I recently went through the comment section on The Free Press, which I love. I did not love the comment section. People were slugging it out in ugly fashion. In contrast I think that The Fifth Column and its comment section are both great. There is a sense of humor here and some (small measure of) self awareness. For example, if someone roasts me for this comment and thinks I'm a moron for writing it, I expect that it will be done without tacking on, "and you are a fucking awful person," at the end.
The TFP is comment section is great... for reminding people why the right is just as awful as the left.
Also, you, my dear Jon, are a fucking awful person and *literally* committing multiple genocides at this very moment. (By "genocide" I mean everything under the sun except what the word actually used to mean.)
Haha...btw I just glanced at a new TFP article and am pasting an excerpt to illustrate my point:
"Speaking of free speech, you’re a flat-out simpleton with limited reading comprehension, Mark. I already was generous enough to explain this to you in great detail."
If I was going to murder someone I think I would try and pick someone who was the last representative on Earth of some group. That way I could go down in history with all the other genocidal murderers without, you know; actually having to do a lot work for it.
Agree! TFC comments have a certain vibe to them. If someone says something that would otherwise be an opportunity for recreational outrage... it is usually met with a counterpoint in a disarming tone or ignored. That said, perhaps I just guaranteed a looming shit show. Apologies in advance.
Hi, Julia! Thanks for this invitation. Unfortunately, I need to review my notes on obstreperous internet commenting, but in a few days I’ll be ready to suitably denigrate your character and ability.
"And if you'll refer to section 13(a)(4) - Julia's early adult dating history, you'll find enumerated three distinct counts of jealousy, and an egregious example of emotional withholding. These clearly point to a level of emotional retardation that undermines the pathos of her earlier criticism of TFP commenters.
I'll now direct your attention to section 4(e)(23) which reveals her astoundingly weak grasp on geography. On May 13th, 2021, Julia wrote what could only be described as a "diatribe" about Slovenian treatment of the Romany people in which she cited a 2004 event in which the military was called upon to quell protests sparking from a cut to benefits. Of course, as all people with a modicum of self-respect know, this event never happened as Julia in her infinitely solipsistic denseness confused the nation of "Slovakia" with "Slovenia".
Furthermore, a cursory review of section 23 will reveal Julia as having at best, a tentative grasp on the English language having confused "we're" with "were" 188 times in 2022 alone along with assorted malapropisms, Welchian metaphors, and possessive apostrophes when a plural apostrophe was called for.
Omg yes 😂 the commenters over there are awful! There are like three who consistently post and they each say the most outrageous things. And too many are mean to poor Nellie!!
I'd like to say it is our obvious refined sensibilities, love of open inquiry, and overall tolerant personalities. But it is probably more than we are all libertarian-ish enough to not take politics very seriously, and not libertarian-ish enough to take our libertarianism very seriously so we don't actually disagree on a lot of things.
Think this is a friendly place? Try making a Pro-Palestinian comment here. Tbh im taking a break from the pod right now and just going to let everyone have their neocon Zionist moment!
I think you raise a fair point. There is a certain range of views that are relatively welcome and relatively unwelcome, which makes sense: the perspectives of KF, MM, and MW are different, but they are aligned on some key points. If you were at fundamental odds with their issues of alignment, you would be less likely to subscribe. So, some homogeneity of perspective is to be expected, as is some hostility to views that are significantly outside those of the relatively big TFC tent. However, I think that -- in general -- this comment section is great, even if imperfect.
I do think pro-Palestinian is welcome in the abstract but becomes less so the more anti-Israel it gets, so I agree with you (even if we might disagree on Israel/Palestine itself).
I think the Fifth Column may be suffering from the Bill Maher syndrome. People claim that Maher had moved right, while his counter that right now if you want to make fun of the craziness, the fresh craziness is on the left not the right.
The craziness on the right is still basically confined to Trump and MAGA and that has been done to death including on TFC. All the topical craziness right now, including, maybe especially about October 7th is coming from the Left. What is the Right equivalent of "October 7th was a false flag committed by the IDF"? So on a media criticism podcast you're going to get more criticism of the MSM/Left.
Just got home from the drive back down from SF (and literally FIVE viewings of people walking out of stores with bags of shit). Un-motherfucking-real.
Anyway, before I kick back and listen to Welch talk about what makes his podcast successful, I think I can sum it up in one word (at least for me): ENGAGEMENT. You specifically, Matt, engage with all of us, whether by likes, responses, pod comments about posters and emails, or all of it. That right there is what does it for me.
Now, about this NYC Fif' meetup...when are we doing one of these in The Goddamned LA area? Seriously, team, it's already a pain in the ass to live down here. I really think we need this. **Unless of course there is one already and I'm woefully out of the loop. Wouldn't be the first time.**
Man, I feel bade for Jane Goodall having to drink Johnny Walker Red. If she only started a podcast then she could be drinking better stuff for free! But that’s a great story, thanks for sharing!
It's possible that evolution selected for a taste for alcohol. Yuval Noah Hariri, futurist, and David Wondrich of "Imbibe!" fame both point to alcohol as being the possible catalyst for human civilization.
My wife claims that at least part of it is that you can find red everywhere, even in most of Africa, but you often can't find black, so it's a choice of practicality.
The recent demise of the Netflix DVD subscription service reminded me of one of the first movies I got from them. Their library was huge and since my wife and I are not daunted by subtitles (I'm amazed by how many people are) we like to watch foreign flicks.
Anyway, that movie was a very entertaining Czech movie called "Autumn Spring", a dlightful and sardonic look at life in The Czech Republic.
I know, totally unrelated. I miss that easily availability of hard to find movies.
I used to have a huge Netflix DVD queue back in the day and I loved getting the red envelopes in then mail. Strange it didn't last because Netflix's streaming options are nothing compared to what the DVD options used to be. I guess you could pretty much find anything on some streaming option though.
The Technoskeptic is flattered to be "Fif Famous" with an honorable mention in Senor Welch's Workin' for the Weekend!
I don't care about what any of ya'll say about Matt Welch in the secret comment threads he doesn't know about, he's a gentleman and a scholar in my book!
If people are around we could check the new honorary Jew Daniel-Ryan Spaulding on the 1st and then proceed with whatever. It's right by Hells Kitchen with plenty of bars. I could pick one.
I think these are separate events. Some people in the chat through around the idea of a Dec 1 Fifdom event a month or so ago. One person remembered this weekend and prompted us to select a time and a place. So far as I know, people have mostly said “yeah... uh.. I’ll be there on the 2nd...”
If a time and place is nailed down, I think maybe some people will show.
Is there a reason why you’re still not filming/clipping the podcast? I understand the goal is for organic growth in lieu of ball trimmer ad reads, but being able to clip segments of the show with accompanying video would certainly attract new listeners and subsequently bring more paid subscribers. Moynihan’s most recent diatribe on the ahistorical/idiotic use of the word “fascism” is perfectly succinct and to the point. I imagine there are hordes of potential listeners that would love to share such a video. Too often you hear a Ben Shapiro or some other right wing pundit make this point, which can be easy to write off. It’s nice to hear relatively normal people talk about this topic.
I recently went through the comment section on The Free Press, which I love. I did not love the comment section. People were slugging it out in ugly fashion. In contrast I think that The Fifth Column and its comment section are both great. There is a sense of humor here and some (small measure of) self awareness. For example, if someone roasts me for this comment and thinks I'm a moron for writing it, I expect that it will be done without tacking on, "and you are a fucking awful person," at the end.
The TFP is comment section is great... for reminding people why the right is just as awful as the left.
Also, you, my dear Jon, are a fucking awful person and *literally* committing multiple genocides at this very moment. (By "genocide" I mean everything under the sun except what the word actually used to mean.)
Haha...btw I just glanced at a new TFP article and am pasting an excerpt to illustrate my point:
"Speaking of free speech, you’re a flat-out simpleton with limited reading comprehension, Mark. I already was generous enough to explain this to you in great detail."
If I was going to murder someone I think I would try and pick someone who was the last representative on Earth of some group. That way I could go down in history with all the other genocidal murderers without, you know; actually having to do a lot work for it.
Agree! TFC comments have a certain vibe to them. If someone says something that would otherwise be an opportunity for recreational outrage... it is usually met with a counterpoint in a disarming tone or ignored. That said, perhaps I just guaranteed a looming shit show. Apologies in advance.
Hi, Julia! Thanks for this invitation. Unfortunately, I need to review my notes on obstreperous internet commenting, but in a few days I’ll be ready to suitably denigrate your character and ability.
😂😭👏👏👏👏😂 omg. Hilarious.
Ha! Oh there are soooo many holes in my character and gaps in my intellect. 😂
"And if you'll refer to section 13(a)(4) - Julia's early adult dating history, you'll find enumerated three distinct counts of jealousy, and an egregious example of emotional withholding. These clearly point to a level of emotional retardation that undermines the pathos of her earlier criticism of TFP commenters.
I'll now direct your attention to section 4(e)(23) which reveals her astoundingly weak grasp on geography. On May 13th, 2021, Julia wrote what could only be described as a "diatribe" about Slovenian treatment of the Romany people in which she cited a 2004 event in which the military was called upon to quell protests sparking from a cut to benefits. Of course, as all people with a modicum of self-respect know, this event never happened as Julia in her infinitely solipsistic denseness confused the nation of "Slovakia" with "Slovenia".
Furthermore, a cursory review of section 23 will reveal Julia as having at best, a tentative grasp on the English language having confused "we're" with "were" 188 times in 2022 alone along with assorted malapropisms, Welchian metaphors, and possessive apostrophes when a plural apostrophe was called for.
Omg yes 😂 the commenters over there are awful! There are like three who consistently post and they each say the most outrageous things. And too many are mean to poor Nellie!!
"Comments on this episode are for paid subscribers only."
Frankly, this is a hell of a value proposition.
I'd like to say it is our obvious refined sensibilities, love of open inquiry, and overall tolerant personalities. But it is probably more than we are all libertarian-ish enough to not take politics very seriously, and not libertarian-ish enough to take our libertarianism very seriously so we don't actually disagree on a lot of things.
Think this is a friendly place? Try making a Pro-Palestinian comment here. Tbh im taking a break from the pod right now and just going to let everyone have their neocon Zionist moment!
I think you raise a fair point. There is a certain range of views that are relatively welcome and relatively unwelcome, which makes sense: the perspectives of KF, MM, and MW are different, but they are aligned on some key points. If you were at fundamental odds with their issues of alignment, you would be less likely to subscribe. So, some homogeneity of perspective is to be expected, as is some hostility to views that are significantly outside those of the relatively big TFC tent. However, I think that -- in general -- this comment section is great, even if imperfect.
I do think pro-Palestinian is welcome in the abstract but becomes less so the more anti-Israel it gets, so I agree with you (even if we might disagree on Israel/Palestine itself).
I think the Fifth Column may be suffering from the Bill Maher syndrome. People claim that Maher had moved right, while his counter that right now if you want to make fun of the craziness, the fresh craziness is on the left not the right.
The craziness on the right is still basically confined to Trump and MAGA and that has been done to death including on TFC. All the topical craziness right now, including, maybe especially about October 7th is coming from the Left. What is the Right equivalent of "October 7th was a false flag committed by the IDF"? So on a media criticism podcast you're going to get more criticism of the MSM/Left.
Okay
BAR pod has the best comments section tbh
Just got home from the drive back down from SF (and literally FIVE viewings of people walking out of stores with bags of shit). Un-motherfucking-real.
Anyway, before I kick back and listen to Welch talk about what makes his podcast successful, I think I can sum it up in one word (at least for me): ENGAGEMENT. You specifically, Matt, engage with all of us, whether by likes, responses, pod comments about posters and emails, or all of it. That right there is what does it for me.
Now, about this NYC Fif' meetup...when are we doing one of these in The Goddamned LA area? Seriously, team, it's already a pain in the ass to live down here. I really think we need this. **Unless of course there is one already and I'm woefully out of the loop. Wouldn't be the first time.**
Man, I feel bade for Jane Goodall having to drink Johnny Walker Red. If she only started a podcast then she could be drinking better stuff for free! But that’s a great story, thanks for sharing!
I loved the Goodall story! I wonder if she’s ever shared Scotch with chimps.
Robert Dudley on alcohol-seeking behavior in wild chimps: https://vcresearch.berkeley.edu/news/drunken-monkeys-what-animals-tell-us-about-our-thirst-booze
It's possible that evolution selected for a taste for alcohol. Yuval Noah Hariri, futurist, and David Wondrich of "Imbibe!" fame both point to alcohol as being the possible catalyst for human civilization.
I'm glad I'm not the only person concerned by this. I mean, at least buy her some Johnnie walker Black
My wife claims that at least part of it is that you can find red everywhere, even in most of Africa, but you often can't find black, so it's a choice of practicality.
Matt
The recent demise of the Netflix DVD subscription service reminded me of one of the first movies I got from them. Their library was huge and since my wife and I are not daunted by subtitles (I'm amazed by how many people are) we like to watch foreign flicks.
Anyway, that movie was a very entertaining Czech movie called "Autumn Spring", a dlightful and sardonic look at life in The Czech Republic.
I know, totally unrelated. I miss that easily availability of hard to find movies.
I used to have a huge Netflix DVD queue back in the day and I loved getting the red envelopes in then mail. Strange it didn't last because Netflix's streaming options are nothing compared to what the DVD options used to be. I guess you could pretty much find anything on some streaming option though.
The Technoskeptic is flattered to be "Fif Famous" with an honorable mention in Senor Welch's Workin' for the Weekend!
I don't care about what any of ya'll say about Matt Welch in the secret comment threads he doesn't know about, he's a gentleman and a scholar in my book!
So far, fellow Fif people seem to be digging the interview with David Krakauer of SFI. https://technoskeptic.substack.com/p/david-krakauer
That’s some damn good customer service!
Nancy that was so satisfying. I especially love their patient demeanors with you ;)
"Clownly Clown Clown" is a diamond! Thank you for sharing this, Matt!
“Let Moynihan stuff your stocking!”
Gross.
“There is at least one NYC Fifiverse meetup being brewed for Dec. 1….”
You don’t by any chance mean Dec. 2, do you? Cuz that’s when I’ll be there, if anyone I’m not already planning to meet wants to meet . . .
Yes we were discussing the 1st for the Fifth but still haven’t nailed down a time or place if anyone is willing to make the concrete decision!
If people are around we could check the new honorary Jew Daniel-Ryan Spaulding on the 1st and then proceed with whatever. It's right by Hells Kitchen with plenty of bars. I could pick one.
https://www.redeyetickets.com/daniel-ryan-spaulding-power-gay/?fbclid=PAAaanzZJsmBvTRU3_Z2hoAwB80Wngy4Pp2i9O_zGTWJxYZ2yoB-HQ-uxhtxI
Plenty of bars that won't be. Dalton's, Rudy's. We could that and then check out Daniel-Ryan Spaulding. Who is in?
My golly! Looks like we have a plan. I'm in.
Sweet!
How about meeting at Dalton’s at 6?
Sounds good! What time on Friday?
I think these are separate events. Some people in the chat through around the idea of a Dec 1 Fifdom event a month or so ago. One person remembered this weekend and prompted us to select a time and a place. So far as I know, people have mostly said “yeah... uh.. I’ll be there on the 2nd...”
If a time and place is nailed down, I think maybe some people will show.
*threw the idea around.... sorry
Eye new what ewe meant.
Is there a reason why you’re still not filming/clipping the podcast? I understand the goal is for organic growth in lieu of ball trimmer ad reads, but being able to clip segments of the show with accompanying video would certainly attract new listeners and subsequently bring more paid subscribers. Moynihan’s most recent diatribe on the ahistorical/idiotic use of the word “fascism” is perfectly succinct and to the point. I imagine there are hordes of potential listeners that would love to share such a video. Too often you hear a Ben Shapiro or some other right wing pundit make this point, which can be easy to write off. It’s nice to hear relatively normal people talk about this topic.
I'm sure you can squint your eyes hard and imagine the correct reason....
That said, we are making some (extremely belated) preliminary moves in that direction, as soon as this week. Keep your fingers crossed....
I just got a chance to watch KF's episode with Jane & Terry. It was wonderfully moving!
Fun Moynihan fact: Evelyn Waugh and the Cockburns (MM’s favorite family of annoying communists) are (not so) distantly related.
All of this rings a bell or two....