Years ago, I heard somewhere that it does not really matter what is said about you in the media, good or bad, because people forget the context, and just remember that you were in the ‘news.’ I bet Madonna doesn’t even care today that the paper is running an unflattering picture of her coming out of the gym. So when Gawker.com ran a story about one of my advice posts for 20-somethings…I figured it was a win-win. After all, Gawker is one of the top 20 blogs in the WORLD.
That’s the silver lining for me because Hamilton Nolan really ripped me a new one when they reviewed my US NEWS posts about how to manage 20-somethings. Most of the gawker readers seemingly agree…it generated nearly 16,000 views. He makes some relevant suggestions, and there are good ideas among the 126 comments as well, but the overwhelming point made in this Gawker story is….um, er, um…..what do you think the point is?
You can read the entire article here, or for your convenience, I have re-printed the first page of the article below.
From Gawker.com, by Hamilton Nolan
Totally irrelevant newsweekly-turned-listicle-magazine US News & World Report brings you a straight-talking list of ten tips for managing an office full of 20-somethings, according to old business dude G.L. Hoffman. His pointers include “Add value,” “Let them use their media,” “They want standards,” and “Expect varied, non-chain-of-command type communications.” Whatever that means. As an actual 20-something, I’m communicating up G.L. Hoffman’s chain of command that this list is straight up crapola. You are old and your advice is dorky, Mr. Hoffman! And too long—we 20-somethings have no attention span (or respect for our elders), due to drug use. After the jump, five real tips for managing an office full of 20-somethings, should you ever find yourself in such an unlucky position:
- Food: Can we get some free food up in here?
- Shut Up: Dude, you are old and we already know how to do this stupid job, so please just shut up.
- Don’t Sweat It: Don’t sweat it, man. We got it all under control. Don’t freak out.
- Money: Pay us more, why don’t you?
Work: It totally sucks. Nothing you can do about it
8 users commented in " Bad PR=Good PR; It Doesn’t Matter, I Guess. "
Just to be clear, I understand the tone and makeup of Gawker.com…it is an updated ONION, but even edgier, funnier.
There’s no hope for us old guys. Look what’s in this morning’s news:
“Now there’s another good reason to reduce the stress in your life: researchers have found that elevated levels of stress hormone are linked to a decline in cognitive function.
Add stress reduction to the list of steps you can take to keep your mind sharp. Johns Hopkins researchers have linked high levels of the stress hormone cortisol with a decline in cognitive performance in older individuals.”
You see, they try to stress us so that we can’t think! It’s all an agist plot, I tellya!
Actually this is funny stuff GL—you have arrived.
This is kind of headbanger meets business advise—
There is nothing in the world worse than a YOUNG DORK….they make you wish that almost every woman believed in abortion….but then there wouldn’t be anyone to tell us old geezers just how much we don’t know about most every thing…..OH WELL, nobody said that life would be perfect!
Hang in there…..Somebody has to make sure there is a payroll!
Corky
GL,
Corky has said it a bit differently, but when I read what the Gawker King had so say, it reminded me of many parents of 20 somethings I have met who when you ask them about how things are gonig with “the kids” their eyes roll up and they say something like “Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time.”
Free food and higher pay! Now why hadn’t I thought about that?
Hey GL,
I’m a 20-something and I enjoy reading your posts (including that list).
But then, I try the best I can to try to step outside whatever demographic I’m in, to try to better understand it, which I can’t say many people my age bother doing.
I find it incredibly painful to read “rebuttals” like this one, as they only seem to re-inforce the point the author is making.
Why people!?! Why must you hold yourself up as a spectacle of why everyone hates *your* generation!
Thanks one and all for coming to my ‘defense.’ Being made of fun by Gawker is akin to being roasted, it was a good thing, not bad. I appreciate the kind words, however, really.
Dear Dataceptionist,
We just feel sorry for GL. Especially those of us that know him.
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