Observer v. Gawker: The Dumber, Less Entertaining Version of Trump and Rosie

The Observer was not looking for respect from Gawker Jan. 11. That was what Tom Scocca and his bloggers said they had been after, when the brawl was done—professional courtesy, blogsmanship, proper treatment between competitors. What they'd wanted, they said, was for Gawker to honor the unwritten code of blogging. More »

Observer Lops Off Tom Friedman's Moustache of Understanding

Times columnist/globalization cheerleader Tom Friedman is in China. So too is Observer editor Tom Scocca, who decides to attend a lecture given by the Moustache of Understanding. The result, currently available in intermittent bursts on the Observer's remarkably unreliable website, is one of the most brutal, satisfying takedowns we've seen in some time. We've no value to add to this piece save to direct you to it, but here's a quick sample: More »

'Observer's' Tom Scocca Sells Book, Will Get Laid Soon

Congrats to Observer editor Tom Scocca, who has sold a book to Sean MacDonald at Riverhead (MacDonald was James Frey's editor, so don't be surprised when everyone discovers that several portions of Scocca's book have been fabricated). We're not sure how significant the deal is because, as a very white person, Scocca doesn't talk about those things. But we do know that Scocca sold more rights for more cash, so he's got a decent handful. Enough to at buy at least 10 sessions at Solar Salon. More »

'Observer' Picks New Person To Fill Gabe Sherman's Shoes, Hipster Glasses

Congratulations to Michael Calderone, New York Observer real estate reporter, who has taken the media slot at the paper recently vacated by Gabe Sherman. Calderone's promotion (if you can call working for Tom Scocca a promotion) was reported in the pages of Jossip, and the site's personal relationship with Calderone may have had something to do with its unusual accuracy. Except, you know, for this part: "Rumor has it that many an outside media member was vying for the position (we're guessing Hudson Morgan was somehow on that list?) but the always insider-y pub chose to promote from, well, within." More »

Pasty Gen X Guy Won't Stop Talking About How He Caught Pixies at Middle East Back in '89

Without the assistance of recently-Condefied reporter Gabe Sherman, the Observer's Off the Record column is free to roam to the wildest corners of editor Tom Scocca's imagination — like an in-depth look at YouTube! And today, that means peppering your article with anecdotal nostalgia: More »

Gawker Explainer: Even More Names in the News

Because we know you're tired of embarrassing yourselves: More »

Media Thanksgiving: The Grateful Hacks

We asked a bunch of media folks why they're thankful on this Thanksgiving, and many of them told us. Here, the media reporters. We start with the Observer boys, and, first, Gabe Sherman: More »

Media Bubble: Scocca Hits Because He Loves

• Come on, Pinch, you're breaking poor Tom Scocca's heart. [NYO] More »