johnness:

jamiemottram:

I feel like I should have some kind of response to AOL’s hiring of Jay Mariotti. I don’t know, something like this.

But after reading his first column, I surprisingly have none, other than to say I’m glad “FANHOUSE” will be seen on ESPN five days a week, legitamizing (and perhaps tarnishing) my resumé all the while.

Best of luck, ladies and lads of the ‘Haus.

FanHouse is not a brand that’s ever been dealt with delicately, but the writers have consistently managed to rise above that. They will do so again here, but it may be difficult to do so with an unignorable Quato head grafted onto the site. For what it’s worth, the site deserves Blackistone and Olson, and it’s too bad the decision-makers couldn’t quit while they were ahead. But that’s business. Lots of decisions get made by folks without enough information.

I think I’ll second most of the sentiments here. Only thing I’d add: it’s unfortunate they couldn’t complete the rebranding effort before the rush of attention from Mariotti’s hiring/start.  Might have been nice to use the opportunity to launch that ship as well.

But I will be very interested to talk with Randy & Co. about how the whole thing came about, to get the insider perspective on this and any other upcoming FH moves.