Ryan Smith Responds to Wrestling Newsletter Propaganda
Posted by: Ryan Smith on 01/22/2004

It has recently come to my attention that a wrestling newsletter has printed some rather disparaging remarks about myself and the Honky Tonk Man. While this comes as no surprise, since countless of publications and would-be wrestling journalists try this all the time, I feel the need to address the situation.

Michael Aldren, who runs the self proclaimed “most popular wrestling newsletter online” recently contacted me requesting that the Honky Tonk Man write for his newsletter. It seems that a few of his readers didn’t take kindly to the Honky Tonk Man’s comments on Ric Flair. Aldren wanted the HTM to respond to them in his newsletter. I politely explained that while we appreciate his offer, we are unable to fill such requests because our the HTM Website gets over 100,000 hits per day. We have to respond to our own emails and message boards.

He swiftly become enraged and belligerent, spouting off his “credentials.” His insults moved from me to the HTM, who in reality had nothing to do with this at all other than writing the original article. I then started to receive emails from his readers asking me why we allowed Aldren to use our articles without proper credit to us. Despite his claims, I canceled my subscription to his newsletter, which I never signed up for in the first place, shortly after he added me. I had copies of his post of our materials forwarded to me and I saw what many were talking about. Our articles were plainly posted in his newsletter without credit to our website, or a link to return to the site.

I attempted to contact Aldren about this issue and received no response. We are very easy to work with on these issues and only ask for credit where it is due. Unfortunately Michael decided that my email didn’t warrant a response, so I sent out a quick note to his newsletter server to inform them about this. They responded quickly and informed me that the issue would be handled, “as copyright infringement may be grounds for termination.” While having his newsletter terminated was never our hope, we did want this incident on file with his server.

Shortly after this took place, Aldren, or someone acting on his behalf using a W365 email address, began SPAMMING our HTM’s forums with Aldren’s praises and links to his articles. This individual was quickly removed from our forums, as SPAM is not tolerated anywhere.

While I could go on and on about this issue, I decided to let the emails speak for me. Shortly after Aldren posted his malicious article, emails began pouring in. I expected a majority of hate mail as after all, these are his readers, not ours. To my surprise, the majority was very positive and supportive. Keep in mind we do not necessarily share the views of these individuals. Here are a few of the emails:

Dear Mr. Farris:

I'd like to commend you for your recent stance against the "Wrestling 365" newsletter and their obvious copyright infringement against you, your website and your commentary page. The simple fact of the matter is that Mike Aldren and the staff of W365 are complete idiots who don't deserve to run a newsletter that in all likelihood is read by about 100 people worldwide. Their consistent fake reports, inability to spell check their own work, and their hiring practices are quite substandard for a supposed newsletter run by "power players" in the industry. For a long time Mr. Aldren has acted like he was something in the business because he ran a newsletter. After you and your webmaster reported his indiscretions, he responded with a letter to all the subscribers that Topica.com will do "nothing" to him and W365 and they have no time for you and your "cattle", or some garbage to that effect and badmouthed you for having nothing else to do but commentate on your webpage to get attention. It is actually Mr. Aldren who seems to crave attention. I'd like to remain anonymous, as in the past……, but I'd like to be the first person to say to you sir.. THANK YOU! I hope you guys win and knock this joke of a newsletter back to where it belongs: In the circular file. If there's anything I could do to help your cause, please don't hesitate to e-mail me!

-Name Removed


HTM and Staff,

I just want to thank you guys for your stance with W365. A friend of mine sent along the article and I have to say that it's quite sad when a self proclaimed "reputable source" in pro-wrestling had nothing better to do than post hate on you guys.

I could go on and on, But I think his actions just spoke for him.

Larry ______

Dear Honky Tonk Man,
The editor, Mike Aldren, is clearly on a power-trip. He has kicked me and friends off his newsletter for correcting information. I've talked to him about it and he always talks about how it's so popular and stuff. He has also posted information that is clearly incorrect and has taken several shots at some of the most respected figures in professional wrestling, the most recent of which was you. If you don't know, the latest issue of W365 is just making fun of you. I understand your gripe, if his newsletter is as popular as he claims, he should be very careful and respective of what content he uses. I would like to request your help along with some other friends of mine, to shutdown W365 once and for all.

BPKELLAM

Dear MR. Tonk

I have been a member of Wrestling365 for some time now. I am very angry at this newsletter and mostly at the man they call Mikeewn. My good friend and I are big fans of wrestling and have been trying to take down Wrestling365. They had a spelling error on there website and my friend corrected them…I really appreciate your honesty on how you feel about Ric Flair and others, some people would not have the intestinal fortitude to step up like you did. Other people would not do that, I appreciate your honesty. I think you would be doing a big favor to the wrestling community if you would help us annihilate wrestling365 and mikeew.

Your Loyal Fan
Benjamin ______


Fans, there you have it, straight from Aldren’s own readers.

Updated: Last night, shortly after we told Aldren to go fuck himself, we were the recipients of a massive spam and email attack. You figure it out.

The information in this article is exclusive property of the Honky Tonk Man Website and cannot be used elsewhere without proper link credit.