Whatever You Do, Don’t Encourage Aaron Gleeman

[Lou Hennessy]

Image courtesy of Purple Wolf Graphics

The rich just continue to get richer.

Aaron Gleeman has worked on his craft for decades, and has earned the trust of thousands of followers when it comes to his coverage of the Minnesota Twins. But if you’re a joyless curmudgeon like me, his new business endeavor after leaving The Athletic has to make you sick. It hasn’t even been two weeks since he launched his site, and he’s already lured thousands of poor souls to his click trap of a website. So I implore all of you like-minded cynics out there: please, for the love of all that is good, do not support this man, and keep your credit card numbers far, far away from AaronGleeman.com.

If you absolutely seethe at the thought of a local writer choosing to stay loyal to his hordes of followers rather than pursue a national gig, then please do not encourage Aaron Gleeman. 

If you detest strong writing, with a clear thought process and well-argued talking points that can be easily digested by casual fans and diehards alike, then please do not encourage Aaron Gleeman. 

If you find yourself rooting against underdog protagonists who follow their heart and bet on themselves even when facing uncertainty, then please do not encourage Aaron Gleeman. 

If you can’t stand when humble people thank you endlessly and graciously for your kind support, then please do not encourage Aaron Gleeman. 

If you are bored to death by an engaging and interactive weekly list of interesting articles that someone with good taste recommends to you, then please do not encourage Aaron Gleeman and his Link-O-Rama bit. 

If you roll your eyes when an established, well-known media personality encourages aspiring podcasters and writers to pursue their passions, then please do not encourage Aaron Gleeman. 

I guess if you actually do admire all of those things, then by all means, waste your hard-earned money on this schlub. Whatever, it’s your funeral.

A lot of people pay good money to hear and read what this guy has to say. His hard work, dedication and insightful voice have made him a must-follow for baseball fans, and he’s now built two legitimate Twins content empires.

But please, I beg of you, do not encourage him enough that he wants to build a third. He’s taking enough of my money each month as it is. 

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[jmlease1]

That dirty SOB. How dare he be rewarded for ceaseless work , quality writing, and actual humor in covering the Twins! :P

[LewFordLives]

I'm curious to see how this works out for him. He couldn't have picked a worse time to go independent and ask people for money for Twins coverage.

I contribute $$ to Twins daily. One site is enough for me.

[twinstalker]

13 hours ago, LewFordLives said:

I'm curious to see how this works out for him. He couldn't have picked a worse time to go independent and ask people for money for Twins coverage.

I contribute $$ to Twins daily. One site is enough for me.

I don't know whether the numbers are available, but imagine an average of $50 per subscriber per year.  I wouldn't be shocked if he has 2,000+ subscribers.  Then do something similar with Patreon subscribers, of which there are about 6,500 and the $$$ are split evenly with Bonnes.  I'd venture to say he's risking living on a measly $250k at a minimum.  I'd say making that kind of money, beholden to nobody, and living your dream is a pretty good gig.

He's earned it.  Plus, he can likely pick up some freelance work if he wanted it.