Michael Fitz-Gibbon <penguintruth@gmail.com> Sun, Jan 6, 2008 at 5:14 AM
To: zac@animenewsnetwork.com
Hello,
I'm Michael Fitz-Gibbon, a recent graduate of Central Connecticut State University, and avid Japanese animation fan. I majored in English with a minor in Creative Writing in college and am eager to put my writing talents to use, and believe that writing reviews for Anime News Network may be one way to do this. I am at the disposal of the ANN staff if necessary, as I am currently writing short stories and poetry, hoping to be published, but otherwise have time to watch and review media. I would appreciate the opportunity to review anime for ANN, as I have been a long time visitor to the site and a member of the forum (as penguintruth). Anime News Network has been a favorite anime website of mine for a long time and is undoubtedly the finest source of anime news on the web, and it would be a great privilege to be part of the effort to maintain its standard of reporting and reviewing.
I have attached the requisite two sample reviews, both well over 400 words, in both Word Document and Rich Text formats. They are of the first Fullmetal Alchemist boxset and the latest Super Dimension Macross complete series boxset. I ask for your consideration with these reviews.
Thank you for your time.
- Michael A. Fitz-Gibbon
Zac Bertschy <zbertschy@roadrunner.com> Thu, Feb 7, 2008 at 9:46 PM
To: Michael Fitz-Gibbon <penguintruth@gmail.com>
Can I assume you're the same 'Penguintruth' from our forums?
Michael Fitz-Gibbon <penguintruth@gmail.com> Fri, Feb 8, 2008 at 3:44 AM
To: Zac Bertschy <zbertschy@roadrunner.com>
You can, yes. That's who I am. I've been a member for a while and and quite fond of ANN and its features.
Zac Bertschy <zbertschy@roadrunner.com> Fri, Feb 15, 2008 at 5:02 PM
To: Michael Fitz-Gibbon <penguintruth@gmail.com>
Hi Michael-
I'd love to bring you on as a critic, mostly because you've already proven you have a remarkable intellect and incredible common sense on the forums, but I recently brought on a new critic, and while my intent was originally to hire two new critics, unfortunately the lack of new review material is straining even the 4-person reviews team we have right now. If I brought on a fifth, I wouldn't have anything to send them for review, so I'm holding off until the situation gets a little rosier before hiring anyone new.
However, I would like to extend to you the opportunity to pitch a column idea. I think you might make a good columnist for the site, and we could certainly use content with a more thoughtful, academic bent to it. Thoughts?
-----------
Zac Bertschy
Executive Editor, Anime News Network
Managing Editor, Protoculture Addicts
Michael Fitz-Gibbon <penguintruth@gmail.com> Fri, Feb 15, 2008 at 6:57 PM
To: Zac Bertschy <zbertschy@roadrunner.com>
Zac -
I understand the situation. I would like to request that you keep me in mind when you look for another reviewer to bring onto the reviewer staff.
In the meantime, your offer to me for column ideas has piqued my interest. I do have a few ideas for new columns, all of which I would be willing to contribute to, or write exclusively:
- Director Highlights - A weekly/monthly column showcasing the principal, and even lesser-known works of directors. Alternatively, a column about voice actor works could also be interesting.
- Mecha Milestones - The mecha genre has always pushed the envelope of imagination in science fiction anime, in both the sensible and radical elements. There are mecha productions which are seen as anime milestones - Mobile Suit Gundam, Super Dimension Macross, Neon Genesis Evangelion. A column about Japan's continuing love affair with "giant robot" programs (and the lack of love in America) might also be the way to go.
- A column of different reviewer opinions - a sort of "he said"/"she said", where a controversial or polarizing title is discussed by two or more different reviewers, moderated. This could also translate into audio or video media. Perhaps even fan opinions could be included.
If none of these ideas hold water, I could, with more time, develop more. Meanwhile, I will continue to participate in the Anime News Network forums and be on the look out for future position opportunities. Thank you for your response.
Michael Fitz-Gibbon <penguintruth@gmail.com> Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 3:34 AM
To: Zac Bertschy <zbertschy@roadrunner.com>
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Michael Fitz-Gibbon <penguintruth@gmail.com>
Zac Bertschy <zbertschy@roadrunner.com> Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 4:09 AM
To: Michael Fitz-Gibbon <penguintruth@gmail.com>
I heard you the first time dude. These things happen slowly. Just be patient.
Michael Fitz-Gibbon <penguintruth@gmail.com> Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 12:53 AM
To: Zac Bertschy <zbertschy@roadrunner.com>
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Michael Fitz-Gibbon <penguintruth@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, Mar 15, 2008 at 9:17 PM
Subject: Re: Staff Opening Review Submission
To: Zac Bertschy <zbertschy@roadrunner.com>
from: Michael Fitz-Gibbon <penguintruth@gmail.com>
to: Zac Bertschy <zbertschy@roadrunner.com>
date: Sat, Mar 15, 2008 at 9:17 PM
subject: Re: Staff Opening Review Submission
mailed-by: gmail.com
Zac -
Forgive my impatience, but I just wanted to touch base, since it's been a few weeks, and I was wondering if you'd considered my column ideas or have yet to mull over them. Otherwise, I can wait for a position to open for reviewer or seek other options.
According to the Answerman column this week, it seems you've had a hard week, so I don't want to bother you too much, but I've been getting somewhat anxious.
Zac Bertschy <zbertschy@roadrunner.com> Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 2:28 AM
To: Michael Fitz-Gibbon <penguintruth@gmail.com>
Hi-
We're in the middle of approving a new editorial budget. I'll get back to you when we approve something final.
Thanks-
-----------
Zac Bertschy
Executive Editor, Anime News Network
Managing Editor, Protoculture Addicts
from: Michael Fitz-Gibbon <penguintruth@gmail.com>
to: Zac Bertschy <zbertschy@roadrunner.com>
date: Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 6:18 AM
subject: Fwd: Staff Opening Review Submission
mailed-by: gmail.com
to Zac
Zac -
I really don't want to push things, but it has been over four months since I submitted my sample reviews, and you have been telling me that I may have a chance at a position. I really need to know if the opportunity for a position will ever materialize.
Thank you for your time.
- Michael Fitz-Gibbon
"penguintruth"
Michael Fitz-Gibbon <penguintruth@gmail.com> Sun, Apr 20, 2008 at 10:02 PM
To: Zac Bertschy <zbertschy@roadrunner.com>
Really, Zac, I have to insist on word back. By now, it's been a very long time since I first submitted my sample reviews..
Zac Bertschy <zbertschy@roadrunner.com> Sun, Apr 20, 2008 at 10:25 PM
To: Michael Fitz-Gibbon <penguintruth@gmail.com>
We haven't finalized the budget yet and I told you that less than a month ago.
I must admit that I don't understand why you are so anxious about this; it's not a full-time job, it's freelance work that might or might not materialize, something I made clear. I wanted to know what your ideas were and if you'd be interested, and that's it. It wasn't a job offer. I can't get into the budget specifics with you, but we're still working things out.
When I can tell you something new I will. Right now I can't. If that's not good enough for you then I apologize. All I can ask for is patience.
-----------
Zac Bertschy
Executive Editor, Anime News Network
Managing Editor, Protoculture Addicts
Zac Bertschy <zbertschy@roadrunner.com> Wed, Jun 4, 2008 at 10:02 PM
To: Michael Fitz-Gibbon <penguintruth@gmail.com>
I just found out today that my editorial budget is locked up tight. Sorry man - I thought I might've had something for you, but the situation changed. Know that you're on a very short list of people I'd like to bring on as contributors once there's a bit more in the coffers.
----- Original Message -----
From: Michael Fitz-Gibbon
To: zac@animenewsnetwork.com
Sent: Wednesday, June 04, 2008 6:54 PM
Subject: Re: Staff Opening Review Submission
Sean Schemmel Incident (April 30, 2010 ):
http://www.otakurevolution.com/content/sean-schemmel-strikes-how-i-piss…
Years passed, and I was never once even given the slightest hint that I was not to be hired for this incident. Not an e-mail, not a tweet, not a PM, nothing.
Michael Fitz-Gibbon <penguintruth@gmail.com> Wed, Oct 16, 2013 at 6:49 PM
To: Zac Bertschy <zac@animenewsnetwork.com>
Zac -
If you recall, you were open to hiring me back in 2008 when I applied for a position, but couldn't because there was a lack of "new review material". Now, granted, that was a few years ago, and since then I know I haven't exactly endeared myself to the community at large. I am aware of my shortcomings. I can be excessively abrasive at times, and it's not anything I'm proud of (for the most part). However, my writing skills and dedication to anime remain despite my faults. I admire- nay, cherish- Anime News Network. I've contributed before in the past and desire to continue doing so in a more formal position.
I graduated with a degree in English with a minor in creative writing and you know my skills more than pass the muster. I believe I have a unique voice in my writing and something to say about anime, something to offer to ANN and its readers at large, and in reviewing in particular. I'm not too proud. I'm willing and capable to revise and cooperate when necessary, to sacrifice when necessary.
Now perhaps what you said back then was on a whim, has changed since, or was insincere, but you don't come across as disingenuous or a speaker of false praise. I only ask that you take a chance on me and you won't regret it.
- Michael A. Fitz-Gibbon
"penguintruth"
penguintruth@gmail.com
P.S. If you require new samples, I can be convinced to submit some.
Zac Bertschy <zac@animenewsnetwork.com> Sun, Feb 9, 2014 at 10:39 AM
To: Michael Fitz-Gibbon <penguintruth@gmail.com>
I'll be perfectly upfront with you: after that blowup you had with Sean Schimmel, I can't hire you. I can't in good conscience hire someone who's willing to be that insulting and rude to someone whose work they critique. Not only that but we still review material that Sean has worked on and I'm sure he'd take it personally if I hired you as a writer. We need to at least have some decorum and respect.
It's the equivalent of a movie critic telling an actor they don't like to go fuck themselves. That movie critic would be fired immediately - that's completely unprofessional, beyond-the-pale behavior.
Sorry I wasn't more upfront with you about this. I assumed, incorrectly, that you maybe knew why I never could give you a real shot at any reviewer position at ANN.
Michael Fitz-Gibbon <penguintruth@gmail.com> Sun, Feb 9, 2014 at 3:27 PM
To: Zac Bertschy <zac@animenewsnetwork.com>
Zac -
That "blow up" happened years ago. I'd like to think that I've grown as a person, certainly as a reviewer, and my estimation of Schemmel has risen. Anybody who follows my opinions knows that I have praised his performance in Dragon Ball Z Kai.
And frankly, this is coming across as a convenient excuse to dismiss a person you had already told you would hire, after years, years of ignoring. You've had years to tell me you wouldn't hire me, and you chose now? It's honestly very intellectually dishonest.
You had several years to tell me outright that you wouldn't hire me, that you had a problem with me. Instead, you went on, taking my contributions without comment, and ignoring me as a person.
You wanted writers, you told me yourself that you wanted to hire me, then for years acted like you didn't have room for me. I think it's about time you admit that you just never wanted to hire me, because this "Oh, Sean Schemmel was offended, we might have to review something with Sean Schemmel in it" comes across as a really poor excuse for some personal problem you have with me, and it's hurtful, because I've contributed to ANN in the past, have a respect for ANN, and would never, ever do anything like my feud with Schemmel ever again. I would even apologize publically if necessary and curtail my aggression, because ANN, and writing about anime, means that much to me.
I had the utmost respect for you. I understand your position, but it still hurts.
Good luck on the reviewer hunt. I'm still available if you should change your mind.
Zac Bertschy <zac@animenewsnetwork.com> Sun, Feb 9, 2014 at 3:55 PM
To: Michael Fitz-Gibbon <penguintruth@gmail.com>
It isn't "intellectually dishonest", it's why I can't hire you. I never promised you a job, not once, ever.
Michael Fitz-Gibbon <penguintruth@gmail.com> Sun, Feb 9, 2014 at 4:22 PM
To: Zac Bertschy <zac@animenewsnetwork.com>
It was something that happened four years ago. You didn't owe me anything, but I think I engendered enough good will to be given an honest answer long before now, and it hurts me that a person I respected and admired would jerk me around so long.
What's dishonest is to pretend everything's okay and then tell me you can't hire me because I was hostile towards a single voice actor four years ago.
You know I would never misrepresent ANN in a bad light if hired. You know this.
Recently, this happened: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/bbs/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2886733&star… (I was banned from the ANN forums for a month for discussing Aniplex's expensive prices in a thread for an article on Aniplex's new GL release which was filled with posts on how expensive it is.)
So what did we learn here, children? I would like to know YOUR conclusions to this matter.
