Thursday, April 5, 2012

RUNNING FROM THE DEVIL (THE ALLEN TOM THEORY) - CRAIG SHELTON - 4/5/2012




RUNNING FROM THE DEVIL (THE ALLEN TOM THEORY)



Written by: Craig Shelton
04/5/2012


Among the HMW faithful we've coined the phrase, "Allen Tom". Far from a term of endearment is the phrase, "Allen Tom", but an entertaining one nevertheless.

The term "Allen Tom" was born from an incident that occurred in early 2010 on Facebook. The incident involved one of my friends at the time on Facebook, who's name was, you guessed it, Allen Tom. Allen Tom was also a Facebook friend with my HMW team member, Lamont Mann (Lamont/@SportsMediaLM).

     
The incident took place as I was monitoring SportsRadio610's night shift broadcast, when noted loud mouth caller, "Larry In Stafford" (Larry) called into the show. Larry conducted his customary loudmouth routine of fence-riding commentary that was customarily followed by the SportsRadio610 host pretending it was the most epic call ever! Upon hearing Larry's call, I immediately updated my Facebook status and gave my take on Larry's ignorant take on the Texans! Of course, I added a couple of classic verbal nuggets of my own (LARRY YOU SUCK!)

Turns out my defining of "Larry In Stafford's" relative level of intellectual relevance to the SportsRadio610 listening base, struck a nerve with my Facebook friend, Allen Tom. It struck enough of a nerve with Allen Tom that he chose to contact my HMW teammate, Lamont Mann, via Facebook inbox to question my intent. Allen Tom questioned, "Why is Craig hating on Larry, what's up with that?"

Needless to say, Lamont was not amused that Allen Tom thought he could contact him via "inbox" criticizing an HMW team member. Lamont had a firm response to Allen Tom and then immediately contacted me, advising me of what had occurred.

The important thing to note is, Lamont took exception to Allen Tom's methods because just prior to contacting Lamont via inbox, Allen Tom had been corresponding with me on Facebook, and made no attempt to make known his discontent with my comments about "Larry In Stafford". (With regard to my comments about Larry, for the record I stand by them to this day.)

After speaking to Lamont, I quickly realized that Allen Tom was a notorious "inbox coward"! Therefore, I immediately contacted Allen Tom on Facebook and gave him a good ole fashion "Facebook beating".

Well to the surprise of Lamont and myself, Allen Tom in true coward form "blocked" me and Lamont immediately. As a part of Allen Tom's cowardly exit, he frantically sent apologies (via inbox) to me and Lamont as he bolted NWA "100 miles and running" style, never to be heard from again!

ALLEN TOM LIVES IN LOCAL SPORTS TALK HOST

After the hilarious Allen Tom Facebook incident, he became a phenomenon among HMW bloggers. The whole phenomenon became easily associated with the thin-skinned guys that work in the Houston local sports talk media.

There are local sports talk hosts who deal with HMW criticisms in a professional manner. There are others who have more of a man-to-man approach of responding to HMW criticism. Thirdly, there are those who embody the "Allen Tom" theme.


Here's a list of guys respected by HMW for at least attempting to be responsive or don't whine like babies about our criticism:

Josh Innes ~ 610
Mike Meltser ~ 610
Rich Lord ~ 610
Barry Warner ~ 610
Charlie Pallilo ~ 790
Matt Thomas ~ 790
Adam Rapp ~ 790
ND Kalu ~ 790
John Granato ~ 1560
David Nuno ~ 1560
Sean Pendergast ~ 1560
Carl Dukes ~ 97.5 FM
Fred Faour ~ 97.5 FM

There's also a whole group of guys that embody the spirit of the cowardly lion or the Allen Tom theory as previously mentioned.

Here's a listing of Houston sports talk hosts who go out of their way to avoid any dealings with HMW whether it be on social media or otherwise:

Matt Jackson ~ 790
Dylan Gwinn ~ 790
John Lopez ~ 610
Brad Davies ~ 610
Brien Straw ~ 610
Dave Tepper ~ 97.5 FM

The above mentioned group of Allen Toms have either blocked HMW on social media, or make no attempt at responsiveness when criticized or contacted for comments.

Of course, then you have Lance Zierlein who avoids me personally, but will correspond with other members of HMW. Hmmmm, curious? (Allen Tom?)

It's always mystified me how sports talk hosts who often speak critically of athletes, using them as the butt of jokes, even going as far as to use athletes names as metaphors to belittle them, themselves have the nerve to be so thin-skinned? These same thin-skinned "Allen Toms" have been known to take their poking and prodding of athletes into the lowest levels of their profession by directing their mean-spirited criticisms at players families. Let's face it, many of you have built your brand on childish behavior and self-centered, non-inclusive inside jokes, and clown routines. Many of you are the same guys who beat up on athletes for years, but when HMW was born and began doing the same to you, many of you showed your true colors.

It's perfectly acceptable for sports talk hosts to make humiliating remarks about Brittney Griner's appearance or Morris Clayborne and Vince Young's IQs, but you're insulted when HMW takes the same approach towards you? Think about that folks. How is that?

No member of HMW is a felon. No HMW member has physically attacked a sports talk host. The problem for you guys is that my diversely made up and equally diversely talented team can match you guys in wit and the use of technology.

Personally, I'm a total BEAST on the social networks. I acknowledge that responsibly. I know my attacks can be harsh and are designed to make an impact on the collective think tank of sports talk media members on social networks.

Be men about this guys. HMW and my tweets aren't the issue in this market. The issue in this market is the level of talent on-air. The issue in this market is the culture making decisions at these stations. Do you think Charlie Pallilo would find himself on twitter doing what Lance Zierlein did, conducting a sympathy campaign with blind listeners, in an attempt to keep HMW at bay and deter criticism of him?
Of course not, it wouldn't happen if your name is Charlie Pallilo, Carl Dukes, or Marc Vandermeer. These guys have class and are total professionals. Most of you guys on-air are just salty punks who whine the moment someone looks you in the eye and outwits you at your own game.


Let's be honest folks. HMW isn't the issue for you sports talk hosts and media members. The real problem is the foundation and the core of your integrity as men and "mature" professionals. (#PITF anyone?)

When HMW is critical of a media member folks, don't stand up and defend these guys and I'll explain why. Always remember this when you read or hear an HMW criticism of Lance, Matt, Lopez, or any of these babies. "Its not so much about what we're telling you folks about these guys, its more about what we 'could' have told you about these Allen Toms".

I'm open for conversation with any host or station administrator who wishes to come to terms on HMW's relationship with their brand. It's you guys who drew the line in the sand, not HMW. It's you guys who got salty about the criticism, after almost to a man telling me personally you welcomed the criticism. Most of you said to me, personally, that Houston needs a service like HMW because you feel that the Houston Chronicle never did things the right way. Right Zierlein?
I find all of the above content a telling statement of an industry dominated by men who clearly have lost sight of some of the most fundamental principles of being men.

"Look them in the eyes, son".


Craig Shelton


HMW
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34 comments:

jaminwesley said...

Craig,

I have a question for you. Why were you mad that the big show didn't mention HMW for breaking the story of Kalu and Koch moving from 610? -Jamin

jaminwesley said...

Craig,

I'm curious in that you mentioned several times the name Lance, yet he is not on either of your list? Im no Lance sympathizer by all means, just trying to level the playing field. -Jamin

HMW said...

Hello Jammin,,I'll attempt to address both of your questions. Lance went out of his way to give David Barron credit for breaking the Kalu story, fully knowing it was HMW that broke the story. Secondly, he's not in a list because he's unique in how he deals with HMW. Therefore I gave him an exclusive passage.

Mannifresh25 said...

If you were on radio at one of the big four stations in Houston, would HMW exist? Would your opinion of local host change? Would you care what other shows were doing? Would you still take personal shots over social media of the host you call out now? How would you handle criticism? You tweeted earlier you were on hold with the Big Show. You were tracking hold time for a future post. With everything going on between yourself and that crew, why would you, yourself, call them and track hold time? Did you get on? If not, why would they put you on? What I'm getting at is this, you blasting these guys won't cut down your wait time. If anything they'll let you sit on hold forever. You'll turn that into these guys are avoiding you. Which may be true. But how can you knock them for making you wait when you know they aren't gonna be in any hurry to get you on? So you blog about it, criticize them for the wait, knowing you were gonna sit on hold. Why not have another person call in and get a true wait time?

In my opinion, which means nothing in the grand scheme of things, your thoughts on Twitter towards certain hosts is fueled by the rejection you've had to face when it comes to a prime time show in major market radio. Some folks face those who criticize them. Some folks won't. Some folks get called out and they toe the line with who's calling them out. Some folks don't. Different strokes for different folks.

You called Lance a snitch. But then you turn around and put Lance on blast with your Chronicle reference. What's the difference in a snitch and what you did? I'm not aware of the behind the scenes between you and Lance. But I know this, if I think a man is gonna repeat what I say during a private convo...I don't tell him. If I trust what we say stays between us, I'll share the info. I can remember reading an interview you conducted with Lance early on in HMW. It was a solid piece. It's the piece that got me to follow you guys and keep up with HMW. But to get info from a guy only to turn that info and use it against him.......I'm not sure that's cool.

I will give you props on the staff you've assembled. Lamont is fantastic. Creep is as well. They keep an open mind, and show no bias. I enjoy reading their work.

My last question refers to the start of my post. What's your motive with HMW? What are the real reasons you started this blog?

Mannifresh25

jaminwesley said...

Craig,

I'm trying really hard to grasp the concept that he was in the wrong on that one. That was information that directly relates to 790 and I find it hard to believe that he didn't know about. Now if he worked for1560? I can understand your beef, but not when he or is station is directly connected to the story. -Jamin

jaminwesley said...

Again Mannifresh is on point with my thoughts exactly.

HMW said...

Mannifresh,,when i look at the length of your comment, i find your personal intent as questionable as you find mine. I stand by my comments in this article, and in articles to come (so keep your fingers flexed!)

Craig

jaminwesley said...

Weak Craig, very weak. You question others but when your questioned... cricketts. He had valid questions. -Jamin

Mannifresh25 said...

Jamin, like I said, to each his own. Different strokes for different folks. When your ready to debate Craig, I'm here. Looking forward to the chance we can debate. Don't worry about the length, consider it's contents.

Mannifresh25

Earlis said...

As I stated and I think it is easy to produce emperical evidence...Jocks blast players and will leave no stone unturned to get a giggle or what ever to hype their story line...however when a sports jock is put on blast they bitch and moan..many of them...and that is straight baloney you bring it you have to take it like a man when it comes back at cha...jocks do not get a free pass...they screen calls..they hide behind their screeners...when you bring it on the net you really better have a thick skin...bloggers play by different rules...the net is the snake pit baby...period...
if you can't stand the heat get out the kitchen...privilidge really takes a back seat..no matter who is right or who is wrong you have to come strong or get blown away...period...

jaminwesley said...

I smell a challenge Craig, lol. Lets make this happen.

Angelo Lawford said...

I can't speak for anyone other than myself, but I do understand the origin of this blog and even more importantly, the idea of this blog. I do understand its' importance and relevance.

I am aware that there are some concerns and possible misunderstandings that seem to be dominating the current and recent opinions about this blog based on recent topics and social communication that I have seen in recent days.

What I like about the blog the most as a contributor is that everyone is allowed to be what and who their nature demands them to be in being associated with HMW. So therefore, we are all dramatically different I think. But although different, I think we are trying to accomplish the same goal.

Which I feel, is to highlight when we feel the media is not honoring their duty in providing fair, accurate and respectable journalism practices and to hopefully create solutions in how the media can do their jobs better and how as fans of sport and contributors to media forums, provide a way for us to also be better.

The HMW I believe in, is the HMW that can challenge a member of the media fraternity with respect, to treat Brittany Griner AND others with respect, as she has done nothing more than be a woman who grew to be tall and a damn good basketball player. The aim is to eradicate the disrespectful and mockery inspired journalism that certain members of the media seem to consider to be entertaining and protect the best way that we can, the integrity and honor of the athletes and issues of the day. Griner AND others don't deserve to be regarded in the way they are regarded at times JUST because of a deep voice or 6'8 stature or low Wunderlich scores. That is ultimately what I feel the origin and purpose of this blog is about. I hope that we don't lose site of that, and I hope that we are not perceived as any less than that.

In regard to HMW social media articulation, again, that is depending on which member of HMW is doing the socializing. We are all different. Our expectations are different and our objectives are different in regard to how we communicate, with whom we communicate, and what we communicate about. But although a team, ideally, we are individuals first. Which is what makes HMW work and makes its' idea so promising. We are free to be who we need to be and we act accordingly based on how we feel and by what inspires us. Whether we agree or disagree with the particular subject matters that are discussed in social forums, my hope is that the somewhat negative perception of the blog and certain members of the blog, does not overshadow the potential of the good that has been and can continue to be realized on this blog.

Angelo

HMW said...

Angelo,

like you said, we can only speak for ourselves however with all do respect. I do not think the majority view HMW in a negative sense. I know Jamin and Mannin are opinionated and nothing wrong with that but a few people are upset because the last couple of articles were centered around Lance or talking about him in a not so positive fashion. That's cool that's their dude. Overall, I am noticing it's cool to hammer 610, but I don't play that game. I write about what I like and dislike.


LM

Mannifresh25 said...

Craig, my post has nothing to do with Lance. It has everything to do with the "list" you provided in calling these guys "Allen Toms". sure I used Lance in a few examples. I also used the Big Show, but only because you have placed a very large bullseye on that show recently. But your response, or lack of, doesn't surprise me. The fact you've avoided every question, which were legit, tells me I'll have to reconsider the viability of your posts in the future.

Angelo, great response. I expect nothing but well thought out, reasonable posts from you. And again you didn't disappoint. But when it comes to answers, the only answers I want for my questions, need to come from Craig. If he choses not to answer, more power to him. He's a man, if he doesn't feel the need to justify himself to those of us who take the time to read and contribute to his creation, so be it. Not answering questions at times rings louder than the words we write. Like I said before, to each his own.

Mannifresh25

justin case said...

I wanted to chime in and say one thing what's the diffrence between a sports jock using an athletes name as a running joke and using allen tom as an inside joke if its positive change you seek why use negativity. I myself am not aposed to talking sh$% to someone if its worth my time I personally don't care for lz I have read annd listened to some on point stuff on this site but it does come off. As personal in this article that's all I got I'm ready for a new story if you got me NEXT HAHAHA thanks for the time

sports fan said...

It's hilarious that Craig refuses to respond to direct questions, but allows articles like this on his site that complain about local media not responding to HMW. I have left comments twice on this site and have not even had my comments posted, I assume because he didnt want to accept the content. A bit hypocritical, eh?

HMW said...

Sports Fan,

I typically post the comments and if one of yours didn't get posted, maybe I missed it. Thanks for the read

LM

jaminwesley said...

Angelo,

Well put response. LM, the same. My issue is that Craig, Angelo and LM,, are all essentially saying the same thing which is each individual has his own opinion. Ok, cool, great, fair enough... But what about the point on hand? , Which were the questions Manni and I had for Craig? Trying to pull a straight answer out of anyone has been like pulling teeth. Craig's mean ass is brutally honest (which is why i enjoy the follow) except when he is questioned. #ironfist?

HMW said...

Hey there Mr. Mannifresh,,,did you say "debate"? Debate, really? And what would we "debate" Mannifresh? The amount of zest in your lust for entry into Lance Zierlein's boxers? The likelihood of Lance fathering children with you. "Debate"? You can't be serious son. You have yet to grasp the concept of what HMW is here for, which clearly is not to kiss Lance's sorry, phony, snitching ass! Your commenting falsely on the very blog that contradicts many of your claims. You're probably nothing more than some loser Gamer, still holding on to some idealistic view of the 1560 glory days (that never actually existed.) "Debate"? You don't know the "true" landscape & profile of the parameters you claim to wish to "debate". I find you a to be a laughable, obsessed, weirdo barking up the wrong fiery-thorny tree! I know more about what you covet than your novice eyes and ears could bare about some of the trash personalities you guys cherish. The fact of the matter is, you can't see through these woosy cats without me or HMW laying it out for you, says all one needs to note regarding you bro. I hope your not raising a son?

Your out your league Mannifresh.

Come out from behind your little social media identity (Mannifresh) and get up on some "real ishh" and we'll meet for beers and talk it out. Otherwise, just keep following me & my blog & continue to eat dust in the draft of my ascending livelihood. Debate Lesbo? Please!

Craig

jaminwesley said...

Craig,

I realize your post was towards Manni, but I'll take you up on the beers and the debate. Hell, I'll buy the first two rounds. Shoot me an email and make it happen. -Jamin

Mannifresh25 said...

Your response is just what I expected. More "big talk" with no real substance. The simple fact my questions and comments were targeted at you as a "media critic" and no where near personal shows how much higher my intellect level is compared to yours. So a debate might not go as well for you as you seem to think. Coming to a battle unarmed isn't a wise thing to do. I am raising a son. He will be Raised to respect others opinions. He'll know that if he puts himself out there to be questioned, he will stand firm and respond with well thought out rebuttals. He will know it's sophomoric to challenges a persons opinion with personal insults. He will know that judging a person without ever meeting them is down right cowardly. He will, from what I've seen here, be a bigger and better man than you think you are. I hope life shows you being bitter, arrogant, jealous, and down right ignorant is no way to live. Hopefully you'll discover this so that in time you may shed the huge chip on your shoulder for not being good enough in an industry that refuses to employ you. We all get beat, sometimes we need to know when to call it a day. Thanks for the response....even though you managed to avoid every question I asked.....again.

Mannifresh25

Mannifresh25 said...

Craig, Jamin, I'm in. Let me know. Time-place.

justin case said...

damn if craig if your ballin like that buy the beer hahahaha

Kenny said...

Craig, I'm a gamer and proud of it. And guess what? I found out about this site and you thanks to John and Lance. I was at Nicks place the day Lance had you on and I talked to you after the show and I thought you were cool. The fact that you turned on everyone and continue to berate all of the listeners shows why your are a self-serving, angry Judas. You are the phony and you bite the only hand that fed you at the beggining which is 1560. They helped you and we the listeners accepted you. I even heard you on with Nuno too. You are only out for yourself. You would make a terrible teammate which is why you never got what 1560 has always been about. I enjoy your work Lamont but Craig makes you all look bad with his anger and petty behavior. I'll make sure the other gamers know how you feel about us so they don't waste their time with you.

I doubt this gets posted.

HMW said...

Kenny,,,Gamer pride my ass man! I dont owe John & Lance any more than I owe u brother! How can I turn anyone against me that was never welcomed as a part of my circle in the 1st place? I'm a man dude & i don't worship radio stations or radio host, are you freakin serious? Grown ass man barking about your a damned Gamer. I could care less about a so called Gamer. John & I are cool, but only as men. Trust me it has nothiing to do with a damned sucka for love ass Gamer click. That's just dumb in my world bro. Tell the "Gamers" that my man.

Craig

HMW said...

Mannifresh & JaminWesley,,,let me know when u guys want to do this & we'll wrk it out schedule wise. Manni tweet me to let me know when u email me,,that's-that's, now lets do it

Email: houstonmediawatch@yahoo.com

Kenny said...

Yeah, that "gamer" clique is stupid.

Signed, "The Creeps"

Lame. Get a real life.

Robert said...

Kenny,I do not know you and I like Lance too but you are sounding like a teenage girl. If I were Lance, I would be nervous having fans like you. You do realize Lance is married? It's one thing for Mannifresh to ask a legitimate question but you are acting as if Craig screwed your woman. Craig, free drinks?

Kenny said...

"Robert",

What does Lamce have to do with anything? I was talking a out Craig and 1560. Lance isn't there and I listen to Sean and John now. I stayed true to 1560 because I believe in the radio they do. I like Lance fine but once he left, I couldn't handle those other two guys.

Next time, just say you are Craig and don't try and act like you are "Robert". Your obsession with Lance is scary man. It even comes through in a fake comment.

By the way, Travis is so much more talented than you that it is scary.

Mannifresh said...

Just so we're clear, once Travis Rogers came in and Yahoo gave him and Sean "National" shows I tuned them out. I don't care about national sports talk. I want local shows with local guys. When Yahoo radio had open try outs for Johns partner over a three week span I was completely done with them. They acted like listeners weren't smart enough to realize they had no idea what to do with their lineup. Not to mention they basically demoted Sean from a prime time national slot to morning drive with John. All in all....it was a mess. So you couldn't be more wrong about the "gamer" tag. As far as I'm concerned Granato and Gow lied to our faces. "all about local radio, down with the CPD". Once the $$ was there, they forgot their tagline. Not mad at em for cashing in, just feel like they got over on the listeners.

Kenny...don't know you, might not ever know you. But it's really not a big deal. People will frequent HMW if they want. If they don't, they won't. To make this a "Gamer vs Creeps" thing is ridiculous.

Josh_Innes_Sucks said...

You and your site and your staff have no credibility. Do something productive and something that has a hint of wisdom and knowledge. Hack.
Signed,
Josh Innes Sucks Guy

justin case said...

sooooo is craig not buying everybody beer hahahaha.
signed, just want to watch a game and drink some beer

Anonymous said...

looking at the blog entry and post responses by Craig says alot about your character and how much of a professional you are. true enough its a blog and its yours but everything you do is because of jealousy and anger because you didnt get a job with any of the other stations in houston. one month you are best buddies with a particular host then after they make you mad you go write a post challenging how cool they really are. after following this blog and its clear that you are as fake and phony as they come, backstabber, and a coward. you know who to try all your bullying with also. i listened to your show the other day to determine how someone that is so negative about everyone show and you talked over your callers like everybody else. not to mention it was nothing to write home about. the host you dislike the most are way better than you and they are true journalist and sports afficianados. i think its pretty sad that you wake up every morning and listen to what these guys do at these other stations all day everyday. to sit and listen to what someone else is doing all day everyday then to comeback and write all the hatred bs is insane to me. you might need to find another hobby or something else to do with your time. the fact that someone can be so clownish all the time is crazy. any shot you had at being a sports talk host or a respectable figure in houstons sport realm is probably gone. i hope all of the sports host in the city know not to trust you or build up anytype of bond because you will do nothing but stab them in the back. your blogs and some of the statements you make are way out of line as a man. the other day i heard you mention your pastor which means you go to church i guess i wonder how your pastor would feel if he read some of your blogs or read some of your tweets. you really need to work on yourself guy you are the epitome misery. you are one miserable person. you wont respond to this and you wont respond to the other guys questions either.

sam

Earlis said...

wow this is kind of like talking about religion..nobody listens they just rant about their sacred cows....umma leave this alone but one thing about Craig he is a man's man...he stands by what he thinks and he thinks out loud...that does not wear well with some people...and if he really wanted a job in radio he would not be doing this...he made a decision to be in or out...I do not always agree with him..but he says what he thinks about topics you can like or not like it...interestingly he says things a brother may not say or own up too but he does not get credit for that...lol..but I like a dude that says what he thinks..it is useless to go round and round in circles pointing fingers when most of the crap online ain't about dah dah...The way
Brittany Griner was treated by the media is a dirty rotten low down dirty shame but it is ok to do that...but if you slam a a local radio jock it is some how akin to being a skin head or a terrorist...
I say what I think now and then.. sometimes I am right hell a lot times I am wrong as two left shoe's, how evah! it is only my opinion..I don't need to speak up for Craig he is his own man but bro got balls...there are consequences when you bring it like that..he has accepted that fact and decided to be his own man..I respect that..how many of us can say that..
I have never met the guy but hell I might even buy a him a beer..we might have to go stone paper scizzas on that though.. :)