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Getbig Main Boards => Gossip & Opinions => Topic started by: TK on February 25, 2009, 10:52:48 AM

Title: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: TK on February 25, 2009, 10:52:48 AM
John Romano has had much to say in the past few weeks; he’s attacked my character and slanted my reasons for firing him. It’s unfortunate that although he and Dave have supposedly based their new ventures on truth and honesty, these attacks have been anything but. It is important to me that you, our loyal fans, understand that his dismissal did not take place in a vacuum and that there were valid reasons. What follows are only a few...

It was true, as John said, that I called him Bro— and vice-versa. We had a very close and strong relationship during the 18 years he worked for MD. I think most of you are aware that I gave John the opportunity to work for MD when no one else would, after he was released from prison. He saw firsthand the blood and guts and time it took for me to grow MD to the magazine it is today.

John requested and was given the position and title of Senior Editor.  I was extremely generous with his compensation; he was the highest paid employee in the company, and probably the highest paid writer in 
the industry. Every year I asked John to contribute a list of topics for his monthly feature. Unfortunately I never did receive any list from him and quite often it was on me to come up with his feature assignment. I took John under my wing in good faith, but he never fulfilled the role of Senior Editor, nor lived up to its obligations.
 
His position basically deteriorated to that of a contributing writer. He frequently submitted articles at or after deadline, and his work required more editing than that of our other writers.

John was supposed to have ‘face’ time in the MD office one week out of every month as well as frequent phone communication. This completely ceased to occur, which made my job that much more laborious and difficult over the years. I was very flexible with his time and schedule, to accommodate the many issues he had in his personal life.
 
But let me be very clear— I was the one who directed and put the magazine together for 18 years, while acting as Editor-in-Chief for two additional magazines.

I always gave John everything he wanted. I even licensed the rights to the Mexican/Spanish edition of MD. He let that fail while I, in fact, turned away more lucrative offers, in order to give him that opportunity.

John and Dave were building a business on the backs of MD magazine and the website, and using both to promote and market their fledgling business. How do you think they launched their website and radio show so quickly, if not for the fact that they were working on them prior to the firing? If it weren’t for MD, their supplement company would probably not even be in existence today. They were asked to not promote or spam about their supplements on the company’s dime, but they continued to do so. They milked it every which way to their benefit.

Why were they not honest enough to divulge their plans to me? Now we know why… they were undermining our company in order to promote their own supplement line and future businesses. John had attacked and criticized MD employees unjustly. Including the Adman, who performed very well and had record sales year to date. He begged me to allow him to take control of the MD website forums himself, and said to me “Don’t worry Bro, I’ll watch your back,” when in fact he was the one with the agenda! He tried to shift the focus of the website toward his own interests and Dave’s supplement line, of which John is a paid employee, alienating potential new sponsors and advertisers.

Regarding No Bull Radio, hosted by Dave and John, over the last two years the show was not profitable and had a very small audience. It started out as one hour and then Dave and John insisted that it be two hours. We accommodated them even without any paid advertising. If the show had been truly in demand, over the past two year period, the advertisers should have been flocking to sponsor the show. That is why  we discontinued No Bull Radio and developed the Team MD show with industry icons, Flex and Shawn, believing it has a much greater likelihood of success in our industry.

I would like to add that we just came off our all-time high for advertising in Muscular Development and the website this past year— solely through the efforts of our great sales team exclusive of John and Dave. Advertisers and sponsorships have increased on the website since John and Dave were fired. Views to our site have gone through the roof since they have been gone— we now have tons more content, breaking news daily, great science-based articles and training videos.

Most importantly, I would just like to say how disappointed I am with John as a person. He has vehemently and unjustly attacked not only me and my staff but also my family in a six-page private e-mail he sent prior to his firing. (This he doesn’t mention.) I do believe he has convinced himself that his reasoning and logic are correct. What I do not agree with is the way he has presented his case in such a public forum. He’s hurt— I get it. It’s cathartic for him— I get it. But he made his bed, so what did he expect?

This is business. Instead of ranting and raving and throwing people under the bus and acting out in such a childish way, why not take all that energy and passion and direct it in a more positive direction?  Enough with the tantrums! There is so much better content out there—  go find it! Talk about things that are important and will help people in the sport. Do what you do best and I will continue to do what I do best.

In the past I have been instrumental in building Twinlab, a $333- million supplement business; a once-public company with a market cap of $1 billion; before moving on in 2001. I will continue on the path of building a successful publishing and multimedia company.

I do wish you much success, John. I’m glad to have helped you get to where you are today— the rest is up to you. I hope you will always remember what you said, John, “If it wasn’t for Blechman, I’d be living under a bridge right now.”

You're welcome, John!

Steve
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: Vince G, CSN MFT on February 25, 2009, 11:31:42 AM
John Romano has had much to say in the past few weeks; he’s attacked my character and slanted my reasons for firing him. It’s unfortunate that although he and Dave have supposedly based their new ventures on truth and honesty, these attacks have been anything but. It is important to me that you, our loyal fans, understand that his dismissal did not take place in a vacuum and that there were valid 
reasons. What follows are only a few...

It was true, as John said, that I called him Bro— and vice-versa. We had a very close and strong relationship during the 18 years he worked for MD. I think most of you are aware that I gave John the opportunity to work for MD when no one else would, after he was released from prison. He saw firsthand the blood and guts and time it took for me to grow MD to the magazine it is today.

John requested and was given the position and title of Senior Editor.  I was extremely generous with his compensation; he was the highest paid employee in the company, and probably the highest paid writer in 
the industry. Every year I asked John to contribute a list of topics for his monthly feature. Unfortunately I never did receive any list from him and quite often it was on me to come up with his feature assignment. I took John under my wing in good faith, but he never fulfilled the role of Senior Editor, nor lived up to its obligations.
 
His position basically deteriorated to that of a contributing writer. He frequently submitted articles at or after deadline, and his work required more editing than that of our other writers.

John was supposed to have ‘face’ time in the MD office one week out of every month as well as frequent phone communication. This completely ceased to occur, which made my job that much more laborious and difficult over the years. I was very flexible with his time and schedule, to accommodate the many issues he had in his personal life.
 
But let me be very clear— I was the one who directed and put the magazine together for 18 years, while acting as Editor-in-Chief for two additional magazines.

I always gave John everything he wanted. I even licensed the rights to the Mexican/Spanish edition of MD. He let that fail while I, in fact, turned away more lucrative offers, in order to give him that 
opportunity.

John and Dave were building a business on the backs of MD magazine and the website, and using both to promote and market their fledgling business. How do you think they launched their website and radio show so quickly, if not for the fact that they were working on them prior to the firing? If it weren’t for MD, their supplement company would probably not even be in existence today. They were asked to not 
promote or spam about their supplements on the company’s dime, but they continued to do so. They milked it every which way to their benefit.

Why were they not honest enough to divulge their plans to me? Now we know why… they were undermining our company in order to promote their own supplement line and future businesses. John had attacked and criticized MD employees unjustly. Including the Adman, who performed very well and had record sales year to date. He begged me to allow him to take control of the MD website forums himself, and said to me “Don’t worry Bro, I’ll watch your back,” when in fact he was the one with the agenda! He tried to shift the focus of the website toward his own interests and Dave’s supplement line, of which John is a paid employee, alienating potential new sponsors and advertisers.

Regarding No Bull Radio, hosted by Dave and John, over the last two years the show was not profitable and had a very small audience. It started out as one hour and then Dave and John insisted that it be two hours. We accommodated them even without any paid advertising. If the show had been truly in demand, over the past two year period, the advertisers should have been flocking to sponsor the show. That is why  we discontinued No Bull Radio and developed the Team MD show with industry icons, Flex and Shawn, believing it has a much greater likelihood of success in our industry.

I would like to add that we just came off our all-time high for advertising in Muscular Development and the website this past year— solely through the efforts of our great sales team exclusive of John 
and Dave. Advertisers and sponsorships have increased on the website since John and Dave were fired. Views to our site have gone through the roof since they have been gone— we now have tons more content, breaking news daily, great science-based articles and training videos.

Most importantly, I would just like to say how disappointed I am with John as a person. He has vehemently and unjustly attacked not only me and my staff but also my family in a six-page private e-mail he sent prior to his firing. (This he doesn’t mention.) I do believe he has convinced himself that his reasoning and logic are correct. What I do not agree with is the way he has presented his case in such a public forum. He’s hurt— I get it. It’s cathartic for him— I get it. But he made his bed, so what did he expect?

This is business. Instead of ranting and raving and throwing people under the bus and acting out in such a childish way, why not take all that energy and passion and direct it in a more positive direction? 
Enough with the tantrums! There is so much better content out there—  go find it! Talk about things that are important and will help people  in the sport. Do what you do best and I will continue to do what I do 
best.

In the past I have been instrumental in building Twinlab, a $333- million supplement business; a once-public company with a market cap of $1 billion; before moving on in 2001. I will continue on the path 
of building a successful publishing and multimedia company.

I do wish you much success, John. I’m glad to have helped you get to where you are today— the rest is up to you. I hope you will always remember what you said, John, “If it wasn’t for Blechman, I’d be 
living under a bridge right now.”

You're welcome, John!

Steve



PWNED!!!!!!  ;D
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: Boost on February 25, 2009, 11:36:20 AM
I hope you will always remember what you said, John, “If it wasn’t for Blechman, I’d be 
living under a bridge right now.”


You're welcome, John!


Steve

LOL  ;D

I am actually starting to side with Steve over this issue. Dave and John really did plug the shit outta Dave's supplement line on their radio show and the forums. Of course that is gonna scare away advertisers. Romano is very slippery if you ask me.
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: Stavios on February 25, 2009, 11:42:33 AM
I am fucking tired of Romano crying like a little bitch everytime he has the chance to do it.
fuck him.

I am not on Beachman's side, but he is a millionaire and John is a nobody.
so it's easy to see who wins here
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: wes on February 25, 2009, 11:46:13 AM
 :'(
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: 240 is Back on February 25, 2009, 12:03:11 PM
i'm guessing this should end it then.
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: The Ugly on February 25, 2009, 12:07:45 PM
i'm guessing this should end it then.

Ha!

Blechman, I'm calling for a truce!
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: OneMoreRep on February 25, 2009, 12:10:01 PM
LIVUNDABRIDGOWNED


"1"
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: bigdumbbell on February 25, 2009, 12:11:13 PM
i dont take sides but this settles it.   j & d are scum and we already knew it
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: UpTheDosage on February 25, 2009, 12:13:13 PM
I am fucking tired of Romano crying like a little bitch everytime he has the chance to do it.
fuck him.

I am not on Beachman's side, but he is a millionaire and John is a nobody.
so it's easy to see who wins here

exactly. . . i hate all of Romano's nuthuggers that don't realize he's just a fucking idiot. Blechman is a gay schmoe but at least he's a millionaire. MD is far better off without those 2 fucktards john and dave in my opinion.
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: OneMoreRep on February 25, 2009, 12:15:28 PM
Blechman can just about buy every pro in the circuit if he felt like it and the IFBB wouldn't be able to do shit about it.

Say Blechman were to say that his contracts included medical coverage along with life insurance, Flex magazine would lose all of their "pros" on staff....

"1"

Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: DeadSquatPress on February 25, 2009, 12:19:03 PM
OUCH  :-X
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: Option D on February 25, 2009, 12:24:29 PM
LIVUNDABRIDGOWNED


"1"

when i finally figured out what spelled, i found it very funny
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: lovemonkey on February 25, 2009, 12:49:45 PM
Hhaha this is quite the royal pwnage. Blechman is a creepy schmoe but the dude at least has some integrity. The same can't be said for Romano.
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: LurkerNoMore on February 25, 2009, 01:16:11 PM
THE WAY I SEE IT...Romano is just a typical piece of shit that couldn't find his own way so he rode the backs of MD and then/now Dave.

THE WAY I SEE IT...Romano really has no future in the industry anymore as this was his next to last bridge to burn.  The only one left is the one Dave is standing on.  Wonder how long before that goes up in flames.

THE WAY I SEE IT...Romano despite being the highest paid writer doesn't have shit to his name if his property is in foreclosure.  And we all know he couldn't have spent all the money on supplements or AAS.  Dude looks like shit.  Rec drug addition is a bitch huh?

THE WAY I SEE IT...Romano is lucky that Dave that canned along with him or else this "news" wouldn't have garnered 1% of the slight interest it already has.

THE WAY I SEE IT...Romano is probably two weeks away from moving back in with his mommy Anthony Roberts style and "working" out of the spare bedroom as a bitter hack writer in an industry that hates him.

THE WAY I SEE IT...Romano is the very definition of "loser".

THE WAY I SEE IT...is the same way everyone else sees it too.
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: Ron on February 25, 2009, 01:26:40 PM

Anyone can have stuff on people if you are with them for 18 years, but you are right, this needs to stop.


Romano has moved on, now writing some things for MuscleMag, and Blechman can do what he wants, as he is the owner and boss, and it is his business. 

I hope this is the last statement and stories we hear on this.

Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: BB on February 25, 2009, 01:30:25 PM
LurkerNoMore Wrote:

Quote
THE WAY I SEE IT...Romano really has no future in the industry anymore as this was his next to last bridge to burn.  The only one left is the one Dave is standing on.  Wonder how long before that goes up in flames.



THE WAY I SEE IT...Romano is probably two weeks away from moving back in with his mommy Anthony Roberts style and "working" out of the spare bedroom as a bitter hack writer in an industry that hates him.


Very true. It amuses and amazes me that these fellas always must play the tough guy and bite the hand that feeds.

This is a small industry and it pays to bow out gracefully.

I wonder how long it will be before Romano has a Mentzer-esqe breakdown?
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: The Ugly on February 25, 2009, 01:32:12 PM
Anyone can have stuff on people if you are with them for 18 years, but you are right, this needs to stop.


Romano has moved on, now writing some things for MuscleMag, and Blechman can do what he wants, as he is the owner and boss, and it is his business. 

I hope this is the last statement and stories we hear on this.




C'mon!

I can't be the only one who enjoys this shit.
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: muscularny on February 25, 2009, 01:36:32 PM
he is full of shit, everything sounded good until he said "traffic and advertisers" started since they where fired, things are thru the roof

here is a fact and seriously dont know nobody in this story but this is the truth, daves Q&A was the most visited and his Q&A in the mag was most read, people dont buy MD to read how to do push ups.

he made a big fucking mistake and seriously the whole magazine now at least 85% of it is ads, never buying it again as there is no point of going to the MD website

The guy made a stupid mistake, something that seems common with large companies in these days, like the movie office space they fire the good guy and promote the dick head, same shit.

Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: BIG_STI on February 25, 2009, 01:40:52 PM
I'm calling BS at traffic picking up since they got fired.
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: HTexan on February 25, 2009, 01:47:41 PM
john got schome-pwned.
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: rk272727 on February 25, 2009, 02:00:00 PM
blechman is  beating off to vics glutes 7x a day for his cardio
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: dario73 on February 25, 2009, 02:05:33 PM
I think it's mostly bs.

How does Blechman keep Romano around for 18 years if as he puts it "never fulfilled the role of Senior Editor, nor lived up to its obligations."

Blechman wants us to believe that he was just being a good samaritan to Romano. If business is business he should have fired him a long time ago.


Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: spinnis on February 25, 2009, 03:10:55 PM
JOHN GOT FUCKING OOOWWWWNNNNEEEED HELL YES

JOHN GOT FUCKING OOOWWWWNNNNEEEED HELL YES



JOHN GOT FUCKING OOOWWWWNNNNEEEED HELL YES


JOHN GOT FUCKING OOOWWWWNNNNEEEED HELL YES




JOHN GOT FUCKING OOOWWWWNNNNEEEED HELL YES




JOHN GOT FUCKING OOOWWWWNNNNEEEED HELL YES




JOHN GOT FUCKING OOOWWWWNNNNEEEED HELL YES


Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: tu_holmes on February 25, 2009, 03:17:21 PM
While I don't think MD is getting MORE hits on the site... According to Alexia (Your favorite internet traffic monitor) While it did lose some initially, it appears to have climbed back to where it was before they were dismissed.

Also, while their new site is online, it certainly isn't as busy as MD was or is.

Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: Tapeworm on February 25, 2009, 04:28:41 PM
Who ever has the balls to make the rounds, do some Q&A on the boards, will come out way ahead.

Steve.  John.  I invite you to start a thread for this purpose.  Just don't let the other guy beat you to it!
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: body88 on February 25, 2009, 04:31:07 PM
Romano is a fucking idiot.  No sponsers are going to touch that fool with a 10 foot pole after all this.  3000 members on an internet forums means nothing.  Dumbass, lowlife, scumbag - he won't recover.
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: Benito Mutumbo on February 25, 2009, 04:37:42 PM
lol I forgot about the whole Mexican edition of MD fiasco.  Romano could have been terminated just for that.

We really need to see the 6 page email that he sent Blechman.  That might be the biggest meltdown ever.

Blechman might still be able to do business at some point with Palumbo.  But I think Romano has now become a non entity.
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: Board_SHERIF on February 25, 2009, 04:45:34 PM
piss off with your MD promoting shite...fuk off and talk about it on another site !
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: Vince G, CSN MFT on February 25, 2009, 05:02:58 PM
Romano is a fucking idiot.  No sponsers are going to touch that fool with a 10 foot pole after all this.  3000 members on an internet forums means nothing.  Dumbass, lowlife, scumbag - he won't recover.


Romano actually was hired by MuscleMag.  Its a probationary job that will be based on his first article
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: rkw1969 on February 25, 2009, 05:18:51 PM
how the hell do you know all this shit vince? serious question.
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: the anabolic mon on February 25, 2009, 05:27:08 PM

Romano actually was hired by MuscleMag.  Its a probationary job that will be based on his first article

Bro, you are the Jose Canseco of Getbig. People may hate you, but in the end you're right on the money. You deserve the blue stars and then some.
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: G o a t b o y on February 25, 2009, 05:51:21 PM
LOL  ;D

I am actually starting to side with Steve over this issue. Dave and John really did plug the shit outta Dave's supplement line on their radio show and the forums. Of course that is gonna scare away advertisers. Romano is very slippery if you ask me.


Maybe, but Blechman is still a creepy, lispy, light-in-his-loafers 120-lb bottom twink, so Romano wins!

Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: bigdumbbell on February 25, 2009, 06:33:21 PM

Maybe, but Blechman is still a creepy, lispy, light-in-his-loafers 120-lb bottom twink, so Romano wins!


ok miss thing
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: Vince G, CSN MFT on February 25, 2009, 07:08:09 PM
how the hell do you know all this shit vince? serious question.

A buddy of mine from MuscleMag told me the other day.  Its not a full time gig but more of a tryout
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: TRIX on February 25, 2009, 07:11:23 PM
Blechman can just about buy every pro in the circuit if he felt like it and the IFBB wouldn't be able to do shit about it.

Say Blechman were to say that his contracts included medical coverage along with life insurance, Flex magazine would lose all of their "pros" on staff....

"1"




no, no and no. FLEX destroys MD in subscribers... its daylight between them both.... FLEX 700,000 MD not even 100,000
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: Charfman84 on February 25, 2009, 07:32:06 PM
Classic lovers quarrel.
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: Jadethegladiator on February 25, 2009, 07:46:51 PM
For the record, I would stand by John Romano & Dave Palumbo "just like that" if I had to choose between them and Steve.  Best of luck to you guys! 

I have always thought that MD is the best mag out there.  Guess what?  As of tomorrow, I am ditching my entire 5 year+ MD collection.  If you need the dumpster location, pm me. :(   
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: body88 on February 25, 2009, 07:50:10 PM

Romano actually was hired by MuscleMag.  Its a probationary job that will be based on his first article

Thats not what I am talking about.  Romano was beating his chest about his website and if I owned a supplement company I wouldn't go near that clown with a ten foot pole.  He downgraded his career and his reputation with this whole scenario, plain and simple.  When you get fired by your boss, you don't do what this goof did if you expect to have a shred of credibility in your industry.

I'm not referring to Romano being out of work.....I'm referring to the fact that anytime his name is mentioned this will be brought up.  If you were an employer, would you trust a guy like that with your secrets and your business plan?  The first time you did something he didn't agree with, he unloads a bunch of lies and bullshit about you across the industry that you work in....

Good company's don't hire people like Romano, plain and simple.  Maybe this fucked up industry should take a page from real life business.  You never hire a guy like Romano, ever.  It Always bites you in the ass.  It may take 18 years, but eventually the scumbag that always lied within that person comes out.

I have worked with many of the larger supplement companies that are launching sub-brands targeting mainstream media markets....and those companies are run well, not this circus clown bullshit.  There is a lot of fluff and bullshit in bb.  There are  handful of companies that have the coin to provide revenue on a constant basis and those companies would never be associated with Ramano after this, imo.  Maybe it's just me, but I think he came off like a total bafoon with this whole thing.
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: body88 on February 25, 2009, 07:54:35 PM
For the record, I would stand by John Romano & Dave Palumbo "just like that" if I had to choose between them and Steve.  Best of luck to you guys! 

I have always thought that MD is the best mag out there.  Guess what?  As of tomorrow, I am ditching my entire 5 year+ MD collection.  If you need the dumpster location, pm me. :(   


You don't get it.  You loved MD for the content it provided, correct.  The whole magazine is not about John Romano.  How can you fault Steve for making a business decision that was best for his company?  Then you take the side of a scorned employee who slandered his boss in public with several rants and accusations?  A guy who was so unprofessional that he took shots at a guys family in public?

This industry is a joke, lol.  It really is. What does any of this have to do with how good a magazine MD is.  Did you read it because you love John Romano.  If so I guess your logic makes sense.
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: McFarland on February 25, 2009, 08:10:23 PM
John Romano has had much to say in the past few weeks; he’s attacked my character and slanted my reasons for firing him. It’s unfortunate that although he and Dave have supposedly based their new ventures on truth and honesty, these attacks have been anything but. It is important to me that you, our loyal fans, understand that his dismissal did not take place in a vacuum and that there were valid reasons. What follows are only a few...

It was true, as John said, that I called him Bro— and vice-versa. We had a very close and strong relationship during the 18 years he worked for MD. I think most of you are aware that I gave John the opportunity to work for MD when no one else would, after he was released from prison. He saw firsthand the blood and guts and time it took for me to grow MD to the magazine it is today.

John requested and was given the position and title of Senior Editor.  I was extremely generous with his compensation; he was the highest paid employee in the company, and probably the highest paid writer in 
the industry. Every year I asked John to contribute a list of topics for his monthly feature. Unfortunately I never did receive any list from him and quite often it was on me to come up with his feature assignment. I took John under my wing in good faith, but he never fulfilled the role of Senior Editor, nor lived up to its obligations.
 
His position basically deteriorated to that of a contributing writer. He frequently submitted articles at or after deadline, and his work required more editing than that of our other writers.

John was supposed to have ‘face’ time in the MD office one week out of every month as well as frequent phone communication. This completely ceased to occur, which made my job that much more laborious and difficult over the years. I was very flexible with his time and schedule, to accommodate the many issues he had in his personal life.
 
But let me be very clear— I was the one who directed and put the magazine together for 18 years, while acting as Editor-in-Chief for two additional magazines.

I always gave John everything he wanted. I even licensed the rights to the Mexican/Spanish edition of MD. He let that fail while I, in fact, turned away more lucrative offers, in order to give him that opportunity.

John and Dave were building a business on the backs of MD magazine and the website, and using both to promote and market their fledgling business. How do you think they launched their website and radio show so quickly, if not for the fact that they were working on them prior to the firing? If it weren’t for MD, their supplement company would probably not even be in existence today. They were asked to not promote or spam about their supplements on the company’s dime, but they continued to do so. They milked it every which way to their benefit.

Why were they not honest enough to divulge their plans to me? Now we know why… they were undermining our company in order to promote their own supplement line and future businesses. John had attacked and criticized MD employees unjustly. Including the Adman, who performed very well and had record sales year to date. He begged me to allow him to take control of the MD website forums himself, and said to me “Don’t worry Bro, I’ll watch your back,” when in fact he was the one with the agenda! He tried to shift the focus of the website toward his own interests and Dave’s supplement line, of which John is a paid employee, alienating potential new sponsors and advertisers.

Regarding No Bull Radio, hosted by Dave and John, over the last two years the show was not profitable and had a very small audience. It started out as one hour and then Dave and John insisted that it be two hours. We accommodated them even without any paid advertising. If the show had been truly in demand, over the past two year period, the advertisers should have been flocking to sponsor the show. That is why  we discontinued No Bull Radio and developed the Team MD show with industry icons, Flex and Shawn, believing it has a much greater likelihood of success in our industry.

I would like to add that we just came off our all-time high for advertising in Muscular Development and the website this past year— solely through the efforts of our great sales team exclusive of John and Dave. Advertisers and sponsorships have increased on the website since John and Dave were fired. Views to our site have gone through the roof since they have been gone— we now have tons more content, breaking news daily, great science-based articles and training videos.

Most importantly, I would just like to say how disappointed I am with John as a person. He has vehemently and unjustly attacked not only me and my staff but also my family in a six-page private e-mail he sent prior to his firing. (This he doesn’t mention.) I do believe he has convinced himself that his reasoning and logic are correct. What I do not agree with is the way he has presented his case in such a public forum. He’s hurt— I get it. It’s cathartic for him— I get it. But he made his bed, so what did he expect?

This is business. Instead of ranting and raving and throwing people under the bus and acting out in such a childish way, why not take all that energy and passion and direct it in a more positive direction?  Enough with the tantrums! There is so much better content out there—  go find it! Talk about things that are important and will help people in the sport. Do what you do best and I will continue to do what I do best.

In the past I have been instrumental in building Twinlab, a $333- million supplement business; a once-public company with a market cap of $1 billion; before moving on in 2001. I will continue on the path of building a successful publishing and multimedia company.

I do wish you much success, John. I’m glad to have helped you get to where you are today— the rest is up to you. I hope you will always remember what you said, John, “If it wasn’t for Blechman, I’d be living under a bridge right now.”

You're welcome, John!

Steve

Hi Hank New Hank Wood.   ;D
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: Benny B on February 25, 2009, 08:14:34 PM
For the record, I would stand by John Romano & Dave Palumbo "just like that" if I had to choose between them and Steve.  Best of luck to you guys! 

I have always thought that MD is the best mag out there.  Guess what?  As of tomorrow, I am ditching my entire 5 year+ MD collection.  If you need the dumpster location, pm me. :(   
silly  ::)
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: body88 on February 25, 2009, 08:16:44 PM
silly  ::)


Agreed, awful logic.  If you read magazines because your buddy writes for them, you never liked the magazine anyway.  Unless it is a magazine where 100 percent of the content comes from one person.
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: Spicy Shushi on February 25, 2009, 08:32:00 PM
A buddy of mine from MuscleMag told me the other day.  Its not a full time gig but more of a tryout

bullshit you fat tittied twit... if you heard this the other day you would have came on here and posted a thread about it... you read it today on rxmuscle where romano posted it...
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: gordiano on February 25, 2009, 08:39:09 PM
Once again...let me say this......


It amazes me how quickly people will turn on each other. Here are 2 guys who were not only associates, but supposedly, "friends". I Can't blame Steve for making his decision. It is a business, and if Romano was not fulfilling his duties...he had to go.

Say what you want...but this bickering back and forth (as entertaining as it may be), makes neither side look good. I'm sure they both have dirt on each other. I'm sure both are currently lying, to make themselves look/sound better. Sadly, neither one has much credibility after such behavior. 
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: Vince G, CSN MFT on February 25, 2009, 08:40:03 PM
bullshit you fat tittied twit... if you heard this the other day you would have came on here and posted a thread about it... you read it today on rxmuscle where romano posted it...

When you're not an anonymous troll on the internet and you actually go out to the bodybuilding shows and meet company reps and etc, you actually get to learn about stuff earlier than most people.  

For the record, I knew about this about 3 days after he was fired because I heard that MuscleMag was interested which usually means he's going to be hired.  As much as I don't like him, he is a really good writer

When Palumbo and Ramano were fired guess how I found out??.....Palumbo send me an email and told me.....


See the benefits of actually meeting people instead of hiding behind a computer????
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: Vince G, CSN MFT on February 25, 2009, 08:43:01 PM
Once again...let me say this......


It amazes me how quickly people will turn on each other. Here are 2 guys who were not only associates, but supposedly, "friends". I Can't blame Steve for making his decision. It is a business, and if Romano was not fulfilling his duties...he had to go.

Say what you want...but this bickering back and forth (as entertaining as it may be), makes neither side look good. I'm sure they both have dirt on each other. I'm sure both are currently lying, to make themselves look/sound better. Sadly, neither one has much credibility after such behavior. 


There's actually a lot more going on with the whole situation than you think and some of it is pretty ugly. 
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: gordiano on February 25, 2009, 08:44:36 PM

There's actually a lot more going on with the whole situation than you think and some of it is pretty ugly. 

Well then, care to enlighten us?
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: Rami on February 25, 2009, 08:50:18 PM
Anyone can have stuff on people if you are with them for 18 years, but you are right, this needs to stop.


Romano has moved on, now writing some things for MuscleMag, and Blechman can do what he wants, as he is the owner and boss, and it is his business. 

I hope this is the last statement and stories we hear on this.



Hope this is only the beginning
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: Vince G, CSN MFT on February 25, 2009, 09:09:13 PM
Well then, care to enlighten us?

Sorry, made a promise not to disclose it but it will be out soon
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: onlyme on February 25, 2009, 09:58:53 PM
You got two ex-cons feeding off Bleckman.  It is Bleckman's fault for letting it go on this long though.  He should have let them go along time ago.  They went to prison for a reason and that wasn't because they were honest and good people.  Interesting how "birds of a feather, flock together"
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: Tapeworm on February 25, 2009, 10:32:07 PM
Sorry, made a promise not to disclose it but it will be out soon

Hey Vince, who killed JFK?  What happened to Hoffa?  What are The Colonels 11 secret herbs and spices?
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: toolarge4u on February 26, 2009, 08:50:51 AM
whos gives a fuck about an ex con with the worst juice genetics on earth and uses other peoples knowledge, another who responds well to juice but looks like a mutant and needs nubain every 5 minutes to write the most basic BS $500 diets on earth, and a fucking midget homo ass schmoe whos butt hurt cause he cant suck collettes dicks anymore.. fuck the whole stupid cult lot of em.
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: body88 on February 26, 2009, 08:55:05 AM
When you're not an anonymous troll on the internet and you actually go out to the bodybuilding shows and meet company reps and etc, you actually get to learn about stuff earlier than most people.  

For the record, I knew about this about 3 days after he was fired because I heard that MuscleMag was interested which usually means he's going to be hired.  As much as I don't like him, he is a really good writer

When Palumbo and Ramano were fired guess how I found out??.....Palumbo send me an email and told me.....


See the benefits of actually meeting people instead of hiding behind a computer????


What type of company reps are we talking about....and who are they?  Maybe we know the same people.
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: body88 on February 26, 2009, 08:57:07 AM
Once again...let me say this......


It amazes me how quickly people will turn on each other. Here are 2 guys who were not only associates, but supposedly, "friends". I Can't blame Steve for making his decision. It is a business, and if Romano was not fulfilling his duties...he had to go.

Say what you want...but this bickering back and forth (as entertaining as it may be), makes neither side look good. I'm sure they both have dirt on each other. I'm sure both are currently lying, to make themselves look/sound better. Sadly, neither one has much credibility after such behavior. 

To me it looked like a president/owner making a move that was best for his company.....a scumbag getting upset over this and trashing the guy in public and then that president being forced to defend himself against all the slander.

Imo, Romano is the twat of this whole thing.
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: jesusbod on February 26, 2009, 09:23:14 AM
Airing dirty laundry on GETBIG.com... Priceless.  ;D
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: Jadethegladiator on February 26, 2009, 09:38:32 AM

You don't get it.  You loved MD for the content it provided, correct.  The whole magazine is not about John Romano.  How can you fault Steve for making a business decision that was best for his company?  Then you take the side of a scorned employee who slandered his boss in public with several rants and accusations?  A guy who was so unprofessional that he took shots at a guys family in public?

This industry is a joke, lol.  It really is. What does any of this have to do with how good a magazine MD is.  Did you read it because you love John Romano.  If so I guess your logic makes sense.


What do I not get?  John is a good friend of mine.  MD is MD, Flex is Flex, etc.  Who the f**k cares?  Business is business & sh** happens.

In reference to content & MD?  Are you serious?  I enjoy reading it but hey, I could pick up the phone right now & save myself 7+ bucks per month if I needed some info on "whatever". ::)  

Hey, I ditched all of my MD mags yesterday, this is what is left....these will be gone within the hour.  BTW, keep in mind that I love Dave Palumbo too. ;D          
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: LurkerNoMore on February 26, 2009, 09:56:31 AM
I can't tell what is more silly.  Considering Romano "good" for anything or keeping 5+ years of back issues for ANY kind of magazine.
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: LurkerNoMore on February 26, 2009, 09:57:19 AM

Romano actually was hired by MuscleMag.  Its a probationary job that will be based on his first article

Then by all means, Getbig should be bombing MM with complaints about the column as soon as the issue is released.
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: body88 on February 26, 2009, 10:33:47 AM
What do I not get?  John is a good friend of mine.  MD is MD, Flex is Flex, etc.  Who the f**k cares?  Business is business & sh** happens.

In reference to content & MD?  Are you serious?  I enjoy reading it but hey, I could pick up the phone right now & save myself 7+ bucks per month if I needed some info on "whatever". ::)  

Hey, I ditched all of my MD mags yesterday, this is what is left....these will be gone within the hour.  BTW, keep in mind that I love Dave Palumbo too. ;D          

My point was that you read the magazine because John is your good friend....you read the magazine to support John, which makes you ditching the rag understandable.  Thats why I asked if you read the magazine because of your friend or because of the content.  I know that I would not ditch certain magazines that I read if a person I knew that worked for that magazine got canned - then acted like a retard in public.

Maybe instead of supporting your friend when he acts like an idiot, you could talk some sense in to him and teach him how to conduct himself like a professional.
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: wes on February 26, 2009, 10:42:35 AM
Hey Vince, who killed JFK?  What happened to Hoffa?  What are The Colonels 11 secret herbs and spices?
LOL  :)
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: nicky.smth on February 26, 2009, 10:58:57 AM

When Palumbo and Ramano were fired guess how I found out??.....Palumbo send me an email and told me.....




ya right ;D
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: emn1964 on February 26, 2009, 11:29:06 AM
Only in this business is this type of immature back and forth name calling typical and even expected.  Gee, I wonder why the business only attracts convicts, liars, drug addicts and male prostitutes?
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: Jadethegladiator on February 26, 2009, 07:59:20 PM
My point was that you read the magazine because John is your good friend....you read the magazine to support John, which makes you ditching the rag understandable.  Thats why I asked if you read the magazine because of your friend or because of the content.  I know that I would not ditch certain magazines that I read if a person I knew that worked for that magazine got canned - then acted like a retard in public.

Maybe instead of supporting your friend when he acts like an idiot, you could talk some sense in to him and teach him how to conduct himself like a professional.

Hello & no I "used to" read MD b/c it was up front, in your face real sh**.  Where else can a person find that?  Yeah, exactly & nowhere.  John + Dave + let me throw in Valentino.....bbing doesn't get more real than this.  If you don't like it, then get out.   

         
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: body88 on February 26, 2009, 08:10:59 PM
Hello & no I "used to" read MD b/c it was up front, in your face real sh**.  Where else can a person find that?  Yeah, exactly & nowhere.  John + Dave + let me throw in Valentino.....bbing doesn't get more real than this.  If you don't like it, then get out.   

         


Nevermind..........lol

Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: Jadethegladiator on February 26, 2009, 08:22:08 PM

Nevermind..........lol



Nevermind = a lil bbing pup who has no clue
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: G o a t b o y on February 26, 2009, 09:36:10 PM
Romano > a 120-lb metrosexual twink
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: Benny B on February 26, 2009, 11:03:51 PM
Nevermind = a lil bbing pup who has no clue
No clue about what, exactly?
You are stating that you support your long-time bodybuilding pals and their foolish actions. We get it.
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: Tre on February 27, 2009, 06:39:35 AM
Anyone can have stuff on people if you are with them for 18 years, but you are right, this needs to stop.


Romano has moved on, now writing some things for MuscleMag, and Blechman can do what he wants, as he is the owner and boss, and it is his business. 

I hope this is the last statement and stories we hear on this.

Agreed.

Ron - In my opinion, Steve and MD have really taken the high road in handling this entire matter.  Do you see it that way as well? 

I've been really impressed by the amount of class they have shown throughout this process. 
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: brent2741 on February 27, 2009, 06:47:58 AM
DAMN, it sounds more like john was way out of line, but he really didn't throw dave under the bus, so im assuming he wasnt as integral as john in their downfall
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: G o a t b o y on February 27, 2009, 07:19:24 AM
Agreed.

Ron - In my opinion, Steve and MD have really taken the high road in handling this entire matter.  Do you see it that way as well? 

I've been really impressed by the amount of class they have shown throughout this process. 


Oh yeah, Steve starting the "carb wars" in a transparent bid to make Dave look bad was real classy!  ::)   Blechman is a whiney little bitch, and is just as guilty as Romano in this saga.
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: HTexan on February 27, 2009, 09:06:31 AM
I can't tell what is more silly.  Considering Romano "good" for anything or keeping 5+ years of back issues for ANY kind of magazine.
i cut out articles and saved them in a notebook :-[
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: checkmate on March 03, 2009, 07:36:50 AM
Airing dirty laundry on GETBIG.com... Priceless.  ;D

Bumpy Bump ;D
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: The Ugly on March 03, 2009, 11:28:16 AM
Agreed.

Ron - In my opinion, Steve and MD have really taken the high road in handling this entire matter.  Do you see it that way as well? 

I've been really impressed by the amount of class they have shown throughout this process. 

But how does the "high road" help us? It really should be about us.
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: TechnoViking on March 03, 2009, 12:59:11 PM
Now that they basically have HHH backing "Species" to some extent, John and Dave are so much better off without MD...
Title: Re: Blechman fires back to Romano - boom! Statement!
Post by: Option D on March 03, 2009, 02:43:52 PM
look at steves page on wiki

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Blechman

Blechman has recently run Muscular Development in a somewhat controversial fashion,[2][7] changing the format of the magazine frequently in recent years,[2] and sparking a war of words with the operators of competitor magazine FLEX.[7]

Belchman's favorite meal is dill pickles on white bread dipped in melted stilton cheese.

what is this