I know it’s been a long time since I’ve posted anything, but I’m annoyed and need to get it off my chest.
I was on Facebook this morning and saw that my friend, Mike Shaldjian (aka lafinguy), posted a link to a podcast. The podcast contained John Jay, a local morning show personality, calling Mike a cheater and then (I felt) he insulted the publication that’s promoting him.
Arizona Foothills Magazine is running a “Best of Our Valley” Poll. One of the categories is “Top Twitterer.” I’m proud to say that I’ve been nominated. To me that’s a huge honor. I’m no where near the top of the poll and that’s okay. There is; however, a neck and neck race between John Jay (@JohnjayVanEs) and Mike (@lafinguy).
I thought it was really cool that Mike pulled ahead of John Jay. Mike is an awesome guy, well networked and deserving of the title of “Top Twitterer.” He uses Twitter for what’s it’s for and that’s social networking. We meet on Twitter and he’s actively supported all the nonprofit agencies I’ve worked for through giving and donating of his time.
Despite being nominated for two other categories and “crushing” the competition in those categories, John Jay uses his morning show to promote himself and bash Mike’s character. All because he’s not winning the “Top Twitterer” category in the poll. Seriously!!
I use to listen to John Jay’s morning show. I use to follow him on Twitter, but I stopped listening and stop following him because he annoyed me. Both on the show and on Twitter, he would talk about himself ALL the time. He did not interact with fans and he tweeted about nothing, so I stopped following him. I think that was over a year ago.
I’m all about healthy competition, but I feel John Jay took it too far and it’s very disappointing. Mike embodies what social networking is all about. He’s networking!! Networking is not a one-way street. That’s called self-promotion (something I feel John Jay does ALL the time). It’s about interacting and Mike has that down and actually a lot of people on the “Top Twitterer” list have it down. Way better than John Jay and even more deserving of the title of “Top Twitterer” than him.
John Jay has over 22,000 followers, Mike has nearly 2,000. And it goes to show, just because you have a lot followers, it doesn’t mean they’ll go to bat for you.
All in all, please vote for Mike (@lafinguy) in the AZ Foothills Magazine, “Best of Our Valley Top Twitterer” category. He truly deserves the title. You can vote everyday until November 30th. If you feel so moved, you can also vote for me as well @ireneaugustin. (LOL! Throw me a freakin’ bone)
I love your blog, Irene. You’re a good friend and I appreciate that. I’m humbled by the support and want you to know I love you. I love our entire group of people. I love the way we all rally behind each other.
You hit the nail on the head when you said that there are so many other nominees in the Top Twitterer contest that really do twitter well. I know almost all of them and they are engaging, compassionate, supportive, loving tweeters that are all #1 on my list.
Thank you for your friendship. One friend like you is more precious then 22,000 and I wouldn’t trade that for anything!
You rock!
BTW, I just cast a vote for you! You deserve far more!
Much love-
@lafinguy
LOL! Thanks for the vote 🙂
I was in awe when I heard that podcast. I can’t believe he would stoop so low to say all that. He doesn’t even know you. Whatever! You’ll win…I know it!
Irene:
Thank you so much for voicing your support for Mike and Media Watch AZ’s Twitter account (@lafinguy). It takes guts to share your thoughts publicly, and we appreciate you.
Mike is one of the kindest people that I know, and definitely does not deserve to be called those awful names by John Jay.
Let’s spread the word about John Jay!
Nice blog, Irene. I agree that whoever put together this list of nominees must have a very unique idea of what makes someone good at Twitter. In fairness I checked out Mike’s competition before voting and that dude is nothing but boring self promo. If you don’t make me laugh or think, I won’t follow. Hats off to you & @lafinguy for being nominated. Got my votes.
I luv this!!! I am glad that I’m not the only one who’s annoyed by John Jay. I can’t stand him and he is full of himself. I will make sure I put in 100 votes a day to help @lafinguy win (I’ll vote for you too Irene) if it means that John Jay will lose.
Great blog! I’m going to find you on twitter, LOL!
The funny thing is that JohnJay was calling Mike a cheater saying how much he can’t stand cheaters, when really Johnjay has cheated on his wife (Kemp Biddulfs daughter) too many times to count. He probably should just learn when to keep his mouth shut.