Dear Sheffield Star Lazy Journalist

[I should coco]

Or converse with them on a forum.

But you don't 'converse', do you? Everytime something constructive is offered you ignore it and simply defend the party line.

People here are potential customers (or more likely ex-customers), but you don't seem to hold the people who pay your wages in that high a regard. Like many I took the Star nightly until it moved to being a syndicated morning paper, pitched at 'Metro' readers.

You and your colleagues might stand more chance of keeping your jobs if you got off your backsides and found some genuine local news stories. Quite how trolling on here will Johnstone Press to profit, I don't know.

 

[HeCanDoMagic]

Or converse with them on a forum. Unfortunately, some just choose to take the chance to wish them redundancy rather than anything constructive

1. Stop the ego massaging stories
2. Stop lifting comments from forums/social media and quoting as 'Star sources'
3. Read/study the Manchester Evening News sports section, an excellent standard
4. Proof read stuff. And then proof read it again. And again. The amount of spelling and grammatical errors is high and does effect the credence

I wouldn't wish anyone to lose their job, and I don't think anyone here actually would either, its just frustration, that we don't seemingly have a local paper that is in tune to what fans want to read or find important.

 

[stringer]

I defy anyone to state honestly that the Star shows no bias toward the pigs.
From the cringeworthy save "our" pigs campaign in the 70's to the present day "bigging up" of EVERYTHING porcine from some idiot spending hundreds in Hooters,to spinning anything to show them in a good light and ,in truth the only club in the city whilst,as with the Evans saga damning United at every turn whilst the behaviour of Madine and Ranger was overlooked. The star even tried to paint Prince Abdullah as a despot within a medieval regime.
There's no smoke without fire and it isn't coincidence that EVERY Blade I know/speak to holds the Star in complete and utter contempt.
Coming on here and basically coming accross as a bit of a smug smartarse only compounds that opinion.
You might like to start over.
Or not.
Wouldn't wipe my arse with the shithouse paper unless and until it starts treating Sheffield United with respect and as an equal and invaluable asset to the city.

To answer your points SBT
There is no editorial bias towards either club.
The sports desk sends four people each week to cover United and Wednesday, two each. Both get 3 pages of coverage.
I remember personally writing a column in The Star saying Evans should be allowed to return to football. I also covered Jim Phipps' press conference when he stated his frustrations at the 'mob' not allowing Evans to come back, or words to that effect.
On Madine;
http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/disgraced-sheffield-footballer-to-learn-fate-later-this-week-1-6123336
http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/sheffield-wednesday-soccer-star-was-raging-at-arrest-1-6031835
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/www.th...day-striker-knocked-out-two-men-1-6013611/amp
http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/sheffield-wednesday-star-on-assault-charge-1-4527395
All from a rudimentary Google search.
Prince Abdullah as a despot in a medieval regime? I saw this on another thread and would love to see evidence if anyone has it?
Both clubs are invaluable assets to the city, as you say. You're of course entitled to your opinion, but at least base it on facts rather than paranoia.

 

[stringer]

But you don't 'converse', do you? Everytime something constructive is offered you ignore it and simply defend the party line.

People here are potential customers (or more likely ex-customers), but you don't seem to hold the people who pay your wages in that high a regard. Like many I took the Star nightly until it moved to being a syndicated morning paper, pitched at 'Metro' readers.

You and your colleagues might stand more chance of keeping your jobs if you got off your backsides and found some genuine local news stories. Quite how trolling on here will Johnstone Press to profit, I don't know.

Who's trolling? And because I disagree with something, it means I defend the party line?
For constructive, see my reply to SBT above

 

[HeCanDoMagic]

Or converse with them on a forum. Unfortunately, some just choose to take the chance to wish them redundancy rather than anything constructive

I've not read the Star for a while, so some of the below suggestions might not be valid;

1. Why isn't there a weekly article looking at the clubs U23 squads/results/fixtures/development of players?
2. You currently have Kevin Gage writing a weekly article, which i do read online and I think fans enjoy this insight - what about more former player involvement - Bob Booker is having a biography written about him, extracts of this could be published like other publications do.
3. The MEN is already looking at pre-season fixtures for City/United - surely both Sheffield clubs are planning, why not look at this?
4. Academy news - all age levels
5. Analysis of next opponents - form/key players/key battles
6. Work of the clubs in the community

Just suggestions. People want to see substance and regularity to what they read.*

Edit: *Which is why the Green'un was so loved, each club had a double page spread with structure, regularity and substance.

 

[Dkc]

We used to get all that with the Green Un. Since it was canned there's been the same (or less) space for sport in the Star. There should be a couple of extra pages dedicated to sport imo

 

[stringer]

I've not read the Star for a while, so some of the below suggestions might not be valid;

1. Why isn't there a weekly article looking at the clubs U23 squads/results/fixtures/development of players?
2. You currently have Kevin Gage writing a weekly article, which i do read online and I think fans enjoy this insight - what about more former player involvement - Bob Booker is having a biography written about him, extracts of this could be published like other publications do.
3. The MEN is already looking at pre-season fixtures for City/United - surely both Sheffield clubs are planning, why not look at this?
4. Academy news - all age levels
5. Analysis of next opponents - form/key players/key battles
6. Work of the clubs in the community

Just suggestions. People want to see substance and regularity to what they read.

Valid points, mate. I regularly cover the 23s as you're right, there is a lot of interest there.
I'll look into the biography of Bob.
Take your point about pre-season but I'd say more United fans are bothered about the end of this season than the start of next!
We cover the next opponents' form, key man and likely line-ups in each Friday's paper.
We also do loads on the community stuff as it's very worthwhile.
Cheers again for the constructive suggestions, I'll mention Booker to the powers that be.
The Gagey column seems to go down very well and is excellently written.

 

[HeCanDoMagic]

[="HeCanDoMagic, post: 1243967, member: 5004"]I've not read the Star for a while, so some of the below suggestions might not be valid;

1. Why isn't there a weekly article looking at the clubs U23 squads/results/fixtures/development of players?
2. You currently have Kevin Gage writing a weekly article, which i do read online and I think fans enjoy this insight - what about more former player involvement - Bob Booker is having a biography written about him, extracts of this could be published like other publications do.
3. The MEN is already looking at pre-season fixtures for City/United - surely both Sheffield clubs are planning, why not look at this?
4. Academy news - all age levels
5. Analysis of next opponents - form/key players/key battles
6. Work of the clubs in the community

Just suggestions. People want to see substance and regularity to what they read.

May I add;

1. Analysis of the run in for key teams

Also - could I ask, to what extent does the relationship you (The Star) have with the clubs restrict investigative journilism? Do you have freedom to look at potential transfers, boardroom moves, investment etc?

Other papers (again MEN) seem to have a lot of stories about future deals etc, but not so much the Star.

Who are outr scouts reportedly watching, the links with China seem to be getting stronger - but we don't get to read or understand whats going off.

 

[Dkc]

1. Stop lifting comments from forums/social media and quoting as 'Star sources'

Not sure if they do that, do they?

 

[northsomersetblade]

[="HeCanDoMagic, post: 1243967, member: 5004"]I've not read the Star for a while, so some of the below suggestions might not be valid;

1. Why isn't there a weekly article looking at the clubs U23 squads/results/fixtures/development of players?
2. You currently have Kevin Gage writing a weekly article, which i do read online and I think fans enjoy this insight - what about more former player involvement - Bob Booker is having a biography written about him, extracts of this could be published like other publications do.
3. The MEN is already looking at pre-season fixtures for City/United - surely both Sheffield clubs are planning, why not look at this?
4. Academy news - all age levels
5. Analysis of next opponents - form/key players/key battles
6. Work of the clubs in the community

Just suggestions. People want to see substance and regularity to what they read.

Valid points, mate. I regularly cover the 23s as you're right, there is a lot of interest there.
I'll look into the biography of Bob.
Take your point about pre-season but I'd say more United fans are bothered about the end of this season than the start of next!
We cover the next opponents' form, key man and likely line-ups in each Friday's paper.
We also do loads on the community stuff as it's very worthwhile.
Cheers again for the constructive suggestions, I'll mention Booker to the powers that be.
The Gagey column seems to go down very well and is excellently written.[/QUOTE]

We all know the challenge that papers have from online content - years ago we would hang around the streets after the game until the Green 'un came out to get the football results, now you see everyone in the pubs on their phones but - you could use a lot of the free digital content to better effect imho. Why don't you ask the owners if you can get a best of the forums section, some people are bang on the money on here and all you have to do is edit it, also Roy's view from is very popular, ask him nicely and he might write one for all the local clubs for you. The point about the Bob Booker book is a good one and it's a thought for you that the writer asked on here and not at the Star office for information (OK maybe he did but I bet he did better on here). You can print extracts and feature of BB and profiles of various other of the old legends that now run bars in Magaluf or drive taxis nowadays, and we will all be glad to read them. I daresay you will have to do the same for the other clubs but that's OK because owlstalk is in meltdown as far as I can see (can I request a view from Porktalk please Roy ). Proper local news provided by proper local people. You could even see it as super outsourcing the letters section which is sort of what it is.

Otherwise this shit:

Sheffield United: ‘Nothing can unsettle us’ - These Blades are United, unlike previous teams, raps Wilder

1) Great attempt to imply that we are unsettled - we're not.
2) Also, all previous teams were unsettled and this one probably is to, if we just keep wanting them to be enough
2) 'Raps Wilder' - see above. Wilder doesn't rap, unless he's in front of a karaoke machine. This suggests he is stressed or nervous, he is not. Wilder is the real deal and we're going up as Champions this year. This is the New Blades and you need to be the New Star

 

[HeCanDoMagic]

Valid points, mate. I regularly cover the 23s as you're right, there is a lot of interest there.
I'll look into the biography of Bob.
Take your point about pre-season but I'd say more United fans are bothered about the end of this season than the start of next!
We cover the next opponents' form, key man and likely line-ups in each Friday's paper.
We also do loads on the community stuff as it's very worthwhile.
Cheers again for the constructive suggestions, I'll mention Booker to the powers that be.
The Gagey column seems to go down very well and is excellently written.

We all know the challenge that papers have from online content - years ago we would hang around the streets after the game until the Green 'un came out to get the football results, now you see everyone in the pubs on their phones but - you could use a lot of the free digital content to better effect imho. Why don't you ask the owners if you can get a best of the forums section, some people are bang on the money on here and all you have to do is edit it, also Roy's view from is very popular, ask him nicely and he might write one for all the local clubs for you. The point about the Bob Booker book is a good one and it's a thought for you that the writer asked on here and not at the Star office for information (OK maybe he did but I bet he did better on here). You can print extracts and feature of BB and profiles of various other of the old legends that now run bars in Magaluf or drive taxis nowadays, and we will all be glad to read them. I daresay you will have to do the same for the other clubs but that's OK because owlstalk is in meltdown as far as I can see (can I request a view from Porktalk please Roy ). Proper local news provided by proper local people. You could even see it as super outsourcing the letters section which is sort of what it is.

Otherwise this shit:

Sheffield United: ‘Nothing can unsettle us’ - These Blades are United, unlike previous teams, raps Wilder

1) Great attempt to imply that we are unsettled - we're not.
2) Also, all previous teams were unsettled and this one probably is to, if we just keep wanting them to be enough
2) 'Raps Wilder' - see above. Wilder doesn't rap, unless he's in front of a karaoke machine. This suggests he is stressed or nervous, he is not. Wilder is the real deal and we're going up as Champions this year. This is the New Blades and you need to be the New Star[/QUOTE]

I think the idea of incorporating some online features to the printed press is a good idea - the amount of times I'll discuss comments/issues/rumours read on forums/social media with my Dad/Grandad is growing, they take an interest and often wonder where I get the stuff from - they are not internet savvy but take an interest in the topics.

 

[Dkc]

'Raps Wilder' - see above. Wilder doesn't rap, unless he's in front of a karaoke machine. This suggests he is stressed or nervous, he is not. Wilder is the real deal and we're going up as Champions this year.

I believe Wilder's full quote was:

"Naffin can unsettle us we headin for the top
Every game I send em out, salute the fackin kop
An go and find some bitches and we're cruising round this town
Bramall Lane and West St, that's where its going down"

 

[stringer]

May I add;

1. Analysis of the run in for key teams

Also - could I ask, to what extent does the relationship you (The Star) have with the clubs restrict investigative journilism? Do you have freedom to look at potential transfers, boardroom moves, investment etc?

Other papers (again MEN) seem to have a lot of stories about future deals etc, but not so much the Star.

Who are outr scouts reportedly watching, the links with China seem to be getting stronger - but we don't get to read or understand whats going off.

We did a full page analysis of the run-in for the top six a couple of weeks ago.
We have complete freedom and our relationship with the club is excellent. Your point about investment is interesting, as we exclusively revealed the Prince coming in a few years ago.

 

[HeCanDoMagic]

We did a full page analysis of the run-in for the top six a couple of weeks ago.
We have complete freedom and our relationship with the club is excellent. Your point about investment is interesting, as we exclusively revealed the Prince coming in a few years ago.

Noted - as I said, not read it for a while.

I remember you revealing it (investment), but it came out of the blue really.

Has the Star reported anything or looked into the growing link with China and where this could lead?

 

[stringer]

We all know the challenge that papers have from online content - years ago we would hang around the streets after the game until the Green 'un came out to get the football results, now you see everyone in the pubs on their phones but - you could use a lot of the free digital content to better effect imho. Why don't you ask the owners if you can get a best of the forums section, some people are bang on the money on here and all you have to do is edit it, also Roy's view from is very popular, ask him nicely and he might write one for all the local clubs for you. The point about the Bob Booker book is a good one and it's a thought for you that the writer asked on here and not at the Star office for information (OK maybe he did but I bet he did better on here). You can print extracts and feature of BB and profiles of various other of the old legends that now run bars in Magaluf or drive taxis nowadays, and we will all be glad to read them. I daresay you will have to do the same for the other clubs but that's OK because owlstalk is in meltdown as far as I can see (can I request a view from Porktalk please Roy ). Proper local news provided by proper local people. You could even see it as super outsourcing the letters section which is sort of what it is.

Otherwise this shit:

Sheffield United: ‘Nothing can unsettle us’ - These Blades are United, unlike previous teams, raps Wilder

1) Great attempt to imply that we are unsettled - we're not.
2) Also, all previous teams were unsettled and this one probably is to, if we just keep wanting them to be enough
2) 'Raps Wilder' - see above. Wilder doesn't rap, unless he's in front of a karaoke machine. This suggests he is stressed or nervous, he is not. Wilder is the real deal and we're going up as Champions this year. This is the New Blades and you need to be the New Star

I note your point about old boys. We have something lined up on Keith Edwards soon, and in today's Star there's my feature with an ex-Blade who had to retire after 2x heart attacks and open heart surgery.
http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/foot...-blade-kyle-nix-perspective-in-life-1-8412855

Tufty's rap was aimed at Parkinson who had tried to unsettle the crowd before kick off. No attempt to imply anything.

 

[stringer]

Noted - as I said, not read it for a while.

I remember you revealing it (investment), but it came out of the blue really.

Has the Star reported anything or looked into the growing link with China and where this could lead?

Yes.

 

[Bert]

I note your point about old boys. We have something lined up on Keith Edwards soon, and in today's Star there's my feature with an ex-Blade who had to retire after 2x heart attacks and open heart surgery.
http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/foot...-blade-kyle-nix-perspective-in-life-1-8412855

Tufty's rap was aimed at Parkinson who had tried to unsettle the crowd before kick off. No attempt to imply anything.

Why do journalists use the word "rap"?No one ever says it.

 

[stringer]

Why do people refer to themselves in the third person?

 

[I should coco]

Why do people refer to themselves in the third person?

In the words of Sir Chris Hoy:

Next day, Hoy meets some Scottish journalists. One puts it to him that: 'In the last 24 hours everyone has been offering an opinion on Chris Hoy. But what does Chris Hoy think of Chris Hoy?'

Hoy doesn't miss a beat: 'Chris Hoy thinks that the day Chris Hoy refers to Chris Hoy in the third person is the day that Chris Hoy disappears up his own arse.'

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/aug/24/olympics2008.chrishoy

 

[northsomersetblade]

Yes.

Well your going to have to do something different Danny boy because you're going down the shitter otherwise. The simple reason I come on here is that I get far more insightful information about the Blades or anything else Sheffield related than I do off the local official media, that definitely includes the BBC. Sure there's some crap on here but there's humour and it's interesting that the forum self referees isn't it? I don't actually wish death on you professional journalists because I can't stand the alternative which is the shallow and fatuous nonsense on facebook and twitter that is now rebranded as fake news, but you have to do something or you're gone.

Interestingly I read Private Eye more than anything else now because it's one of the few credible news sources left. Maybe try a few unsubstantiated rumours. It's sure to get the numbers up

 

[Bert]

Why do people refer to themselves in the third person?

There is only one Bert but every last one of you sports type journalists uses the worst "rap" in print and you don't even know why.

 

[stringer]

There is only one Bert but every last one of you sports type journalists uses the worst "rap" in print and you don't even know why.

Was only playing. I'm pretty sure I've never used the word in my career!

 

[Bert]

Was only playing. I'm pretty sure I've never used the word in my career!

Bert keeps a check on these things

 

[Sean Thornton]

Was only playing. I'm pretty sure I've never used the word in my career!

You should have said "brap" Bert would have loved that....

 

[Sean Thornton]

Bert keeps a check on these things

Post #75?

 

[Bert]

Post #75?

Exactly, hence Bert's question.

 

[stringer]

Never in a story! It was in response to a question about someone else's. Hope that clears it up

 

[Dkc]

Hot on the heels of the Nottingham Hooters bill scoop, the Star's most recent footballing expose is a video of a man receiving a blow job following Leeds' win over the pigs.

http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/leeds...ng-amorous-with-partner-in-domino-s-1-8413583

If the Star is interested, me and a couple of mates celebrated our win over Bolton with a bit of a bukakke free-for-all. Can provide the phone video on request.

 

[Hackblade]

I admire you for coming on here Danny04 but you're dealing with some people who think The Star briefs match day photographers to only shoot images against backdrops that make the stands look empty because there is a conspiracy against Sheffield United. Totally paranoid and clueless about newsrooms but know everything.

 

[Sean Thornton]