For the record I did not delete this thread.
The moderators often delete threads when there are multiple threads on one topic. They also delete threads when threads are started with fake controversies to generate traffic to other sites.
This thread fits both of those criteria so I can see why it was deleted. I personally restored it. There can be one thread on this.
Mark emailed me this afternoon saying, "You current post about why we are charging for the live stream is compete BS. I think it is comical coming from you guys. Why don't we have a debate on skype on this topic and post it for the world to see? That would allow the community to decide for themselves. I doubt you guys would do that though, because it would not help your narrative.
I am here and my number is below to do this anytime."
FYI I'm not sure what post he is referencing I'm assuming our comments on the homepage today: "And just think many of you complained that the entire Diamond League Series on UniversalSports.com was too much at $25 with individual meets just $1.99. In our book this doesn't seem to be about track fans, but about getting parents to pay."
I did post in this thread today more about Flotrack but it was after Mark wrote me but before I saw and responded to his email:
http://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=5010274&page=2
I wrote Mark back, asking him what part was BS and what my narrative was. I said I personally was not interested in having a skype debate, but would publish any more info on he wanted to share about the agreement with the Armory.
I also asked him some questions about the editorial/promotional separation at Flotrack.
I received no response to my questions but did receive "No Skype debate Weldon? That is what I thought. You stay hidden behind your lil computer.
Robert, you up for one? Thought not?
If you want your questions answered, get on a Skpe debate with me, but you will not, because you are full of it."
And then this thread. (And a few posts after this one was deleted)
My modus operandi is not to get on Skype and have a debate every time I have a difference of opinion with someone. That's now how I operate.
We could easily discuss it via email.
I'm not interested in using my time to being used as part of a fake controversy to generate Flotrack some hits today. Plus they'd probably put it behind the FloTrack Pro pay wall:) (That's a joke) Maybe if they\'ll pay me for the interview I'll reconsider.
And one thing, Mark said in his rant (which was about 15 seconds on Letsrun and 1:15 on the benefits of Flotrack Pro) the letsrun business model is about creating controversy. LetsRun is not out to create controversy. We are out to cover the sport of track and field. If there is a controversy that means covering it. If there is a question that needs to be asked that makes an athlete or a sponsor uncomfortable that means asking it. Sadly, because of how small our sport is, it is often covered by people who are fans first, not journalists, so not many others do this.
If there ever was a case of "creating a controversy" out of nothing I think this is it.