I take blogs for what they are..rehashes of news with the bloggers personal opinion dashed in.

This reminds me of a quick conversation I had with my dad and brother.

They were talking about I think Chandler and my brother said "I heard Chandler did ...." so my father said "I heard the this this and this too..." so I looked at them and said "you both heard the same thing because you both probably read it from the same place."

I look at bloggers like that. They just convey info that they hear from public sources.

And I agree, the main issue I had here was the whole age thing. It was uncalled for.

Randa wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:

Randa wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:

Randa wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:@ 15 you should listen more than write. You just wrote another piece on a Melo trade becasue you hyped this first one for eyes. That's not writing about basketball--that just BSing. Learn about the sport and take your time--think less is more.

In both posts, I didn't make up anything and just reported what I heard (the latest from a public blog). Just because you don't want a major trade to happen, doesn't mean you have to belittle me because of age differences.

When your fish tells you that Carmelo is being traded--it doesnt count. Im 27 years older than you and just a tad wiser--accept criticism.

I do listen to criticism, but I don't like to be classified by age. That's unfair... and wrong.

No it's not--you are young and need to learn--that is the truth.

We all are young and we all need to learn - that's the truth for all people.

Hey Dan.

Much as it can sometimes be difficult to hear straight talk from a brash guy like Briggs, I assure you he meant it as helpful words and advice to heed. It may seem like his style is too direct, but them's the breaks in NYC. You should get used to it if you want to blog about the Knicks.

I agree with Briggs about age appropriate attitudes. I agree that at your age you should listen way more than express opinions. I have kids nearly your age who are also precocious. While I respect what you're trying to accomplish, you really should pay attention to a guy who gives you some back-handed advice. Briggs is a wise person who wants to help you be more modest. Let that humility foster your development. I don't think he was trying to stifle you or shut you down at all.

A key to growth as a writer and thinker is to accept criticism gracefully and to use it in honing your ideas. Every criticism has value to you whether it pumps up your ego or breaks it down a bit. You NEED both types of reinforcement to grow, and I would actually suggest that negative criticism has more value to you than pats on the back. If everyone just kissed your ass and said "Wow, you're so talented" and "OMG, you're only 15 and you have a Knicks blog, OMG OMG OMG" and other crap like that, your growth will stagnate and your development will take much longer.

Listen to Briggs, think about what he says to you, and take it to the bank. He really means no harm and you can learn a lot from thoughtful adults like him, no matter how direct or brash they come across. You should humbly accept the advice offered because it has actual value to you in more ways than you currently understand.

Oh, and DEFINITELY open an investment account with your Bar Mitzvah cash to buy some IGOI and other Briggs' small cap stocks!