Out with the old: Ann Arbor has a new masked political blogger
There's a new masked political blogger in town who, like one of her predecessors, claims Ann Arbor is overrated.
The unknown assailant introduced herself to the world over the weekend in her first snarky blog post on Arborblahg.com, musing on her days as a University of Michigan student when AnnArborIsOverrated.com "ruthlessly skewered the self righteous 'let's preserve Ann Arbor in amber' crowd on a semi daily basis."
A screen shot of the new blog, Arborblahg.com.
"I loved every malcontented pixel," Arborblahg writes, admitting to mourning its demise. "Where would I go to vicariously mock smug boomers, ridiculous local politicos and wacky Ann Arbor News editorial contributors?"
The blogger - who maintains she's a younger female and wants to protect her identity - claims no affiliation to A2Politico.com blogger Patricia Lesko, who recently dropped her veil of anonymity as she announced her campaign for mayor.
"I promise that I am not going to this blahg to run for mayor. Or any other elected position," Arborblahg writes. "For one, I’m way too lazy. For two, I don’t have the business casual attire to pull it off."
Arborblahg even takes a shot at Lesko, who she calls "one cocktail away" from poisoning her neighbor's dog for barking too loud.
The new blogger put the call out to Ann Arbor in her first post, hoping to recruit a few contributors to her "generational counter-insurgency" (audition via e-mail at arborblahg@gmail.com).
Her reasons for the new blog?
"Actually, it's because I wanted to add a slightly younger voice to the mix. And because I need something more meaningful than 'House' and 'Grey's Anatomy' in my life," she writes. "I'd love to lend a hand to Habitat for Humanity but my boyfriend says I'm dangerous with a hammer. So, a blahg it is."
In an e-mail to AnnArbor.com, the Arborblahg author offered the following Q&A about the new website.
What is Arborblahg.com?
Another blahg about Ann Arbor issues and politics. Only less informed and more sarcastic.
Does it swing left or right?
It's a big fat ice cream scoop of liberal/progressive/left-leaning sentiments smothered in a delightfully practical chocolate sauce with tasty little middle-of-the-road sprinkles.
If you want something that leans to the right might I suggest the liver and onions of tax activism.
Are you doing this to set up a run for the mayor's office or city council?
Ew. No. I started it because I miss the old AnnArborIsOverrated blog and I was hoping to bring back a few bangles of their anti-homeowner association, pro-density, let's actually be green fabulousness.
Will you be posting daily?
Please. I do have a life. There are shoes to buy and episodes of "Glee" to watch.
Will it be filled with character assassinations, half-truths, and smug know-it-all critiques?
Geez, I hope not. The goal isn't to make anyone feel bad or stupid. But I might make some folks angry. I call things as I see them. The operative phrase here is: "as I see them." If you don't like what I write, well there's always the comments section. Just don't be nasty.
Who are you really?
None of your business. I've already had one stalker in my life, I don't need another.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.
Comments
Snarf Oscar Boondoggle
Mon, Feb 22, 2010 : 4:22 a.m.
do not consider the source... consider the content. onward and upward with Arborblahg.com!
Ryan J. Stanton
Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 10:38 a.m.
None of us at AnnArbor.com know who the blogger is, though some have hunches. One of the reasons we gave this attention is because many people in the community had an affinity for AnnArborIsOverrated when it was in existence, and this new person appears to be trying to fill the void. I'll admit, somebody starting a blog isn't really big news. That's why I didn't invest more than 30 minutes into this story. That's also why we didn't give any attention to A2Politico until she unmasked herself recently and decided to run for mayor (which quickly elevates a blogger to newsworthiness). This person seems to be following on the heels of A2Politico, so consider this a spin-off story, simply a quick glance at the strange phenomena that has become anonymous political blogging in Ann Arbor. AnnArbor.com is more than just a news website. We're a community information site as well.
Wguru
Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 10:20 a.m.
It is ironic that none of the previous commenters gave their real names while commenting on a story about an anonymous blog. Maybe it's time for aa.com to have two tiers of comments... one for those who give their real names (like used to be required for Ann Arbor News' Letters to the Editor, Other Voices, etc.) and another one for those who wish to remain anonymous. We readers should have an option to not display the latter set.
xmo
Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 8:32 a.m.
My cat has a website and blogs, would you like to do a story on her political views?
zags
Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 8:19 a.m.
meh. Another crabby Ann Arborite. Like we need another one of those.
InsideTheHall
Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 7:04 a.m.
Bellied up to the bar at Knights, Geoff Larcom is shaking his head, belly laughing, and recalling the "golden age" of Ann Arbor journalism. A2.com is a mockery to journalism.
EMUTalk
Mon, Feb 15, 2010 : 11:22 p.m.
I agree with what others here have said. The only thing I can conclude is that this new "masked blogger" has an inside connection with annarbor.com. Heck, maybe Ryan Stanton is himself this new blogger?
Matthew R.
Mon, Feb 15, 2010 : 8:32 p.m.
Anonymous snark is sooooo five years ago. I believe today's trend is to boldly stand behind opinions, even when they're proven factually inaccurate. :)
cibachrome
Mon, Feb 15, 2010 : 8:30 p.m.
I believe its the "Peoples Republique of Ann Arbor". Global warming religion, student activism followed by sellout to capitalism, Green Zone vegan paint, Strickly commercial Art Fair, Poor Drivers, Health Care profit center, University Snobs in leather elbow patches and Hush Puppies, and overpaid School Administrators. It's the bankrupt California phenom but 5 years behind the times. I expect vegetable gardens mandated on every apartment balcony next spring. Don't forget the $5M garbage truck for the Communist Peoples Socialist Republic of KneeHighRagWa. Shakey Jake was the only possitive spin you could claim. And he's been gone way too long. BriarWood Mall. Now there's the stairway to commercial heaven. Home of the Wolverines. Did they win at least one game this year? How easily one forgets... What exactly should AA be known for? Getting High on Tuition? Home of the Treasure Mart, $60 bird houses at the Farmer's Market, and culled potatoes? Bob Seger "Mainstreet"? A good place to be "From"!
DaRyan
Mon, Feb 15, 2010 : 8:08 p.m.
Wow. An interview with someone who affects our lives not at all.... super.... Snore....
Macabre Sunset
Mon, Feb 15, 2010 : 8:01 p.m.
I was thinking the same thing, jb242. There's no way this isn't an A2com writer or a friend of one.
jb242
Mon, Feb 15, 2010 : 5:07 p.m.
Wow, a blog that's less than two weeks old with only two posts and it's already getting mainstream press? I don't think we need to know the blogger's identity to assume she is personally connected to a writer or editor at AnnArbor.com, do we? I'd like to also note the great thing about annarborisoverrated.com was the lack of wordy opinionated dribble. They pretty much just posted links to news articles and stated a few facts here and there which ended up speaking volumes.
InsideTheHall
Mon, Feb 15, 2010 : 4:32 p.m.
Is this news????? So perhaps I should establish a blog and get some ink for my rants on the Socialist Republic of Ann Arbor.