STATE OF THE CF for A.D. 2014
Introduction
As an exercise in statistics-gathering, community-forming, and history-making, it was determined that a summary of the 2014 year in the Lords of Pain Columns Forum would be an appropriate gift to the many wrestling fans who frequent these parts.
Sure, the Christmas season has passed and no longer do visions of gumdrops, gingerbread men, and shot glasses of Bailey’s dance in our heads. That doesn’t mean the time for gift giving is over, though! I recognize, however, that I don’t wish to drag this out much longer though, so, amidst the Royal Rumble hype, I’m publishing this to ensure it gets done. You deserve it.
2014 played host to so many excellent writers, inspired and motivated by tournaments such as The Voice, The Grand Prix and the Pen15 Mightier Invitational. These events brought a host of fine, new writers into the fray, and had veterans, Main Pagers and Hall of Famers returning to claim bragging rights. This particular review will skim the surface of those events, focusing on the writers who made the biggest impression on the CF over the past 11 months. Yes, I’ll admit, my stats only go back to February. We didn’t do a State of the CF for January and it wouldn’t be fair to go back now, since some of the stats would be inaccurate. Onward to the results. Mizfan, I hope this does you proud!
Quantity:
Only writers who have written a minimum of 5 pieces in the year can be considered for the main rankings. 42 writers qualified for 2014.
The points given out will be relative to how many columns were written over the year. This accounts for 20% of the final score. The year broke down like this:
50+ columns – 10 points
40 columns– 9 points
30 columns – 8 points
20 columns – 7 points
15 columns – 6 points
10 columns – 5 points
7 columns – 4 points
5 columns – 3 points
Views:
People write columns because they want other people to read them. This is the category that rewards the writers who can get the most eyes on their work. For this category, the column with the most views per month was assessed for each columnist. These top columns were added up, and then a monthly average was found. Both the total views and the average views were considered.
Views also count for 20%. Daily columns got an average based on the # of entries written, and were only considered if it marked the columnist’s top # of views for the month. The breakdown looks like this:
+5000 views – 8 points
4000 views – 7 points
3000 views – 6 points
2000 views – 5 points
1500 views – 4 points
1000 views – 3 points
500 views – 2 points
< 500 views – 1 point
Avg views per month
+900 views- 2 points
+750 views- 1.75 points
+500 views- 1.5 points
+300 views- 1.25 points
+200 views- 1 point
Replies:
A column’s success is also influenced by the number of people who are provoked to discuss it. Replies range from affirmations to arguments, questions to clarifications and everything in between. The more people you get to reply to your work, the better because the folks in the CF will generally provide you with great ways to improve your writing, perceptive opinions on what you’re doing well, and plenty of discourse on whatever wrestling-related topic you’ve chosen to share.
Replies are also worth 20% of the total. Here’s the breakdown:
+100 replies- 10 points
75 replies – 9 points
50 replies – 8 points
30 replies – 7 points
25 replies – 6 points
15 replies – 5 points
10 replies – 4 points
6 replies – 3 points
Quality:
This subjective criterion is split into three components for the End of Year rankings. 10% of the total mark considers my opinion of the work of the columnist, based on their average score in State of the CF monthly columns and 10% will take into account how the columnist’s placement on the monthly rankings each month. More placements in the Top 10 equals more points. The final 20% is my final say on each columnist’s work. I grade based on the mizfan approved areas of assessment: quality of writing, quality of topics, versatility, my personal enjoyment of the columns, my personal placement of the writer for the month, so on and so forth... Additionally, it’s graded on a curve, so there are a limited number of spots at the top.
One last thing to bear in mind, tiebreakers go to this stat.
Avg Score per Month
10= 5 pts
9.75= 4.75 pts and so on
Monthly Rankings (top 3 placements= 3 pts, mid 3= 2 pts bottom 4= 1 pt)
#1 = 5 pts
#2= 4.75 pts
#3= 4.5 pts
#4-6= 4.25 pts
#7-10= 4 pts
#11-15= 3.75 pts
#16-20=3.5 pts
#21-25= 3.25 pts
With the technical discussion complete, we can move on to the lists and the exciting results for 2014...
ALWAYS LEAVE ‘EM WANTING MORE
Here’s the category for people who only manage to churn out a single column in the year and MAYBE a follow up. In 2014, there were 30 columnists who threw 1 down and 13 who went for 2. I’ll say a little something about 8 of my favourites.
One Hit Wonders & Repeat Defenders
Jeff- “F is for Fun”
Jeff tied together 3 unique perspectives on how different characters saw wrestling as fun. I thought the form and style of the piece was exceptional, and the ending was just too sweet. The dude can write.
Al- “Reading Between The Ringropes #2- On Adam Rose and Dionysus
Anytime a writer intends to delve under the surface of a wrestling match and approach it with a different lens, I anticipate what might be discovered. What Al did when he analyzed Adam Rose’s character during the summer of 2014 was well appreciated. It was a column, rooted in psychology, examining Rose’s rejection of the mature, conforming to societal standards adult and how this played out during the various segments in which he spoke and acted on TV. I doubt very much that I’ll think of Rose as seriously as I did while reading this column.
shane- The CF Underworld: Ultimately
The enigma that is Shane reappeared in the CF during late 2014, after a long hiatus, to wax poetic on another enigma of wrestling, the Ultimate Warrior. Everything the man writes inspires the soul to loftier heights, even if it means descending into the Underworld to do so. Shane is so good at being open and personal with the reader; this column details the impact Warrior left on Shane through his career and through his final days in WWE (and in life). You will never write the same once you’ve read a shane column.
s1Sunny- Sunny Days- Hulk Hogan in 1994 and 1995- Draw or Not?
Columns that provoke discussion are what CF writers strive to produce. For the most part, this happens pretty easily. s1Sunny’s analysis on Hulk Hogan’s impact on WCW pre-nWo days prompted many opinions and reactions from the CF, and, for that alone, I admire this column. Everybody has something to say about Hulk Hogan and this column pushed all the right buttons to get those things to be said. What was his conclusion? Go back to October’s columns and have a look.
Wevv Mang- T is for Ticker
Not a traditional column by any means, this was an epic short story. Yes, I realize those words shouldn’t go together, but the plot twists and crazy antics of this murder mystery consumed my attention completely. The Big Show works as a detective to try and solve the crime: Vince McMahon’s death. Plenty of WWE wrestlers get involved in this complex tale and the ending is an unpredictable yet satisfying one. Perhaps there are those who would say this was the best column of the ABC’s of Wrestling series? I might include myself as one of those people.
Freeman- I is for Ichthyoids
There were a few weeks, this summer, where it looked as though CF’ers weren’t going to be able to look at WWE wrestlers without thinking of creatures under the sea. I’d hire Freeman to write history and mythology for a new video game universe or series of novels. His use of the form was impressive, dare I say, genius.
The Traveller- O is for Over
In this very cool, 3rd person point of view tale, the journey of a wrestler from his rookie days to his final matches as a veteran of the industry are detailed. In each chapter, he seeks the adulation of the fans, and this is denoted by a very clever repetition, which works as the ending for each chapter. By the end of the piece, you are given the last word, which fills in the blanks that were left unanswered all along.
SamCarter501- NXT Cast Ranked and Where Are They Now? Season 1
A more recent column on this list, SamCarter501 did a fine job analyzing the careers of the NXT Season 1 wrestlers. The format was clean and easy to read. It highlighted just how well those wrestlers have done over the past 4-5 years...guys like Otunga, Bryan and the winner, Barrett. For an inaugural column, I thought it showed a positive sign of what was to come from Sam...but he has yet to write again. Come back, Sam!
Let’s move on to the main event:
State Of The CF: Top 20
20. SBK
Columns: 14 for 5 points
Views: 1957 total and a 652.3 average for 5.5 points
Replies: 14 for 2 points
Rating: 9.8+9.5 for 14.5 points
Monthly Rankings: #1 in November, 9th in December for 3.5 points
Column Highlights: Detonating Nitro Series
Maybe I’m just on a bit of a WCW kick these days, but “Detonating Nitro” has likely heightened my interest in reviewing the things I enjoyed about mid to late ‘90’s WCW. SBK has done a fantastic job of making Nitro reviews enjoyable and exciting to read, with his many references to the commentary booth, and his ways of finding humour in so many random things. I hope the series continues into 2015 and that SBK sees it through as far as he can.
19. Irishsara
Columns: 9 for 4 points
Views: 1916 total and a 957.8 average for 6 points
Replies: 38 for 7 points
Rating: 10+ 7.5 for 12.5 points
Monthly Rankings: #1 in October for 3.5 points
Column Highlights: The Greatest Wrestler of All Time (Ongoing Series)
She has forged an identity as a catalyst of discussion in the forums, but it was only recently that she brought her ideas and opinions to the Columns Forum. Labelling herself as an anti-writer, at least in terms of not wanting any enhancements for her writing style and grammar, Irishsara’s Greatest Wrestler series on Terry Funk spurred many writers to share their thoughts on the Funkster. Her “Create a PPV” series is getting some positive attention as well, and I’m glad she has stuck around.
18. LWO4Life
Columns: 9 for 4 points
Views: 2504 total and a 500.8 average for 6.5 points
Replies: 30 for 7 points
Rating: 9.5 + 9 for 13.75 points
Monthly Rankings: #4 in December and 10th in November for 3.25 points
Column Highlights: Undisputed Series
LWO4Life began one of the coolest series I’ve read in the CF: The Undisputed Series. In it, he has researched the origins of pro wrestling in North America, presenting his findings in a digestable format. This is information that many of us are not experts on, heck, that we might not have even heard before. I enjoy historical columns and I think the work LWO4Life is doing is important reading for any wrestling fan. Kudos.
17. kingzak13
Columns: 45 for 9 points
Views: 2355 total and a 261.7 average for 6 points
Replies: 72 for 8 points
Rating: 7.2+ 6.5 for 10 points
Monthly Rankings: #5 in June, 7th in July and 9th in September for 3.5 points
Column Highlights: A Pair of Kings present the WWE World Cup Daily or WWE World Cup FINALS
Winner of the most improved writer award, kingzak13 made his mark by writing match results for his and zzzorf’s WWE World Cup Dailies. Not only did I enjoy following the World Cup on TV this summer, but I also enjoyed visiting the CF each day to read the latest match results. My favourite matchup was Ultimate Warrior vs. Undertaker….I only wish that I could see that match played out in real life. I’d even settle for a WWE 2K14 recreation, but kingzak’s write-up was simply fantastic. Whether he’s reviewing the month in WWE or the PPV stars of the year, he’s found some respect and some consistent readers. You don’t have to figure out your stats, buddy! You’ve landed.
16. something something
Columns: 15 for 6 points
Views: 2197 total and a 439.5 average for 6.25 points
Replies: 54 for 8 points
Rating: 8.5 + 9 for 17.5 points
Monthly Rankings: #5 in September and 9th in June for 3.5 points
Column Highlights: Doing It Wrong, Dating 101
Witty, sassy, and provocative are a few words that come to mind when I think of the writing style of this writer. This writer’s columns get piles of views and replies. People can’t help but react to the things she says. Whether’s she discussing CM Punk’s departure, or the greatest favourites of all-time, she demonstrates a pure passion and intelligence about the sport.
15. Leaf
Columns: 15 for 6 points
Views: 3555 total and a 444.4 average for 7.25 points
Replies: 55 for 8 points
Rating: 9.1+ 8 for 17.1 points
Monthly Rankings: #4 in March and April, and 10th in June for 3.75 points
Column Highlights: The Green Room- Cult of Morality, Cena’s Weird & Wonderful Instagram, Dissecting the Music: Voices (w. zzzorf)
How often does a writer make their debut in the CF and on the Main Page in the same year? I haven’t been around long enough to know that answer but it seems to me that the Green Room’s creator could be compared to a rookie prospect like Brock Lesnar, for all the accolades he’s gained in a short period of time. The 2014 winner of The Voice, Leaf made his claim to fame by finding a brand by which to identify himself, and for proving he could write a variety of forms quite well. He does his best work with analysis and argument.
14. Uncle Leo
Columns: 21 for 7 points
Views: 3187 total and a 455.3 average for 7.25 points
Replies: 41 for 7 points
Rating: 8.8+ 8.5 for 13 points
Monthly Rankings: #3 in November, 4th in October and 8th in December for 3.75 points
Column Highlights: Showtime! Raw Running Diary series
Uncle Leo really got involved in the CF during the fall of 2014, primarily by means of the Raw Running Diary. The Running Diary has had its employers during the year, but no one had done it as frequently and as successfully as Uncle Leo. He discussed tweets, had thoughts to share during the commercial breaks, and ensured he had something of value to say for every match and segment. Bring it back, Leo!
13. Neoskizzle (formerly M. Winnebago)
Columns: 24 for 7 points
Views: 4133.5 total and a 413.4 average for 8.25 points
Replies: 76 for 9 points
Rating: 7.7+ 7 for 14.7 points
Monthly Rankings: #4 in June, 6th in February, 10th in March and July for 3.75 points
Column Highlights: The Power of Opinion series + The Champ is… ‘Bago?
Everybody’s favourite motor home continued to write creatively in 2014. He launched a “Power of Opinion” series which got the CF faithful involved in supplying ideas and answers to his ridiculous and interesting topics. I learned about Doge coins from this guy, as well as why we’re jealous of John Cena. Speaking of Cena, he began a set of columns on what life is like being John Cena, of which I’m particularly fond. Thank you for your continued presence in the CF. You represent the Aussies well!
12. YourAyatollah
Columns: 14 for 5 points
Views: 3266 total and a 653.2 average for 7.5 points
Replies: 56 for 8 points
Rating: 8.8+ 10 for 14.5 points
Monthly Rankings: #2 in May, 3rd in July and 9th in August for 3.75 points
Column Highlights: All About The Game One Hitters “E” and “Jennifer”
YourAyatollah is a part of the lifeblood that runs the CF and, most recently, he has become responsible for the growing success of LOP Radio. His One Hitter columns are always a pleasure to read, and sometimes quite creative, like his “retro” review on Wrestlemania X. That was a real trip! Another piece which compared Dean Ambrose to comic superhero, Red Hood also showed the diversity of his writing ability. Quite possibly, though, his tribute column to his sister will be remembered as his most touching work of 2014. There’s something to be said about being real with one’s writing voice, and, with YA, I can always tell the man is giving completely of himself in his columns. Thank you for being real.
11. mizfan
Columns: 19 for 6 points
Views: 3769 total and a 538.4 average for 7.5 points
Replies: 48 for 7 points
Rating: 9.3+ 10 for 14.75 points
Monthly Rankings: #3 in December, 5th in November, 9th in July, 10th in October for 3.75 points
Column Highlights: GP- The Fall of the House of Hart, PMI Round 2- A Friendly Rey Mynder(io)
Winner of the “Best Comeback” award for 2014, mizfan proved he still had his writing chops by winning the PMI Tournament a few months ago. He’s one of the friendliest writers in the CF, consistently participating in collaborations and providing as much feedback as he can muster, most commonly on TNA and the other notable feds beyond WWE. It doesn’t matter what topic he chooses, mizfan always churns out a piece that is smart, interesting, and attracting comment from the people. One of my favourites was a piece from the Grand Prix on the Hart family; a narrative that I would’ve deemed a page turner had it been in hard copy. As it is, I’ll call it a definite page scroller!
10. Maverick
Columns: 34 for 8 points
Views: 1755 total and a 438.8 average for 5.25 points
Replies: 58 for 8 points
Rating: 8.8 + 9.5 for 14 points
Monthly Rankings: #1 in April, 3rd in March, 7th in May and 10th in February for 4 points
Column Highlights: Requesting Flyby, The Wrestlemania Dailies I-IV (Series)
From the right side of the pond hails another man who finally earned his Main Page dues in 2014: Maverick. His Wrestlemania Dailies should be trotted out each and every March from now on as required reading to fully prepare one’s self for the upcoming ‘Mania. They are unique, in that he chooses one notable match or story to discuss, in detail, for each ‘Mania, some of which are comprised of a topic which gets attention for a few years in a row. The man is a great community guy who can be depended on for helpful feedback, writing-wise and content-wise. Had he spent the entire year in the CF, I am certain he’d be in the top 3. Props, Teach! The kids would be proud if they knew.
9. SkitZ
Columns: 21 for 7 points
Views: 3967 total and a 793.4 average for 7.75 points
Replies: 67 for 8 points
Rating: 8.8+ 8.5 for 13 points
Monthly Rankings: #1 in August, 2nd in September, 6th in November and 7th in October for 4 points
Column Highlights: Taste My Rainbow- Nine Circles of Smark’s Hell, Decrying an Immor[t]al Politician
Former Main Pager SkitZ returned to the CF mid-year, reminding CF writers of the calibre and character we should be striving for in our contributions. Here’s another guy who has a significant brand, a clear identity, and a unique writing style that prompts plenty of interest and discussion from readers. Highlights included: a pro-Wade Barrett discourse, an analysis on WWE programming in the theme of Dante’s Inferno and the Seven Deadly Sins, and a willingness to share on his personal life by connecting it to WWE matters. Taste the rainbow!
8. Dannokaboom
Columns: 28 for 7 points
Views: 5151 total and a 515.1 average for 9.5 points
Replies: 94 for 9 points
Rating: 8.6 + 8 for 12.25 points
Monthly Rankings: #3 in May and September, 4th in February, 5th in March, 6th in June, 7th in April, and 10th in August for 4.25 points
Column Highlights: The Adventures of Bryan the Fashionable Bear, GP- Competitive Dad
Perhaps one of the greatest comedy writers of the LOP CF and Main Page, Danno is the final writer to gain his Main Page credits in 2014. He also is the highest ranking MP writer on our list this year, for his consistency in quantity and quality. Take a look at those monthly rankings to see what I mean. It’s rare for a writer to place so highly, so often, but Danno did it. The Boombox series spoofed on “b*st*rd pants, tombola, CM Punk as the main character in a jakata tale, and even made love...er...Wrestlemania predictions with royalty (kingzak). It’s also worth mentioning that he was a finalist in The Voice, so he knows how to throw down, with or without a prize on the line.
7. JacobWrestledGod
Columns: 35 for 8 points
Views: 4760 total and a 476 average for 8.25 points
Replies: 105 for 10 points
Rating: 8.8 + 8.5 for 13 points
Monthly Rankings: #1 in May, 5th in September, 6th in July, August and November, and 8th in February for 4 points
Column Highlights: Daily Devotionals #1-5, GP-Wrestling God Presents: Blue Oceans for WWE Network, Seven series
JWG took a page from zzzorf’s book and sought out top writers in the CF to participate in a number of intriguing and top-quality collaborations in 2014. Most notably, the “Me and My Mates- Favourites of All Time series” and the “Seven series”, the latter of which focused only on wrestlers whose lives had been shrouded by murder. These works were not the only ones by which JWG became known. He also made an impression with his more business-oriented columns and storyline analyses, using stats and diagrams to make his points. Whether writing a straight column or a creative column, this man shows no fear when faced with a writing challenge, and thus his place in the top 10 was well-earned.
6. rayhagan1
Columns: 40 for 9 points
Views: 5048 total and a 504.8 average for 9.5 points
Replies: 73 for 8 points
Rating: 8.1 + 9 for 13 points
Monthly Rankings: #3 in April, 4th in July and September, 6th in May, 7th in June, 8th in October for 4 points
Column Highlights: RAY IS WAR series “Not With A Bang...But A Whimper, “10 Things I Like About WWE”, “My Pledge”
Ray won “Best Newcomer” for 2014 and it’s no surprise that the CF would recognize Ray’s great works and vote him in...he did what so many other great writers have done. He created a brand, he pushed himself to find a variety of topics from which to write with confidence and passion, and he ensured that he wrote on a consistent basis. I often find myself nodding in agreement with Ray’s opinions and I appreciate how readable his columns are. 2015 should prove to be another great year, now that he’s decided to follow TNA, so we can look forward to even more greatness from Ray of the Hagans...congrats on the baby on the way!
5. zzzorf
Columns: 84 for 10 points
Views: 3733 total and a 466.7 average for 7.25 points
Replies: 159 for 10 points
Rating: 8.1 + 8 for 12 points
Monthly Rankings: #1 in September, 2nd in November and December, 3rd in June, 5th in April, 8th in July for 4.5 points
Column Highlights: A Pair of Kings present the WWE World Cup Daily- THE FINALS (series), September Shenanigans (series), The King of Stats presents the 30 Greatest Wrestling Careers at Madison Square Garden (series)
Zzzorf is another CF veteran and former Main Pager who, without him, this year of 2014 would hardly have been as exciting or interesting. This man is responsible for one of the greatest initiatives and collaborations in CF History: The ABC’s of Wrestling, which took home an award for Best Column Series. Thank you for the amount of work it took to organize and plan that, Wayne.
The man kept at it for other exciting series like the World Cup Dailies, with kingzak, and his decision to attempt to write every day of September. Although he didn’t quite make it, the sheer variety from creative lists, stats breakdowns, diary-like revelations and running diaries, ably demonstrated zzzorf’s tenacity and creativity. This man is truly the King of Stats and there is no one else like him in the CF.
4. ‘Plan
Columns: 33 for 8 points
Views: 4783 total and a 531.5 average for 8.5 points
Replies: 87 for 9 points
Rating: 9.3 + 9.5 for 14.25 points
Monthly Rankings: #1 in February, 2nd in March and July, 4th in May and August, and 8th in June for 4.25 points
Column Highlights: 101 WWE Matches To See Before You Die- #1, Road to Wrestlemania 2013 (series), Just Business: A Thousand Words on Not Being The Booker
I wanted to kick this section off with “The Icon”, but I realized two things: a) there is an Icon yet to be discussed coming up in the top 3, and b) ‘Plan is much more a Hitman guy so….let me try again.
The Excellence of Execution may have finished his ultimate series and major claim to fame, to date, but it didn’t prevent him from continuing to be involved in the CF. For the better part of 2014, ‘Plan visited with new ideas and formats, such as his “Thousand Word” series and his most excellent reflection on why Wrestlemania XXIX was better than you thought it was. He also debuted a new, revolutionary means of appreciating wrestling when he wrote the Planthology Performing Arts Awards. Will we see a 2015 version? Some folks liked it and others thought he went too far. Regardless, there are few better than ‘Plan when it comes to writing with poise, skill, and detail.
3. Cult Icon
Columns: 39 for 8 points
Views: 4788 total and a 435.3 average for 8.25 points
Replies: 107 for 10 points
Rating: 9 + 10 for 14.5 points
Monthly Rankings: #1 in March and July, 2nd in April, 3rd in August, 6th in December and 8th in September for 4.5 points
Column Highlights: An American Motion Sickness “3 Day Warrior Tribute”, “Flair (GP Finale)”, The Failbag (Episode IV: I Have a Dreamcast), “LUGER WON THE TITLE! (A Cult Story)”
LUGER WON THE TITLE! LUGER WON THE TITLE! Cult won the Columnist Championship! Cult won the Columnist Championship! I think these things compare...and Cult, I’ll have you know that I watched that Luger match this past week and immediately thought of you. Such is the impression that Mr. Icon has made on this writer’s wrestling fandom. As far as personality goes, Cult is, simultaneously, the coolest and the craziest character in the CF. Oh, he can be serious, and he has proven this with pieces on the Shield and Ric Flair, but he can also have you chuckling at your desk with pieces like the Failbag, and, of course, his Scott Steiner rules the wrestling world series. By the way, can you post all those chapters in one place? That would be amazing. He doesn’t always get the views and replies I expect, but the quality is always top-shelf. If only David Duchovny knew what a good service Colt Iken was doing for him in the CF...actually, it’s better he not know, because he might very well hire him and then there wouldn’t be as many hilarious pop culture references and gifs. Glad you’re around, CI.
2. Subho
Columns: 57 for 10 points
Views: 5236 total and a 476 average for 9.25 points
Replies: 102 for 10 points
Rating: 8.6 + 8.5 for 12.75 points
Monthly Rankings: #2 in June, 3rd in February, 5th in March, July, September, October, 6th in April, 8th in August, and 9th in December for 5 points
Column Highlights: Sub’isms: Dual Anniversary (Wrestlemania XXX Then and Now), TweetReview of Extreme Rules, The Injury Curse Report (with JWG & Mizfan), and Week In Review (series)
Subho, winner of “Best Feedbacker” for 2014, and “Most Improved Writer” of 2013, has become an integral part of the life force that keeps the CF as great a place as it is. Take a look at those monthly rankings….there he is, 9 out of 11 months, claiming a top 10 spot. Folks, that takes dedication and it goes to show the kind of credibility Sub has rightly gained over the past 2 years. TweetReviews, Sub’isms and Week In Review series help direct Sub’s focus on developing consistent, readable pieces each week. The man also dabbles in creative and collaborative works too, as has been evident from the Seven series, the ABC’s of Wrestling, and the Me and My Mates series. A hearty congratulations to Subho for all that he does in the CF.
1. Kleckamania
Columns: 51 for 10 points
Views: 5960 total and a 596 average for 9.5 points
Replies: 113 for 10 points
Rating: 9.1 + 9.5 for 14 points
Monthly Rankings: #1 in June, 2nd in February, August and October, 4th in December, 5th in September, and 8th in March for 4.75 points
Column Highlights: Why The Hate? (TNA Apologetics), [The Voice] Fear of the Dark, Seasons Change, Cellar Door
Kleckamania is the Columnist Champion! Kleckamania is the Columnist Champion! Wait, didn’t I already shout that out, Schiavone-style, for Cult Icon? Yes...yes I did. You know it’s a good year when you have 2 winners of the top prize and, thus, it is no surprise to see one of those 2 men at #1 in the Top 20 of 2014. My main man, Kleck, brought his A game this year, going on an absolute tear during every season of the year. I don’t know how he finds the time to write, to write with such variety and skill, but he proves that it can be done. You just have to want it bad enough. His Scott Hall column is now etched into my memory for how hauntingly he captured the regret and anxiety Hall may still feel to this day. His pieces on delicate subject matter like the Von Erich family and Owen Hart attracted plenty of positive attention, as well as helpful critiques on how Kleck could improve his writing. The man always comes back better than he was before; utilizing the comments of other great writers to improve his craft. That, surely, is one goal to which many of the CF faithful adhere. We are always trying to improve something...be it style, grammar, fleshing out of ideas, prompting discussion, incorporating pictures/video into our column, etc. Is it unfair to suggest that Kleck’s rise to fame in 2014 was not unlike the rise of Ethan Carter III, minus the cockiness and the booing? I haven’t heard anyone shouting to Kleck “You can’t write!”, but I like the reference nonetheless, and I think he’ll like it too.
Wolfpack in da house! I salute you on a fantastic 2014!
Closing
Here’s the list of winners over the past 12 months. The complete history of the list will be posted in the CF history section...I realize I’ve been saying this for a while and it hasn’t happened yet. It will happen soon!
January 2014- N/A
February 2014- ‘Plan
March 2014- Cult Icon
April 2014- Maverick
May 2014- JacobWrestledGod
June 2014- Kleckamania
July 2014- Cult Icon
August 2014- SkitZ
September 2014- zzzorf
October 2014- Irishsara
November 2014- SBK
December 2014- Shinobi
2014 Overall- Kleckamania
Is it any wonder that the conclusion of this column matches up quite closely with the greater opinion of the CF? I think not! The people know a champion columnist when they read one, and I truly feel there is no better place to read wrestling opinion and analysis than right here in the LOP Columns Forum. Congratulations to Kleck and to all the writers who made an effort to be involved around here in 2014. For those who didn’t see their name on the list but are curious as to their rank, send me a PM or a reply, and I’ll gladly share. If this month is any indication, we’re going to have an even busier 2015 around here, and that means more work for me! Haha! It also means more fun to be had with predictions, discussions, stories of comedy and tragedy, and the beginnings of future wrestling books (Shout out to Doc and ‘Plan).
Time for me to get some sleep. After all, there’s a Royal Rumble to watch tonight. Go Daniel Bryan!
Peace!