If you think
The State is South Carolina's worst newspaper, you're a Gamecock or you haven't read many South Carolina newspapers. Either way, you probably aren't far off from the truth. Ron Morris is one of the many hacks The State employs to cover USC athletics and I can only assume the anger he normally vents at his extensive list of subjects (USC and Clemson) is fed by the reality that he is a little man with a little voice in a little market, with very little chance of ever writing anything relevant. He clearly gave up on relevancy years ago when more independent newspapers like the
Free Times, blog writers and probably even
blind elephants started producing more interesting writing. He then found the most creative and innovative style of sports writing: pissing people off makes you relevant.
With that avenue of appraoch, I have to admit Ronnie has found great success. I'm sure he loves all the emails he gets with each column he writes. I'm sure The State thinks as long as people are complaining and threatening to cancel subscriptions, they must be buying and reading the paper. Meanwhile, The State's reach across the state continues to dwindle. I don't think you can buy the paper east of I-95 and while many national papers are seeing online ad revenue rise, I make sure never to click through anything linked on a State website and I'm sure most casual viewers do the same. State and local papers, and their writers, either need to learn to adjust to the changing landscape or just give it up.
Ron's latest scathing rebuttal of all things USC centers around plans for a new parking lot in place of the state farmer's market next to the stadium. Ron fails to point out that one of the biggest criticisms of USC football is the lack of pleasurable tailgating environments. Well now the university is attempting to correct that and Ron says all of South Carolina will suffer. If you haven't been into the farmer's market lately, you might believe some of this anti-USC propaganda. But if you're a regular visitor, you know the market is in dire straits and needs a fresh start. The new market and new parking area for USC is a win/win situation for all of us. Referring to the current market as any kind of "
paradise" is laughable at best and sad, misguided, mean-spirited, stupid, blind and petty at worst. Ron Morris will write anything to get a rise out of people and since the USC community is the largest population in Columbia, we're an easy target.
Finally, here's a sample of Ron's headlines. Do they sound like someone looking to tell stories and inform the public, or someone with nothing relevant to say who has to bitch, moan and complain in order to avoid being ignored completely?
Farmers Market boils down to how much money the Gamecocks can make
Past time for USC to cut ties with Lindsey twins
Accusations taint Roberts
Billboard no laughing matter
Multitude of reasons for collapse
Clemson must answer close calls
Hollow lawsuits change little
Admissions should be left out of coaches' hands
The Official Ron Morris Complain Train: Pay Attention To Me! 2007 Edition
