Casey D Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 (edited) This guy writing for the Syracuse Post-Standard is a bit of fresh air in the coverage of the Bills. He actually talks to people and gets sourced quotes. Not all this "unnamed but special people around the league--trust me I know these kind of people-- are laughing at the Bills stupidity" crap that is the general style of the BN. He appears to actually get off his ass and talk to people -- like John Wawrow-- and not just take a couple of quotes from press conference and make up a story around some plucked out quotes. I mean it's not Pulitzer stuff, but it's informative, which is a lot better than I usually read with respect to the Bills... CD Edited October 3, 2014 by Casey D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaattMaann Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 Is this the guy who was chosen to start covering the bills recently? Back in the beginning of summer some guy from that paper came around and asked people to submit resumes and samples of writing and such...just wondering if he was the guy that was chosen..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PromoTheRobot Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 (edited) Is this the guy who was chosen to start covering the bills recently? Back in the beginning of summer some guy from that paper came around and asked people to submit resumes and samples of writing and such...just wondering if he was the guy that was chosen..... Yes. I saw the ad for that position too. It's not even a full time job. Just the chance to cover an NFL team. The Syracuse Post-Standard expected you to move to Buffalo and write on a one year trial basis. That said it's an amazing opportunity for a young journalist looking to get a break and Fairburn is doing a terrific job. It's funny someone stated this thread because I was telling my wife about MF and what a good job he was doing too. I think the reason is access. The BN has literally burned every bridge with the Bills and Sabres with their endlessly negative slants. That's why they brought Vic Carucci back. They needed someone who still had some cred with the local teams. The BN was getting burned by outside media. If anyone is laughing at anyone, it's the Buffalo News. Edited October 3, 2014 by PromoTheRobot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaattMaann Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 Yes. I saw the ad for that position too. It's not even a full time job. Just the chance to cover an NFL team. The Syracuse Post-Standard expected you to move to Buffalo and write on a one year trial basis. That said it's an amazing opportunity for a young journalist looking to get a break and Fairburn is doing a terrific job. It's funny someone stated this thread because I was telling my wife about MF and what a good job he was doing too. I think the reason is access. The BN has literally burned every bridge with the Bills and Sabres with their endlessly negative slants. That's why they brought Vic Carucci back. They needed someone who still had some cred with the local teams. The BN was getting burned by outside media. If anyone is laughing at anyone, it's the Buffalo News. Good call - thanks for clarifying And I agree about the BN bit - I'll have to go read some of MF's coverage and see what he's all about Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Campy Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 I thought I read that he came to WNY from somewhere in the midwest like Kansas or Missouri. But yeah, he seems a lot more level headed and does a great job. I hope he stick around for a while. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PromoTheRobot Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 The Buffalo News devolved from legendary writers like Larry Felser and Jim Kelley to Jerry Sullivan and Bucky Gleason. Anyone old enough to remember those old guys must just shake their head and wonder at how far the BN sports department has fallen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmy10 Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 I've enjoyed his coverage. He's a good writer and brings a fresh, younger perspective. It's a nice contrast to the bitter, jaded old cranks we all know (but who shall remain nameless) from the Buffalo and Rochester rags. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtbag Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 It's a nice contrast to the bitter, jaded old cranks we all know (but who shall remain nameless) from the Buffalo and Rochester rags. give it time. the bills break everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C.Biscuit97 Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 The Buffalo News devolved from legendary writers like Larry Felser and Jim Kelley to Jerry Sullivan and Bucky Gleason. Anyone old enough to remember those old guys must just shake their head and wonder at how far the BN sports department has fallen. Yeah when I was a kid, the Buffalo News was amazing. Vic Carucci and Allen Wilson were also really good. Now we got reporters who try to start conflicts and make themselves part of the story. I still love the newspaper but rarely read the Buffalo News anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malazan Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 I'll be sure to start reading his stuff. Thanks for the heads up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Campy Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 I brought this thread to his attention. His reply was "Wow. Thanks for pointing that out. Glad people are enjoying the coverage as much as I'm enjoying the beat." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rubes Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 The Buffalo News devolved from legendary writers like Larry Felser and Jim Kelley to Jerry Sullivan and Bucky Gleason. Anyone old enough to remember those old guys must just shake their head and wonder at how far the BN sports department has fallen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casey D Posted October 3, 2014 Author Share Posted October 3, 2014 I brought this thread to his attention. His reply was "Wow. Thanks for pointing that out. Glad people are enjoying the coverage as much as I'm enjoying the beat." That's good. Information is good, and I like the job he is doing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 In a nutshell, you just summarized most of Sully's columns. The Buffalo News devolved from legendary writers like Larry Felser and Jim Kelley to Jerry Sullivan and Bucky Gleason. Anyone old enough to remember those old guys must just shake their head and wonder at how far the BN sports department has fallen. Every day. I am just glad that they brought Vic back. This guy writing for the Syracuse Post-Standard is a bit of fresh air in the coverage of the Bills. He actually talks to people and gets sourced quotes. Not all this "unnamed but special people around the league--trust me I know these kind of people-- are laughing at the Bills stupidity" crap that is the general style of the BN. He appears to actually get off his ass and talk to people -- like John Wawrow-- and not just take a couple of quotes from press conference and make up a story around some plucked out quotes. I mean it's not Pulitzer stuff, but it's informative, which is a lot better than I usually read with respect to the Bills... CD I noticed him as well. I now follow him on twitter as well. Very enterprising of him to do what he is doing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsBackersChicago Posted October 4, 2014 Share Posted October 4, 2014 Agreed. Good stuff. Here's a link to his work for all that don't know of him http://bitly.com/1xNnIlC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jahnyc Posted October 4, 2014 Share Posted October 4, 2014 I think he is a great addition to the overall coverage of the Bills by the press. I also like the frequency of his reports/stories. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick the Greek Posted October 4, 2014 Share Posted October 4, 2014 give it time. the bills break everyone. Thank you. This made me laugh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Lightning Posted October 4, 2014 Share Posted October 4, 2014 He's been a great addition. Fresh perspective and like a good reporter, he's skeptical and not cynical like the rest of the boys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HailMary Posted December 29, 2014 Share Posted December 29, 2014 I've noticed aside from stories written from information gained from NFL insiders, Matthew Fairburn seems privy to pro-Marrone information or steers his columns in that direction. For example, his recent articles on Spikes happiness in Buffalo and Marrone's courtesy call to Hughes. Fairburn was pretty quick to post on article about the players reluctance to change and support for Marrone. His article on Marrone changing culture and Russ Brandon addressing in speculation. I get theses are all hot topics and all seem very pro-Marrone. Coincidence it's the Syracuse writer taking this position? This guy owe something to Marrone? Marrone (and/or) select FO folks have this guy on speed dial? Heck, this guy even got a interview with Hackett about his opinion on EJ's progress. Hackett has a Marrone shield in front of him. Check it out for yourself and watch out for this guy's kool-aid. http://connect.syracuse.com/staff/mfairburn/posts.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PromoTheRobot Posted December 29, 2014 Share Posted December 29, 2014 (edited) The guy only just came from the U of Missouri journalism school. He didn't know Marrone from Adam before he took the job at Syracuse.com. Maybe you just aren't used to seeing Bills coverage not written with a jaundiced eye? Edited December 29, 2014 by PromoTheRobot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jr1 Posted December 29, 2014 Share Posted December 29, 2014 Boudreaux is his source Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBUffalo Posted December 29, 2014 Share Posted December 29, 2014 The guy only just came from the U of Missouri journalism school. He didn't know Marrone from Adam before he took the job at Syracuse.com. Maybe you just aren't used to seeing Bills coverage not written with a jaundiced eye? This. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FLFan Posted December 29, 2014 Share Posted December 29, 2014 I have enjoyed his coverage as well. It is fair and balanced, which is probably why people connected with the team will actually talk with him. It has become my primary source for daily Bills news as I rarely read the TBN articles anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tintonfallsbillsfan Posted December 29, 2014 Share Posted December 29, 2014 Most of the reporters that cover the bills daily are very smug, yet for what ? When is the last time they broke a story or had a interesting slant or a creative idea ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted December 29, 2014 Share Posted December 29, 2014 I've noticed aside from stories written from information gained from NFL insiders, Matthew Fairburn seems privy to pro-Marrone information or steers his columns in that direction. For example, his recent articles on Spikes happiness in Buffalo and Marrone's courtesy call to Hughes. Fairburn was pretty quick to post on article about the players reluctance to change and support for Marrone. His article on Marrone changing culture and Russ Brandon addressing in speculation. I get theses are all hot topics and all seem very pro-Marrone. Coincidence it's the Syracuse writer taking this position? This guy owe something to Marrone? Marrone (and/or) select FO folks have this guy on speed dial? Heck, this guy even got a interview with Hackett about his opinion on EJ's progress. Hackett has a Marrone shield in front of him. Check it out for yourself and watch out for this guy's kool-aid. http://connect.syracuse.com/staff/mfairburn/posts.html which article has the mention of the call to Hughes? I couldn't find it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casey D Posted December 29, 2014 Author Share Posted December 29, 2014 The guy only just came from the U of Missouri journalism school. He didn't know Marrone from Adam before he took the job at Syracuse.com. Maybe you just aren't used to seeing Bills coverage not written with a jaundiced eye? Of course I am not. Are you, and where do you get it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PearlHowardman Posted December 29, 2014 Share Posted December 29, 2014 I said it before and I'll say it again: If you want a fair assessment of the Buffalo Bills, talk to one of us here in Syracuse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rumblefish Posted December 29, 2014 Share Posted December 29, 2014 now if a local radio station would hire like that we all would be in high cotton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted December 29, 2014 Share Posted December 29, 2014 Boudreaux is his source Sounds more like Chris Brown is... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhitewalkerInPhilly Posted December 29, 2014 Share Posted December 29, 2014 Yeah, I've been reading his stuff since preseason. His articles are interesting, the analysis is pretty good and I like his writing. Miles, lightyear ahead of Bucky Gleason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Campy Posted December 29, 2014 Share Posted December 29, 2014 Most of the reporters that cover the bills daily are very smug, yet for what ? When is the last time they broke a story or had a interesting slant or a creative idea ? He's not very popular here but Tim Graham's work is pretty good. And to answer your question, the Talley story he broke should earn him Pulitzer consideration. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Romes Posted December 29, 2014 Share Posted December 29, 2014 I've noticed aside from stories written from information gained from NFL insiders, Matthew Fairburn seems privy to pro-Marrone information or steers his columns in that direction. For example, his recent articles on Spikes happiness in Buffalo and Marrone's courtesy call to Hughes. Fairburn was pretty quick to post on article about the players reluctance to change and support for Marrone. His article on Marrone changing culture and Russ Brandon addressing in speculation. I get theses are all hot topics and all seem very pro-Marrone. Coincidence it's the Syracuse writer taking this position? This guy owe something to Marrone? Marrone (and/or) select FO folks have this guy on speed dial? Heck, this guy even got a interview with Hackett about his opinion on EJ's progress. Hackett has a Marrone shield in front of him. Check it out for yourself and watch out for this guy's kool-aid. http://connect.syracuse.com/staff/mfairburn/posts.html I liked the way he immediately labeled the outcome yesterday as nothing more than an empty win. Shows he gets it at the end of the day. A Marrone-head would turn the pats game into a puff piece about first winning record in a decade. He may throw in extra Marrone copy because of his audience but at the same time he isn't afraid to slam Marrone for his failures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mister Defense Posted December 29, 2014 Share Posted December 29, 2014 Yes, I have let him know what a good job he is doing. The Syracuse paper sucks, in general, in NFL coverage and in Bills coverage specifically, mainly because Polian is not a fan of the NFL. So, great this year to have actual, specific coverage of our local NFL team. Fairburn is good also because he tries different formats and structures in his columns, so is not afraid to think outside of the box. Hopefully they make him a full time employee now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmy10 Posted December 29, 2014 Share Posted December 29, 2014 (edited) Yeah, I've been reading his stuff since preseason. His articles are interesting, the analysis is pretty good and I like his writing. Miles, lightyear ahead of Bucky Gleason. I understand the job he took was a new one, on an audition basis for the Cuse paper. I hope they decide to keep him on. Analysis aside, he's just a far better writer than some of the yokels here in ROC. I didn't know he came from UMissouri. That's a high power J-school for sure. Edited December 29, 2014 by jimmy10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Romes Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 I just looked at the Syracuse paper and Fairburn has posted 15 articles about the Bills since Monday. 15!!! Its now Wednesday. It's the offseason. Maybe they told him his gig will end when the season is over. The kid will do well wherever he winds up with that level of productivity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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