Roz's Rant: Cold Hard Bitch

I blog a lot about my family and hockey and I usually overlap the two on this blog because it amuses me to do so and it generally pisses them off or makes them laugh, and I like a laugh and/or revenge, as the situation warrants.

I am who I am and I don't like yams.

But every now and again I go on a rant, and such was the case last night on Twitter. After a Day From Hell, I read my timeline, got tired of the same old BS and went on a 30 point Twitter rant, only 29 of which were unpleasant.

I know I pissed off a lot of people because there was a fantastic amount of subtweeting going on after I ranted and left (in my defence it was midnight), and really I'm okay with that.

Other than spelling mistakes or to clarify I'm not going to edit these tweets except to say this about number 2, which seems to have generated the most subtweets: go ahead and love the sport and love the player all you want.

Sit in your room and bawl your eyes out for days (by your own admission since it leaked the Habs were trying to deal Gorges) and write him love letters and quit on the team. But the second you throw that shit out onto twitter you've chosen to make it public and willingly opened yourself up for a reaction, be it positive or negative.

I never said you didn't have the right to feel the way you do. But I am going to mock you for the four days of teenage crush angst drama and wailing you've spewed onto my timeline over somebody you've never even met and who doesn't know you exist. I'm a cold hard bitch.

I realize that I left a lot of shit out in the ether, so to speak, and I won't be pretending to retract any of it, so if you're here for an apology you might just want to go watch porn or something instead. I don't care. But you're not getting one.

WARNING: COARSE LANGUAGE, READER'S DISCRETION ADVISED.

30 Hockey and Habs Rage Tweets

1. MB (Marc Bergevin) does not need the fans advice. This includes those who think you know better than him due to advanced stats and popular fan blogs. Get over yourself or get an NHL gig.

2. If you "literally cry" when a player leaves how the fuck do you cope with actual reality? You're not his fucking wife or BFF. Get a grip. It is one thing to be upset. I didn't dig dealing Muller. But fucking crying over it and writing epic letters of undying love? LMFAO PLEASE

3. If you need a particular player on a team to support that team, you are a fan of the player and not the team. So just step off. Actually that last was probably still part 2 but what the fuck ever. I'm raging right now.

4. Gionta and Gorges do not suddenly make the Sabres Stanley Cup contenders. Are you FUCKING SERIOUS?

5. Hockey players are in it for the money. Sure it's nice to love a city & the fans & shit but they want their $. Saying otherwise is a lie.

6. The next lockout would be the last if the fans would actually wield their power & boycott the NHL for even 1 week for this shit. I didn't go to MTL for a year after that last one because it was a protest on my part. Went to Panama instead. Otherwise we're accessories.

7. I'd trade anybody & everybody for a 25th MTL Cup. I'd shave Youppi and kick his ass up and down St. Cat's. This includes PK and Price.

8. There are too many fucking hockey blog websites saying the same thing 10,001 different ways. I'm bored by 10,000 of them.

9. Trevor Timmins does a fine job & this is to that asshat Guy Smith on Habsaddict & his anonymous alter ego. Bitch let's see you do better.

10. Also, Guy/Anonymous unless you can replace a 39 goal scorer willy nilly you can just step right off dissing Max. Get thee to rehab idiot.

11. The next person that wants to define a "true hockey fan" or "true Habs fan" for me can save their tweet, unfollow & block. #fuckoff

12. I still can't stand Lars Eller. Probably never will. Ditto for DD, who at least earned my respect. Still waiting for Lars.

13. I think Pierre McGuire is probably the biggest idiot in hockey TV, rivalled only by Don Cherry. It's a close fucking race.

14. Lost in all of this is the fact that MTL has become attractive to UFAs again, which took a long time, and was part of MB's doing. If you recall (and I do) we were once in Toronto's position where paying anything & everything still couldn't get them to sign with MTL... ESPECIALLY the home grown talent. And who could blame them? But by all means hate on MB for dealing Gorges. Because that's all that counts.

15. MT was not my first choice for the coach, but since I'm not fucking MB guess what? IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT I THINK. #perspectivebitches

16. I'd rather be horsewhipped than see another player be signed for his name & language. I realize this may piss off RDS but I risk it. I can't remember the last time something galled me as much as Briere getting signed & handed the torch. He didn't earn it, okay? I'm fucking glad he's gone. Yes I pulled for him because he WAS WEARING THE SWEATER but I never liked the signing. And not because of his name and heritage but because he's overrated, washed up and expensive. So there you go.

17. I've seen it taken for granted that the #Habs will make the playoffs next year & I'd really like to see where that's written. And I don't mean twitter but I mean where it's written in the fucking NHL rule book or something. They are not guaranteed SHIT!

18. Just once, just ONCE, I'd like the TSN panel to say something nice about the Habs and fucking mean it. It's to the point I'd pay $. This goes double for CBC. I'd also sell my entire twitter follower group upriver to never have to suffer HNIC's pro-TO agenda ever again. It's not that I don't love you but with what I've gone through today you're pretty much all I have left any more.

19. Bettman is an affront to the sport & its fans. Is he a great businessman? Sure & the owners love him. But he's a joke that needs to end.

20. The reffing in the NHL is colossally stupid, in need of some accountability & a major overhaul... Yeah and this goes back to HNIC & the CBC & shit I suffer as a hockey fan. What I want to know is why is there no accountability of the reffing in the NHL? Is there a shortage of wannabe zebras that we can't risk offending the blind or biased ones we've got? And don't tell me they aren't either. I've watched Crosby stand on the ice, whining to the refs - meaning 6 men for Pittsburgh - while the Habs wanted a too many men call. He did it for half a minute. No call. But then you get idiots like McLean who think that French refs favour Montreal. I can tell McLean never watches a Habs game from this single fucking remark because it's usually the opposite. They call the Habs for every goddamned thing so as to not appear biased.

21. Why is there no freedom of speech in the NHL? If a coach says the reffing was shit he gets a fine. Canada & the US are free but not if you're an NHL coach with a pair of eyes and a brain. Then you get fines. Also fines are stupid because these people are RICH AS FUCK. WE ARE THE ONES who make them rich as fuck. Yet we can't hear what they really think and feel like they're humans frustrated by their bosses.

22. Why are there no consistent rules for infractions in the NHL? Why are there no lifetime bans for repeat douche offenders? It's all so fucking arbitrary and as a fan I think a lot of it is who is friends with Bettman and whoever is running the discipline. And that is a fucking joke because there is no discipline in the NHL, just confusion. I don't trust TPTB (The Powers that Be) in the NHL. Do you?

23. There should be no more NTC contracts or clauses. They are POINTLESS. What a fucking joke. Why even bother?

24. I don't GAF who is the next Habs captain. There I've said it. IT DOESN'T MATTER. It's for the fans, and this fan doesn't care. Really. Why does it matter who the next Habs captain is? Is there some goddamned criteria required to stand there & spout clichés at the media? "We gave 110%. Credit to the other team. We came out flat. We need to regroup. We did some good things." *insert eye roll here* And that ties back to my earlier point about how the NHL does not allow its coaches and players to speak freely. It's the fucking Kremlin. Perhaps if the team captains were allowed to HAVE A FUCKING PERSONALITY OR UNCENSORED OPINION I'd care but they don't so I don't.

25. This sport leaves a lot to be desired for its fans. They can have fan night all they want & signings & shit but really they take us for granted and as a fan I get to resenting it. I watch UFA and the $$$ they get handed out like they're curing fucking cancer or something while the rest of us save up & budget to afford a single game (if we're lucky to even get tickets & good luck with that at times) and I really think the NHL as a whole really ought to try stopping with the Kremlin shit & be more engaged with its fans. This particularly includes the NHL social media team accounts and especially the players, who use this shit to endorse their products. I followed Mike Cammalleri for a year & all I saw was fucking Biosteel tweets. So I don't follow players any more. The rest barely tweet or are boring and insanely politically correct. When did twitter become so fucking PC for the NHL? It should be fun.

26. Hockey is too expensive and I don't mean just to go and watch a game. Rogers is going to fuck over the Habs fans out West and all I can say is welcome to my world. In the East unless you pay for a premium package your choices are Toronto. That's it. RDS cost me six bucks a month but I flat out fucking refuse to subscribe to TVA. They can just fuck right off. So I'm left with what? NHL Center Ice? That's not cheap. (Then) there's the actual kids playing the sport. Equipment and lessons and gas and hotels and who can afford it? It has gone from pond hockey to an elite sport. I speak just from watching the kids around my hometown this past winter. Some kids couldn't afford it. What is that shit? When I was a kid we put on some cheap ass figure skates and we didn't wear all this shit and we didn't get hurt & we had fun. Now? I need a second income if I want to help my 5 year old nephew play. So do his parents. It's ridiculous.

27. The concussion protocol room is not being adhered to. I really don't believe it. A player should not get to override medical protocols. I once ended up in the hospital after a car accident (it's on my blog) and I wanted to leave and I got vetoed by the medical staff. They were concerned I might have possible internal bleeding (I didn't) or a concussion (I did). They are trained to assess me better than I can myself, and while I get that the players want to get back out there etc. they should be overruled no matter what. And if a player has to miss a month due to a cheap goddamned hit to the head (intentional I mean) then the offender should miss the same # of games. I mean why does the offender get to continue targeting others? But again that goes back to the arbitrary discipline point earlier.

28. Ice girls are an affront to women, and in particular hockey fan women. And then there's the whole fucking puck bunny thing. #bitchplease Here's the difference between a female hockey fan and a puck bunny - because a lot of people don't seem to grasp this: I like hockey. I watch hockey. I watch all hockey, including women's hockey. Puck bunnies watch the men who play hockey. They watch who is single and try to meet them. They fangirl over their hair and shit. They obsess and "literally cry" and shit. Sure I like MB and I think he's attractive (I have eyes that work, thanks) and I like to chime in and have fun but really... #perspective. I don't actually GAF who he's sleeping with. I won't literally cry when he's gone. I don't watch every interview he's ever given. I won't write epic love letters to him. Right now he's in my orbit because he runs the team I love. I'm a hockey woman fan, not a puck bunny. And while I'm on this subject I once got interviewed on a radio show and was asked such enlightening questions as who my fave player was (Larry Robinson) and other "girly" questions. They didn't GAF what I actually thought about the team or the sport. I left feeling offended. I remember once a couple of puck bunnies got national airtime for being all fangirly and not discussing / contributing anything other than "oh he's so cute" and "he has the best hair" and shit like that. Is that really what hockey guys think of us gals who like this sport? I've got no time for that. That shit is offensive to me as a hockey fan and as a woman. I don't follow puck bunnies, ok? Just FYI.

29. These "hockey insiders" with the scoops and the trade spec... this shit is so old. Who the fuck do you think you are? Why do you have a single follower you twitter whoring idiot? Do people actually believe you? I'm going to start selling bridges to these people.

30. OK I'm done. If you're still reading  I thank you. I can't get to all my mentions right now. Welcome new followers. I didn't blog this shit because frankly I didn't know it was going to go to 30 points. I had maybe 5 before I got started and then got warmed up and all hell broke loose and came pouring out of me. This happens at time. You guys are warned. Peace out (or not). Your choice.

Disclaimer: not sure why comments aren't showing up. I disabled the spam verification blocker but the comments are set to post upon entry. I'm not screening / moderating. Apologies folks.

Originally published here.

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What Will The Playoffs Hold For The Habs?

Hopefully this post is not considered to be too premature, but the Montreal Canadiens appear to be on their way to another attempt at a playoff run. According to sportsclubstats.com the Canadiens are looking at a 99.8% chance of sealing a playoff berth. Considering the way they have been playing of late, this does not come as a shock. After running through some tough times after the Olympic break, the Habs are back in form, and at the perfect time.

The Canadiens have won six of their last seven games, carrying possession in five of those games. Key players for the Canadiens have stepped up their play including two new faces in Thomas Vanek and Mike Weaver. Vanek seems to be finding his offensive abilities with this Habs team as they keep pushing to the playoffs, while Weaver is fitting in nicely on the back-end showing his small stature is capable of throwing bruising hits. The same old faces seem to be proving why they are an integral part of this squad, with the likes of PK Subban, Tomas Plekanec, Max Pacioretty, and Andrei Markov stepping up to the challenge. Sophomore Brendan Gallagher has been showing his talents all season, and appears to be becoming a serious part of this team. Carey Price is obviously a huge reason for this teams success, as he has been excellent all season. If these players keep performing, and the rest of the team follows suit, the Habs could very well make a serious push for the eastern conference title. 

Montreal still has some challenges they need to over come. First, Michel Therrien needs to look at his lines, and seriously consider what kind of team he wants to ice. Make lines, and stick with them. That will create some confidence in the room, and create chemistry before the playoffs hit. Montreal has also been hit with some injuries, including Brandon Prust, Travis Moen, and Dale Weise. Basically the full fourth line. The Canadiens are lucky enough to have some decent depth to be able to fill this line with Lars Eller, Ryan White, and Michael Bournival. The big question with that is what to do once the team is healthy again. Hard to experiment in the playoffs.

It is looking more and more like the Canadiens are going to be squaring off with Tampa Bay in the first round of the post season. This could potentially go either way. As much of an obvious statement that is, it is probably one of the most even match-ups that could potentially occur. In the previous three meetings between the two teams this season, all three have gone to extra time, including two shootouts. The combined scoring, 5-4 Tampa Bay. All three games were won or lost by a score of 2-1. Montreal had an average Corsi for percentage of 45.33% which is not great; however, it is not terrible. Considering Montreal is having their best possession numbers (consistently) of the season, I wouldn't be surprised to see these numbers increase if this match-up occurs.

Should Montreal make the playoffs, this is probably the scenario I like the most. Both are quality teams, but when Montreal is on, they look like a team that can take on anybody in the East, and threaten for the Stanley Cup. They carry all the keys to success. Scoring threats on all lines. Players willing to put it all on the line. An elite goaltender capable of stealing games and the depth to be able to contend through injuries. In the last month, they managed to fabricate the comeback of the century, defeat arguably the best and hottest team in the National Hockey League with only ten forwards, and the backup goalie, and are sitting pretty with a 99.8% chance of a playoff berth. Now if you ask me, the Montreal Canadiens are looking pretty damn good right about now.

Thank you for the read and feel free to comment!

Follow me @Darrinharmy on twitter

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Zdeno Chara on Max Pacioretty: Media, Fans and Bloggers React

by Kamal Panesar

It has been almost a week since Zdeno Chara knocked out Max Pacioretty with a hit that has spawned coversation across the league.

Whether it is in mainstream media, blogs or just around the water cooler, the hit, which caused a severe concussion and fractured cervical vertebra, has been the talk of the league.

The NHL's subsequent ruling on the hit, choosing neither to suspend nor fine Chara for the incident, set the hockey world on fire with players, fans and media alike seemingly polarized on the issue and whether further discipline was required.

It was around that time that I sent out a Tweet, a Facebook message and an email to a few people I know, to get their reactions on the NHL's ruling. Unfortunately, I didn't recieve any response from any Bruins fans or media but I did get a ton of responses from the Habs camp.

In addition, I had a bunch of media people who didn't want me to print a quote from them since they had nothing nice and/or clean to say about the matter!

So, I have compiled some of the responses below for you to see a good cross section of how the world, at least the Habs-world, is feeling about the issue.


Bloggers and Media People

Nick Murdocco, Radio Host, The Franchise weekend morning show on the Team 990.

"My official opinion may never be known. IF Gregory Campbell ever lies motionless on the ice after a similar "hockey play" and Mike Murphy (obviously not Colin Campbell ) decide that no suspension is warranted, then I will know they were being impartial with Pacioretty’s situation. Still blind, barbaric, idiotic and disrespectful towards all players and fans, but impartial nonetheless."


Allen, from Four Habs Fans

"Really, I said it all here and I'll ask you to link to this - http://fourhabsfans.blogspot.com/2011/03/ok-get-out-pitchforks-and-torches-now.html

But here's a sentence in true FHF fashion: F**k the NHL."


Kyle Roussel, Cowhide and Rubber

"Pathetic. From the build up to the event, to the history between the two players, to the sight of the unconscious Pacioretty, to Chara hiding like a coward, and blaming the victim, to the NHL & NHLPA's response, to the Media's lack of sense, to the Canadiens not standing up for their player, this entire debacle is in a word, pathetic."


Brain La Rose, Habsworld.net

"Though I was disappointed to not see Chara get a token game or two due to the seriousness of Pacioretty's injury, I wasn't really surprised. When I saw the hit, my original suspicion was that there would be no suspension; it was just a gut feeling I had and sure enough, it turned out to be right sadly."


Leigh Anne (a.k.a. JT), The H does NOT stand for Habs

"First: There's been a great deal of debate about Chara's intent on the hit. That debate is obscuring the real issue, and that's the lack of consequences for the outcome of his action. Whether he hit Pacioretty on purpose or not is beside the point; the fact remains he seriously hurt another player and should be punished regardless of intent.

Second: There is something seriously wrong with a league in which gesturing at another player to...(perform oral sex)...gets you two games, but breaking a man's neck is a "hockey" play and not worthy of suspension. The NHL was worried young players might emulate Wisniewski's gesture, but apparently has no problem with them emulating Chara."


Eric Engels, Habs writer for CTV and Hockeybuzz.com

"Unless the players take on the role of stimulating drastic change, I've never been more sure that someone will be killed in an NHL game. It's quite clear that the owners, the league, the commissioner and those that are supposed to keep things under control care more about not offending each other than they do protecting their greatest assets: the players."


Steven Hindle, Habs and Capitals writer, Hockeybuzz.com

"Regardless of what the intent was, or who the person throwing the hit was, it was certainly something no one needs to go through.

It was frightening, but more to the point, it was violent and uncalled for. As an ambassador and role model, watching Chara throw this hit just threw me for a loop.

It's hard to argue that Zdeno isn't a respectful player, but having seen what transpired you just have to wonder what he was thinking?"


Sean Coleman, radio producer and co-host, The Team 990, via Facebook

"NHL decision is understandable, yet a touch disappointing. I was hoping for two games. Regardless, it's not as crazy of a decision as people are making it out to be."


Louis Moustakas, blogger for Habsworld.net, via Facebook

"The notion of discerning intent is ridiculous. Regardless of intent, a high-stick is always called a penalty. But when a player's career and quality life are put in jeopardy, the league washes its hands of the incident? We are not in Chara'...s head. We will never really know what he was thinking. Just like with Steckel on Crosby, actions should be punished, not some cockamamie interpretation of intent.

As for the hit itself, given Chara's immense skill, you have to imagine he had some sense of what he was doing and where he was on the ice. Add to that the frustration of losing 4-0 and the history with Pacioretty, it does not paint a pretty picture."


Fans

Rico Calzone, via Facebook

"Should have been at least two intentional or not"


Josh Hanson, via Facebook

"The league has shown that there are double standards. Gillies gets 10 for a late shoulder to shoulder check and Chara gets none for this. Your name bar determines the severity of the penalty you get. Plain and simple."


Gerry Berard, via Facebook

"I'm ashamed to be a hockey fan. I'm 57 years old and learned to love the Habs on my grandmother's knee. There's enough hate in this world; why should I look for more in a game?"


Farooq Zahir, via Facebook

"A player should always be held accountable for his actions, irrespective of the demons in his head (surely Chara has a few of those). Chara broke MaxPac's neck (a la Bertuzzi on Moore) and the NHL did nothing. That's troubling...If you run a red light and get a ticket, does the cop care why you did it? Obviously not. Similarly, if you cause someone to break his neck and almost cripple him, should you not be barred until the player you hurt comes back and plays again....?"


Bryan Willey, via Facebook

"The NHL further cemented itself as a Bush league sport. Americans don't take this seriously because there is no reason to.

Can you imagine a situation when a kid kills another man and then goes to court to Dave, his judge, who happens to be his dad? His dad outright says he cannot lay verdict however my assistant who I hand picked, will. This is the reality that is the NHL.

Wisniewski gets two games for simulating oral sex, Gillies gets 10 games for a late shoulder-to-shoulder hit but Chara, who undeniably hits Pacioretty behind his head and rams his face into a partition, is deemed a good old hockey play.

Congrats NHL on your continuous a**-clownery and inability to ever be taken seriously."


@alexheddle, via Twitter

"plyrs need to b held responsible for their actions on ice. accidental or not, they r responsible for knowing their surroundings"


@Habfan4ever, via Twitter

"Clearly Chara got his hands up and is worse than Gillies by far. Retribution to come."


@dayvee55,, via Twitter

"I'm done with the NHL.The goofballs are running the show,players and management."


@derekdonais, via Twitter

"If it wasn't such a disgusting incident, I'd say it was laughable. An opinion based on a thorough review of his job security." (re: Mike Murphy's decision not to suspend Chara)


@habs89, via Twitter

"NHL's Message - play in the league 13 seasons without suspension and you're free to do what you want to people. Not taking...a player's no suspension history into account means he'll never have a history! NHL is a joke..."


@DannyConcister, via Twitter

"The @NHL will never do anything until someone dies. There's my response."


@MikeGasse, via Twitter

"Six games for insulting a players' gf, two games for a (BJ) gesture...concussion and broken neck: nothing. What a joke.


@Dgrdnr, via Twitter

"The league is not protecting it's players. The judgement should have been based on consequences, not intent.


@dereklachine, via Twitter

"Go on any forum right now. Not just CH Fans are calling for suspension: TOR, PHI, EVEN Bruins are. A sad day for all NHL fans."


@mcdonellm, via Twitter

"Colin Campbell has a conflict of interest with the bruins."


@Mark_Haughey, via Twitter

"Disgusting decision, if Habs player takes matters into own hands next game I guarantee they will be suspended."


@PlaneteSFG55, via Twitter

"Im honestly waiting for the NHL to come out and say "ok, ok, we were just joking guys! u didnt think we were serious, did u?"


@Sheldon_egg, via Twitter

"Typical NHL ruling. No anger or surprise here. Another dropped ball by a Mickey Mouse league. At least Patches is gonna be ok."


@shmitzysays, via Twitter

"Funny, because I personally thought the near death part kind of ruined a good hockey game. Silly me."


@KingofRoncy, via Twitter

"ADD in to the article that the #nhl has to look at a safer stanchion perhaps angled to deflect or better padded?"


@Ayan_SB, via Twitter

"Chara for the Lady Byng award!"


@Habs514, via Twitter

"As I just tweeted, Avery and Wiz's actions were seen more horribly than Chara's. NHL is about image. Not about the players."


@RoseyLaRose78, via Twitter

"Decision bothers and makes me question the #NHL. They want hits to head gone, but guess not. Fails like this = bad retribution."


@Jeffery_James, via Twitter

"Chara meant to interfere and the consequence was a serious injury! Appalled there's no discipline."


@greysonknutson, via Twitter

"Just cuz it's a bad spot on the ice doesn't mean Chara didn't know what he was doing. Unbelievable, poor Patches, not fair."


@gmjrb, via Twitter

"I'm going to take a break from the NHL for a while. Here in Kitchener, that'll be easy. Its all Leafs all the time."


@despisethesun, via Twitter

"Absolutely disgusting. No other hockey league would've let it go w/out discipline. The @NHL doesn't care about player safety."


@hirky13, via Twitter

"The ruling is ridiculous, just ask the Wiz, who was disciplined for a 'hand gesture'."


@Neweradisco87, via Twitter

"Unbelievable. The NHL's priority is not what is best for players but for themselves. Does someone need to die for change?"


@crussellp, via Twitter

"Time for Gary Bettman, Murphy and Campbell to take in a game in MTL. #NewMTLRiots"


@SeriousFan09, via Twitter

"My short response, the NHL is simply corrupt and doesn't care about player health. They think nearly dying makes Good TV."


@llwillia, via Twitter

"Today is a watershed moment for the #nhl. They had the opportunity to do the right thing and lead by example and failed."


@onewayforever, via Twitter

"Not attending nor watching a NHL game until next season. This one is over anyway."


So the people have spoken and we know how they feel. What I want to know from you is with all the momentum building to change with the way the NHL deals with these head shots and concussions, what, if anything, do you think will be the ultimate outcome?

The GM meetings are taking place in Florida and this issue is at the top of the list. So what will the league do? What should they do?

Will they implement new rules? Tougher regulation? Stiffer suspension?

---
Kamal is a freelance Habs writer, Senior Writer/Editor-in-Chief of HabsAddict.com, Montreal Canadiens Blogger on Hockeybuzz.com and Habs writer on TheFranchise.ca. Kamal is also a weekly contributor to the Sunday Shinny on The Team 990 (AM 990) every Sunday from 8 - 9 AM. Listen live at http://www.team990.com/

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Miffed with Twitter...

Image via CrunchBase

Well if you haven't noticed by now, HabsAddict.com's Twitter account has been suspended 'due to suspicious activity'. When I first realized that the account was suspended, my thought was "why?"

I am a syndicated hockey writer who uses Twitter as part of the dissemination plan of the HabsAddict.com content. In addition to pushing links to content from HabsAddict.com through Twitter, I also use the service to send in-game Tweets - and there is a game in three hours!

That being said, I was naturally surprised when they account was suspended so I looked into the reasons for it. Apparently, the suspension was due to 'excessive following or follower churning'. This immediately made a light bulb go off in my head.

For the last week or so, I have been laid out in bed with an incredibly bad back. Without getting into all of the details, I have a compressed disc and a stress fracture on one of my vertebrae. As a result, I can't walk, sit or put any load on my spine. As such, I have had a tremendous amount of time on my hands and decided to put that time to good use.

Seeing as I am using Twitter solely for the purposes of talking about the Montreal Canadiens hockey team, I decided I would go out and try to follow as many Habs fans as I could find. So naturally, the first place I started was with the most popular Habs blogger who's name will be left unsaid - for obvious publicity reasons! What I did was follow almost all of HIS followers (approx 2K people) so that I could start to get a feel for the pulse of Habs fans out there. The problem, that I soon learned, was that not all of them Tweet and not all of them Tweet about the Habs. As such, many of them were not users that I felt I should be following.

So, after a few days, I went into my account and began to unfollow a bunch of them. The net result was that I went from following around 2K people to following around 500 people.

My next step was to check out the followers of the #1 Montreal-based newspaper's Twitter account - The Montreal Gazette. The Gazette has its own Montreal Canadiens specific site called Habs Inside/Out - and a Twitter account to go along with it. So I followed the same protocol and started following as many of the Habs Inside/Out followers. When I got to around 1600 followers, I had reached my limit for the day so I stopped. Little did I know, that this behaviour is "suspicious" and/or suspension worthy. This is what is known, in the Twitterverse, as 'excessive following or follower churning'.

What I believe happened, is that there was an overlap between the users following the Habs Blogger and the users following the newspaper. I believe that following, then unfollowing, then refollowing these users is what triggered the suspension of my Twitter account.

I had NO idea and honesty didn't even think about it at the time but now that my account is suspended, I understand their logic. Excessive user following/churning probably puts a huge amount of unnecessary load on their servers, which they likely frown upon.

Make sense to me. Mea Culpa. Sorry, sorry, sorry.

Anyway, I filled in their "please unsuspend my account" form and got an automated email response back tell me that "...We will do our best to get back to you within 30 days..."

Ummm, what?

30 days? Are you freakin' kidding me?

Twitter is an essential part of the HabsAddict.com and helps me stay in touch with Habs fans, see what they are talking about and push new content out. It is a corner stone to the social networking web that has made HabsAddict.com successful. So yes, I understand the reasons for suspending the account but I now have to wait up to 30 days before they do anything? Does this not seem completely unacceptable to anyone else?

I am not a spammer, I am not an abusive user and I actually have a pretty decent following right now. HabsAddict.com deos not exist without its fans and Twitter is telling me that I might be cut off from that fan base for up to 30 days.

Ridiculous, in my opinion. But there is nothing that I can seemingly do as I tried, in vain, to find a phone number or email address ANYWHERE on the Twitter site but found that none exist.

So now, with less than three hours till the Montreal Canadiens play the Ottawa Senators in Ottawa, I have no way of reaching out to the fan base. I have no way to provide them with the in-game Tweets that they have become used to and I feel completly cut off.

Sucks, but I'm just one guy who is trying to provide content to people who want it while Twitter is 'the man'. They have me bent over a barrel, lube in hand, and are choosing not to use it.

Sigh. Not much to do, I guess, except wait for Godot.

Blech.

K.

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