A few years ago, I wrote a story about a I had when I was working in investment banking. That story (which went viral), along with my , was enough for publishers and agents to come calling about a possible . nightmarish trip on a private plane respectable social media presence book When I signed my book deal, it got considerable attention. Everyone from the New York Times and CNN to NPR and even Matt Lauer wanted interviews, all of which I declined. “Early press is wasted press,” my publisher said. media But not everyone was happy for me. Plenty of criticism and snark was thrown my way, especially on Twitter. I shrugged it off as resentment (especially from a few underpaid and under-published finance journalists) that a retired banker who had never written a book was getting so much publicity, not to mention a six-figure advance for something that had started out ostensibly as a silly joke of a Twitter account satirizing Wall Street banker bro culture. Not long after my deal was announced, published an article: Gawker “Goldman Sachs Elevator Is a Plagiarist” As most people probably understand, there is nothing worse in the entire world for a writer to be called than a plagiarist. That word has destroyed reputations and careers, often justifiably so. Here’s what made Gawker’s claim (smear) not just totally absurd, but also blatantly dishonest: Gawker’s evidence for calling me a plagiarist was that I had stolen material from some guy named . The problem with this accusation? It’s a locked Twitter account that I’ve never had access to. John Munson More important, @GSElevator has always been a “submit what you hear” platform, loosely premised on repeating the absurd and offensive things bankers say. While I’ve created much of the content, curating and posting anonymous submissions was also an important component of the account — and this was commonly understood. Gawker (Sam Biddle) never attempted to reach out to me for comment or clarification prior to publishing the incendiary article. Biddle only wanted one thing — to take me out. And he demonstrated no regard for the truth in the process. I immediately sent Sam Biddle an undeservedly polite email to clarify these points, expecting that he’d have the ethical fortitude to retract or at least amend his story. Nope. Nothing. Not even a response. Despite the fact that my book is about and not the Twitter account, Biddle’s charge created a (small) dark cloud that hung over me for a long time. In a review, The New Yorker — for the purpose of undermining my credibility — referenced Gawker and said that I had ascended from Twitter to bestseller by borrowing material. Even this week in an article I wrote for Business Insider, some dope in the comments section referred to me as a plagiarist. (I generally don’t read the comments section.) pervasive deviance and systemic corruption on Wall Street So fuck off, Gawker. Fuck off, Sam Biddle. You’re intelligent enough to have found a new home, but still a dishonest scumbag for intentionally trying to undermine my book deal with a load of bullshit. And if you’re a fan of karmic justice, of a very smug and condescending Nick Denton telling Henry Blodget that Business Insider is so far beneath Denton and Gawker that he’d never even consider acquiring them. Context: Business Insider sold to Axel Springer last year at a $442 million valuation. Nick Denton has filed for personal bankruptcy protection, and next week, Univision is turning out the lights at Gawker.com. here’s a great video EDIT: Never forget this video of Sam Biddle dancing to N*ggas in Paris. is how hackers start their afternoons. We’re a part of the family. We are now and happy to opportunities. Hacker Noon @AMI accepting submissions discuss advertising &sponsorship To learn more, , , or simply, read our about page like/message us on Facebook tweet/DM @HackerNoon. If you enjoyed this story, we recommend reading our and . Until next time, don’t take the realities of the world for granted! latest tech stories trending tech stories
