I don’t know how he did it, but Bryan Clark (AKA Dynasty, the editor of 2+2 Magazine) managed to defuse Mason Malmuth’s temper. In both our public and private communications, he gave no ground whatsoever and continued to insist that I deliberately misrepresented the Harrington on Cash series in my reviews. (For those who need the backstory on this, see my post from two days ago).
He was demanding a retraction, which I was obviously not going to do, and I was ready to give him a piece of my mind. I’m sure whatever I said would have closed the door on my ever writing for the magazine again, but that seemed like a fait accompli at that point anyway. However, Bryan convinced me to hold my tongue until he spoke with Mason again. I wasn’t optimistic, but I let him do his thing, and boy did he ever come through. Apparently, though he still insists that my reviews misrepresent the contents of the books, Mason no longer believes that this was deliberate on my part and he is OK with my continuing to write for the magazine.
In his defense, Mason apparently did not know that Foucault the 2+2 poster was Andrew Brokos the magazine author. This makes it somewhat more reasonable for him to reach the conclusion that I had malicious intent in reviewing the books. Though I still don’t think it’s an appropriate conclusion for him to jump to, it’s more understandable and I am no longer particularly insulted. I mostly just want the whole thing to blow over at this point, which seems to be his preference as well.
Except that he wants me to meet with him, Bryan, Dan Harrington, and Bill Robertie this summer when I’m in Vegas for the WSOP. Under different circumstances, that would be very cool, but since they all have good reason to be feeling antagonistic towards me, I’m pretty sure it’s going to be uncomfortable.
But whatever, I wouldn’t have put it in writing if I wasn’t willing to defend it to the authors’ faces. I do regret that the tone of the reviews was so hostile, but so far I haven’t been convinced that any of my actual arguments are wrong. And I certainly owe it to Bryan to attend, assuming the meeting ever actually happens, because I get the sense that he stuck his neck out a bit to keep me on the magazine.
Though I asked him not to, I’m glad that he did. It’s -EV, but I’ve enjoyed writing for the magazine anyway. Looks like I’ll have an article in the May issue after all. Thanks Bryan.
Oh and I appreciate the support that you all have shown in the comments here and in the 2+2 thread, but please don’t post in it now. Like I said, I want this to blow over. Thanks.
Very good blog. I espec like the strategy stuff on your website.
Which of Foucault’s works is your fav btw? I did a module on him during my English degree. Bit of a genius imo, but a bit borderline crazy as well.
Thanks!
I mostly enjoy Foucault’s work on power, namely Discipline and Punish and History of Sexuality Vol. 1. The “Power” volume of The Essential Foucault is good, too.
I’m guessing you read primarily his stuff on literature? It’s been a while since I read those, but I remember them being kind of dry and confusing. I may have just lacked the context for it though. I’d never read Borges at the time, for instance, so some of those references just went over my head.
I must disagree with you on two points, though: Foucault was very much a genius and very much crazy.
Funny, possibly crazy story about Foucault: an acquaintance of mine was a grad student at the University of Texas. Foucault was going to be speaking there, and this guy was assigned to pick him up from the airport and entertain him for a few hours before his talk.
This was at the height of Foucault’s celebrity, so the guy was a bit nervous. As they’re leaving the airport, he asks, “Well, Monsieur Foucault, we have several hours, what would you like to do? I can tell you about some of the fine museums in the city, I’ve reserved a table at one of the nicest restaurants in town, etc.”
Foucault answers, “Two things: Big Mac and gay bar.”
Somehow I don’t see Dan and Bill getting too antagonistic. I would just relax and expect a friendly debate.
I am glad this situation has been diffused. Perhaps the meeting will be the launch of a 6-max cash game book from Brokos/Harrington.
I wanna be at that meeting.
Wow. Haven’t checked-in in a while and it looks like a bunch has been happening.
For the record, I agree with your reflective position. Stick to your guns on substantive points, be aware of your tone.
Keep it up my high-rolling friend.