Dear readers, thank you
Mike Thayer
Issue date: 5/6/09 Section: Sports
For the past two years, I have been able to "get up on my soap box" each week and share my thoughts and opinions with readers of The Stylus. Some of these were serious thoughts, about serious issues. Oftentimes, however, I utilized this column to vent frustrations with the disappointing or upsetting things that happen in the world of sports.
Whether it was reflecting on the Buffalo way or making predictions on what happens next, it has been a treat to share these thoughts with readers. Regardless of how cliché it sounds, it truly is because of your dedicated reading that "Write on Point" continued the past two years. I know that at times my opinions may have seemed skewed or struck a nerve, but isn't that what this is supposed to do?
I've had my share of negative replies and critical analysis of my columns, but they say if a reader takes the time to react to a column, you must be doing something right. I've never taken these reactions to heart, because I knew getting into this that you can't please everyone. However, before I go, there are some things I want to clarify.
First, although I am clearly not a Buffalo Bills fan, I will never say I hate the team. I am glad the area has a hometown team to support, but I just refuse to jump on the bandwagon. After all, the Bills endorse the motto of "the Buffalo way" - always coming up a bit short in the end.
Secondly, yes, I am a fan of the New York Yankees. However, I am a fan of baseball, and have always remained objective with my criticism. I simply just do not take a single word that comes out of a resident of Red Sox Nation seriously, as I am sure they refuse to listen to the thoughts I have on them.
Call me old-fashioned, but I can't get past the way it was when I was growing up. I think steroids are wrong, and I can't stand the arrogance plastered on TV screens. In the words of coach Carter, since when is winning not enough?
For the most part, this is where my thoughts for these columns have come. I've always been set in my ways, and remain vocal where I stand on issues. That, after all, is a very vital part of being a worthy columnist.
Now, I know that last sentence turns up the noses of some of my critics, but let me be clear on my definition of a worthy columnist. Understand I am not saying I'm always right, because that would be completely incorrect. The trick is, there is no right or wrong in opinion - it just depends on where you stand.
So with my final words in print, and graduation just days away, let me leave you with my best regards. Thanks for the reads, the criticism, the comments and reactions. For those who enjoyed it, you're welcome. And to those who say they will never read it again, thank you, because I know you turned the page today and are reading my words one last time.
One thing I'm sure we can all agree on is this is what makes sports so great - the ability to talk about them. So grab a cold one, turn on the tube and scream for the team you know and love. One final opinion from me to you, and I hope you share in my cheer - Go Brockport!
Whether it was reflecting on the Buffalo way or making predictions on what happens next, it has been a treat to share these thoughts with readers. Regardless of how cliché it sounds, it truly is because of your dedicated reading that "Write on Point" continued the past two years. I know that at times my opinions may have seemed skewed or struck a nerve, but isn't that what this is supposed to do?
I've had my share of negative replies and critical analysis of my columns, but they say if a reader takes the time to react to a column, you must be doing something right. I've never taken these reactions to heart, because I knew getting into this that you can't please everyone. However, before I go, there are some things I want to clarify.
First, although I am clearly not a Buffalo Bills fan, I will never say I hate the team. I am glad the area has a hometown team to support, but I just refuse to jump on the bandwagon. After all, the Bills endorse the motto of "the Buffalo way" - always coming up a bit short in the end.
Secondly, yes, I am a fan of the New York Yankees. However, I am a fan of baseball, and have always remained objective with my criticism. I simply just do not take a single word that comes out of a resident of Red Sox Nation seriously, as I am sure they refuse to listen to the thoughts I have on them.
Call me old-fashioned, but I can't get past the way it was when I was growing up. I think steroids are wrong, and I can't stand the arrogance plastered on TV screens. In the words of coach Carter, since when is winning not enough?
For the most part, this is where my thoughts for these columns have come. I've always been set in my ways, and remain vocal where I stand on issues. That, after all, is a very vital part of being a worthy columnist.
Now, I know that last sentence turns up the noses of some of my critics, but let me be clear on my definition of a worthy columnist. Understand I am not saying I'm always right, because that would be completely incorrect. The trick is, there is no right or wrong in opinion - it just depends on where you stand.
So with my final words in print, and graduation just days away, let me leave you with my best regards. Thanks for the reads, the criticism, the comments and reactions. For those who enjoyed it, you're welcome. And to those who say they will never read it again, thank you, because I know you turned the page today and are reading my words one last time.
One thing I'm sure we can all agree on is this is what makes sports so great - the ability to talk about them. So grab a cold one, turn on the tube and scream for the team you know and love. One final opinion from me to you, and I hope you share in my cheer - Go Brockport!
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