An apology to all concerned

Again, I am truly sorry. - GP

Hey GP, you forgot the jk... again!!

Nah, just joshing. I remember reading it and it was obvious it was a farce! Just about everyone else that responded (save the few exceptionally gullible) knew it was a joke as well. So, I wouldn't worry my friend (even though your latest is probably just another joke and you're laughing at me!). Half of what get's posted has some bias, angle, or is simply untrue for cheap entertainment purposes (that only runers would understand).

The mistake was ALL T&FN's, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. If I were the head honcho, I would have a few words with whoever should have been responsible... heck, you would think he would have caught it (or at least questioned it) himself!! But besides the error made there, there was no wrongdoing that anyone should be concerned about.

Thanks for the kind words. This type of situation does make one think about the impact of what one says online in a forum such as this. It is easy for things to be misunderstood. I for one will be more careful about what I post in the future.

Guilty, while I would agree that sometimes it is good policy to show goodwill/contriteness in a situation (even if you were not at fault), the problem with TracknField's journalism is actually very far removed from your "prank".

Of course, you probably know how I am pretty quick to respond to most things, but I withheld from doing so from that thread only because... well... frankly, I didn't think your Times blurb imitation was all that good (don't get me wrong, you write well and all, but...). Anyway, I thought the jk at the end completely ruined whatever chance of a legitimate hoax you had going anyway (smile).

I don't think the lesson to be learned is to stop "creative" thought and embellished writing on message boards so that irresponsible journalism is mitigated. So, again, its nice that you feel that it was infortunate that someone ran with your post... (and I personally wish it wasn't Track&Field as they are probably my favorite), but I don't think (in fact, pretty darn sure) that you're the one that needs amending.

Oops.. sorry about the link that's hanging on from yesterday. But, it is a good Lydiard one. I think Magpie :used it in route to his 7:59 3K. Just Kiddding (for all you journalists out there... the 7:59 is unsubstantiated)!!!

What are you apologizing for?

That someone at TFN didn't take 30 seconds to make a phone call to either the NCAA or a member institution athletic director for a word of confirmation or denial?

That an entire staff of writers and editors who are supposedly the closest ones to the sport would not call the NY Times to ask permission to run the story, which, by all accounts, would have been an exclusive?

This journalistic gaffe has so many red flags flying on it that it would make a good case study for a high school journalism class.

The truth of the matter is that Garry Two-Rs or some other allegedly responsible "journalist" should submit to an interview with Wejo or Rojo that explains how such a monumental error could be made at the "bible" of the sport.

I agree with JEH and Hedge. It's honorable and admirable for you to apologize but it really isn't your fault. You pulled a harmless prank that most of us recognized as an obvious hoax. I haven't seen the TFN article, but if they really printed that story then I am amazed that they 1. took it seriously and 2. didn't bother to verify the story with sources at the universities. They failed journalism 101. Save that copy of the magazine because it will make a hilarious story for years to come.

While I agree that you shouldn't apologize, I also don't see the humor in what you wrote. I read the Onion religiously, and your article had nowhere near the same humor and satire. Ivies going D-III isn't even in the same league as "Bush seeks UN support for 'US Does Whatever it Wants Plan'".

The fact that there are similarities between D-III and Ivies doesn't make it funny, or am I missing the joke. Anyway, guilt here falls with TNF, but they have already said its a dead issue.

Apology not accepted.

It is not your fault that T&FN is so gullible that they would print it. They are the ones that owe an apology. Maybe a correction in fine print would suffice.

New York Times

Keene Runners Seek a Whoopin'

KEENE, N.H., Oct. 2- Some New Hampshire collegiate runners have grown weary of the competition and have officially petitioned the NCAA, college athletics governing body. Keene State Men's Cross Country team wishes to gain Division I status before seasons end in time to qualify for the NCAA Championships in Terra Haute, Indiana. "Just how big a boy are you?", one Keene runner challenged the field prior to a recent Division III race...

NCAA president, Jake La Motta, commented, "Keene State wants to think they are Division I compatible, but lets be serious..."

for the entire story go to

www.nytimes.com

-baby jesus

this sounds great, i'll forward it to my boss- the editor at t&f news.