Not really here. Awrabest 🏴
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Joined February 2009
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Hello. Some pals and I have a new book out on Wednesday (my first). It could teach you everything you need to know about investigative journalism. Feel free to buy early and often from all good booksellers. It was a lot of work and we’re very proud of it x
Neil Macfarlane retweeted
Never ceases to amaze me how many folks who’ve heard RATM are in Paul Ryan mode, having literally ZERO understanding of anything that band was about and even less understanding where any of us might stand on contemporary issues. Recently was talking to a couple at a restaurant who were big fans of “Killing In The Name”. The nice lady said, “I love that song. It helped me rage against my parents and later against the jab!” I said, “Ma’am that song is about racist cops who often behave like the Ku Klux Klan in service of historical white supremacy and are boot licking lackeys and thugs of the racist capitalist ruling class.” She sat there chewing and blinking, chewing and blinking.
Neil Macfarlane retweeted
Those shocking reasons why Taylor Swift was granted special security
From the new Private Eye, out now.
Neil Macfarlane retweeted
I’ve had exactly the same experience. Sometimes I wonder if they’re bots such is predictability of abuse. Either there’s a growing number of people who use X simply to hurl insults (strange kicks) or filters are no longer there post Musk. Either way, depressing.
Neil Macfarlane retweeted
Starting to wonder if using this space to post interviews etc is worth it anymore. More often than not now my notifications are flooded with abuse from people who haven't listened/watched/read the interview or article but who aim personal insults regardless (even if the work isn't actually mine).
It used to be worth using X as a reporting tool - to post updates on stories or info which people might find useful through the day but increasingly I dread pressing send on here because the response will almost always be abuse. While I don't have notifications on for X, or spend a lot of time looking at replies, the predictability of this is now is making me tune out. Why bother?
It's a shame, because I still think X can be a useful tool for reporters and those who want instant news and analysis but it also used to be a space full of people with interesting things to say - now it's mostly mean and bitter. All for criticism, debate and chat but just lobbing insults diminishes X for everyone. Not sure what the answer is.
Wait until the BBC finds out that an actual MP is on his way out to campaign in the election right now, when he should be at home working for his constituents. Hint: it’s Nigel Farage.
This quote from Alex McLeish about approaching McTominay for Scotland is warming the cockles of my cold, grey heart: "Scott came in and said 'I've thought of nothing else other than playing for Scotland'. When I heard those words I thought 'we have a player'."
