RF pirates Nick Mondo footage for profit

[Zack Malibu 0]

Yes Gabe, because he's not a OMG STRONG STYLE~! worker and works a hardcore style, he sucks. I'm not taking away from the talent of the ROH roster, but try not to choke yourself when you start giving the verbal blowjob.

[PsychoDriver 0]

Wow, what a dick. That's no way to talk about a wrestler who has given his life to the business.

 

See, that's why I don't buy ROH from RFVIDEO I don't want to support those stuck up assholes with their high prices/Slow Shipping/Horrible service. Besides, Rob doesn't need my money he can borrow more from Daddy if he needs it.

[Zack Malibu 0]

Wow, what a dick. That's no way to talk about a wrestler who has given his life to the business.

True, both in the figurative and almost the literal sense given the extent of injuries this guy has had.

 

Mondo's one of the main highlights of CZW for me, always has been, and I'm not even a big hardcore/deathmatch kind of guy. Just because he doesn't work like a Ki or Daniels does NOT mean he's "unworthy of setting up your ring". You hired the frickin' Outcast Killaz and Prince Nana, yet bash Mondo? Riiiight.

[Guest Randy Pan]

Nick Mondo has released his final statement on the subject:

 

This thing seems to be causing some arguements...understandable. Here's the bottome line. ...In independent wrestling, there's no money. You're going to get taken advantage of at some point, and there's no way around it. Did I expect to make a buck of an RF release of my work? ..no. But if just a slight bit of respect had been added to the situation, I would have kept my mouth shut. I was at the ROH show the week before TOD2. I'm sure that Rob knew he was going to be releasing a best of tape of me in just a few weeks. I spoke with him. ..very briefly, but I did. You would think he would at least have the common courtesy to bring up the fact that he was working on a comp tape of me. ...It's that simple. Whether he thinks he has a right to my work on footage or not, he could have at least brought it up to me, since I was right in front of him. ...but he didn't. There's probably just the slightest bit of guilt somewhere in Rob for the fact that he makes money off guys who make next to nothing, but that's nothing his income can't remedy. He claims I've been paid for my work, but I know for a fact that the only money in this business is in merchandise..if you're lucky. My debt from medical bills will attest to that.

There's other ways Rob could have contacted me...quite easily. But again, he didn't. It's easier to just quietly create a compilation and toss it up on your website, hoping the wrestler it's based off of will just sit back and not say anything. ..in most cases, that's how things will work. But whatever.

The last thing I have to say is that this is not about "rights" to footage, "owning" footage, or anything along those lines. It's about respect for people that work together in the same business. I read the match list on that tape, and I know for a fact that RF wasn't at all of the shows on there. If he paid for the rights to the shows he wasn't on...fine. But nobody can tell me he paid for the rights to MY CHARACTER, because CZW does not own my character, likeness, or name, which is what's being sold on that tape.

If anybody thinks this is about money or me not being able to stand up for myself, than piss off. I contacted Rob and emailed him several times about this before I made the post on my site. He's publicly disrespecting me, so I'll make it public. ...I'm done with this topic. thank you to those who have stood by me. 

 

Now if that doesn't make you support Mondo, what does?

[Youth N Asia 0]

I'm all for Mondo on this one. It's easy for RF to slap a tape together and make money off of someone else's work.

 

Although if you trade a best of they've made they'll throw a bitch fit.

[Guest Jay Z. Hollywood]

I'm probably going to regret this, but I'll be giving my full uncensored thoughts on Gabe's comments in my next tape review, which should be up in an hour or so on the main site. At the very least, hopefully that'll compel you to read about a great, little-known IWA Mid-South show

[Guest OSIcon]

It has nothing to do with that.

 

ROH has the rights to the footage of Mondo with no restrictions on how it can be used.

 

It is illegal to reporduce video tapes and sell them. Those are two totally different issues.

 

Its' really that simple. I understand where Mondo is coming from and it would be nice it indy wrestlers could/would recieve royalties merchandise that is sold. Things aren't perfect like that though.

 

I'm not just blindly defending RF or ROH or anything like that. Its just there seems to be a big bias and inconsistancy concerning this issue. You would be hard pressed to find a tape company or indy fed that pays all their wrestlers royalties for merchandise sales. I would be very surprised to hear that CM Punk, Chris Hero, or anyobdy else recieves royalties from Smart Mark for their best ofs. Yet, where's the uproar about that? If we are going to yell about it being wrong for RF to sell a comp of Nick Mondo, then let's yell about all the all the comps, on all the different wrestlers, by all the different tape companies that are being sold.

 

If RF or any company paid wrestlers fair royalities for merchandise, they would be praised for helping out the wrestlers so much (and rightfully so). Yet RF doesn't pay them royalties (which they are not legally bound to do) and they are deemed to be "terrible people" because of it. Where's the middle ground?

 

Its funny how a little issue like this gets blown up by people...

[Guest Tim Cooke]

Again, you want ROH tapes and you like the product, yet you buy from another party.

 

And if you don't like RF for selling an Indy comp, how about all of the dealers on the web who do that? What is the difference?

 

Hmmm, there isn't any.

 

Tim

[Guest bort]

i think that the indy guys should recive some sorta compensation from the rf and SM, if not for there videos at least for t shirt and other things baring there name

[Guest Jay Z. Hollywood]

SMV DOES compensate the wrestlers featured in their comps.

[Guest Black Tiger]

My problem isn't with RF selling the tapes, RF is trying to make money and sell tapes just like every other tape dealer online. My problem is that he pirates tapes himself, and then goes nuts over anyone pirating RoH tapes and threatening to have them sued and whatnot.

[Guest Jay Z. Hollywood]

One of my pet peeves about this situation stems from the fact that I've worked in wrestling before. I know what these guys go through- I like to think I have a decent understanding about how this business works, through various experiences and contacts.

 

It's a very very rough, and very demanding and seldom rewarding lifestyle, and I commend the guys who truly love the sport and are willing to put up with the bullshit that often happens. That said, I can't STAND guys who think that somehow the wrestlers owe THEM, who have very little concern for their welfare, if any, and most importantly, don't seem to think of wrestling as something , you know, FUN.

 

"I paid my ticket! I can make smarky comments like 'Don't Come Back' and shit on the blown spots! Never mind I could NEVER do them! There's a MATHEMATICAL FORMULA FOR A GOOD MATCH! IT'S INFLEXIBLE!"

 

It just seems like that attitude takes the enjoyment out of wrestling, ya know? When I write a review, I assign ratings based on enjoyment, not quality. I've over-rated plenty of matches. I've never said a nasty thing about any of the workers to be cool (except for El Generico, except that's a harmless running gag the IWS crew are in on.)

 

I respect Nick Mondo for what he's done and what he's sacrificed for doing what he loves. I DON'T respect Rob Feinstein or Gabe Sapolsky for how they run their business. It's that simple.

 

That's what it comes down to for me, a matter of respect.

Edited September 26, 2003 by ShooterJay

[Youth N Asia 0]

I can't say it any better then that.

[Guest Randy Pan]

>> Again, you want ROH tapes and you like the product, yet you buy from another party.

 

Yes. and I will. I have bought from RF in the past and will never buy direct from them again. If the fed's want my money, they will have to move away from RF. If they go bankrupt in the process, there are other feds I will ake an interest in.

 

>> And if you don't like RF for selling an Indy comp, how about all of the dealers on the web who do that? What is the difference?

 

Dealers are cheaper. That and Mondo has his own DVD that you can buy form BBS where the profits go to Mondo, Which I will be defifitely buying.

[Guest Black Tiger]

I'll freely admit to not having heard of Nick Mondo before, so I am not familiar with his work. As my previous two posts in this thread have indicated I don't endorse RF Video by any means. I'm just going to state my opinion on what this thread has become

 

I'm having a somewhat hard time believing that this whole thread and the uproar is over royalties for the guy. From what I've heard he seems to have been injured pretty badly from his ring work and if the DVD he made sells and goes to his medical bills good for him, but seriously how many times have ANY of us ever bought a tape and had our first thought be "I hope my contriubiton goes to a good cause" Don't get me wrong, I hope this Nick Mondo makes enough money to pay off his medical bills, but I don't side with him for THAT reason. I'm siding with him for standing up and pretty much pointing out that RF is the worlds biggest hypocrite for all his bitching and moaning about guys who bootleg RoH tapes, and look what Rob is doing to Nick Mondo.

 

If you read my puroresu stuff on 411 then you know that I plug the living hell out of Golden Boy Tapes. I'm well aware that my money isn't going towards the Koji Kanemoto retirement fund, or the Kenta Kobashi triple knee surgery fund. We buy tapes because we want to see the matches, not because we hope our money goes to the workers on the tape.

 

 

That's all I wanted to say, carry on

[Guest Doyo]

SMV DOES compensate the wrestlers featured in their comps.

Not directly. They pay the federation a fee to tape it and from that point on it is

SMV's footage. The federation then puts that money along with ticket sale money

into their pool of money. They then can use that pool of money to pay their workers.

That is why IWA MS can have shows where there are more workers than people

in the crowd.

[Guest Jay Z. Hollywood]

I but seriously how many times have ANY of us ever bought a tape and had our first thought be "I hope my contriubiton goes to a good cause"Don't get me wrong, I hope this Nick Mondo makes enough money to pay off his medical bills, but I don't side with him for THAT reason. I'm siding with him for standing up and pretty much pointing out that RF is the worlds biggest hypocrite for all his bitching and moaning about guys who bootleg RoH tapes, and look what Rob is doing to Nick Mondo.

IWA Mid-South "We Are Family"

 

25 matches for 20 bucks. Proceeds go to a kid who needs a kidney transplant. Well worth the money.

[Guest Doyo]

Jay,

I read your little rant in your column and understand some of your points, but

SMV does the same thing. Say I go over to SMV and buy this:

 

Best of Adrian Serrano Shoot Fights Vol. 2

1. Serrano vs Dave Strasser - Extreme Challenge

2. Serrano vs John Renkin

3. Serrano vs Dave Menne (current UFC Middleweight Champion)

4. Serrano vs Chris Easter - USWF

5. Serrano vs Hussein Kalami - USWF

6. Serrano vs Ali Elias - USWF

7. Serrano vs Wally Holcom - Extreme Challenge

8. Serrano vs Jermaine Andre

9. Serrano vs Brett Ali-Azzawi - HooknShoot

10. Serrano vs Izzy Johnson - Extreme Challenge

11. Serrano vs Joshua Taible - Extreme Challenge

 

None of those people are going to see a portion of my 15 dollars.

The same goes for emax, and by pointing out emax you are just inciting ROH to

harass or sue them.

[Guest Jay Z. Hollywood]

Emo's untouchable. He lives in Canada, and according to Eric Gargiulo Rob doesn't have an actual official, international copyright on ROH.

 

Oh, and just for the hell of it, here's this:

 

http://pub156.ezboard.com/fbarnettspainint...topicID=2.topic

[Guest ToddRoyal]

I'm sure Nick Mondo is a nice guy, but honestly, complaining that a company is selling (and profitting from) footage they OWN, have a CONTRACT to distribute is pretty stupid. Also, the statement makes it seem like Mondo is getting shafted, while every other indy wrestler with a comp tape is recieving massive royalty checks. That's ridiculous. Mondo is getting treated no differently than ANY other wrestler, and RF video has done nothing legally OR morally wrong. The footage RF is selling is NOT pirated footage, and it is RF's to do what ever they feel with. I don't see how Mondo has any kind of case what-so-ever. If ANYTHING I think it would be good to give exposure to Mondo that he may not otherwise get, and people who are impressed could then go to his site and buy some of his stuff. I don't see how there is an issue here at all.

 

Here's a question, before your boycott of RF, did you think that the Special K members were profitting from the best of tape you bought? Did Mondo make some huge revelation? I doubt it. I think all of us knew RF was profitting from these tapes and not the workers. This seems so dumb to me, partly because Mondo "revealed" something that was common knowledge.

 

On the other hand, Gabe's comments were uncalled for and even more stupid than Mondo's. I love ROH, but that was childish and ridiculous. Whether Gabe or anyone else believes it or not, ROH is not "the big time". There isn't his huge dividing line where people who work there are the "elite" (though many are), as there are just as many amazing workers working for other promotions. Gabe (and RF by proxy) end up looking even more childish than anyone with comments like these. Way to dispell those "elitist prick" stereotypes.

 

Those are just my opinions.

[Guest Doyo]

It's kind of well known fact that Feinstein is an idiot in many ways. He

gets booed at ROH shows. They did an angle in ECW where he got

chokeslammed because he was messing up their tape orders.

[Guest Jay Z. Hollywood]

Todd,

 

The rant in the column wasn't about the copyright/royalty thing. I already knew everything you just said. I just felt bad that Mondo's laid up, in debt, and that the tape might take money away from him. The legal aspects of the whole thing have been established. This was about a)my problems with the unprofessional way the company is run and b) Gabe's comments.

 

-Just clearing that up now, to avoid confusion.

Edited September 26, 2003 by ShooterJay

[Guest Doyo]

Imagine if this is a work and Mondo shows up at the next ROH show and

attacks the people running the merchandise table with light tubes.

[Guest Randy Pan]

Gabe's article was posted on Mondo's message board. Mondo read it and this was his response:

 

lol...no, I don't need to reply. That message tells me that they're probably getting a ton of emails, and it's making them mad. ..that alone is like getting paid for the tape. ...thank you. 

 

and he also wrothe this on another post:

 

thanks man. ...I could actually say 1 more thing. ...I had been discussing with Smart Mark Video the possibility of releasing a Best of series. ...because they were good enough to talk to me about it first, I had no problem with it and didn't expect to even see any of the profit. Well, they informed me that they give 1/2 of the profits to the wrestlers on their Best of tapes. ...wow, that really is respectable in my book. 

[LucharesuFan619 0]

Nick Mondo has released his final statement on the subject:

 

This thing seems to be causing some arguements...understandable. Here's the bottome line. ...In independent wrestling, there's no money. You're going to get taken advantage of at some point, and there's no way around it. Did I expect to make a buck of an RF release of my work? ..no. But if just a slight bit of respect had been added to the situation, I would have kept my mouth shut. I was at the ROH show the week before TOD2. I'm sure that Rob knew he was going to be releasing a best of tape of me in just a few weeks. I spoke with him. ..very briefly, but I did. You would think he would at least have the common courtesy to bring up the fact that he was working on a comp tape of me. ...It's that simple. Whether he thinks he has a right to my work on footage or not, he could have at least brought it up to me, since I was right in front of him. ...but he didn't. There's probably just the slightest bit of guilt somewhere in Rob for the fact that he makes money off guys who make next to nothing, but that's nothing his income can't remedy. He claims I've been paid for my work, but I know for a fact that the only money in this business is in merchandise..if you're lucky. My debt from medical bills will attest to that.

There's other ways Rob could have contacted me...quite easily. But again, he didn't. It's easier to just quietly create a compilation and toss it up on your website, hoping the wrestler it's based off of will just sit back and not say anything. ..in most cases, that's how things will work. But whatever.

The last thing I have to say is that this is not about "rights" to footage, "owning" footage, or anything along those lines. It's about respect for people that work together in the same business. I read the match list on that tape, and I know for a fact that RF wasn't at all of the shows on there. If he paid for the rights to the shows he wasn't on...fine. But nobody can tell me he paid for the rights to MY CHARACTER, because CZW does not own my character, likeness, or name, which is what's being sold on that tape.

If anybody thinks this is about money or me not being able to stand up for myself, than piss off. I contacted Rob and emailed him several times about this before I made the post on my site. He's publicly disrespecting me, so I'll make it public. ...I'm done with this topic. thank you to those who have stood by me. 

 

Now if that doesn't make you support Mondo, what does?

This guy doesn't sound like the Mondo I've talked to several times, that's for sure. First off, his point about this incident being about "respect" is ridiculous. Respect is non existent in this world, whether people wish to believe it or not, and to think that it exists in pro wrestling, of all industries, is assanine.

 

"But nobody can tell me he paid for the rights to MY CHARACTER, because CZW does not own my character, likeness, or name, which is what's being sold on that tape."

 

Then according to Mondo CZW doesn't have the rights to profit off of Mondo's matches, either, yet they're paid for the tapes they sell that have his matches. A wrestler gives the rights to profit from his matches to his promoter, so Zandig has the right to sell his tapes. Does Feinstein?

 

It depends. Since this is a documentary, I would think that it has backstage footage that was filmed of Mondo, away from the ring. I doubt RF or his company has the legal rights to that footage, so in that case, they'd be doing something wrong. If it is just of matches, though, which everyone seems to be saying it is, then they're doing nothing wrong. You didn't hear Messiah, Justice Pain, Zandig, etc. complain about the Best of Tapes RF made for them.

 

 

 

 

Jay, I read your IWA-MS review and I enjoyed it, until you got to the diatribe on this situation. Your comments toward RF Video were absolutely unprofessional, yet you said, "What professionalism and maturity from one of the heads of a major video company, bravo." You did the same thing as what was done by Gabe. If you hadn't said that and the other disses you made toward RF, your points could be taken as they are, but by doing this, you've made yourself resort to the same level as you say RF Video is resorting to.

 

"has been in some of the most memorable matches of the past few years and skill-wise, blows worthless loads like Slugger, J-Train, Prince Nana and most of your precious Special K spotmonkeys out of the water."

 

You say you've been involved in the wrestling industry, yet you have the *nerve* to defamate the abilities of these wrestlers, who - just like Mondo - put their bodies on the line. How is what Special K does "worthless?" You could make the point that at least they wrestle primarily, instead of resorting to weedwhackers and stuff. The points you made in your article were completely contradictory to themselves, man.

 

I'm not going to argue about who's a good wrestler or not. I don't need to start some dumb debate about why/if Abby, Louie, Funk, etc. are better than Mondo. The bottom line is that they all have something in common - they're job is being a pro wrestler. And what you've made the "spotmonkeys," "worthless loads," etc. out to be completely debase your assertions.

 

CZW has continued to use the BJPW death match title belt without BJPW's consent and without paying them for it's use. Companies are always going to engage in questionable activities. It's a fact of American society, which is built upon technicalites. Very few things are perfect, and that includes both CZW and RF Video, along with the other wresting promotions throughout the world.

[Guest Jay Z. Hollywood]

Jay, I read your IWA-MS review and I enjoyed it, until you got to the diatribe on this situation. Your comments toward RF Video were absolutely unprofessional, yet you said, "What professionalism and maturity from one of the heads of a major video company, bravo." You did the same thing as what was done by Gabe. If you hadn't said that and the other disses you made toward RF, your points could be taken as they are, but by doing this, you've made yourself resort to the same level as you say RF Video is resorting to.

 

"has been in some of the most memorable matches of the past few years and skill-wise, blows worthless loads like Slugger, J-Train, Prince Nana and most of your precious Special K spotmonkeys out of the water."

 

You say you've been involved in the wrestling industry, yet you have the *nerve* to defamate the abilities of these wrestlers, who - just like Mondo - put their bodies on the line. How is what Special K does "worthless?" You could make the point that at least they wrestle primarily, instead of resorting to weedwhackers and stuff. The points you made in your article were completely contradictory to themselves, man.

 

I'm not going to argue about who's a good wrestler or not. I don't need to start some dumb debate about why/if Abby, Louie, Funk, etc. are better than Mondo. The bottom line is that they all have something in common - they're job is being a pro wrestler. And what you've made the "spotmonkeys," "worthless loads," etc. out to be completely debase your assertions.

 

CZW has continued to use the BJPW death match title belt without BJPW's consent and without paying them for it's use. Companies are always going to engage in questionable activities. It's a fact of American society, which is built upon technicalites. Very few things are perfect, and that includes both CZW and RF Video, along with the other wresting promotions throughout the world.

Jon,

 

I can see where you're coming from, here. But I think you missed the point.

 

The primary difference is, I write a column for a website. I don't *have* to be professional. I make it a point of pride that I DON'T kiss anybody's ass or mince my words when I write my columns in order to get free tapes. I could care less what Ring of Honor thinks, or RF Video. The column is called "True 'Till Death" for a reason.

 

The main difference here is:

Jay- writes one of millions of website columns. (although one that's read more than most)

Gabe- runs a major tape company and wrestling promotion.

 

I'm not involved in the business right now, anymore. My financial investments aren't tied up with wrestlers and wrestling fans. His are. Again, I don't *have* to be professional. He does. Resorting to childish insults like "all his friends laugh at him" is NOT how the head of a tape company should behave, especially when said friends are in the same locker room.

 

The Special K sentence was a little unclear- they weren't lumped in the "worthless load" category. Rare instance of bad grammar in my case. In any case, the main point was that Gabe's comment of "not being good enough" was ludicrous since he has booked, in my opinion FAR FAR WORSE wrestlers for his shows. The wording probably took away from it, but hey, I was mad.

 

And you are absolutely correct- there are no saints in indy wrestling. Anyone who thinks otherwise is naive. Doesn't mean I can't point out the assholes though.

[Guest trickstyle_360]

I will never have and never will buy a ROH tape from RF.

[Guest Randy Pan]

This guy doesn't sound like the Mondo I've talked to several times, that's for sure. First off, his point about this incident being about "respect" is ridiculous. Respect is non existent in this world, whether people wish to believe it or not, and to think that it exists in pro wrestling, of all industries, is assanine.

 

But it DOES exist - at Smart Mark Video. It wouldn't have taken much, all they would have had to do was to let Mondo know that they were goingt o make the tape and the whole situation would have probably been avoided.

 

"But nobody can tell me he paid for the rights to MY CHARACTER, because CZW does not own my character, likeness, or name, which is what's being sold on that tape."

 

Then according to Mondo CZW doesn't have the rights to profit off of Mondo's matches, either, yet they're paid for the tapes they sell that have his matches. A wrestler gives the rights to profit from his matches to his promoter, so Zandig has the right to sell his tapes. Does Feinstein?

 

It isn't just selling a match with Mondo in it, it is selling his likeness. This is expressed in cover art, pictures and the name of the tape. While RF can legally reproduce the matches, they are using Mondo's name to sell the tape, thus using his likeness.

 

 

It depends. Since this is a documentary, I would think that it has backstage footage that was filmed of Mondo, away from the ring. I doubt RF or his company has the legal rights to that footage, so in that case, they'd be doing something wrong. If it is just of matches, though, which everyone seems to be saying it is, then they're doing nothing wrong. You didn't hear Messiah, Justice Pain, Zandig, etc. complain about the Best of Tapes RF made for them.

 

Without having seen (or having any intention to see) the tape, i think most are assuming that it is legal.

[Guest Dynamite Kido]

Guys, you all have great points. Since I personally have nothing to add to the discussion, I would like to personally say real quick this..........GABE....YOU ARE A FUCKTARD!!!!!

 

thank you....back to your discussion

[LucharesuFan619 0]

This guy doesn't sound like the Mondo I've talked to several times, that's for sure. First off, his point about this incident being about "respect" is ridiculous. Respect is non existent in this world, whether people wish to believe it or not, and to think that it exists in pro wrestling, of all industries, is assanine.

 

But it DOES exist - at Smart Mark Video. It wouldn't have taken much, all they would have had to do was to let Mondo know that they were goingt o make the tape and the whole situation would have probably been avoided.

 

"But nobody can tell me he paid for the rights to MY CHARACTER, because CZW does not own my character, likeness, or name, which is what's being sold on that tape."

 

Then according to Mondo CZW doesn't have the rights to profit off of Mondo's matches, either, yet they're paid for the tapes they sell that have his matches. A wrestler gives the rights to profit from his matches to his promoter, so Zandig has the right to sell his tapes. Does Feinstein?

 

It isn't just selling a match with Mondo in it, it is selling his likeness. This is expressed in cover art, pictures and the name of the tape. While RF can legally reproduce the matches, they are using Mondo's name to sell the tape, thus using his likeness.

 

 

It depends. Since this is a documentary, I would think that it has backstage footage that was filmed of Mondo, away from the ring. I doubt RF or his company has the legal rights to that footage, so in that case, they'd be doing something wrong. If it is just of matches, though, which everyone seems to be saying it is, then they're doing nothing wrong. You didn't hear Messiah, Justice Pain, Zandig, etc. complain about the Best of Tapes RF made for them.

 

Without having seen (or having any intention to see) the tape, i think most are assuming that it is legal.

Well, the video is only called Unscarred, so Nick Mondo isn't in the name of it. Unless it's something like Unscarred: the true life of Nick Monod, they're not usin ghis name. The only way they would be using his name is in the match listings, which is the same thing SMV and CZW do when they sell their video tapes with match listings that include Mondo's name.

 

"I can see where you're coming from, here. But I think you missed the point.

 

The primary difference is, I write a column for a website. I don't *have* to be professional. I make it a point of pride that I DON'T kiss anybody's ass or mince my words when I write my columns in order to get free tapes. I could care less what Ring of Honor thinks, or RF Video. The column is called "True 'Till Death" for a reason."

 

Well, I can see you're point, no doubt about it it. However, you can still be professional and not "kiss anybody's ass" or "mince [your[ words when [you] write [your] columns in order to get free tapes." Mr. Tito does it. Scott Keith does...errr...bad example. I do it when I review tapes, that I know.

 

Since according to you you don't have to be professional when writing your columns, I think that naturally takes away some of your credibility in this circumstance (not all, but in this particular one, and I'll explain why). Gabe has the pressure to be professional, since he owns a company. You don't, so I think it's kind of like "easier said than done." You don't have to be professional, dor does he. However, if you want your opinions to be respected, you SHOULD be professional, considering - as you admitted - you're writing for a popular, largely-viewed web site. Your opinions don't have to be expressed professionally, no doubt about it, but if you want them to be taken as seriously as you seem to have intended, they should be.

 

I have no heat with you, Jay. I enjoy your reviews and especially enjoyed this IWA one. However, I also stand by my contention that your bitching about ROH, Gabe and the various wrestlers is very unprofessional. I guess where we differ isn't that you were unprofessional, but whether or not you must be professional.

 

And it doesn't matter that you're not "in the business anymore." You brought that contention into the situation in the column, so naturally it can be used against you. In this circumstance, it's able to be. You said in the column that you were in the business, so naturally you should know not to defamate the abilities of various workers, no matter who they are, because as you admitted, they all put their bodies on the line each night, especially Special K (as does Mondo and the others you mentioned).