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Getbig Main Boards => Gossip & Opinions => Topic started by: Steve Blechman on September 07, 2006, 10:35:37 AM
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MD vs. Flex
Really Setting the Record Straight
By Steve Blechman, Publisher, Editor-in-Chief
I have been reticent regarding the recent news that AMI/Weider is not allowing MD its press credentials for the 2006 Olympia Weekend. After reading Peter McGough’s article on Flex online, I think I should enter my views into the record.
Apparently, AMI CEO David Pecker was displeased with an entry in “Romano Factor” (MD Sept. 2006) describing a lunch meeting I attended along with my wife, Elyse, David Pecker and his chief marketing officer, Kevin Hyson. I was subsequently contacted by AMI events director Robin Chang via Flex Wheeler during the week of August 27th, detailing the content of an apology I was requested to write and publish as part of my editorial in the forthcoming issue of MD, in order to obtain press passes to the 2006 Mr. Olympia.
In considering those conditions, I revisited that lunch meeting and didn’t feel that John Romano misstated the facts. He may have gone a little overboard with creative license, but that’s John’s style. David Pecker is a public figure, and he makes a living jabbing at celebrities, the President and the Ayatollah; he should have thicker skin. I also didn’t think any of our comments regarding the Olympia were off base, either. Last year’s show was a disaster and that’s what we said. No different from anyone else. So, I agreed to print a retraction, but it wasn’t going to be on their terms, and I told Robin to tell David Pecker that. Here’s what I printed as my apology in my forthcoming editorial in the November issue of MD, which went to press Friday, Sept. 1:
Editor’s Page
By Steve Blechman
Talking about the Olympia, it seems as though we’ve insulted its promoter by being so critical of the Olympia and the events that surround it. They are, of course, referring to something Romano wrote. Specifically, it was his account of a lunch meeting I told him about with AMI CEO David Pecker (see “Romano Factor,” Sept. 2006).
Accordingly, it was suggested that I apologize wholeheartedly to David Pecker, stipulating that the article Romano wrote was ill founded, factually incorrect, written in an unwarranted personal tone and from a biased perspective. If any of our readers ever perceived incorrectly that MD had an agenda, which included persistent and misguided criticism of the Olympia contest, IFBB President Ben Weider and Weider Publications, I apologize. I can state unequivocally that MD never had such an agenda. Again, from things extrapolated mostly from Romano’s writings.
John Romano writes for MD under a no-censorship guarantee that he made sure was ironclad. Even though I’m the publisher, I can’t apologize for him. The only recourse I have for what has been said is to fire him. I’ll be the first to say I wish he hadn’t said some of the things he did. Perhaps his tone and poetic license were unfounded, and I can certainly understand how he could piss someone off. But I’m not going to fire him.
For the record, I went to that lunch meeting in good faith to explore AMI’s commitment to bodybuilding. Because if they weren’t committed, I had an interest in buying Flex, and maybe even Muscle & Fitness, too. I just didn’t think AMI was committed to bodybuilding. I was very disappointed with the way the meeting unfolded. I can’t apologize for Romano’s account. All I can tell you is that my wife and I were very offended.
And I don’t think that our comments about the Olympia were unfounded. Last year’s Olympia had issues and that’s what we said. No different from anyone else. I have to give props to Robin Chang, though. I have a lot of respect for him. Robin is a very hardworking and honest guy and I think if his hands aren’t tied this year, Robin will pull off a much better show. And if he does we’ll report it as such.
I’ve spoken to Romano and we’ve agreed that moving forward, we will be more careful about what we say regarding dealings that have nothing to do with the sport. I’m confident we can move ahead and leave issues such as magazine revenues, corporate sales and other machinations within the Weider organization on the sidelines, and in reporting future events he’s more than willing to swing back to center. We would like to let bygones be bygones and all move forward for the betterment of the industry.
As far as apologizing to Ben Weider, let me call your attention to page 268 and the feature John wrote about the forthcoming book by Ben and Joe Weider. John, as well as myself, have tremendous respect for Joe and Ben. Compare his review to what was said in Flex.
Not only that, but we also had more Olympia and pre-Olympia coverage than all the other bodybuilding publications put together, including Flex and M&F. I want the Olympia to be successful! It should be the bodybuilding equivalent of the Super Bowl! If the Olympia is a success it’s good for the industry. I only want what’s best for the Olympia and the industry, especially the bodybuilders.
This industry is too small to be pitted against each other. In fact, I’d like to see the top members of our industry having annual brainstorming sessions on how to grow our industry instead of working alone to keep it chopped up. Other industries hold summits to see how to grow and become better. How come we don’t do that? I speak to all the other magazine editors and publishers. But not the Weider guys, only because they won’t speak to us. I’m for everyone burying the hatchet, shaking hands and moving forward. I hope AMI/Weider agrees.
On Thursday Aug. 31, prior to the closing of the November issue, I sent a copy of my editorial to Robin Chang who forwarded it to David Pecker. On Friday, I received the “Denial” response for all MD Olympia press passes from Robin. They then followed up with an editorial Sept. 3 on Flex online written by Peter McGough.
In response to the recent post by Peter McGough, I believe much of it is factually incorrect. I would just like to say John reported things in his column as accurately as I remembered. Enough said. I would like to move on and concentrate on what’s really important and what we at MD do best— report on bodybuilding and continue to make MD the most informative, no-bull publication out there.
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This is gettin' way outta hand.
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Nice work Steve...very well written, direct and straight forward. You showed acknowledgement but didn't kiss ass, which is what they wanted.
Now onto the important issues here...
The hell with AMI and Pecker and this political nonsense...John Romano is the LEAST of your concerns. I'd be more concerned with your writers describing every single negroe in existence as...and I quote: "Mountains of greasy ebony muscle".
I'd be more focused on that if I were you, Steve...that 'schmoe-ism' siht got to stop! I bought the last MD at 7-11 last week and I scanned every page and I didnt see it so that means next month I'll buy it again...
Your thoughts?
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Anything begin,there is an end.
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LIKE I SAID BEFORE, I WON'T BE RENEWING MY FLEX SUBSCRIPTION, I HOPE EVERYONE HERE WILL FOLLOW ME IN BOYCOTTING FLEX MAGAZINE.
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You tried Steve, now get to producing the best damn post-olympia edition ever, and take more athletes from Flex Magazine.
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Right on steve!
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The Weiders have long been under the false impression that they own bodybuilding. MD has existed under its present title for a lot longer than any current Weider publication has, however. The era of the Weiders is close to coming to an end. Their empire is starting to unravel (selling the mags & canning Wayne DeMilia were the first parts that did), & it will continue to do so. Both of the Weiders have let generations of bodybuilders starve & lose their health while they profited from their investment in the industry. They are also fundamentally dishonest about what it really takes to compete at the level they require from pros. Steve & John have had the audacity to say that the emperor is not wearing any clothes, & they deserve props for doing so. I will continue my subs to Weider mags, because I have to see all of them for my website, but I would much prefer to read MD & Musclemag. 'Nuff said.
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Yo dude I like your mag it blows away all the others, BUT 1. Can you guys get it sent to the newstand in Norway 2. Get a decent website already!!! - FLEX has this over you guys right now.
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In the latest issue of MD it discusses the upcoming website. It's gonna be great.
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The bottom line is that Muscular Development is a magazine created for bodybuilders, written by bodybuilders. The magazine says on the cover, NO BULLSHIT! it offers the reader only the best perspective of the sport. The system of direct bodybuilder/reader, via individual columns, is the foundation of the entire magazine. It leaves no room for a general opinion on any matter. Every writer in MD expresses their own opinion, and thats the beauty of the magazine. Flex unfortunately cannot say the same. The main reason being, the entire publication lacks a bodybuilder/reader relationship. I personally have no favorite section in Flex. Month to month it so repetitive and an overall boring read. Nobody cares about the new 12 week mass building program or etc.etc. Any real bodybuilder at any level can contest that MD is essential part of our sports media. It is good for the athletes, supplement companies, and most importantly the reader. For professionals in the media to bicker back and fourth, throwing low blows, is uncalled for. If Flex can't take the heat then maybe they shouldn't play with fire. Without us, the readers of these magazines, there would be no MR Olympia contest. For them to revoke the passes is good old fashioned jealousy. MD is on top of their game, doing a great job giving the reader their view of the sport and not trying to controll it.
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Pulling your Olympia press passes is a low-ball move.
However, you guys (MD) have taken shots at AMI and Flex.
Something had to give.
I can't believe this pissing match is going on. Both sides should be more professional.
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LIKE I SAID BEFORE, I WON'T BE RENEWING MY FLEX SUBSCRIPTION, I HOPE EVERYONE HERE WILL FOLLOW ME IN BOYCOTTING FLEX MAGAZINE.
Like any of us buy muscle magazines...
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I think this will end with blood on the posedown stage................... .
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Lol Pecker, what a horrible name.
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Props to Blechman for presenting his position with grace and honesty while not turning into a jellyfish.
LOL @ Romano's attempt to be edgy in MD. Rommels, drop me an email and I'll show you how to take shots without getting the door shown to you.
LOL @ AMI who has given itself more black eyes than a pretrial sally meneil. The Lee ticket deal, the MD ticket deal, the crappy hotel deal, the "we'll be selling the ship on oct 1" deal, the cancelled PPV, and the appearance of all its writers to battle online for the peanut gallery.
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Props to Blechman for presenting his position with grace and honesty while not turning into a jellyfish.
LOL @ Romano's attempt to be edgy in MD. Rommels, drop me an email and I'll show you how to take shots without getting the door shown to you.
LOL @ AMI who has given itself more black eyes than a pretrial sally meneil. The Lee ticket deal, the MD ticket deal, the crappy hotel deal, the "we'll be selling the ship on oct 1" deal, the cancelled PPV, and the appearance of all its writers to battle online for the peanut gallery.
I'll pass that along....
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This is gettin' way outta hand.
No kidding.
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I think this will end with blood on the posedown stage................... .
team md vs team flex? hmmm that could get ugly...
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so much for the industry not caring what we think on the forums. Why would they be posting this here if they didn't give two figs?
I guess that myth has been busted
(http://www.adamsavage.com/images/pix/mythbusters.jpg)
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so much for the industry not caring what we think on the forums. Why would they be posting this here if they didn't give two figs?
I guess that myth has been busted
(http://www.adamsavage.com/images/pix/mythbusters.jpg)
WOW!!! Good point.
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so much for the industry not caring what we think on the forums. Why would they be posting this here if they didn't give two figs?
I guess that myth has been busted
(http://www.adamsavage.com/images/pix/mythbusters.jpg)
Because, here it is seen/read today.....whereas in MD, it won't be seen for another 3 months......
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he could have posted it on MD's website like Flex did.
Despite what he and everyone else claims, they care a lot about what we think over here
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AMI have really bitten of more than they can chew with their Weider Purchase , AMI have no business in the Body Building World , it is as all know in the sport, a sport of judgement and personal opinions , if they can not handle this then they should get out , they (AMI) also believe they are bigger than big , but the truth is they are losing market share since gaining the Weider publication base to the likes of MD and their Olympia last year came under so much attack for such poor handling and management that they packed a little hissy fit and threw their toys out of the cot !!!
Bodybuilders should run Bodybuilding as it is a cult all on to itself and can not be understood by number counting pencil pushing company executives !!
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so to coin a phrase used recently by some Romano guy
What is your commitment to Bodybuilding Steve?
When can I expect to buy tickets for an MD Bodybuilding contest?
Since the same fellow said on the radio that MD is the number one magazine I am sure the contest will rival the Olympia for prize money.
I don't know about the rest of you but I can't wait to buy my tickets for this contest.
It is going to awesome, right Steve?
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Damn.. how lame is the Pecker Org??? Then they make that post online on Flexonline to try to get in the first word.. how immature.
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AMI have really bitten of more than they can chew with their Weider Purchase , AMI have no business in the Body Building World , it is as all know in the sport, a sport of judgement and personal opinions , if they can not handle this then they should get out , they (AMI) also believe they are bigger than big , but the truth is they are losing market share since gaining the Weider publication base to the likes of MD and their Olympia last year came under so much attack for such poor handling and management that they packed a little hissy fit and threw their toys out of the cot !!!
Bodybuilders should run Bodybuilding as it is a cult all on to itself and can not be understood by number counting pencil pushing company executives !!
Right on.
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To Take away a press pss is so childish ni cnt beleive Pecker...I really feel that the weider pub should tke back control of FLEX or at least the Olympia. ...now wht re you goping to do MR pecker wy my Olympie Ticket.
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Flex is a crap of a magazine ;D
Haven't bought flex in years..
Renewing my MD subscription... ;)
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Something tells me this landslide of support for MD and complete shellacking of Flex, was the last thing that McGough thought would happen when he and Pecker concocted the egg on their faces plan to ban MD from the O, and then pen the Flex Online piece. :-X
Smooth move fellas. ::) Nice meltdown ;)
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Hahahahahahaa "David Pecker" Hahahahahahahahahaa
word
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Is david pecker the guy they gave the key to LV to at the O last year and announced it "Pecker Day"' now I honestly thought that that was a joke or arranged gag at the O , I was sitting there going WTF, as most of the audiance was as no one new who or what the hell D Pecker was or did ?? Seriuosly it came of as a ill timed add libbed farce that came out of no where leaving people asking WTF was that that just happened , was that serious ??
Pecker Day ---- Shit i hope the have a "Titty Day" this year :D
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has flex been pulled off wal mart shelves? i see md and ironman only at wally world now. md has the only worth-reading articles out of all the bb mags by far. but ya flex isnt in any wal mart i've been into recently.
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This blue reminds of the old feud between Hoffman and Weider that persisted for decades. Seems to be inevitable in the publishing world. They love each other about as much as gym owners or gym equipment manufacturers do!
I would be interested in subscribing to online versions of the magazines like I do with Ironman. The cost for magazines in Australia is about $17 for American magazines. I stopped buying them years ago. I used to buy all the magazines going back to 1960.
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MD vs. Flex
Really Setting the Record Straight
By Steve Blechman, Publisher, Editor-in-Chief
I have been reticent regarding the recent news that AMI/Weider is not allowing MD its press credentials for the 2006 Olympia Weekend. After reading Peter McGough’s article on Flex online, I think I should enter my views into the record.
Apparently, AMI CEO David Pecker was displeased with an entry in “Romano Factor” (MD Sept. 2006) describing a lunch meeting I attended along with my wife, Elyse, David Pecker and his chief marketing officer, Kevin Hyson. I was subsequently contacted by AMI events director Robin Chang via Flex Wheeler during the week of August 27th, detailing the content of an apology I was requested to write and publish as part of my editorial in the forthcoming issue of MD, in order to obtain press passes to the 2006 Mr. Olympia.
In considering those conditions, I revisited that lunch meeting and didn’t feel that John Romano misstated the facts. He may have gone a little overboard with creative license, but that’s John’s style. David Pecker is a public figure, and he makes a living jabbing at celebrities, the President and the Ayatollah; he should have thicker skin. I also didn’t think any of our comments regarding the Olympia were off base, either. Last year’s show was a disaster and that’s what we said. No different from anyone else. So, I agreed to print a retraction, but it wasn’t going to be on their terms, and I told Robin to tell David Pecker that. Here’s what I printed as my apology in my forthcoming editorial in the November issue of MD, which went to press Friday, Sept. 1:
Editor’s Page
By Steve Blechman
Talking about the Olympia, it seems as though we’ve insulted its promoter by being so critical of the Olympia and the events that surround it. They are, of course, referring to something Romano wrote. Specifically, it was his account of a lunch meeting I told him about with AMI CEO David Pecker (see “Romano Factor,” Sept. 2006).
Accordingly, it was suggested that I apologize wholeheartedly to David Pecker, stipulating that the article Romano wrote was ill founded, factually incorrect, written in an unwarranted personal tone and from a biased perspective. If any of our readers ever perceived incorrectly that MD had an agenda, which included persistent and misguided criticism of the Olympia contest, IFBB President Ben Weider and Weider Publications, I apologize. I can state unequivocally that MD never had such an agenda. Again, from things extrapolated mostly from Romano’s writings.
John Romano writes for MD under a no-censorship guarantee that he made sure was ironclad. Even though I’m the publisher, I can’t apologize for him. The only recourse I have for what has been said is to fire him. I’ll be the first to say I wish he hadn’t said some of the things he did. Perhaps his tone and poetic license were unfounded, and I can certainly understand how he could piss someone off. But I’m not going to fire him.
For the record, I went to that lunch meeting in good faith to explore AMI’s commitment to bodybuilding. Because if they weren’t committed, I had an interest in buying Flex, and maybe even Muscle & Fitness, too. I just didn’t think AMI was committed to bodybuilding. I was very disappointed with the way the meeting unfolded. I can’t apologize for Romano’s account. All I can tell you is that my wife and I were very offended.
And I don’t think that our comments about the Olympia were unfounded. Last year’s Olympia had issues and that’s what we said. No different from anyone else. I have to give props to Robin Chang, though. I have a lot of respect for him. Robin is a very hardworking and honest guy and I think if his hands aren’t tied this year, Robin will pull off a much better show. And if he does we’ll report it as such.
I’ve spoken to Romano and we’ve agreed that moving forward, we will be more careful about what we say regarding dealings that have nothing to do with the sport. I’m confident we can move ahead and leave issues such as magazine revenues, corporate sales and other machinations within the Weider organization on the sidelines, and in reporting future events he’s more than willing to swing back to center. We would like to let bygones be bygones and all move forward for the betterment of the industry.
As far as apologizing to Ben Weider, let me call your attention to page 268 and the feature John wrote about the forthcoming book by Ben and Joe Weider. John, as well as myself, have tremendous respect for Joe and Ben. Compare his review to what was said in Flex.
Not only that, but we also had more Olympia and pre-Olympia coverage than all the other bodybuilding publications put together, including Flex and M&F. I want the Olympia to be successful! It should be the bodybuilding equivalent of the Super Bowl! If the Olympia is a success it’s good for the industry. I only want what’s best for the Olympia and the industry, especially the bodybuilders.
This industry is too small to be pitted against each other. In fact, I’d like to see the top members of our industry having annual brainstorming sessions on how to grow our industry instead of working alone to keep it chopped up. Other industries hold summits to see how to grow and become better. How come we don’t do that? I speak to all the other magazine editors and publishers. But not the Weider guys, only because they won’t speak to us. I’m for everyone burying the hatchet, shaking hands and moving forward. I hope AMI/Weider agrees.
On Thursday Aug. 31, prior to the closing of the November issue, I sent a copy of my editorial to Robin Chang who forwarded it to David Pecker. On Friday, I received the “Denial” response for all MD Olympia press passes from Robin. They then followed up with an editorial Sept. 3 on Flex online written by Peter McGough.
In response to the recent post by Peter McGough, I believe much of it is factually incorrect. I would just like to say John reported things in his column as accurately as I remembered. Enough said. I would like to move on and concentrate on what’s really important and what we at MD do best— report on bodybuilding and continue to make MD the most informative, no-bull publication out there.
Translation: Weider doesn't know anything about bodybuilding and fuck this whole sport up. Fuck Weider, his press passes and all the staff! MD will live on.
Nuff said.
In all seriousness, AMI/WEider doesn't care about the athletes like MD does.
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has flex been pulled off wal mart shelves? i see md and ironman only at wally world now. md has the only worth-reading articles out of all the bb mags by far. but ya flex isnt in any wal mart i've been into recently.
Maybe I missed the last issue, but I haven't seen FLEX at the grocery store either. But I have noticed an apparent increase in the number of copies of Muscle & Fitness they carry.
I could be totally wrong, but this is just what I've observed.
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With all due respect to the poster who questioned why MD was not hosting any bodybuilding events of their own, the answer is simple - that's not the business they're in.
They have to leave the business of running shows to the people who know how to do it. Whether they hit a home run or whether it's an absolute disaster, the AMI group has a much better team of event organizers in place than does MD.
That doesn't mean MD could 'never' do it, it just means that they do not have the ability to do so at this time. Running a major bodybuilding contest and expo is a LOT different than putting on a health & beauty show at Javits Center.
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MD, doesn't need to put on a show they just need to pump a lot of money into one of the smaller shows so they can have their banner flying instead of Flex. I also have never seen an MD banner at NPC shows.
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Hahahahahahaa "David Pecker" Hahahahahahahahahaa
word
You said pecker.
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I'm betting AMI caves in at the last minute and invites MD back.
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I'm betting AMI caves in at the last minute and invites MD back.
I don't think MD should accept. They should purchase tickets and call it a day. It will comeback and bite AMI in the ass someday for doing pulling the press passes.
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I buy Flex for the Photos but I have my subsctiption with MD ;)
I think MD is like our sport very underground not mainstream and that's what I like about it.
Flex on the other hand is the comercial whore but has the good pictures.
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I'm waiting the IFBBs puppet to chime in........Bob whenever your ready........
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I'm waiting the IFBBs puppet to chime in........Bob whenever your ready........
No.
Now that McGough has spoken, that's the final word from the AMI/IFBB side.
Any further outbursts from the AMI 'peanut gallery' would be viewed as an act of insubordination.
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The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle but I will say that Flex has shown more integrity with their magazine over the years than has MD. What I mean by that is they have not relied nearly as heavily on the "seedier" side of the business (drugs, sex, etc.)
A bodybuilding magazine should be about how to train and eat not the other crap. If I want Playboy I will go buy one. When I want to read about how to train and eat to get big and strong I will buy a bodybuilding magazine.
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so to coin a phrase used recently by some Romano guy
What is your commitment to Bodybuilding Steve?
When can I expect to buy tickets for an MD Bodybuilding contest?
Since the same fellow said on the radio that MD is the number one magazine I am sure the contest will rival the Olympia for prize money.
I don't know about the rest of you but I can't wait to buy my tickets for this contest.
It is going to awesome, right Steve?
Do you know that Steve, out of his own pocket has added $ to the Olympia winnings by having staff and select individuals vote on select aspects "freakiest", "most muscular" etc and has given the chosen athletes who won $10,000 or more plus a photoshoot and magazine cover! Has MMI done that? Has any other BB mag done that? remember, for years the marriage between IFBB and Weider was incestious so the money and magazine coverage flowed back and forth for the tightly held group of leaders (Weiders, Wayne and so on).
So Mr Sin, shut the fuck up.
Doug kalman
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Well what more can you say? Steve did a good job of explaining it very well what happended. AMI and Peter are acting like children (but what's new?) Well look on the bright side Peter - you now will lose a little weight not being able to eat with your foot in your mouth. But all kidding aside just give MD the press pass for gods sake and grow up. See me - i am an idiot anyway and can act like that you and your people are meant to be different.
Lee
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Well what more can you say?Steve did a good job of explaining it very well what happended.AMI and Peter are acting like children(but what's new) Well look on the bright side Peter you now will loose a little weight not being able to eat with your foot in your mouth.But all kidding aside just give MD the press pass for gods sake and grow up.See me i am an idiot anyway and can act like that you and your people are meant to be different.
Lee
I bet McGough is taking a lot of shit from the industry right now for printing that editorial. He probably regrets it. I also think he would really like to concede and give MD their press passes, but I think there is a little prick that is keeping him from doing it..... I mean pecker. A.K.A. tabloid publisher with thin skin and a massive ego.
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Poison pizza. Remember that.
If Domino's decides to tell people that Papa John's pizza contains rat turds, ALL pizza sales suffer.
When one mag prevents another from access to events, or when the other side makes negative statements about its competitor, the whole industry suffers.
So play together guys. You're all on the same team.
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The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle but I will say that Flex has shown more integrity with their magazine over the years than has MD. What I mean by that is they have not relied nearly as heavily on the "seedier" side of the business (drugs, sex, etc.)
A bodybuilding magazine should be about how to train and eat not the other crap. If I want Playboy I will go buy one. When I want to read about how to train and eat to get big and strong I will buy a bodybuilding magazine.
I disagree Chris. I think the content in Flex is so infantile that I seriously consider them to be ripping off people who buy it.
If you want stuff on training or atleast real "new ideas" go read tmag for free.
If you want pictures of bodybuilders read the boards.
If you want toilet paper, buy toilet paper! flex is unsuitable for anal cleansing (I know this from experience).
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I disagree Chris. I think the content in Flex is so infantile that I seriously consider them to be ripping off people who buy it.
If you want stuff on training or atleast real "new ideas" go read tmag for free.
If you want pictures of bodybuilders read the boards.
If you want toilet paper, buy toilet paper! flex is unsuitable for anal cleansing (I know this from experience).
Valentino?
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Valentino?
yeah, rocket is valentino. Where have you been, living under a rock?
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yeah, rocket is valentino. Where have you been, living under a rock?
I guess I have! Wow, I learn something new every day on GetBig!
Thanks.
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Baha, good one 240
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The Weiders don't care what is best for bodybuilding. They just want to continue to have the exclusive right to exploit their "pros" (= "we tell them when to jump & they have to even though they're not getting paid anything to do so") without any distractions or competition. The Weiders care only about selling mags, exercise equipment & supplements. Pecker cares only about how much advertising revenue he can generate for the AMI people. If any of them cared a whit about bodybuilders, FLEX wouldn't have run yet another plea for donations to cover Mike Matarazzo's medical bills. I get so angry over that I could chew nails.
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Joe Weider sold off his mags for 350 million dollars, and doesn't offer to pay for Mike's medical bills - how much money did Joe make from images of Matarazzo in his mags and supplement ads?
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Joe Weider sold off his mags for 350 million dollars, and doesn't offer to pay for Mike's medical bills -
Hey... $350 million isn't what it used to be! It's not like Joe's a billionaire or something... it's not like he can afford to go throwing money around indiscriminately. What, you think he's made of money or something?
;D
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Joe Weider sold off his mags for 350 million dollars, and doesn't offer to pay for Mike's medical bills - how much money did Joe make from images of Matarazzo in his mags and supplement ads?
Last time I checked, Matarazzo was responsible for his own health. Matarazzo appeared in the ads for Weider and got paid for it. That's all the compensation that Joe Weider or anybody else for whom Matarazzo worked owed him.
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Joe Weider sold off his mags for 350 million dollars, and doesn't offer to pay for Mike's medical bills - how much money did Joe make from images of Matarazzo in his mags and supplement ads?
I'm with you there "Ebony Muscle Mountain" Lover. I know it's not pc, but Joe & Ben are assholes. They really should have given back more to the people who helped them build their empire/fortune.
Then again, the bbers are too dumb to realize that without them, the IFBB would be out of business.
Remember, people will walk all over you, if you allow them to.
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The Weiders treat their pro competitors like independent contractors who are required to work for free. The competitors contract for services on the condition that they do everything the IFBB requires of them. If any of them "act up," then the usual procedure is to either ban them from contests or make sure they never place highly again (as Aaron Baker found out). It is a closed shop. However, there is plenty of publicity & (as long as you're in their good graces) compliments. You can't eat publicity & compliments, though, or feed your kids with it, or pay for health or life insurance with it. & that is where I fault the system that the Weiders set up. Except for the top one or two pros, they expect the wealth to "trickle down" from other sources. Maybe it will & maybe it won't. Meanwhile, the Weiders are aware that there are plenty more BBs where the others came from, & if the current ones don't like it, they can hit the road.
I once dropped my subscription to MUSCLE & FITNESS because of a statement some flunky editor made in a caption of a pic of Joe W. It said something to this effect: "Pros come & go, but Joe Weider is the true king of bodybuilding because he's always there at the heart of it." Yeah. Right.
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I'm with you there "Ebony Muscle Mountain" Lover. I know it's not pc, but Joe & Ben are assholes. They really should have given back more to the people who helped them build their empire/fortune.
Then again, the bbers are too dumb to realize that without them, the IFBB would be out of business.
Remember, people will walk all over you, if you allow them to.
Who's being walked over here? Matarazzo did a job; he got PAID for that job. Beyond the agreed-upon compensation, Weider owes Matarazzo ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!
If someone paints your house and you win a grand prize of $500,000 in your neighborhood, you don't owe the guy who painted your house any more money than what was mutually agreed upon, when you hired him. Furthermore, you aren't obligated to pay his medical bills, if he injures himself painting someone else's house.
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McWay, you don't happen to work for Weider/AMI, do you? Just wondering.
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McWay, you don't happen to work for Weider/AMI, do you? Just wondering.
Let some people tell it, not only do I work for Weider, but I'm also a sales rep for GNC, a supplement rep for MuscleTech, and a personal trainer at Bally.
;D
Edit - But, to answer your question.....NO.
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That's a lot of jobs, dang!
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That's a lot of jobs, dang!
like you writing under multiple names ???
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Steve,
A simple "FuckYou, Peckerhead" would have sufficed.
Special "Mr. Dumplypia 2005" Ed
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May be off-base, but I see this going the way boxing is going.
Weider/King ran the Pro sport for so long and some upstarts have had enough.
For boxing - the government and fan base getting sick of the way things have been run is hastening the demise of the sport and an alternative has come up - UFC.
For BB - the government crackdown is coming, fans are already pretty sick of the sport and politics and there are alternatives like strongman coming up.
Both sides in this petty argument can't see the writing on the wall.
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Who's being walked over here? Matarazzo did a job; he got PAID for that job. Beyond the agreed-upon compensation, Weider owes Matarazzo ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!
If someone paints your house and you win a grand prize of $500,000 in your neighborhood, you don't owe the guy who painted your house any more money than what was mutually agreed upon, when you hired him. Furthermore, you aren't obligated to pay his medical bills, if he injures himself painting someone else's house.
Since when do bbers get paid anything for appearing in a Weider/AMI rag? ::)
Sure, he had a supps contarct but what was he making there, not much I'm sure, if someone like Shawn (first tier bber) didn't get 100K a year, how much does someone like Mazz make?
Are you going to tell me that Mad Mazz didn't help Weider sell his shit? Wether it be mags, supps, tickets, or equipment.......he helped build the Weider empire. Now his health isn't very good, you think it had something to do with bbing (you know what I'm talking about)? You'd think that someone with millions and millions to spare would help someone who helped them make their fortune, but hey, I guess only someone with a conscience would do something like that.
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Since when do bbers get paid anything for appearing in a Weider/AMI rag? ::)
Sure, he had a supps contarct but what was he making there, not much I'm sure, if someone like Shawn (first tier bber) didn't get 100K a year, how much does someone like Mazz make?
Are you going to tell me that Mad Mazz didn't help Weider sell his shit? Wether it be mags, supps, tickets, or equipment.......he helped build the Weider empire. Now his health isn't very good, you think it had something to do with bbing (you know what I'm talking about)? You'd think that someone with millions and millions to spare would help someone who helped them make their fortune, but hey, I guess only someone with a conscience would do something like that.
Well...since about 1965 or so.
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Joe and Ben... The next move is yours ...
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Fear not, guys. I'll get ol' Joe on the horn in the AM. Anything else i should ask him?
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Fear not, guys. I'll get ol' Joe on the horn in the AM. Anything else i should ask him?
Please ask Joe about the "Weider Penny Pinching Principle"
Thank You !
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The issue is a long standing one between Flex and MD, and the various tactics, etc.
This issue will be going all the way to the Olympia - started via the magazine attacks, then the web attacks, now radio shows discussion, various interviews - and the talk will continue. What will happen when Steve Blechman, John Romano, Flex Wheeler and Dave Palumbo walk into the Olympia Press Conference on Thursday.
The same as other years, except this year, they don't have press passes.
(http://www.getbig.com/pics/southwestpro/2006/misc/misc12.jpg)
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Well...since about 1965 or so.
Bob,
Give us a break. Everyone knows AMI/Weider doesn't pay a dime for photoshoots of bodybuilders in their mags. The Photogs email/call all the pros asking them for shoot dates after the contests -- but they don't pay because they don't have to. It's all about the "exposure". If you're saying I'm wrong and you have a copy of a cancelled check for your Kamali/Chick photoshoot with Flex Magazine, please post it to shut me up.
Special "Proof is in the Pudding....Mmmmm...Puddi ng" Ed
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Special 'One for the Money, Two for the Show' Ed is right...
Matter o' fact...he should be writing for MD now as we speak. He should be up in that picture with Palumbo, Romano that Metrosexual and Flex.
Chick knows about how powerful GETBIG is...he knows he cant try to piss on our shoes and tell us its raining. This is GETBIG ... I'm sure that some people believe that 'the pros' get paid mad bank for a photoshoot... when they don't get jack siht!
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I bought Flex for about a year. Then Peter McGough wrote an editorial discussing "once and for all" why Flex did not discuss steroids in their magazine. It was well written, but thumbing through a magazine that contained nothing, and I mean nothing but bodybuilders who took steroids, insulin, IGF-1, GH, Clen and DNP right after reading Peter's rationale was more hypocrisy than I could stand. It was like a a vegetarian making a mint off owning a steak and ribs joint.
This hypocrisy is, of course, compounded by the fact that the same poeple who own Flex run the IFBB and have the means to clean up the sport if they really wanted to. In that light, McGough and Flex's disdain for the abuse of drugs in their sport is nothing more than crocodile tears, shed by the publishers and editors alike, all the way to the bank.
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Then Peter McGough wrote an editorial discussing "once and for all" why Flex did not discuss steroids in their magazine.
His editorial was ridiculously hypocritical :)
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why people who are worth more then 10 million dollars don't walk around 24/7 armed with pen sized audio recorders is beyond me?
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why people who are worth more then 10 million dollars don't walk around 24/7 armed with pen sized audio recorders is beyond me?
Yeah If I had that much money I would always carry around one of those things so I could record any important events, or measurements for posterity.I wonder if Billy Smith recorded memorable events on a recorder like that. If he did I bet his tapes from 93 would be worth a lot.
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Special 'One for the Money, Two for the Show' Ed is right...
Matter o' fact...he should be writing for MD now as we speak. He should be up in that picture with Palumbo, Romano that Metrosexual and Flex.
Relax...Steve will be getting in touch with Special Ed soon.
--Cara
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No you settle down and mind your P's&Q's there, Cara from MD.
You just gave me slight passive agressive undertone because I called Steve 'that metrosexual'.
On Getbig...nobody is safe and nobody is IMMUNE to it...not even you Cara from MD.
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No you settle down and mind your P's&Q's there, Cara from MD.
You just gave me slight passive agressive undertone because I called Steve 'that metrosexual'.
Is this your way of endearing yourself to me?
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Is this your way of endearing yourself to me?
Of course it is Cara...The delusions of grandeur and self importance going on with the clowns here is enough to throw up from already. ::)
I should know, I'm pretty delusional myself ;D
Hey Steve, let me get a column too :)
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No you settle down and mind your P's&Q's there, Cara from MD.
You just gave me slight passive agressive undertone because I called Steve 'that metrosexual'.
:-X
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:-X
Who's da chick in da Pink tee? :P
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Is this your way of endearing yourself to me?
Perhaps. Did it work, Cara from MD?
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Perhaps. Did it work, Cara from MD?
Hardly. ::)
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Yea, I didn't think so...
It's alright, it's okay cuz TheBlockHead has some more tricks up his sleeve.
I'm gonna tap that shit watch...
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Since when do bbers get paid anything for appearing in a Weider/AMI rag? ::)
Sure, he had a supps contarct but what was he making there, not much I'm sure, if someone like Shawn (first tier bber) didn't get 100K a year, how much does someone like Mazz make?
Are you going to tell me that Mad Mazz didn't help Weider sell his shit? Wether it be mags, supps, tickets, or equipment.......he helped build the Weider empire. Now his health isn't very good, you think it had something to do with bbing (you know what I'm talking about)? You'd think that someone with millions and millions to spare would help someone who helped them make their fortune, but hey, I guess only someone with a conscience would do something like that.
One more time: Matarazzo did a job and was compensated (i.e. PAID) for that job. Beyond that, Weider is of no obligation to Matarazzo for anything, especially with regards to any damage to him that may have been self-inflicted.
Next thing you know, you'll be demanding that Arnold Schwarzenegger pay Weider some of his royalties from his movies. ::)
I know some folks here LOVE painting the Weiders as evil-incarnate, abusing poor wittle helpless bodybuilders; but, this is just plain silly.
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I bought Flex for about a year. Then Peter McGough wrote an editorial discussing "once and for all" why Flex did not discuss steroids in their magazine. It was well written, but thumbing through a magazine that contained nothing, and I mean nothing but bodybuilders who took steroids, insulin, IGF-1, GH, Clen and DNP right after reading Peter's rationale was more hypocrisy than I could stand. It was like a a vegetarian making a mint off owning a steak and ribs joint.
This hypocrisy is, of course, compounded by the fact that the same poeple who own Flex run the IFBB and have the means to clean up the sport if they really wanted to. In that light, McGough and Flex's disdain for the abuse of drugs in their sport is nothing more than crocodile tears, shed by the publishers and editors alike, all the way to the bank.
Agreed. The reason why FLEX decided not to discuss it is that androgens', GH's and insulin's effect on muscularity is so overwhelming that recognizing it would immediately discredit every training and nutrition advice given by the magazine. FLEX's position on what makes someone become a pro is true: you need to have been born with the skeletal structure and long muscle bellies to make it. Yet, when it comes to muscularity, the reason why pros look the way they do is due to ergogenic aids. If pros were drug-free, they'd look exactly like they do now...but only with 70 or 80 lbs of lean muscle less. FLEX can't get over this basic physiological/biochemical fact, so they preach ad nauseum that it's all about "genes and drive". Well, guess what? It isn't: no human being of average stature, regardless of genetics, can synthesize enough protein to weight close to 300 lbs with practically no fat in his body. And this, my friends, is the fact. :-\
SUCKMYMUSCLE
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Yeah If I had that much money I would always carry around one of those things so I could record any important events, or measurements for posterity.I wonder if Billy Smith recorded memorable events on a recorder like that. If he did I bet his tapes from 93 would be worth a lot.
for lawsuits bro...Do you realise their was a guy who was part winner of over a 300 million lottery...He said he gets over 5000 pieces of mail a day...And over 350 people have tried to sue him in one way or another...i would want to tape record every convo i had with someone i barely knew...
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I bought Flex for about a year. Then Peter McGough wrote an editorial discussing "once and for all" why Flex did not discuss steroids in their magazine. It was well written, but thumbing through a magazine that contained nothing, and I mean nothing but bodybuilders who took steroids, insulin, IGF-1, GH, Clen and DNP right after reading Peter's rationale was more hypocrisy than I could stand. It was like a a vegetarian making a mint off owning a steak and ribs joint.
This hypocrisy is, of course, compounded by the fact that the same poeple who own Flex run the IFBB and have the means to clean up the sport if they really wanted to. In that light, McGough and Flex's disdain for the abuse of drugs in their sport is nothing more than crocodile tears, shed by the publishers and editors alike, all the way to the bank.
And how exactly does that occurs? What happens if the IFBB starts drug testing? The bodybuilders are going to break their necks, trying to beat the tests.
I refer you to the 1992 World Bodybuilding Federation Championship. Vince McMahon hired Dr. Mauro DiPasquale to run his drug-testing system. He tested those guys for everything but the kitchen sink. How many folks supported McMahon's efforts to "clean up" bodybuilding? How many people stuck by the WBF, knowing that the guys would look less-than-stellar minus the anabolics?
Not to mention the minor fact that Lou Ferrigno conveniently left the WBF, shortly after the testing was implemented.
What's the point of repeatedly discussing the IFBB pros' drug intake, especially since those doing all the complaining know so much about it? OOOOHHHH!! I forgot. It's to save those poor "newbies" from believing that you actually have to eat a quality diet and train hard and smart to get results (regardless of whether or not you use steroids).
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What's the point of repeatedly discussing the IFBB pros' drug intake, especially since those doing all the complaining know so much about it? OOOOHHHH!! I forgot. It's to save those poor "newbies" from believing that you actually have to eat a quality diet and train hard and smart to get results (regardless of whether or not you use steroids).
mcway, if you already don't work for weider
you should consider it.
it appears you also beleive (or at least would like to convey to others) that ronnie coleman , jay cutler etc became big by reading flex using the weider principles and taking mega mass 4000.
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mcway, if you already don't work for weider
you should consider it.
it appears you also beleive (or at least would like to convey to others) that ronnie coleman , jay cutler etc became big by reading flex using the weider principles and taking mega mass 4000.
And this is based on what, the simple fact that I don't need to be reminded every single issue about drug use among IFBB pros?
What I believe is what I mentioned several posts ago, that it takes a sound diet and hard, smart training to achieve success in bodybuilding.....WHETHER YOU USE STEROIDS OR NOT!!!!
Let's just say, for argument's sake that FLEX (or any other magazine, for that matter) prints the drug regime of certain IFBB pros. How does that help you? Do you plan to go the same syringe binge?
Case in point, when Andreas Munzer died 10 years ago, a German magazine printed his alleged drug regiment, which was something like this: Masterone, Stromba, Halotestin, GH, Insulin, IGF.
(This, by the way, came from the "Rage Page" of John Romano, from the Oct. 96 issue of Muscular Development-Fitness-Health. Of course, Romano, Blechman, Mentzer, et. al. were all in their anti-steroids, "IFBB should drug test" mode).
How many MD readers went "AHA!!!! So, that's how Munzer does it!!! Off to Tijuana I go. Get the syringes ready!!! Mr. Universe, here I come!!!"? How many of you had your backsides swabbed with alcohol, eagerly awaiting your anabolic witches' brew in quest of size, courtesy of the info from the good folks at MD/MDFH/ANMD/MD?
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What I believe is what I mentioned several posts ago, that it takes a sound diet and hard, smart training to achieve success in bodybuilding build muscle
Two entirely different things, building muscle and being a bodybuilder.
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And this is based on what, the simple fact that I don't need to be reminded every single issue about drug use among IFBB pros?
What I believe is what I mentioned several posts ago, that it takes a sound diet and hard, smart training to achieve success in bodybuilding.....WHETHER YOU USE STEROIDS OR NOT!!!!
Let's just say, for argument's sake that FLEX (or any other magazine, for that matter) prints the drug regime of certain IFBB pros. How does that help you? Do you plan to go the same syringe binge?
Case in point, when Andreas Munzer died 10 years ago, a German magazine printed his alleged drug regiment, which was something like this: Masterone, Stromba, Halotestin, GH, Insulin, IGF.
(This, by the way, came from the "Rage Page" of John Romano, from the Oct. 96 issue of Muscular Development-Fitness-Health. Of course, Romano, Blechman, Mentzer, et. al. were all in their anti-steroids, "IFBB should drug test" mode).
How many MD readers went "AHA!!!! So, that's how Munzer does it!!! Off to Tijuana I go. Get the syringes ready!!! Mr. Universe, here I come!!!"? How many of you had your backsides swabbed with alcohol, eagerly awaiting your anabolic witches' brew in quest of size, courtesy of the info from the good folks at MD/MDFH/ANMD/MD?
first of all, don't get so worked up - this is only the internet.
second of all, a lot of people were turned off of diuretics/gear from that interview (and several others).
this disclosure helped many young aspiring bodybuilders realize that what Munzer did
was not attainable without the use of a lot of drugs aka the truth - something flex doesn't like to acknowledge.
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You can't have success in bodybuilding WITHOUT building muscle. The presence or absense of anabolics doesn't negate that priniciple. Therefore, my statement stands as is.
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first of all, don't get so worked up - this is only the internet.
second of all, a lot of people were turned off of diuretics/gear from that interview (and several others).
this disclosure helped many young aspiring bodybuilders realize that what Munzer did
was not attainable without the use of a lot of drugs aka the truth - something flex doesn't like to acknowledge.
That's funny!! I could have sworn that FLEX had an article regarding Cytadren, the key agent blamed for the problems, resulting in Munzer's death.
Plus, it's rather ironic that the same magazine that, 10 years ago, blasted the IFBB for all the drug use in the pro ranks and demanded that the IFBB start doing seriouls testing, now prefers that the IFBB leaves the pros alone and let them inject their rumps with anabolics to their hearts content.
That also brings me back to what I said earlier, when another organization (WBF) was instituting strict testing, where was all the support? Did MD throw their lot in with the WBF to support its effort to make a level playing field? Or did the folks there (along with those from the other magazines) snicker and laugh at the 12 guys in that organization, many of whom looked rather awful (and the testing started a mere three months before the WBF Championship).
And, as stated several times earlier, how many times does FLEX (or any other magazine) have to "inform" people about drug use in bodybuilding? Does their memory get blanked every 30 days?
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Agreed. The reason why FLEX decided not to discuss it is that androgens', GH's and insulin's effect on muscularity is so overwhelming that recognizing it would immediately discredit every training and nutrition advice given by the magazine. FLEX's position on what makes someone become a pro is true: you need to have been born with the skeletal structure and long muscle bellies to make it. Yet, when it comes to muscularity, the reason why pros look the way they do is due to ergogenic aids. If pros were drug-free, they'd look exactly like they do now...but only with 70 or 80 lbs of lean muscle less. FLEX can't get over this basic physiological/biochemical fact, so they preach ad nauseum that it's all about "genes and drive". Well, guess what? It isn't: no human being of average stature, regardless of genetics, can synthesize enough protein to weight close to 300 lbs with practically no fat in his body. And this, my friends, is the fact. :-\
SUCKMYMUSCLE
.....nicely put.
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And, as stated several times earlier, how many times does FLEX (or any other magazine) have to "inform" people about drug use in bodybuilding? Does their memory get blanked every 30 days?
The same number of times they blantantly lie about what is acheivable in terms of muscular development.
you see Mcway, most intelligent readers do not particularly care for being fed sugar coated BS that is passed off as
the "voice of champions". (in other words, tell fat mac to stop lying)
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The same number of times they blantantly lie about what is acheivable in terms of muscular development.
you see Mcway, most intelligent readers do not particularly care for being fed sugar coated BS that is passed off as
the "voice of champions". (in other words, tell fat mac to stop lying)
Which leads me back to a previous question: Unless you plan on emulating such drug use, what good does harping on such do for you (or any other reader)?
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MD is the media and reports on the industry - the good, the bad and the ugly!
It's just the way it is...no bull!
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MD is the media and reports on the industry - the good, the bad and the ugly!
It's just the way it is...no bull!
That is EXACTLY why MD is trying to collaborate with us here at Getbig.com
I've been illustrating my hypothesis on this for 2 weeks now. We do the same thing here. We're a perfect match.
On Getbig...we cover every aspect and every nook and cranny in this industry. We let no scandal or lie go unexposed and we will not ever allow injustices go unchallanged and we absolutley will not stop...ever. We are the ones who will make or break this industry. The fans. The consumers. The more popular Getbig gets the more people look to what we are saying here and that will cause a direct effect in everything in this industry from sales of magazines, supplements, outcome of shows and careers rising or flopping of individual athletes.
Someone wants to try to piss on our legs and tell us it's raining in this industry? You can bet your ass that it will get exposed and debated and brought to the eyes of the entire industry and fans who read and we will chew it up and shit it out. We here at Getbig keep this industry on its toes...we hold the power and we got all the stroke.
Give me a call tonite Cara from MD...you still want me to pick you up tonite at 7:30?
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That is EXACTLY why MD is trying to collaborate with us here at Getbig.com
we will not ever allow injustices go unchallanged and we absolutley will not stop...ever.
Just like the Terminator??
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Yes, sir...that's another reason I know my posts/work is so gripping to read. I know how to bring pop culture wether its music lyrics or movie quotes...Iknow how to mesh it in with what I have to say and it works.
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Someone wants to try to piss on our legs and tell us it's raining in this industry? You can bet your ass that it will get exposed and debated and brought to the eyes of the entire industry and fans who read and we will chew it up and shit it out. We here at Getbig keep this industry on its toes...we hold the power and we got all the stroke.
Not that I'm disagreeing with the fact that you know how to mesh pop culture into your quotes but, if that's the case shouldn't you have said piss down our backs and tell us it's raining... uknowwhatImsayin'?
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Not that I'm disagreeing with the fact that you know how to mesh pop culture into your quotes but, if that's the case shouldn't you have said piss down our backs and tell us it's raining... uknowwhatImsayin'?
You speakin to me?
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Ummm... I quoted you didn't I? ::)
Apparently you don't like to be corrected, I'll keep that in mind for future reference.
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MD vs. Flex
Really Setting the Record Straight
By Steve Blechman, Publisher, Editor-in-Chief
I have been reticent regarding the recent news that AMI/Weider is not allowing MD its press credentials for the 2006 Olympia Weekend. After reading Peter McGough’s article on Flex online, I think I should enter my views into the record.
Apparently, AMI CEO David Pecker was displeased with an entry in “Romano Factor” (MD Sept. 2006) describing a lunch meeting I attended along with my wife, Elyse, David Pecker and his chief marketing officer, Kevin Hyson. I was subsequently contacted by AMI events director Robin Chang via Flex Wheeler during the week of August 27th, detailing the content of an apology I was requested to write and publish as part of my editorial in the forthcoming issue of MD, in order to obtain press passes to the 2006 Mr. Olympia.
In considering those conditions, I revisited that lunch meeting and didn’t feel that John Romano misstated the facts. He may have gone a little overboard with creative license, but that’s John’s style. David Pecker is a public figure, and he makes a living jabbing at celebrities, the President and the Ayatollah; he should have thicker skin. I also didn’t think any of our comments regarding the Olympia were off base, either. Last year’s show was a disaster and that’s what we said. No different from anyone else. So, I agreed to print a retraction, but it wasn’t going to be on their terms, and I told Robin to tell David Pecker that. Here’s what I printed as my apology in my forthcoming editorial in the November issue of MD, which went to press Friday, Sept. 1:
Editor’s Page
By Steve Blechman
Talking about the Olympia, it seems as though we’ve insulted its promoter by being so critical of the Olympia and the events that surround it. They are, of course, referring to something Romano wrote. Specifically, it was his account of a lunch meeting I told him about with AMI CEO David Pecker (see “Romano Factor,” Sept. 2006).
Accordingly, it was suggested that I apologize wholeheartedly to David Pecker, stipulating that the article Romano wrote was ill founded, factually incorrect, written in an unwarranted personal tone and from a biased perspective. If any of our readers ever perceived incorrectly that MD had an agenda, which included persistent and misguided criticism of the Olympia contest, IFBB President Ben Weider and Weider Publications, I apologize. I can state unequivocally that MD never had such an agenda. Again, from things extrapolated mostly from Romano’s writings.
John Romano writes for MD under a no-censorship guarantee that he made sure was ironclad. Even though I’m the publisher, I can’t apologize for him. The only recourse I have for what has been said is to fire him. I’ll be the first to say I wish he hadn’t said some of the things he did. Perhaps his tone and poetic license were unfounded, and I can certainly understand how he could piss someone off. But I’m not going to fire him.
For the record, I went to that lunch meeting in good faith to explore AMI’s commitment to bodybuilding. Because if they weren’t committed, I had an interest in buying Flex, and maybe even Muscle & Fitness, too. I just didn’t think AMI was committed to bodybuilding. I was very disappointed with the way the meeting unfolded. I can’t apologize for Romano’s account. All I can tell you is that my wife and I were very offended.
And I don’t think that our comments about the Olympia were unfounded. Last year’s Olympia had issues and that’s what we said. No different from anyone else. I have to give props to Robin Chang, though. I have a lot of respect for him. Robin is a very hardworking and honest guy and I think if his hands aren’t tied this year, Robin will pull off a much better show. And if he does we’ll report it as such.
I’ve spoken to Romano and we’ve agreed that moving forward, we will be more careful about what we say regarding dealings that have nothing to do with the sport. I’m confident we can move ahead and leave issues such as magazine revenues, corporate sales and other machinations within the Weider organization on the sidelines, and in reporting future events he’s more than willing to swing back to center. We would like to let bygones be bygones and all move forward for the betterment of the industry.
As far as apologizing to Ben Weider, let me call your attention to page 268 and the feature John wrote about the forthcoming book by Ben and Joe Weider. John, as well as myself, have tremendous respect for Joe and Ben. Compare his review to what was said in Flex.
Not only that, but we also had more Olympia and pre-Olympia coverage than all the other bodybuilding publications put together, including Flex and M&F. I want the Olympia to be successful! It should be the bodybuilding equivalent of the Super Bowl! If the Olympia is a success it’s good for the industry. I only want what’s best for the Olympia and the industry, especially the bodybuilders.
This industry is too small to be pitted against each other. In fact, I’d like to see the top members of our industry having annual brainstorming sessions on how to grow our industry instead of working alone to keep it chopped up. Other industries hold summits to see how to grow and become better. How come we don’t do that? I speak to all the other magazine editors and publishers. But not the Weider guys, only because they won’t speak to us. I’m for everyone burying the hatchet, shaking hands and moving forward. I hope AMI/Weider agrees.
On Thursday Aug. 31, prior to the closing of the November issue, I sent a copy of my editorial to Robin Chang who forwarded it to David Pecker. On Friday, I received the “Denial” response for all MD Olympia press passes from Robin. They then followed up with an editorial Sept. 3 on Flex online written by Peter McGough.
In response to the recent post by Peter McGough, I believe much of it is factually incorrect. I would just like to say John reported things in his column as accurately as I remembered. Enough said. I would like to move on and concentrate on what’s really important and what we at MD do best— report on bodybuilding and continue to make MD the most informative, no-bull publication out there.
....hahahahaa, Blechman, you joke....sure gonna be tough to be the 'most informative' without a press pass!!!...have a great time with the rest of the yokels!!
Can't you understand that you guys brough this upon yourself?...what, Romano shooting off at the lips, G Valentino an everybody else "wiping their ass" with FLEX...
...I for one am GLAD that they gave MD the big f**k YOU and REFUSED your requests for press passes....think of that the next time you go into someone's else's house, and shit on the living room couch!
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHH
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....hahahahaa, Blechman, you joke....sure gonna be tough to be the 'most informative' without a press pass!!!...have a great time with the rest of the yokels!!
Can't you understand that you guys brough this upon yourself?...what, Romano shooting off at the lips, G Valentino an everybody else "wiping their ass" with FLEX...
...I for one am GLAD that they gave MD the big f**k YOU and REFUSED your requests for press passes....think of that the next time you go into someone's else's house, and shit on the living room couch!
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHH
You're suffering from a serious delusion if you think we need press passes to cover the Olympia. And it better be a killer show or I'm going to shit on the walls too.
Hope this helps...
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....hahahahaa, Blechman, you joke....sure gonna be tough to be the 'most informative' without a press pass!!!...have a great time with the rest of the yokels!!
Can't you understand that you guys brough this upon yourself?...what, Romano shooting off at the lips, G Valentino an everybody else "wiping their ass" with FLEX...
...I for one am GLAD that they gave MD the big f**k YOU and REFUSED your requests for press passes....think of that the next time you go into someone's else's house, and shit on the living room couch!
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHH
Who gives a shit about press passes anyway.. :)
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Who gives a shit about press passes anyway.. :)
YEAH!! Who gives a sh_t about press passes anyway!!! The boss never lets me go anyway, so I don't care!
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You're suffering from a serious delusion if you think we need press passes to cover the Olympia. And it better be a killer show or I'm going to shit on the walls too.
Hope this helps...
nice! hahah
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Revoking those passes took some serious balls. This show better be killer. The pressures on now!
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..well, we'll see how many great pics Per will be able to take from the nose-bleed seats in the Orleans.
You guys had no problems in the past with Weider getting decent seats to the big show....and even THEN you guys were shitting all over FLEX, Weider, McGough, pretty much everything!...funny how now you reap what you sowed.
Can't 'wait' to read your last page, Romano, when you bitch about getting poor treatment by 'the powers that be'...I think the MD crew deserves all the shitty treatment it can get. Point out the last FLEX issue that even MENTIONS your boring mag! Yet your mag rags on FLEX more than Valentino shits his pants....
..have fun at the show! :'(
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..well, we'll see how many great pics Per will be able to take from the nose-bleed seats in the Orleans.
You guys had no problems in the past with Weider getting decent seats to the big show....and even THEN you guys were shitting all over FLEX, Weider, McGough, pretty much everything!...funny how now you reap what you sowed.
Can't 'wait' to read your last page, Romano, when you bitch about getting poor treatment by 'the powers that be'...I think the MD crew deserves all the shitty treatment it can get. Point out the last FLEX issue that even MENTIONS your boring mag! Yet your mag rags on FLEX more than Valentino shits his pants....
..have fun at the show! :'(
Hey, I'm a paying customer. I get treated just like everyone else who is not dangling from puppet strings. Any of you freelance photographers out there interested in selling us some stage shots? ..... Gee, that was hard. So, now what's different? There are plenty of great seats STILL available. I'll just sit back, relax and watch you bozos hang yourselves. Just like you usually do......
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BB has had a (THE SAME) MONOPOLY for FAR TOO LONG! LONG LIVE MD!
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As a bb fan and magazine subscriber, i would never buy a flex magazine again ( and im not trying to kiss anyones ass here either). The entertainment, information, and professional insight in second to none! I've bought flex magazine for a few years so i know what im talking about and can compare both magazines really good, and md comes out on top with everything i listed above.
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Steve hasn't decided if MD will be attending the Olympia - we'll let everyone know early next week.
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Steve hasn't decided if MD will be attending the Olympia - we'll let everyone know early next week.
wouldnt he have to in order to get pictures and to report on it?
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Maybe we're thinking about not reporting on it. They obviously don't want us to ::) ::) ::)
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Maybe we're thinking about not reporting on it. They obviously don't want us to ::) ::) ::)
That sucks cuz I'm not gonna pick up a flex and read about it.... The insight from you guys is what i would look forward too :'(
But then again i wouldn't want to be around something knowing the organizers were giving me the shaft!
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Maybe we're thinking about not reporting on it. They obviously don't want us to ::) ::) ::)
....that'd be like a football magazine not covering the Superbowl, Big John. Even though MD's contest coverage is...well, let's just say it's not to my liking.
Instead of making excuses for why MD is number two, why not ask US, the guys at Getbig, what WE'D like to see in the magazine? Yes, yes, I know the chicks aren't coming back. But there's plenty of things you could do to become better. Face it, MD has been getting stale and boring over the last year. It's overpriced and there's tons of potential markets you're missing due to your "We Hate FLEX" stance.
What about training protocols? What about actual nutrition articles? How about a "how to" for a first contest? How about ditching the Q n A format that are so obviously ghostwritten it would make Julian Schmidt cry?
Nope, y'all just keep doing what you're doing. At least when FLEX does the same damn thing every year, they have an optimistic outlook and great contest coverage.
Why don't you start making some changes while everybody else is at the Mr O????
MD is on the right track but needs new vision.
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Maybe we're thinking about not reporting on it. They obviously don't want us to ::) ::) ::)
John. After reading this and learning that Team MD may not be in the house as a form of passive protest for AMIs' stance on not making things easy for all who is a part of MD Magazine...after sitting in silence with a nice fat plug of Skoal Wintergreen in my grill(because dipping helps me think better...its true) kicking the idea around about what will happen if you DO vs DO NOT show or report on the show vs NOT reporting on the show...I know I am just a lowly bowl scrubbing BlockHead but this is 'THE WAY I SEE IT'...
I believe TEAM MD should be the BIGGER party and BIGGER people/company and fucking BE THERE! Show up and do what your team all do best...deliver the BEST coverage and BEST report on the biggest bodybuilding show on planet Earth. No periodical paints the picture of the Mr.Olympia expierence the way MD does. Flex, Ironman, MM, it just isnt the same...if MD doesn't report and cover the show to the best of your abilities it will cause normal MD buyers/readers 'just this once' go out and buy another title just for that month. You don't want that. DO NOT skip a beat...pretend like NOTHING HAPPENED and go intheir with guns a blazin!
You know..it's almost like breaking up with a girlfriend. Let's say there is some social event you and your 'ex' were planning on going to...say a big party. Okay now...the breakup was bad and there is tension and animosity. You KNOW she will be at that party...now if you don't go...she will notice and she will get empowered. Now if you DO go...and go with your chin UP and shoulders WIDE and head up HIGH with a smile on your face...maybe another woman under your arm...socializing and mingling and networking around like you NEVER SKIPPED A BEAT. Then it will fkn KILL HER and throw her off. It will show her that YOU are strong and your life is still going on. It will make her feel salty especially if you have a warm friendly 'hello' and genuine smile to share with everybody. Think about what TheBlockHead just said here...
The way MD reports contest...especially the ASC and Olympia makes the reader feel like they were there. From how John reports on Vegas nightlife from Flexs' reports on the competitors and from pg 69's pic of the eyebrow raising sights of the expo...MD gets it done!
If your team keeps its passive agressive stance in protest you let THEM get the best of you all and you let them WIN. Why don't you all go to fuckin VEGAS and show them how muthafkn BAD MD really is and how muthafkn MD will NOT be denied and is NOT going away no matter WHAT is thrown at them.
Handle it, Steve! TheBlockHead said his piece. You know what you have to do.
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Everyone has their opinions but md is 3 times the better magazine in every aspect. The number one thing that made me steer away from flex is the same old information being printed every month. Same old workout tips, and same old faces. Mds price is a little more expensive but your also getting 300 more useful pages. It takes me a couple weeks or more to finish reading an md... Plus all the little articles in the beginning of the magizane makes for awesome bathroom reading ;D
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Everyone has their opinions but md is 3 times the better magazine in every aspect. The number one thing that made me steer away from flex is the same old information being printed every month. Same old workout tips, and same old faces. Mds price is a little more expensive but your also getting 300 more useful pages. It takes me a couple weeks or more to finish reading an md... Plus all the little articles in the beginning of the magizane makes for awesome bathroom reading ;D
...dude, those "little articles" at the beginning of MD are the SAME boring articles they've been using for YEARS...and I mean YEARS! What "help" do you really get from MD?...honestly? I can say that I get actual nutrient info from FLEX, as well as nutrient timing and supplement info. Good luck on finding that in MD....300 pages of ads!
The MD edge comes from the interviews with the guys. They're the ONLY thing better in my opinion. At least the same old information in FLEX is useful on a day to day basis. Where's the training articles in MD?...Ironman, Musclemag, FLEX...EVERY mag beats MD in that respect.
And NO chicks, other than the piddly page 69 "feature".
...and NO mag does a "how to prepare" for a bodybuilding competition. Why is that???
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LIKE I SAID BEFORE, I WON'T BE RENEWING MY FLEX SUBSCRIPTION, I HOPE EVERYONE HERE WILL FOLLOW ME IN BOYCOTTING FLEX MAGAZINE.
i just renewed with MD for another year!
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Great...so I make a post criticizing Blechman's praise of Ronnie's 2004 Olympia physique and it gets deleted. I think something is wrong here. Have this suddenly turned into mayhem or bodybuilding.com boards? Wtf?! :-X
SUCKMYMUSCLE
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Have this suddenly turned into mayhem or bodybuilding.com boards? Wtf?! :-X
No, it have turned into MD´s secret plug channel.. :)
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...dude, those "little articles" at the beginning of MD are the SAME boring articles they've been using for YEARS...and I mean YEARS! What "help" do you really get from MD?...honestly? I can say that I get actual nutrient info from FLEX, as well as nutrient timing and supplement info. Good luck on finding that in MD....300 pages of ads!
The MD edge comes from the interviews with the guys. They're the ONLY thing better in my opinion. At least the same old information in FLEX is useful on a day to day basis. Where's the training articles in MD?...Ironman, Musclemag, FLEX...EVERY mag beats MD in that respect.
Like i said everyone has their cup of tea and their own opinion on what they like. You can keep reading your flex magazine while ill use it as toilet paper when needed. Also, ive never been one to hook up with girls at the gym or to make a big deal if a hot girl is around me ( thats what the club is for ). If you want to look at girls go buy a porn magazine or a maxim which i have a subscription too. I could care less if theres girls in MD id rather look at the contest pictures and get the opinions of the pros. Flex magazine also doesnt have information on anabolics and subjects of that nature which im interested in also.
And NO chicks, other than the piddly page 69 "feature".
...and NO mag does a "how to prepare" for a bodybuilding competition. Why is that???
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John. After reading this and learning that Team MD may not be in the house as a form of passive protest for AMIs' stance on not making things easy for all who is a part of MD Magazine...after sitting in silence with a nice fat plug of Skoal Wintergreen in my grill(because dipping helps me think better...its true) kicking the idea around about what will happen if you DO vs DO NOT show or report on the show vs NOT reporting on the show...I know I am just a lowly bowl scrubbing BlockHead but this is 'THE WAY I SEE IT'...
I believe TEAM MD should be the BIGGER party and BIGGER people/company and fucking BE THERE! Show up and do what your team all do best...deliver the BEST coverage and BEST report on the biggest bodybuilding show on planet Earth. No periodical paints the picture of the Mr.Olympia expierence the way MD does. Flex, Ironman, MM, it just isnt the same...if MD doesn't report and cover the show to the best of your abilities it will cause normal MD buyers/readers 'just this once' go out and buy another title just for that month. You don't want that. DO NOT skip a beat...pretend like NOTHING HAPPENED and go intheir with guns a blazin!
You know..it's almost like breaking up with a girlfriend. Let's say there is some social event you and your 'ex' were planning on going to...say a big party. Okay now...the breakup was bad and there is tension and animosity. You KNOW she will be at that party...now if you don't go...she will notice and she will get empowered. Now if you DO go...and go with your chin UP and shoulders WIDE and head up HIGH with a smile on your face...maybe another woman under your arm...socializing and mingling and networking around like you NEVER SKIPPED A BEAT. Then it will fkn KILL HER and throw her off. It will show her that YOU are strong and your life is still going on. It will make her feel salty especially if you have a warm friendly 'hello' and genuine smile to share with everybody. Think about what TheBlockHead just said here...
The way MD reports contest...especially the ASC and Olympia makes the reader feel like they were there. From how John reports on Vegas nightlife from Flexs' reports on the competitors and from pg 69's pic of the eyebrow raising sights of the expo...MD gets it done!
If your team keeps its passive agressive stance in protest you let THEM get the best of you all and you let them WIN. Why don't you all go to fuckin VEGAS and show them how muthafkn BAD MD really is and how muthafkn MD will NOT be denied and is NOT going away no matter WHAT is thrown at them.
Handle it, Steve! TheBlockHead said his piece. You know what you have to do.
I read your post, I thought it was very good. I brought it to the attention of Steve.
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Thank you, Cara from MD. Now, if Team MD goes to the 'O' now...then Steve or John better give TheBlockHead his props/dues and give a big 'shout out' in a upcomming issue.