with a lot of the other people above in the sense that I don't care when the TRUM arrives--I literally stop what I'm doing and read it. And to be honest, I would say that the majority of the time, the TRUMs I enjoy most are the ones that come from Matt. Add in the fact that I get it sent to my Outlook mailbox at work in text form, where it is cleverly semi-camoflauged as a work related email (no ads, flashy text, etc) and I don't care what time of the day it comes.

RE: TMR doesnt TRUM

Adam Madison — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 15:32:46 GMT

You're right, the earliest TRUMs, from like two years ago, were incredible. I would reply to them almost daily. But you have to take it for what it is. It's human nature to look back on the past and say, "Damn, [insert old school subject] was so cool." Nowadays he's busier and the quality has eroded, but it's not HORRIBLE -- it turned from incredible to good. So I take it for what it is. It's like, no matter what, you can't turn back the clock, so just deal with it the best you can.

RE: TMR doesnt TRUM

telestar — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 13:30:31 GMT

It's hard to explain why Matt's TRUMs are so good, but he has that perfect (or somewhat perfect?) blend of current events, whimsy and sports that makes us all look forward to it. I view the TRUM differently than the other articles on the site, as it goes according to its own schedule and tastes. It's always a fun read, and I'd rather wait for one of Matt's than get a timely version of someone else's. There are other good writers doing the TRUM of course, but it's the type of thing to me that helps to "know" the writer a bit. I think all of us know Matt from his writing, and Pete and some of the others have a clear voice also. It is tougher for someone new to establish that connection - even with a well-written TRUM with lots of prep time. I think, therefore, that the TRUM is better with a limited number of writers, and would feel particularly sad if Matt did fewer and divided it up more because of a desire to produce it on a more timely basis. That, to me, is for other parts of the site. This, instead, is more of a meandering "sports ramble." In an effective way!

RE: TMR doesnt TRUM

C-Dub — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 09:50:44 GMT

I wish I had near the writing talent of TMR, any TRUM he gives me, no matter how late or "short", is fine with me. It is his site, the TRUM is his blog -- well, his and Pete's if you want to get technical -- I am honored that he ocassionally lets me be a part of it. I actually enjoy the "mailing it in" TRUM's.

RE: TMR doesnt TRUM

gregcalvosa@usinter.net — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 07:22:41 GMT

The TRUM is...well, the TRUM. It's Berry's baby and he can handle in whatever way he feels is right. I've been with program since his days on Rotoworld, then the Yahoo group, and now TMR.com. Over these years, Matt has churned out more content than just about everyone out there. Granted, we can be spoiled by the TRUM on some days as it's chock full of yummy fantasy tidbits. Other days, it's full of reality show drivel. I can do without the reality show crap. It's not my bag. Yet, that doesn't make it wrong. The bottom line in my opinion is that I'd rather have it from Matt late than less frequently. The guest TRUMmers are good, but after all, it's Matt's blog. I look forward to reading it either way. We could complain about a million things...in the end, it's a gift we get on a very regular basis and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Greg

RE: TMR doesnt TRUM

donovanh — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 07:13:57 GMT

Right now I'm typing this post onto a website started by and named after TMR. It's even got his smiling picture at the top of it. (He's probably smiling because he's thinking about some chick movie or humming some horrible tune.) To suggest that other people should take over TRUMming sounds ludicrous to me.

My favorite part of the Trum is that it gives you a pretty good look into TMR's personality. I've never met him, but I can read the Trum and have a decent idea what he's like. To me, that's a sign of someone who knows how to write. If he happens to be feeling stressed out and/or apologetic due to his recent time constraints, well, we'll probably read about it because that's what exposing yourself on a daily basis will do.

I think that the biggest reason positive feelings about guest Trummers exist because it's gotta be one hell of a lot easier to post an occasional Trum than to do it every day.

RE: TMR doesnt TRUM

dharvey34@comcast.net — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 06:52:33 GMT

As a subscriber who chanced upon TMR a little over two years back, I'll say that I *do* miss the "old days" when Matt was in the chat most nights, and every TRUM was long. However, I think the site is better than ever, as Matt has been smart enough to have a talented staff and an eye for recruiting new talent.

I think where the TRUM gets confusing is for new subscribers or those who only get it e-mailed. I can see how the TRUM an be viewed *not* as a blog but a daily fantasy advice column (ala Yahoo's daily e-mail). Some (maybe many?) uninitiated people, I imagine, skip right over the non-fantasy part and get upset when the TRUM is light on fantasy advice from Matt.

Maybe the TMR team should have a seperate daily update email that goes out, with a hot play or some other hook? That way the potential subscriber who is only looking for fantasy info gets to see how much TMR has to offer, then the TRUM can be seen as mainly a blog with Matt's thoughts?

As for the TRUM itself - DO NOT CHANGE A THING! I look forward to every one of them, especially Matt's but I find almost all the TRUM's entertaining and informative.

RE: TMR doesnt TRUM

Ben_Ice — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 06:32:01 GMT

Devius one - How cool is it that Matt wrote about your thread in the TRUM? That is the kind of person he is. As one of the guest TRUM'ers, I can tell you that I am thrilled at the opportunity to ramble on. I know my style isn't the same as Matt's and I've received plenty of feedback, both positive and negative on it. But I enjoy Matt's mad rambling...in fact it is what originally drew me to the site, and go figure, now I get to write for him.

I also second (or is that third?) the motion for on time TRUM's; I guess I have the same feelings of entitlement -- There is nothing worse than opening my email and NOT finding my morning TRUM in the inbox...it's an addiction much like coffee and I am grumpy as hell until I've had both. I enjoy some of the guests more than others, and I always enjoy Pete and Matt.

What Dave Hunter said about the TRUM is right on the mark, and I'll step up and say we as a site should do more to carry on the tradition. It IS a huge task, getting someone to post the blog entry every single day, 365 days a year, but it also IS one of the things that make this the best fantasy site on the planet.

I've been a member of sites in the past where this thread would have been deleted immediately. Instead, Matt publishes a link for all to read and weigh in on it.

When you balance that with his selection of iPod music (Um, Matt, step away from the iTunes store) I'd say he is quite comfy with his masculinity...and his contributions in growing the site. Kudo's to you for bringing up this topic, and to Matt for having the cajones to give everyone a shot at chiming in.

RE: TMR doesnt TRUM

The Commish — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 05:55:49 GMT

Devius ---

Thanks for the kind words. It is always nice to get positive feedback from readers. I love the opportunity to Guest TRUM once in a while, and the thing is, it is usually with a week or two heads up, which allows me to prepare for my ONE TRUM. If I had to TRUM every day, I am sure the quality would slowly erode. As easy as some of the better writers on this site make it look, it takes a lot of time and care to write a column each week... and some are writing several... and Matthew writes a million. I, for one, will cut him severe slack, and praise him for allowing Guest TRUMs in the first place, which he could have decided not to do, and then the TRUM might post only twice a week and we'd all be saying TRUM stinks.

I not only write for Matthew's site, but I am a friend, and I enjoy reading his TRUMs, even when they are nothing but "Sorry for being late... PS, models are hot." because I know Matthew and they are definitely in "his voice". I also really love Pete Becker's TRUMs. Last week's riff on "the colon" was pure genius, for example.

Anywho... thanks for reading the site. Thanks for the kind words on my writing. My NFL column will be wrapping up soon, but my NCAA Hoops column "In the Mouth of Madness" starts up again very shortly.

Hope you continue to enjoy,

RE: TMR doesnt TRUM

Pravin Bhandakkar — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 02:32:19 GMT

"TMR owes me a good TRUM, dammit!"

I second that!

That said, I'm pretty happy with the TRUMs Matt writes. And trust me on this, it's not an easy job to churn out meaningless banter mixed with quality analysis day in, day out. I know, I couldn't do that. Simply because I can't bring myself to admit I have Britney Spears on my playlist. Whether it is 'but it just started' short or 'wake me when it ends' long or 'enough with this American Idol rant, I've got a playoff matchup to win' irrelevant or 'now I know why you are the TMR' fantabulous, I'll take it whatever form it comes in.

RE: TMR doesnt TRUM

deviusvt — Sun, 10 Dec 2006 05:01:40 GMT

OK but if TMR is scheduled to post Friday and Saturday, and doesn't get anything up at all until Saturday afternoon, wouldn't it be better if someone else had just posted on Friday morning?

RE: TMR doesnt TRUM

lloydy — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 08:32:12 GMT

No ass-kissing meant here, but IMO EVERY TRUM by TMR is worth the wait. No disrespect to any other TRUMmer, but I'd rather wait every day if I had to, if it meant Matt did it 7 days/week. Others are good (or very good, depending on who's doing it) - but never as funny or creative as TMR himself.

RE: TMR doesnt TRUM

deviusvt — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 18:21:30 GMT

OK, maybe I am spoiled. Fair enough.

My objection is just that the TRUM is such a fantastic concept. It's really, really good. And I think all the writers on this site (well, almost all) do a great job with it. A daily dose of personality + sports + fantasy impact is fantastic. That's like "In my ideal world, I would have..." kind of stuff. Losing out on that because TMR is too busy with things which are admittedly more important, I just think it is a shame.

My first post may have included a sense of entitlement "TMR owes me a good TRUM, dammit!" and I apologize for that. I'm just saying I miss the old days. It seems like the TRUM is now more of a burden on him, rather than something he enjoys, and THAT is what makes it not as good. That is why I prefer Pete and the guest spots. If that really is the case, when why not give some of the duties to someone else? It will make the "product" better, and free up more time for TMR to do other things. Everyone wins.

Maybe with the Fantasy Show ending, TMR won't be traveling as much, and will have more time to put into what I truly believe is the best column on the site. Or maybe not. I don't know. I just wanted to share my disappointment with the recent efforts, and offer a suggestion because....you guys let me do that. Which is awesome.

Mike

RE: TMR doesnt TRUM

Dave Hunter — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 10:58:49 GMT

[quote][b]deviusvt (12/7/2006)[/b][hr]I think it is time for TMR to admit that he can't do the TRUM anymore. Not as the main person, at least. To me, it is my favorite part of the site. The last few months have been very disappointing--it is never up on time, and sometimes not at all. When it is up, there is a lot of apologizing for lateness and venting about how busy things are. While I understand the reasons for it, it is not interesting reading anymore. I now find myself getting excited on days where I know it will be a guest TRUM, just because then I know it will be up, and not be some mail-it-in version. The really sad thing is that TMR is one of the better bloggers around, when he is able to do it properly. I'd love to have the old TMR back, before everything got so big. But it is not gonna happen. You don't turn down business opportunities because "Well, see, I have to do this daily blog....". But you also don't pretend like you are still giving your fans what they have come to expect when clearly you are not. Find a new TRUMmer, or deepen the rotation even further. I think AJ Mass is one of the best writers on the site, I'd give him first chance at it, if he's willing. My two cents

Mike[/quote]

Well, the only thing is...this is TMR's site and it's his blog. And...I don't think we'll see him "admit that he can't do the TRUM anymore". The TRUM is also one of my favorite parts of the site and usually the first thing I check after site business, so I understand how attached you get to it. You're entitled to your own opinion about it "not being interesting reading", however, I think you're dead wrong. Even when it's late or phoned-in, it's still good. In fact, I thought Monday's TRUM (long) was outstanding, while Thursday's (phoned-in) was short and sweet. Yeah...TMR didn't go into his usual banter...but remember...it's a blog. There's no length requirements and no content requirements. I think we've all been spoiled up to this point, which could be part of your disappointment. You're used to long, personality driven TRUM's. And...when you don't get that it bothers you. Of course I would like to see the long, content-filled TRUM's everyday, but I also realize it is just a blog. By the way...a blog that appears 365 days a year. Not a weekly blog or a "when I can" blog. 365 days a year...which I think entitles TMR to a few phoned-in TRUMs.

My philosophy when there's a short TRUM: There's always tomorrow. As to your idea about getting more columnists involved in the rotation, that's been happening already. Sometimes two guest writers appear in one week...like this week - Nando and Tom Fickle. In fact, I believe that's been going on for a few months now when TMR can't do the TRUM.

Anyway, I think TMR would be the first one to say that he would like to do a normal "what we've come to expect from him" TRUM everyday. I sure as hell hope he doesn't cut down his appearances in the TRUM. I mean...I'd rather have the short and sweet version of him anyday than a guest columnist. But, that's just me.

TMR doesnt TRUM

deviusvt — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 14:06:39 GMT

I think it is time for TMR to admit that he can't do the TRUM anymore. Not as the main person, at least. To me, it is my favorite part of the site. The last few months have been very disappointing--it is never up on time, and sometimes not at all. When it is up, there is a lot of apologizing for lateness and venting about how busy things are. While I understand the reasons for it, it is not interesting reading anymore. I now find myself getting excited on days where I know it will be a guest TRUM, just because then I know it will be up, and not be some mail-it-in version. The really sad thing is that TMR is one of the better bloggers around, when he is able to do it properly. I'd love to have the old TMR back, before everything got so big. But it is not gonna happen. You don't turn down business opportunities because "Well, see, I have to do this daily blog....". But you also don't pretend like you are still giving your fans what they have come to expect when clearly you are not. Find a new TRUMmer, or deepen the rotation even further. I think AJ Mass is one of the best writers on the site, I'd give him first chance at it, if he's willing. My two cents

Mike