Comments on: Michael Arrington Takes a Break After Death Threat and Spit Attack

By: Drew

Drew — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 05:39:14 +0000

Very interesting. The spitting was obviously the last straw in a long line of stress for the man. I wrote an article that shows how this event, LeWeb, and Loic Le Meur are all tired together in this.

http://drewskwarcan.com/techcrunch-michael-arrington-and-a-lesson-in-work-life-balance/

By: Stew

Stew — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:30:01 +0000

Wow, reading about what happened to Mike and thought “even though he is frequently obnoxious, no one should be spat on or threatened”. I do happen to agree with his observation that finding trustworthy people is difficult. Today’s economy is bringing out the worse in people.

By: @Livecrunch

@Livecrunch — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:04:48 +0000

Pretty much what I said early this morning , he can piss off many people but did he deserve the spit? No. i don’t think nobody should….

By: Thord Daniel Hedengren

Thord Daniel Hedengren — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:26:29 +0000

@Brian Carnell Yes, two separate incidents, that's right. Maybe you should read Arrington's post again? Getting spat on isn't pleasant of course, but I wouldn't want the person described there making threats to my life.

By: LEARNHOWTOMAKEMONEY

LEARNHOWTOMAKEMONEY — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:58:16 +0000

Is so bad to hear something like that…. I really hope he can have A loonng!! VACATION!! :-)

By: Shirley

Shirley — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:42:10 +0000

Yes, this is completely ridiculous. Of course, it could be a bit exaggerated. But whatever happened, there is a line which should NEVER be crossed. And apparently, something inappropriate definitely happened here.

And yes, he really should open comments on that post.

By: Please

Please — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:09:04 +0000

Arrington is a jerk and a whiner. I find it difficult to believe any of what he describes actually happened. And don’t forget, this isn’t the first time he’s taken a “vacation” from his oh-so-difficult job of trashing others and making money.

My heart just bleeds for him.

By: Shelley

Shelley — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:57:08 +0000

“The individual has a felony record and owns a gun.”

And with that, credibility is lost.

By: Brian Carnell

Brian Carnell — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:56:55 +0000

Arrington’s response seems a bit out of proportion (and the summary in this post seems inaccurate/exaggerated).

1. An isolated incident in Germany where someone spit on him. Disturbing. Report it and move on.

2. Another isolated incident in which “an off balance individual threatened to kill me and my family.” Which he reported and police are investigating.

That’s it? It’s not even clear either of these are directly related to what he does at TechCrunch other than the fact that it makes him somewhat famous and people who are famous have to put up with nonsense like this.

I run a site about the animal rights movement. I’ve received threats, I’ve had people post my addresses and phone # with vague “someone should do something about this person lines.” I’ve had people dig up pictures of my kids and post them online with threatening messages.

It just comes with the territory in being outspoken in a field where controversy is common or money is involved.

By: Kats

Kats — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:25:52 +0000

I agree that Mike shouldn’t have been spat on. How disgusting. The death threats? Ridiculous.

Mike as a person? An ass. I’m sorry.

I for one will NOT miss Mike. He’s self-serving, and obnoxious.

I hope his vacation is looonnngggg.

PS- the fact that he closed comments on his post shows what a child he is.

By: Spamboy

Spamboy — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:25:37 +0000

“You can’t bully print journalists, you can’t bully bloggers, and most importantly: We can’t accept it!”

You’re correct that people like Herr Jerkwad shouldn’t feel empowered to assault someone like that. However, a strong majority of bloggers and journalists are likely anonymous enough to not fear such action.

By: Brandon Eley

Brandon Eley — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:15:59 +0000

Wow.

I know Michael can be pretty obnoxious at times, but to spit on him or threaten him or his family is ridiculous. It’s always baffled me how people treat some online personalities as celebrities. They’re just trying to do their job… I hope Arrington has a nice, long, peaceful vacation. He deserves one.