Wil is there any way that you can see what goes to print in these magazines before they go to print? That is really terrible how they put you and the book down, especially when they clearly did not read it! This is the new style of "journalism" where fact-checking is obsolete and opinion matters. Sad. Just sad. Sorry to hear mainstream has farked you over again.

That sucks

that sucks will, just know that there are more people out there with more valid opinions.

Wil you must write a scathing letter to the editor of Entertainment Weakly. You rock, that "hack" sucks! enough said
hang in there

I'm sorry that happened. That really sucks. I haven't read JAG yet (it's on my list) but from everything I've read about it so far, I haven't found anyone except this guy that hasn't liked it. Unfortunatley its in print. But fortunately there are lots and lots of people that could give a rat's ass what that guy says, and will like the book anyway.

I'm ordering my copy of the book next week... take that Entertainment Weekly :o)

Fuck Entertainment WEAKly. I'm reading JAG as we speak (just got it yesterday), and it is most certainly NOT well represented in that "nugget of wisdom" (sic)...

Letter writing crusade, anyone?

Time for 50,000 WWDN fans to send their thoughts to the editor of Entertainment Weekly.

I'll make sure anyone I know with a subscription does not renew.

I really dislike irresponsible journalists.

letters@ew.com

Let's get writing people.

I totally respect someone's opinion, even (especially) when we don't agree.

But what is so profoundly upsetting about this is that it's so misleading and mean. It's not opinion. It's invective.

If this person had just said, "You know what? I didn't like this. Don't waste your time." I would have shrugged it off. You can't please everyone, and that's okay.

But to abuse his or her power as a journalist to take such a cruel low-blow at me is just contemptible, especially because it misrepresents me, and the content of my book.

Wil,

Their site sucks too. I went there to try and write to them and complain. I could not get to anything even help or contact pages without being a "registered user". Gotta love TimeWarnerAOL or whatever the heck they are called now.

Don't sweat it, Wil. "Teen Actor grows up to be talented, entertaining person" doesn't sell, especially not to the readers of Entertainment Weekly.

Thanks Tom, I will write them a nice little letter at that address.

"to: letters@ew.com

I was very disappointed to read the blurb in your magazine regarding Wil Wheaton's "Just a Geek." The reviewer obviously did not read the entire book or chose to ignore all but the first chapter. Mr. Wheaton's book delves not only into the loss of fame, but about growing experiences that everyone has, about unconventional families, about coming to peace with your life and the path it has taken. I would highly suggest that your magazine assign someone to actually read this wonderful story and give it a proper review.

Sincerely,
Tom O'Brien
Amherst, MA"

Looosers!!! I hate entertainment "news." think about it this way. if the most important thing we as americans have to worry about is, "star A broke up with star b!" then we have some serous issues. Wil, dont listen to those idiots. just wait until some time in the future when you star in some movie next to brad pitt. then they will love you. i dont think your book was whiney at all. i thought it was honest, funny, and... uhh.. i dont know something else good.

I freely admit to having a subscription to EW.

Over the past year I've noticed a distinct down turn in the quality of the mag and was considering not renewing my subscription.

Reading this just put the nail in that coffin.

EW will not be receiving anymore of my money and if I get a phone call asking why I'm not renewing I'll tell them why.

Don't let it bother you Wil. Easier said than done but in the long run you know the truth as do many of your readers.

Wow... I guess it only continues to show that what they consider entertainment must have that "edgy" feel (sorry, I read JAG and that still sticks out to me). So the only way to make the book announcement edgy was to misrepresent it. I used to think that EW was the more journalistic of mags... now I see it as nothing more than the others with titles like "Elvis' spleen found in Genesis Spacecraft". Just another junk mag.

Since we are posting letters, here's mine:

To the staff at EW,

You were very irresponsible and unfair in printing your "blurb" on Wil Wheaton's new book. Wil is a decent guy who is brave enough to express his feelings and share his stories in a public forum. He is a good actor and is working toward becoming a great writer. There is a big difference between an honest negative review and a nasty personal dig at someone. Your "blurb" clearly represents the latter and shows that you did not even read the whole book. I used to love your magazine, but have grown less and less impressed over the years. I will not be renewing my subscription and will tell my friends not to
buy your magazine.

S. Turner
Ottawa, Canada

You and I both know you are not to read your own press. The worst thing that could happen is if you actually start to believe, or to put any energy into even thinking about what has been written about you. Did they spell your name right? Did they mention the title of the book? If yes, then yeah! Please, promise me you will never waste another moment even pondering that kind of B.S. The press is there for just one reason and one reason only... to serve themselves. They obviously though that bashing on you would be more interesting to their readers than an honest review. Wil, it's the weekly. Who gives a fuck? Let's keep things in perspective. I know you have actually had GOOD experiences with the media lately. Count your lucky stars they are even writing about you at all. Right? If I am way off base, you may give me a genital cuffing. But my opinion is... live your life, enjoy your friends and family, do what you have a passion for, and stop reading tripe like that. Would you have read that particular mag if you were not given mention. No. So don't let it ruin your day. Or week. There will be someone else to bag on next week. Remember, this is one person's opinion, and if that's the way they feel, then maybe you'll have a bunch of people jump to your defense. I always want to see a movie that has been dogged in the reviews. If a film gets too much good press, it disinterests me. I guess I will always root for the underdog. You are not, however. You are a survivor, a success, and a great guy. Keep up the good work. We'll all be watching.

-KC

It looks to me like one of the "I hate Wesley Crusher" types who can't tell the difference between the actor and the part. Like the blue haired old ladies who meet soap stars and call them by the character name.

He might as well have written "fills 260 pages endlessly lamenting, "I used to be on a spaceship when I was a kid."

Pardon my French, but what an asshole!

Not that it's anyway near the same scale and 'prestige' but the editor of my University's magazine gave it a great review (with a little coaxing from me of course!)

EW is filled with morons who don't have opinions of their own. This is seen constantly as they pan a movie, only to later revise their opinions later if something catches in the maw of pop culture they pander to.

This mag has been arriving in my mailbox every week for several years now. I don't know how it's renewing. I should look into that...

It's obvious to me that the person who wrote that is smoking crack. I just made that ass-umption based on his small paragraph. I might have tried to flesh out my analysis a little more, but seeing as he didn't really read your book, and made a little ass-umption of his own, he deserves nothing more.

Maybe you didn't tip that writer well when he was a putz waiter at Chez Nowhere??? Or did you dump one of their interns after a date or something?

I wouldn't sweat it. Most readers can tell when a magazine has a vendetta for a movie star They do the same thing to that Samantha the Teenage Witch girl. Or they post "cellulite" on Tori Spelling. (um, can you say photoshop)

*whispers ... jealous*

I hate reviewers for these magazines. Hack is the perfect word for them. They NEVER like anything I like, and they suck up to the same stars in movie reviews. I think they like to get their names listed on movie posters or something. I always want to call them up and yell, "IT'S SOOOOO NOT ABOUT YOU!!"

Anyway, cheers to you WW.

Screw 'em, Wil. I was so happy the day your book arrived, I hopped into bed and stayed there all day to read it cover to cover. And LOVED it! Now the spousal critter is reading it, and he's digging it, too. EW is nothing worth bothering with.

Hey Wil,

Don't let the assholes get you down. It's not like EW is a reputable mag to begin with. Go kiss your wife and feel better.

Hugs,
Val

Man, that's crap. Find one of their e-mails so we can all express our disgust...

P.S.
Just ponder on this for a minute: the initials of entertainment weakly...EW. This may appear childishly obvious but the connotations of 'eewwwww!' puts a little smile on my face, someone obviously didn't think that one through

Screw them. Keep up the good work. And, who cares what they think?

Dude, give it up. It's clear you're just not as cool as Britn- uh, Christin- um, Jessic-

HEY! Which no-talent sex bomb are we pimping this week as the second coming? Uh huh? Really?

Like I was saying, not as cool as Hillary Duff.

Sincerely,

Entertainment Weekly

It's time to start insisting on seeing copy first. I've never gotten the impression from reading your blog that you were one of *those* child actors. You have an obvious fondness for it. Who wouldn't. I mean how cool is it to be part of the Roddenberry empire? And it *is* Entertainment Weekly. Isn't that a tabloid rag?

Hey, Wil, you and I know that you actually CUT OUT a lot of, um, bemoaning your fate that used to be there. It's a stronger book for it. That EW guy probably put off reading the book until an hour before his deadline, and didn't have time to do more than read the first chapter and skim the rest . . . and I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt there.

The shame is that the magazine is often entertaining, but I'll never subscribe because of crap like this. (No matter how many times the nice people at Suncoast try to offer me four free issues.) Keith's right -- this reviewer probably hasn't been laid in a decade and is taking it out on you.

I will buy your book. Don't let that supermarket tabloid get you down.

It's probably some of those crazy leftover Wesley haters. (Always reminds me of the alt.wesley.die.die.die card.) Like somebody else said - never read your own press. Screw 'em!

Wil, Entertainment Weekly is a pitiful excuse for a magazine. I let my subscription lapse ages ago, and I haven't missed it a whit. Don't waste your time and energy on these hacks.

Dude,

I'm sure not all the "I HATE YOU WESLEY CRUSHER!" crowd only live in their moms' basements and attend ST cons. I'm sure some of 'em even write for magazines.

Don't take it too hard. The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about...or something.

It's obvious he didn't read the book all the way through, or if he did he chose to misrepresent it intentionally. RTFB!

You wait. At some point in your career, for some successful project you will be working on, EW will request an interview with you and kiss your ass to get it. You have until then to prepare your highly amusing response.

I haven't got the book yet (the book store is out they had to order more) but I am looking forward to.
I use to love Entertainment Weekly
but it is getting a little out there.

Hopefully one day I will get to start my own magazine and do the artists and actors justice.
If you will let me I will make your next book a main story....
Keep writing!!!

Oh, that is fucked up.

Yeah, the media people can be cruel. I do read Entertainment Weekly occasionally, though admittedly, I never read anything about your Web site. I don't always agree with the journalists, either (especially David Browne, who gave Christina Aguilera's Spanish-language album a C).

When someone doesn't like a certain person or Web site or book or whatever, it's usually because they don't understand the person/Web site/book. People don't like what they can't understand. That's how my dad explained it to me once.

It sucks, but unfortunately, that's the way it is in this crazy, mixed-up world of ours. I had to learn that the hard way back in high school.

Don't worry... I know one journalist (actually, a future journalist) who likes your Web site and your movies and would probably like your book if she read it (which she will, that's a promise): me!

And you also have millions of people who support you, so who cares what the media people think? You know what I'm saying? Don't worry about it- we got your back.

-Vanessa Nichole

Wil,

EW is just a rag that reliies on photos for eye candy to make up for their total lack of content. I got it for free the first year it was out, as a trial thing, and didn't find it useful enough to renew.

I mean, it isn't even absorbant like newspaper, so it's no use for lining my catbox.

Man. EW isn't a magazine. It's a tabloid POS. Just remember that that hack is working for EW and you're working for yourself. The fact that the EW rag has any public influence whatesoever sickens me. Blurg. This is why I never want to be in the public eye... i'd be too hellbent on revenge for stuff like this. I'd have that guys info in a matter of minutes, and make it my mission to scar his name... without it being tracable to me of course.

Bah. Who needs EW anyhow.

Entertainment Weekly started sending me their magazine out of the blue and then charged my credit card even though I never signed up for it in the first place. Now I hate them even more!

I agree with Keith in that press is press, and at least your name is out there in this fluffy magazine that may reach an audience that was previously unaware of your writing. :) I'm willing to bet that most people unaware of the book will think -"Wil Wheaton? I remember him! He has a book? Neat!" and go look you up on the internet, and after reading your very engaging blog, go out and buy a copy despite what the "journalist" wrote.

If anyone is actually put off from buying the book by the little blurb, (and/or actually bases their reading choices off of EW), then they probably wouldn't have liked it anyways. :)

That guy is still an asshat though. I get EW for some reason (it just started showing up one day) and after reading a copy I just assumed that it was a half-truth filled tabloid like the Enquirer, but with glossier paper. I would be horrified to learn that anyone actually believes what's printed in it.

Hey Wil,
I know it hurts. The old saying "sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me" is totally untrue. However, I hope you also know this: all of us are hurting with you and we want to help alleviate the pain. I just want you to remember some of the good that's come out of JAG, WWDN, and DB. I distinctly remember you putting up a post about someone daughter who was undergoing surgery. Even though none of us knew the guy, we all sent mojo his way and his daughter was fine. I also think of the two marathons you've done. I have a sneaking suspicion that you've positively influenced more people than you realize. I hope this and the other comments help make your day. Now go and spend it with that awsome family of yours!

Know what ... last time EW got ANYTHING right in a review was half past never. I read ... a lot ... it is my passion. Know what? I have read wonderful books their reviewers hated and HORRIBLE books they cooed over. Someone got their journalism degree from the back of a cereal box. I got mine at a great school with standards ... wait ... that would be why I don't actually work in the media. Sorry, I forgot. Screwed again by morals!

Don't take it personally. Mom always tells me opinions are like assholes - and usually spouted by them. Have a great weekend and remember - the people who read your book have a higher IQ than the people who read EW.

Wil,

Sympathies, bro.

The press sure can be cruel.

In a Mother Jones article about Cyberthon (a 24 hour art/geekfest around online/vr stuff), where the author/editor described me as "conformed to the stereotype of a hacker; paunchy, unkempt, with pocked-marked skin..." What that description was meant to imply about the event is still beyond me.

I'm sure you've had much worse.

Randy
[First time poster, long time reader. :-)]

that's why i haven't read ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY for years...it's a shallow, hateful, house organ for the pap of hollywood...i know it hurts...but if you're gonna get panned...it's better to get panned in a piece of shit rag like ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY...i guess they consider going out of their way to hurt someone entertaining...i consider it to be a lame expression of the intellectual void that the magazine springs from.

Definately shoulda went with your gut instinct on that one Wil. They burned you before and they will continue to do so as long as you keep letting them. Fsck 'em I say. That's one little rediculous piece of crap blurb out of how many reviews? Don't sweat it. YOU know what your book is all about, and so do at least 50,000 monkeys scattered all over the world.

And one question I have for you, is why do you insist on calling yourself a "former" celebrity? Okay, so you don't do as much acting now as you used to. But hey, you are an INTERNET CELEBRITY. So you don't spend much of your life in front of the camera, sucking up to lameass producers just to be lucky if you get five seconds of dialogue in 10 seconds of frame...so what? You are still well known, probably more popular in many ways than anyone else that was on Trek, and I would be pretty damned honored to have you over for a cold Guiness and a major Geek-out session over computers and technology! =D To hell with that advert-bloated lameass Hollywood suck-up piece of crap waste of paper that calls itself Entertainment Weekly and all those schmucks out there employed by it.

I haven't read your book, but most definitely will. Don't let it get you down, you are better than that. And just remember, if EW comes a callin' again, tell them to go fuck themselves.

I should add that I just recently finished Just a Geek, and I found it to be the best work of nonfiction I've read in a long while. That self-serving review in EW showed that the review didn't read the book. There's so much more to JaG than just that. Yes, it's a theme, and a central conflict you had with yourself, but it was so much more, it was your story, the story of "one of us".

I wouldn't expect a mainstream Hollywood publication to "get" anything in geek culture anyway. Which is sad and funny, because we're the ones with the buying power these days in the entertainment world.

Just look at the biggest movie money makers out there... all geek franchise material, between science fiction, fantasy, and comic books all dominating the big screen.

Panning your book just shows how uncool and out of touch EW really is. Like anyone really cares about J-Lo's latest "real life" soap opera or any of that other crap.

You rock, Wil, and I think even a bad review will just get the word out to get people to check out your site and see you as a real human being who can really lay it all out on the table.

Take care,

Chris

Hi Mr. Wheaton!

First of all, don't take it too bad. As someone who is a writer (of source code, of fictitious stories, essays and technical documentation), I can tell that usually thoughtful criticism that one receives from people one is close to and made a bond with, hurts much less bad than criticism (especially somewhat irrational, but not entirely) of people who are less close or even complete strangers. The important thing to realize is that it doesn't matter in the long run, as you don't care too much about these people to begin with. While I haven't read the book yet, I'm sure that you'll receive a good amount of recognition for it, if it is indeed of good quality.

The largest public deprecation I've experienced can be found here:

http://discuss.fogcreek.com/joelonsoftware/default.asp?cmd=show&ixPost=110136&ixReplies=71

I made the original post, and you can read some pretty mean flames by other people there. I was shocked for quite a long time as a result, but I suppose I'll now try to keep such personal ramblings off forums like that.

I really enjoy your site and your blog, BTW.

Stay cool,

Shlomi Fish

Aw crap, only "Entertainment Weekly" was supposed to be in Italics, but now the whole freakin' paragraph is in Italics. Does anyone know how to write just one word in Italics? (You guys probably think I have an I.Q. of 3 now LOL.)

Okay, this is my last post for the week. Wil, once again, you're the best, and we're all behind you. Ciao!

-Vanessa Nichole

I read "Entertainment Weekly" for the info about what's in production, what's new, etc., but completely avoid the reviews which, mercifully, tend to be shoved towards the back. Their reviews are always sensationalistic and oversimplistic, and it's no new thing for their reviewers to get facts wrong. It's annoying that they would trash your book like that, but I think most of EW's readers take their reviews with a big ol' grain of salt. So at least there's that.

Four things are apparent from this douche-bag's comment.
1. He (it is definitely a he) loves his precious commas so much...my preeeeciousssss.
2. He is a "Wesley(tm) is a dork and I don't like him, therefore, it is obvious that Wil is a tool like his character" Neanderthal.
3. This person has never read more than 10 pages of a book before.
4. They were so desperate for "Whiner of the Week", and since no one would recognize the author's name they had to result to digging up an easy target (most hated character by virgin fanboys of all time).

Keep your head up Wil, no-name shit-cock here has never created anything more impressive than a 2 line, 100-comma sentence before. Besides, you have all of your monkeys, and we could all rock this dudes Kasbah if you asked us to!

People who read EW do not have the thoughtful intelligence to read JAG.

Well, at least they're talking about you.

I spit on entertainment weekly. Actually, I don't think I've ever read that pulp. And perhaps now I never will.

Dude, I seriously hope that they've made your 'Go to hell and fscking die' list in terms of giving interviews/permission to do anything related do you.

Hi Mr. Wheaton!

First of all, don't take it too bad. As someone who is a writer (of source code, of fictitious stories, essays and technical documentation), I can tell that usually thoughtful criticism that one receives from people one is close to and made a bond with, hurts much less bad than criticism (especially somewhat irrational, but not entirely) of people who are less close or even complete strangers. The important thing to realize is that it doesn't matter in the long run, as you don't care too much about these people to begin with. While I haven't read the book yet, I'm sure that you'll receive a good amount of recognition for it, if it is indeed of good quality.

The largest public deprecation I've experienced can be found here:

http://discuss.fogcreek.com/joelonsoftware/default.asp?cmd=show&ixPost=110136&ixReplies=71

I made the original post, and you can read some pretty mean flames by other people there. I was shocked for quite a long time as a result, but I suppose I'll now try to keep such personal ramblings off forums like that.

I really enjoy your site and your blog, BTW.

Stay cool,

Shlomi Fish

I suspect weekly is going to be getting a piece of alot of people's minds very soon.

It's all been said Wil, you know that B.S. like that only makes them look bad.

Screw them!

Luckily, the majority of EW readers don't read it for book reviews. I think the net effect of this stupid little blurb is going to be nil.

I've been a subscriber to Entertainment Weekly for years (about as along as they've been in print), and aside from them being Buffy and Amazing Race fans, I have to say that I disagree with them on most of their opinions.

I think I feel a letter to the editor coming on....who's with me?

Don't sweat it Wil.

EW is a sensationalist magazine. What the critique is attacking isn't your book, writing style or the way you opine but your intended audience. EW needs to relate to it's audience, to emulate their taste. JAG obviously got hot enough to be noticed and could not be ignored but EW doesn't feel it's something their readers would enjoy or understand. So they put it down without reading more than a shred of it.

I'm no expert but I'd bet it's something that happens very often.

It's terrible journalism but I think few would disagree that most magazines, especially about the entertainment industry, have nothing to do with journalism or information.

Nat out.

Here's a scan of the actual thing.

Fuckers.

I mean... geez. A guy can't even write an honest book anymore without someone trying to act like some of the stupid fuckheads you have written about.

I recently discovered that reading fashion/gossip/celebrity magazines was only making me feel out of style, out of touch, out of money, and out of the loop - thus I cancelled all but geeky, science mags like National Geographic and Smithsonian. (OK, I still get Vanity Fair but only because they are so gleefully anti-Bush in a time when most media outlets repudiate the public's notion of a liberal press by compensating too far to the right.) So, nyah nyah nyah nyah, I'm out of that horrid cycle! You should all come join me because it's really nice to be reading things which don't make me feel like I'm worthless without a man and 10 pounds too heavy. This reminds me how lucky I am to have rid myself of this social obsession. How "ew" passes itself off as morally superior to Star and Nat'l Enquirer is beyond me.

I will write and complain to EW as well, because it is simply bad journalism to write an uninformed review. But you should also keep in mind that Entertainment Weekly has turned into a rag like Star and National Enquirer anyway. Who in their right mind would go to Entertainment Weekly for a review of the next book to read? Until the New York Times gives you a bad review, ignore the uninformed and ignorant.

i'm glad i let my subscription run out this past summer.... it would have been a sad day to actually get that in my mailbox.

my letter to EW letters@ew.com, is away.

keep on truckin, wil,
and more poker stories, damnit!

-dr.nik-
sponng.com

I just wrote EW. This is the sad state of journalism and her decline. A "journalist" reported the other day about a herd of sharks. A HERD! It's a shiver or a school of sharks not a farking HERD. I know that is nothing compared to this slip-shod attitude towards Wil's book, but it starts small and grows to what we saw here with the "journalist" only skimming and not reading the entire book. If Wil is whining, WHINE ON WIL. (which he is clearly not but......damn EW.)

The EW comments are not even worth your time. Anyone that would put stock in a review of a book out of that rag is not someone who would understand the development of a story anyway. What a bunch of clowns.

That sucks, man. I wouldn't use an EW to wipe myself anyway. haha.

Check out my website if you're lookin for some free music from a fellow geek.

Wil,
That's terrible! You don't deserve to have things like that said about you. I can't stand the way "journalists" are acting these days. I hope you get the apology you're owed.

Just invite them to invoke the Cheney Doctrine, Wil. I thought it was a great book. C'mon out Chicago way and I'll happily wait in line to have you sign it for me.

Entertainment Weekly is a rag that I stopped taking seriously in the early '90s. Their "reviews" and articles belie an adherance to some sort of agenda. My guess is that they are shilling for their corporate masters and that anything not produced by said corporations either gets a few stars less than it otherwise might or it doesn't get covered at all.

Bastards.

So some Britney-listening, J-Lo worshiping, flavor-of-the-minute-chasing, fourth rate hack didn't like the book eh? Just remember Wil, he's only mad 'cause there weren't any pictures to color...

*Angry-crappy-EWww-hack: "Oh no, not #$%^ words, now I have to try READING again!"*

Holy $h!7 that makes me mad ;o).

I bought your book a few weeks ago. I read it. I really enjoyed it. It helped put some of my own puzzle peices together.

I'm sure that a good review, or at least a favourable comment about it would see JAG in its next printing ... but honestly. Anyone who could say such a thing about someones honest self-expression is a fecking tr0ll.

I'm sure you'll get a ton of support from your fans not to take this personally. I can only offer my praise and this quote ...

"I will eviscerate you in fiction, every pimple, every character flaw. I was naked for a day. You will be naked for eternity."

-Geoffery Chaucer, A Knight's Tale

All the best to you!
m

Because they hosed me on a subscription problem, I no longer subscribe or even read the magazine. But if I did subscribe, I would cancel it on your behalf.

Buncha doofuses.

Oh, forgot to say this, Wil. If this is in the issue with the Fall TV Preview and if it's any consolation to you, that issue is so poorly laid out, that I am having a hard time getting through it. Not to mention that I never even saw this blurb. I am going to have to go down and open it again to check if it's there.

For whatever it's worth, most folks probably won't even find it!

And I just sent off my letter to the editor in between these two posts!

That POS EW is getting a piece of my mind. That's just horrible.

Please don't let your manager talk you into believing any crap from that "magazine" ever again.

I gave my Mom a copy of JAG, by the way. She's really been looking forward to reading it, having enjoyed DB muchly.

Don't let the turkeys get you down... they're not worth it.

But thanks for letting us know that EW is a bunch of lying inconsiderate sensationalist braying judgemental turds. I'll remember that in future.

Hmf. Jerks. I just finished reading it, maybe I should write them a correction. :P

That's awful. I'm sorry. I think you should write them an editorial letter and tell them to f... off. (Sorry, you should probably put it in better language than that. I'm just in a not-so-good mood right now, so reading something like this validates my feelings.)

For the record, I'm in the midst of reading Just A Geek and I think it's great. Normally I'd speed read through a book like this, but I want to remember everything I've read once I'm done so I'm purposefully taking my time. Thank you for being so honest.

And on second thought, I think I'll write them a letter myself, as a FORMER Entertainment Weekly subscriber.

Nicole

That really does bite Wil! I stumbled across your Blog a few months ago and have been checking in every now and again to see what you are up to. I have not read your book but I am sure that there is a good reason for mentioning your past in order to build the story upon. Anyway, my wife and I are big fans and still catch TNG whenever possible. You should be proud of what you have accomplished! Those bone heads @ Entertainment Weekly need to get their heads outta the !@#$%'s (you know what I mean) Don't let this get you down and keep on Bloggin', I think you have your shit together!

f**k them! Those little bits are always stupid. I've stopped reading it.

Hmm... Well, there's the precedent of Elton John, Wil: in the '80's the editor of the SUN hated him and printed a huge spate of nasty articles, ending with a lawsuit and public apology. But alas, the only libel law I know of is British. Does EW publish over here?

One of the many reasons why I cancelled my EW (how appropriate) subscription years ago. Their idea of a "review" is to whine and bitch about 10% of the book/movie/etc. being reviewed and ignoring the rest.

Morons.

Hey Wil. My mother has worked for numerous magazines and tells me horrible stories of how the staff purposely uses quotes out of context to make a person look bad. Don't take it personally! It's done just to make their writing seem more interesting. And besides, I happen to think your book is incredible.

I'm glad that I've never paid a cent to EW. Those that have actually read your book love it. The lessons you've learned and written about on your site and in your books tell you exactly what to do. Forget about their worthless commentary and have fun with your friends and family this weekend. Rest assured that anyone who has read any of your work knows the real truth.

Journalists in general suck. I've been misrepresented countless times by tech journalists, and I can only imagine that to be an entertainment journalist's target is far worse.

Perhaps it's that you have escaped from the eye of EW, and likewise, from their power. It is true you used to be an actor when you were a kid. Then you grew up. You no longer have a career that a spiteful EW reporter can make or break with some yellow blurbs.

You're beyond their reach, and that angers them. You shouldn't let it hurt. They write for EW because they can't write for anything else, and nor can they act, and this leads to bitterness.

I think we should bombard them with letters to the editor...I know mine is on its way

Sorry. You definitely don't deserve that. The book was good. I've already written them a little note. I'm kind of hurt too. Like I've got bad taste? Not with books my friend. Maybe purses, but not with books.

Morons.

As long as we're sending notes to EW, can we conspire on something else too? Anyone on the east coast want to conspire to get a book signing/visit this way?

Big hug from the east coast.

Morons.

Just for that, I'm going to walk right down the street and buy Just a Geek right now.

We heart you, Wil!

So, let me get this straight, because it's kind of funny if you think about it, Wil writes a book, in which he does do a bit whining to be sure, gets tagged "whiner of the week" and then creates a blog entry whining about it?

C'mon! Am I the only one that sees the humor in this? If I didn't know better, I would think Wil made this entry to be funny.

in case anyone missed the address above...(i did) write complaints to letters@ew.com

Evendtally the people a Entertaiment Weekly don't know a nice guy when the have one. Because you were a child actor and didn't have a complete melt down the tend to ditch you. Unless you go out and have a complete melt down the will always be harsh to you which is their problem not all Child Stars Screw up their lives. But they will only give postive reviews when you have Screwed up your life. So Next time they want to help you or give you a review just blow them off!!

After reading this and the EWwww comments. I am gonna do the responsible thing and buy your books and read them for myself.

I enjoy your blogs and look forward to reading your book tomorrow morning.

Okay, I'm certainly not the first to comment, and this may have previously come up (not a big fan of reading all that), but what that assclown wrote seems to be pushing the wonderful world of libel. Seriously, talk to a lawyer. Break out the big guns.

My letter to EW:

"Try reading a whole book before you've developed an opinion about it. If you had done so with Wil Wheaton's Just A Geek, you would have found it to be a honest, witty and heartfelt read. Instead, you based your review on, what, the first chapter?

Shame on you, EW.

Gale G.
Central California"

Wil, I know it hurts, but just remember that they're a bunch of tabliod hacks. I've read your book cover-to-cover and I think it's brilliant. :)

I don't care what they say, I can't wait to read it!

This is pretty low, but what can you expect? To call anyone writing for Entertainment Weekly a journalist is a stretch. Maybe the reporter did write a nice announcement but the editor "spiced it up" knowing that a cruel joke at your expense would go over well with the typical EW reader. Anyway, EW is what it is and there's not much anyone can do about it. Take consolation in the thought that there is a special place reserved for the editor and reporter in the eighth circle. :-)

Don't read EW... and looks like this is just another reason to continue that trend :)

wil, Those guys are idiots as usual. Truth is hardly (if ever) represented. I read your book and loved it.

Entertainment Weekly,

The reviewer of Wil Wheaton's "Just a Geek" either did not read the entire book or chose to ignore everything except the first chapter. The book is about more than just the loss of fame it is about growing up, making a family and learning to love your life.

That doesn't mean Wheaton's book is good -- just that it is not as narrowly focused as your review would lead a reader to believe.

-- Austin Mayor

EW? Isn't that the magazine that they practically beg me to take a free subscription of every time I go to Best Buy? Seriously, we're talking "Stuff Magazine" level journalism quality here.

So does this mean that Rick Berman is working for Entertainment Weekly now?? BERMAN YOU BASTARD!!!!!!

Seriously that is way uncool Wil.. I guess people will do anything to help their bottom line which is selling books.. It's sad they have to hurt an individual to do that.

Jason

So does this mean that Rick Berman is working for Entertainment Weekly now?? BERMAN YOU BASTARD!!!!!!

Seriously that is way uncool Wil.. I guess people will do anything to help their bottom line which is selling books.. It's sad they have to hurt an individual to do that.

Jason

Someone wrote that they actually subscribe to EW and that they've noticed a downturn in its quality...

I'm sorry but EW magazine has been crappy as hell for years... decades even. I had a subscription way back in '87 or so and it sucked balls then and from the looks of it things haven't changed.

I wouldn't mind EW or its pathetic little writer with the snarky remark Wil. In fact, were I in your place, I might find it to be an off-hand compliment.

So-called celebrity mags like EW *ONLY* report on those people who are in some spotlight and getting noticed for it. I guess you must be getting noticed if EW found the time to rag on you.

These "people" who write stuff like this are the real sad ones. I don't know that it's any particular vendetta but just a jealousy that comes from someone who holds a job not much different than a tabloid writer. They get no respect and they envy that you, Mr. Wheaton ...do.

So, like is often the case with those who envy... they seek to tear down others who they see as being better than them. 'Why the hell does HE deserve a book deal with O'Reilly he was just some punk kid off TNG?' they'll say and so they spew forth such venom and it goes to print.

So much for journalistic integrity but then it's wrong imo to even consider such people journalists... they are not. More like bottom-feeders who will never make more of their lives or careers than they already have.

You present a prime source for them to envy simply because you didn't fall into the child actor trap that has taken down so many others. You survived and not only that you have thrived *AND* gosh darnit people like you. I'm sure it just confounds the hell out of many who would look down their nose at you because to them... it just should not be. You just should not be... the success that you are.

I know it may not help to say not to think of it ...no one likes getting that type of crap thrown at them, I know. While it may be biased (heh and it is) you're an awesome dude! Former TNG alum/present day author or even if those things didn't exist... the person you are still remains.

I think that's what gets thru to people... not just the celebrity or the once celebrity but the man. The "every" man as I've heard you refer to yourself that some of most everyone can connect with. That's what matters.

This sort EW crap will come and it will go but what you've done here and what you continue to do will live on for years to come. I hope you don't forget that Wil... not even for a moment:)

~James Chicago (tho some people call me Ravdoss ;)

Stop listening to critics, both positive and negative, and look at the sales. That tells its own story.

Please don't get discouraged. You're very big inspiration to me.

"Dear Sirs:

I am writing in regards to your recent "Whiner of the Week" on page 83, Wil Wheaton.

I found the "blurb", as it is too short to merit the title of "article" to be uninformed and deliberately cruel. It is obvious after reading that the author did not bother to actually read the book that inspired this tid-bit of vitriol.

I, however, have read both of Mr. Wheaton's books cover to cover. While he discussed his departure from the "Star Trek" franchise, it was not the full scope of either book. Instead, Wil has matured into another Gen-Xer - we who find ourselves at, or approaching 30 and dealing with the life changes that result. I found neither of his works narcissistic or whining. Instead, I saw a sense of poignancy, of regret, of worry, fear... all issues that my generation now has to deal with.

Instead, I saw the blurb as a malicious assault by someone who did not even have the bravery to include his/her name with the attack. Shame on them for writing something without bothering to research it first and shame on you for printing it."

Also, Wil.... I'm adding my review from Amazon for DB.. some "good vibes" to offset the nasty ones.

"I found out about this book, Dancing Barefoot, and the next book, Just a Geek, from Wil's website, which I found surfing one day. After cruising through the blogs on the site, I was instantly hooked. I joined his forum almost immediately (hence the Monkey in the title... *waves* Hi Guys!!!) and was pulled into that as quickly as the books. The fans that surround him are as funny, as open, as "real" as the man himself.

Wil's writing is engaging (yes, I know, bad pun), witty, honest, and at times, bitterly poignant. Though it's hard to relate to the life of an actor and the ups and downs that go with it, Wil found a way to draw people in to his life and to explain those pains, pangs and associated temporary joys in such a way that I ended up spending most of my time nodding and muttering, "been there, Wil, I know that feeling".

I found myself sucked into the stories - weeping with him over Aunt Val, watching the kids play in the front yard and stepping into the Time Warp of youth, sitting at a booth in the surreal surroundings of Vegas and even more surreal moments known as a Star Trek Con. In a way, it became less a book and more a conversation with someone I grew up with, a mirror to look at my own life in a different perspective.

The stories aren't about anything *that* exciting, and you won't hear a lot of great "on set" gossip from the TNG days, but they are a peek into what it's like to be a Gen Xer - stuck between childhood and adult responsibility, watching our beloved relatives pass, our children grow up, worrying about bills and relationships, looking back at what we've accomplished (or not accomplished), the self-doubt, and finally, that settling in to realize that we actually *like* the person that's looking back from the mirror.

Granted, a lot, if not all of the material can be found on the website if you look hard enough, but it's cool to have it in a bound form. I was willing to pay the $$ just for that. (The drawings were fun too!)

It's a fast read. I think I sat down and finished DB in about an hour. I couldn't put it down.

Say what you will about Wes Crusher, but this Wil Wheaton kid can WRITE!

Wil,

It's funny, I was just thinking how nice it must be to have so many people who care about you and really respect you as a person before I pulled up your website today. I don't understand why anyone or any magazine would have such a vendetta against you. What you're trying to do is make the world a better place by sharing your experiences and beliefs. I know I'm just one voice of many people who really respect you. But that's the point, there are tons of people in the WWdN posey that will defend you and your actions/opinions. So I know it hurts when people are disrespectful and ignorant, but let them validate their pathetic lives by picking on others. We're smart enough to form our own opinions of you and your work.

That person wholly sucks. What a shmuck.

I agree with kathryn; if you could get a copy faxed over of what would be printed, or even record any conversation where you give permission for a mention/review, before it gets out, then if the bastard publication tries to be shady you can whip out the dated fax/tape and wave it at the editor, a lawyer, or even at another publication (like a EW competitor who might get a kick out of doing a blurb on how evil and stupid EW is.)

I know it's a lofty plan, doomed to failure in such a fast-talking industry as the US media, but an idealist can dream...

I loved your book, and giggled out loud, often. It was very well written, and I finished almost all of it in one go.

btw I found your blog link on Margaret Cho's site, and that made both of you a lot cooler :]

Why am I not surprised? EW has got to be one of the most moronic industry mags ever. If anything, the blurb makes me more likely to get your book, because their track record regarding civility and journalistic responsibility is abhorrent! I'm still blown away by the fact that they still think the Emmerich and Devlin Godzilla film was superior to its Japanese forebares.
Don't worry, true literates are your fans!

It really burns me up when people review books without reading them. It's not just Entertainment Weekly either. I have a sinking suspicion that Tim Russert doesn't read anyone's book past page 35.

Wil
That infuriates me.
letters@ew.com
Get writing people!
Ryan

Wil that totally sucks hard! But it is Entertainment Weekly, I have a low opinion of that rag anyway. I work for a small newspaper in Claremont, California and we'd love to do an interview with you about your book. If you're interested email me at knox_velour@yahoo.com

Hey, Wil, if it makes you feel any better, I signed up for a free six-week subscription to EW a year and a half ago, and I'm still getting the mag and I still haven't been charged.

Wow Wil, that really sucks. I'm sorry to hear that it's so hard to break into the mainstream. On the plus side, I think I can speak for all of your faithful that we're behind you 110%, and we're spreading the word 'o mouth like wildfire. I actually just opened up my box from Amazon with your crisp, shiny, and new book in it. It looks great, and I can't wait to dive in.

Scott

PS the only reason I didn't order it sooner is that I was expecting one of my friends to pick up on my many unsubtle hints and give it to me for my birthday last month. Oh well, time to rent that billboard for next year.

You rock Wil Wheaton! Don't listen to pathic comments that aim to enflame!

EW is a rag. I unfortunately became reacquainted with this fact as I was sitting in the waiting room of my doctor's office and that's all I could find to read. It's the journalistic equivalent of Ladies Home Journal for people who can't pry themselves away from E! True Hollywood Stories and the latest "I Love The Last 5 Minutes" series on VH1.

I'd love to say, "Don't let it get you down," but that would be stupid. When you work on something really hard, like a book and more specifically a book about your life and all the gooey, emotional details, it hurts when people criticize it so dismissively. I'm not talking about constructive criticism that helps your career, but the nasty, ugly criticism that you can only find in the entertainment world - as those of us, such as me an thee, who live up around Hollyweird-way know all too well.

Whomever wrote that blurb about you and your book writes for a sad little screed, has wet dreams about the series premier of "Joey!" and is possibly envious that you're an actual, published author. You're also Wil Fucking Wheaton, teen heartthrob. So forget the assclowns, sweetie, and forge on ahead! You know we’ll always love you no matter what. :)

As someone who's read your blog and admired your work for a while now (but haven't commented until now), I want to add my voice to the rest of us who offer words of support. There will always be those out there ready to put you down - some might feel this makes "entertaining" copy - but they are a minority, even if vocal. You should be proud of yourself. We all are.

Sad gits. Their loss.

What a bunch of wankers - it's pretty damn clear they didn't read the book. Well, my wife and I were debating whether to renew our EW subscription (which we had gotten for free for a year). I had been planning to renew, but if they can't be bothered to read the books they're reviewing, I can hardly be bothered to subscribe to their magazine.

Just for the record, Wil, I was actually quite impressed with the book - I wasn't even a heavy reader of the site, but just picked it up out of curiosity at the Tattered Cover while on vacation. I thought it was remarkably heartfelt, well written, and human.

(And I'm not just saying that because I've had a soft spot for you ever since you gave an interview after "Stand By Me" revealing that you used Red Vines as straws in your soda when going to movies as I did, making me feel instantly cool as a teen. :) )

Anyway, screw 'em. A bunch of mindless jerks who will be up against the wall when the revolution comes.

--D

Wil,
I've been reading your blog for the past year, but this is the first time I've posted a message.
I sure hope that you aren't going to let one person's lame opinion ruin even a minute of your day. You can't really care what they say...can you? I'd be surprised if the Wil Wheaton who's words I read on this site would really take to heart something as petty and lame as that.
Here's my letter to the magazine.
"Entertainment Weekly,
I've read Wil Wheaton's book Just a Geek and found it to be a very sweet story about growing up and finding yourself. Not only does he not whine about his acting career through the whole book, he talks about other things besides Hollywood.
Your reviewer either failed to grasp the entire point of the book or he didn't read it at all. I think Wil has only scratched the surface of his writing talent and will one day create something that will have your magazine singing his praises."

You put yourself out there everyday by letting people share in your life. You DO have talent and you are going to keep doing great things with it. And where will that reviewer be? Still in his cubicle writing garbage about things he knows nothing about.

Fuck em all at EW. That tripe isn't even worth your time.

Magazines like ET are basically ass-wipe, so don't worry about it. Your audience seldom reads that sort of publication, let alone take it seriously.

I'm not in possession of JAG yet but I do have DB. Loved it. Even though I've been here and read the reviews DB was so much more than I expected. VERY pleasant.

And I am curious. Why put any stock into the ramblings of a magazine whose intials are the sound of something that smells bad...

Off topic - I finally found my Leuk & Lymph form today, gonna mail 'em some more $$$, in honor of Anne & Wil's friend and memory of my aunt. And since Jerry didn't get his one dollar more this year, I'm giving extra to them too, I know folk who deal/have dealt with MD.

Then my next cash is going to buying JAG.

Kiss the spouse, hug the kids, treat the furballs, and have a GREAT day!

Sorry, I meant EW, not ET (Entertainment Tonight). While writing the previous note I was thinking about ET as an example of how much I hate the whole cult of celebrity in the US. It's one of the less desirable things about the US, in my opinion. A publication like EW wouldn't like a book that says that there is life after celebrity.

Don't sweat Entertainment WEAKly... I doubt that their audience is the same one that you are aiming for with your book or with WWdN. You've got plenty of us spreading the word .. and we think you're great!

Boycott of EW!

Seriously.

Remember the impact of the boxers to the Con?

Someone oughta make a few banners (468x60 and 88x31 and others) that could
be placed on quite a few websites, surrounded with supporting ALT text and
then let the trickle effect nail their Google rankings and listings and
let them know what a smear campaign will net them.

This is deplorable. What a [bunch of] slimeball[s].

Contact me to set it up...anyone?

--Roughy

Any publicity is good publicity.

Bill S. knows that. He and Ben (from Ben Folds 5) were on Howard Stern this morning to publicize their new album. The crew made fun of the album, but then actually played some of the music, and I thought it was pretty damn good. I made my own decision, and will probably buy it.

I know people who make movie watching decisions based on EW reviews--although frankly I really don't trust any company owned by big media to make unbiased reviews.

I don't, however, know of *anybody* who bases a bookreading decision on an EW review.

Most anybody who reads that review and doesn't know who you are will quickly forget it.

Anybody who remembers and hates WC and thus you by extension wouldn't buy your book anyway.

Anybody else will make their own decision on the book based on other reviews, not just the lone voice of EW.

There seems to be quite a lot of kerfuffle going around lately. Is it something in the water? I don't give 'em any notice, and I'm quite sure the rest don't either. I'm just sorry to hear they did it at all. If that's the best they can come up with, I'm just sad. Seriously, doesn't that just show a lack of effort on their part? It's lazy, and it's cruel.

B A S T A R D S!!!!!!
How dare they!
Wil, i want you to remember that so many people LOVE you, don't let those losers allow you to lose sight of what is important- that WE love YOU and that you have a family that love you and that you are a well respected author, actor, writer, blogger and a damned great human being.
Forget them- please, and remember all the millions of us that truly love you.
X

Well, that cinched my decision to order the book. As soon as I get off the phone from cancelling my EW subscription.

I hate hate hate irresponsible journalism.

Wil,
I hope that the incredible outpouring of love from your fans here is helping you to feel better. On one hand I've always heard "Don't read your own press" and "Any press is good press" from musicians I know, but man... the time they put into that blurb to include the illustration they did... that's not bad press, it's a personal dig.

Assholes.

This is a prime example of why I said you are very brave to write as honestly as you do! Please don't let this wee little piddly sophomoric dig stop you, as you can tell from the response here your fans far outweigh the assholes.

Once upon a time, some low-level twit at Creation made the mistake of putting down Wil in a really painful way.

Not a good idea.
Not a good idea AT ALL.

Why? Because Wil has a posse. :)

We have the power. Said posse (that's us!) proceeded to care of business.

The head of Creation ended up giving Wil a personal apology.

Soooooo... it looks like we have a whole new task, eh, folks? ;-)
ALL HANDS TO BATTLE STATIONS!
Woohoo!
Time to ROCK!

Anyone got the email address of whoever is head honcho of this rag?

THIS is gonna be fun. ;)

I tried to get on the EW website to maybe send a letter to the editor, but you can't even get to the "About Us" link without being a subscriber. That really is poor design, IMO.

Huh. The "blurb" read to me like the writing of someone who's pretty damned jealous that THEY can't land a book contract, and are instead reduced to writing snarky little throw-away jibes in an A.D.D.-friendly, eye-candy rag. *shrug* Fuck 'em.

I started to write a comment here, but it turned into a rant of it's own. That rant is posted here, if you're interested. Of course, if you're not, I won't be offended.

"I tried to get on the EW website to maybe send a letter to the editor, but you can't even get to the "About Us" link without being a subscriber."

www.bugmenot.com solves THAT problem. Check it out. :)

Maybe, as Rodd and Todd Flanders say, "the burning is love"...

Call shenanigans. Don't let EW's stupefying din of snarkiness get you down. EW is not a publication that any deeply thinking individual reads...for literary criticism.

It's People magazine for the pure Hollywood-wannabes.

From the reviews I've read from more credible sources, JAG rocks. You've set the weapons on 'BURNINATE', and this book cements your cred as a writer.

Good on you, laddie!
Nagi.

EW used to be a great magazine, but I'm talking, like, 10 years ago. Once, long ago, I let my subscription dry up when I realized the mag was turning into a rag.

Then I felt some kind of withdrawal kick in, making me feel very uninformed. "Oh, I MUST know what's happening in the world of movies!" I told myself, and re-subscribed.

Geez, I really have to trust my own opinions! I was right. EW was now officially sucking. I let the second subscription lapse.

Now, years later, though I'm always ignorant when someone says, "Hey do you want to see the new indie movie starring the one girl and the TV guy, directed by the couple who did the one period piece?" I at least know I'm ignorant for a good reason.

I'm sad they decided to bash you. It must be fun for them, picking on someone just to make their own obviously ludicrous existences seem glorious and important. Dorkwads.

ughhhhhhh they are useless. I can't believe they did that. Well right now I can't buy either of your books, but when my birthday comes I'm getting both books, regardless of what they said about you. Besides what the hell do they know? Nothing.
Cheer up we still love you.
Doesn't matter what they say anyway. Look on the bright side, people are gonna be curious now and will buy your books to see if they told the truth.Which they didn't. (sorry just trying to cheer you up)

Pop quiz: What's the difference between EW and the Weekly World News? The Weekly World News is more widely read.

"This paper has the eighth highest circulation in the whole wide world."

Well some people are just bastards.

I finished reading your book about 2 weeks ago and I enjoyed it.

I don't think literate people read EW, so no real harm. What was it P. T. Barnum said? "I don’t care what they say about me in the newspapers, as long as they spell my name right."

I don't like to say this, as America is already "litigation nation" but I'd file a defamation law suit...

Holy Crap! Especially after they reassured you too! Oh, EW is going to find out that WWDN has posse...and that posse is pissed!

Chin up Wil!

Here's my little note to EW:

Entertainment Weekly,

This is just another geek reporting in to say shame on your reviewer!
The bit about Wil Wheaton spending fills 260 pages endlessly lamenting, "I used to be an actor when I was a kid." Wil doesn't do that in the book or on his web site.
It's obvious by the blurb that the reviewer didn't read more than the opening chapter (which does deal with the whole TNG time).
The "I hate Wesley" fanboy complex did not not come back with the recent I love the 90s lovefest.
It should remain buried under a stack of comics in the reviewer's mom's basement.

-Kitty Hayden

Sounds like it's time to consider some sort of legal action, if possible.

And does Jimmy Kimmel have any cousins working at EW?

Also how cool is it that Keith Coogan posted in support?

That just made my day.

Good company, good book!

-MKF

Wi: I'm sorry to hear that EW's review was so poor. But, if it helps, I thoroughly enjoyed both of your books, and I'm looking forward to your next ones. You definitely have lots of fans despite what the "mainstream" might think. Keep up your spirits and the good work.

fuck those fucking fucks!

Wil, thanks for providing worthwhile entertainment in this godforsaken world... you're a gem, so just keep on shining.

Stu
(who has a love for parenthetical expressions)

NP: Story Of Your Life by The Moody Blues

Fucked by a rat, indeed.

Look at it this way: your readership is bigger than theirs. They can't really hurt you.

I'll send them a mild nastygram anyway.

For God's sake, what do you have to do to catch a break from these dicks??? I keep reading shite books, watching shite films with shite actors in them and all I can say to everyone around is I cannot for the life of me understand why you are not up there in the lights where you belong. This really sucks. In fact, it is really starting to piss me off. Be assured I will also be writing to these dicks. Hang in there, your books were wonderfully written and your website is totally addictive, please don’t let them or the voice of self doubt take over. There are plenty of us happy to be in your posse.

Screw them. Sincerely.

Caroline
London

Don't worry, you know you're doing something right when the ones who cannot create, cannot understand creation, and who do not live but merely exist try to tear you down. The difference between the faux journalist who wrote this blurb and the Wesley-bashers who infested the BBS boards which preceded Usenet and the Web is one of degree, not of kind. Just shine he / she / it on and remember that the True Reality is that you're one of the Cool Kids, and they will never measure up to you, ever.

Dude...the people who read EW probably aren't in your target audience. I own JAG (although kids and life have prevented me from reading it yet *sigh*) and Dancing Barefoot.

On the EW intern writer's shelf, you probably would find such literary highlights as a phone book and a few chinese take-out menus.

Sleeze writers are sleeze writers cause no one else would hire them. He probably got out of school with his C avarage journalism degree and couldn't get honest work at a real newspaper. I mean, really. In my grocery store, EW is on the same shelf as the Weekly World News and the other cheap tabloids.

Spend a quiet night with your kids. I'm sure after that, you'll get it all back in perspective :)

PS I have just sent this letter via email over to these gits. Fell free to copy and paste people!
cx

For God's sake, what does Wil Wheaton have to do to catch a break from you people? I keep reading awful books and seeing awful films with awful actors in them and all because you and your kind decide who is flavour (yes with a 'u', I am English) of the month this month.
Why do you have to put someone who actually has a real talent and real courage down like that? He might be big enough to get over this but why should he have to? His fans are growing in size and he has established quite a cult following and rather than seizing the opportunity to cash in off of the back of his self made success, you chicken out and take cheap shots!
How old was the person who wrote this anyway? Have they seen Stand By Me? They sure as hell didn’t read the book. Do they have any clue what this man has been through and how talented he is?
Why not re think this approach and spot the profit before it’s too late. When he gets rediscovered and it’s only a matter of time how silly will you feel then?
Shame on you. Sincerely.
Caroline
London

I was upset before I saw the cartoon drawing. Now I'm mad. Here's the letter I sent to EW:

Dear Editor,

I am shocked and dismayed at the irresponsible nature of your review of the book I recently read called Just a Geek by Wil Wheaton. I have been a longtime reader of EW and know that your reviews are sensational and oftentimes scathing, which is fine, but I never imagined the reviews were, in fact, lying about the content of the material. I would expect that the journalist writing the review would have at least actually read the book.

As I read this particular book I discovered honest and heartfelt musings about a myriad of topics without the focus landing solely on any one, especially not what the writer used to be as the review asserts.

This is not a book about whining or bemoaning the past. Perhaps your reviewer skipped all the pages about writing, family, the joys of finding a second career, blogging, overcoming self-doubt, managing the self-given sense of entitlement and judgement of others, finding yourself, acceptance, love, life and all the other things that have absolutely nothing to do with "endlessly lamenting, "I used to be an actor when I was a kid.""

So for you, the Editor, I have just one question: What kind of a journalist writes a review without ever having read the material? I would strongly recommend you find a writer with greater integrity to represent your magazine.

The irresponsible nature of this review has made me seriously rethink the quality of your publication. I believe I will be taking my business elsewhere.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Carol P
Vancouver, BC

The good thing is, for every nameless, faceless hack out there looking to make a buck by lying to the general public, there are hundreds of us responding with legitimate outrage and an outpouring of support. That's all I see now when I read the "review". Take that EW!

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
*DEEP BREATH*
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

I remember getting the very first issue of EW all those years ago and thinking, "I wouldn't use this to wipe my ass." I haven't touched an issue since.

You don't need these elitist assholes, nor do you need their opinions. In the end the only opinion that counts about the work you have done, is yours.

I've never read a copy of Entertainment weekly; i'm not sure i've even seen it, really, as it looks like all the other glossy mags.

I'm now proud to say that i will *never ever* read an issue of entertainment weekly, even if it's laying around somewhere free. it's clear they've no integrity to speak of.

my letter to EW. They suck and I was still pissed when I wrote it (that always makes for my best letters, not my smartest but my best)

Subject: thanks for telling me what is cool...

One problem, you don’t know what cool is. Someone who is cool lets the world see their faults too and doesn’t hide them. Someone who is cool can be a star and still let people know that they go through the same bullshit as everybody else. Someone who is cool can write two books and should be able to able to write about their life without talent less hacks who only WISH that they could write a book that someone besides their parents would buy, trashing the shit out of them.

"Whiner of the Week"
In his blog-cum-memoir Just a Geek, the former Star Trek, TNG cast member, now 32, fills 260 pages endlessly lamenting, "I used to be an actor when I was a kid."

That came from your worthless shit slinging mag. I am personally revolted by your magazine on a regular basis and actively make fun of people I see reading it.
You and your kind have worked to destroy every artistic medium since the beginning of time. I am now 30 years old and realized your intellectual forefathers were probably bitching about Mark Twain and how his “books” were taking time away from the nation’s obsession with Happy the farting elephant.

In short you suck.
Kelly Crenshaw

Boo! I'm going to go get my friend's copy of EW (wouldn't spend money on that shit) and burn it. Yeah! See how you like that, you bastards!

That's it. I am totally cancelling my subscription. (Well, I was going to anyway, but now I do it with more zeal!)

We all will support you in whatever endeavors you choose. Don't worry about the critics. Look at all this support you have!

In college, a generlized poll was taken to gather the both the intelletual and superficial perception of the general population on the veracity and importance of such newsmags as "Entertainment Weekly." It was so laughable because 93 percent of the general populace identified "Entertainment Weekly" in the same manner they did "National Enquirer". In othe words, most people truly do consider "Entertainment Weekly" the cultural mover-and-shaker they seem to think they are.. I have a funny story about "Entertainment Weekly." My six year old son was battling a cold. We were in line at the supermarket and he reached out from the child's seat in the cart to grab a handful of "Entertainment Weekly", which took upon himself to use as a snot rag. My wife, embarrassed, looked to the clerk, expecting we'd have to pay for the magazine (which we never buy). The clerk smiled and said, "Don't worry about it, honey. I'd use that as a snot rag, myself if I needed to." Hehe..

Rick

Personally I think that magazine is full of crap for saying that. I really truly enjoyed your book and honestly was very sad when I was done reading it ONLY because there was no more to read. I really hope you will consider writing another one some day sooner then later.

Wow what a bunch of charmers at that magazine.

"Any publicity is good publicity"

Fuck 'em. The wanker who wrote that is jealous because you are a published author of 2 fantastic BOOKS not shitty ARTICLES in a shitty magazine.

Be assured Wil, if your book was like they depicted, no one would buy it and Amazon rankings don't lie ;o)

You know, I was actually thinking about picking up a subscription to EW again after letting it lapse a couple of years ago.

Now, I don't think that'll be happening.

Even better than YOU writing a letter to the EW editor would be suggesting your readers do so. You have 164 comments here. . .why not 164 emails/letters to the editor??

I just sent mine off. 163 to go.

F*** em. F*** em in the ear. I **JUST cancelled my trial subscription to this mag. Wil, it's not just you. This mag has nothing good to say about ANYONE. I suppose it is just the latest trend in PULP mags to tear down anything and everything.
Remember when Maxim came out, how cool an irreverant it was? 2 months later, there were 472 "clone" mags out. "Gear", "Stuff", "Men's crud", etc etc.

This magazine is no more than a glorified tabloid, scurrying to and fro, trying to sell copy. Did I mention F*** them in the ear????

And that's why I ended my subscription many years ago. I was a subscriber from the first issue. I agree that the quality of the writing is questionable -- been going downhill. Perhaps the word "entertainment" has taken on a new meaning for them.

Let's put it this way - I'll buy JAG, I won't be buying Entertainment Weekly. They're tabloidy, anyway, and the few quotes from EW I see elsewhere are always bitchy.

OMG, I am SO SO SO glad I no longer subscribe to that rag. I had a huge subscription problem with them and someone there actually told me my only option was to cancel my subscription. To which I said, well, OK then, cancel my subscription. And then I wrote a letter to them about what happened, and they didn't reply or do anything to apologize or try to get back my business. Man, they suck.

The content of your book speaks for itself. Anyone who knew you and cared enough to read it wouldn't need to read the opinions of an Entertainment Weekly journalist, yes? It seems quite clear that you have a following. On the other hand, bad publicity is still publicity, not that it makes you feel any better. Here's to hoping for better reviews in the future...

I guess you can't really expect much from a rag that featured such hard-hitting front page stories like "Favorite foods of the stars!!!"

Still, how rude.

I have never agreed with the reviews of anything in Entertainment Weekly. They usually have negative things to say about all the things I love. This is another one of those times. I read "Just A Geek" a few weeks ago & it was awesome. The book is full of feelings, thoughts & happenings. Much more than "I used to be...whine, whine." You're an excellent writer & a great actor. Plus, you have friggin Keith Coogan on your side. He's much better than some jack ass as EW.

http://www.livejournal.com/~wilwheatonfans

Hey Wil,

I finished reading JAG two days ago. I quite enjoyed it. The real tragedy is that the reviewer did not get much past the opening and into the meat of the book. I found alot of things in there that I could relate to. Judging by many of the comments I have read about JAG, I am not alone. Those are the kinds of reviews you should take to heart.

Anyhoo, as someone else mentioned, at least they got your name right and mentioned the book. Any press is good press right?

I'm sure the only reason for EW (how ironic) being so damn moronic is that the writer is stuck tight in the closet and will never forgive you for wearing only moderately tight uniforms on TNG. Come to think of it, I won't ever forgive you for that, either. ;)

It really is horribly pathetic for someone to continually rag on you, though. What the hell will that accomplish? Don't worry; I'll do my part and never buy their crappy magazine again, and I'll buy not one, but *two* copies of Just a Geek. How do you like *them* apples? :)

Wil, Wil, Wil, Wil, Wil, Wil, WIL!!!

Welcome to entertainment "journalism" in the 21st Century! SURELY you couldn't have been THAT naive, could you? So-called entertainment journalists read just enough to get a salacious "hook" that they think will stimulate the prurient sensibilities of their readership.

And about that readership... SURELY you can't think that anyone who reads Entertainment Weekly is interested in accuracy in reportage, or even minimal standards of truth, do you? They are interested in reading something juicy, some "red meat." This usually means reading about a celebrity being arrested, dying with their head bending over a toilet bowl in a seedy West Hollywood club, saying or doing something really stupid, or otherwise just being an asshole. In your case, this was the best - or worst - they could scrounge up. Consider yourself fortunate.

Your mistake is in serving them their "hook" right at the beginning, where their lazy-asses can grab it without having to earn it. If you believe the writer read ANY of the 260 pages beyond that first paragraph, you truly are naive.

If a former child actor is not a currently highly visible adult actor, readers want to read that he or she is either in prison, dead - probably of a drug overdose, or working as a security guard or a greeter at Wal-Mart. When a person who as a child seemed to have everything this culture seems to idolize - money and fame and a highly-rated TV series - ordinary Entertainment Weekly readers just LOVE to read about how they lost it all, and that now they are sucky-ass losers just like they are.

These writers are looking to draw readership for Entertainment Weekly's advertisers by satisfying this demand; they are NOT writing journalism, because journalism isn't what sells rags like Entertainment Weekly.

Wil,

I just sent an email to *letters@ew.com* telling them there are 50,000 Wil Wheaton fans who are pissed and demanded a public apology on your website. Here's hoping they get the message.

Chin up! We all love you!

Freeman :)

Fuck EW, it's a crap mag anyway. I work for Best Buy and the cashiers are forced to cram that shit down customer's throats with a "free" 8 week trial run *cough*bullshit*cough*. My point is that I usually read that crap because it's there in the breakroom. It's poorly written and tends to be very cruel. Plus the news in it is usually weeks old by the time they print it and their reviews of movies are hacks.

I actually stopped subscribing to that magazine months ago, because progressively I realized just how unbelievably biased that magazine is. I don't take anything they say very seriously.

Glad that people are reminding you of da love, Mr. Wheaton.

Here's my angry letter to the bastards at EW:

To whom it may concern:

It is so very easy to play to people's stereotyped images of individuals. It is far harder to challenge people's preconceptions. How easy it was for your writers to play to the concept of failed actor when reviewing Wil Wheaton's "Just a Geek." How much harder it would have been to actually read the entirety of the book and write a cogent, thoughtful commentary. Wheaton's tome is far from a reflection solely on his acting days; in fact, it's a tale of remarkable sensitivity and depth. Your 'review' was a cheap shot with no real opinion behind it, just degrading invective. Stop playing to people's worst qualities, including your own.

Mike Harris
Chicago, Illinois

Hi Wil-

I loved JAG and suggested everyone go out and buy it (or borrow it if they are totally broke). I also went to four different stores to get it (although they were all in a one mile radius).

I was dismayed by EW's incompetent blurb. I decided to write to EW in disgust. Here was my email:

Dear EW-

In response to EW's "Whiner of the Week" of the "Just A Geek" review, I have to say that it is obvious that the person doing the "review" had obviously not read the entire book. Wil Wheaton's book was a poignant view of not only Star Trek stories but also had stories about his wife, kids, and well... life. If anything, it is a feat to have an accomplished book brought about by web logging. EW should have lauded it for that reason alone in a short statement instead of lambasting it for "whining".

EW needs to be a little more obvious that their writers have actually READ the book instead of skimming through the first ten pages. It makes the magazine look petty.
---------

Wil, keep up the great work. I look forward to your writing every time a new one is up.

Personally, I don't read EW. Or "People". Now, I *did* read them once, and to this day, I can feel my I.Q. draining away whenever I even look at the cover of either magazine. It frightens me.

I wouldn't let "lowest common denominator" rags like EW get you down. It's like getting depressed over some bad press from the freakin' Enquirer.

It doesn't take a lot of brains to write for one of these publications (read one from cover to cover and tell me I'm wrong), and we all know it doesn't take a lot of brains (or talent) to be a critic.

So imagine the kind of foetid sewage that must fill the skull of the person who says, "Hey, I think I want to be a critic for Entertainment Weekly!"

Imagine, laugh, and have a better day, knowing that you could one day be standing on a street corner, holding up a cardboard sign to make ends meet, and still have a better job than these poor sucks. ;)

Here's their customer service contact form. It states they will respond in 2 days. Lets fill their inbox and give them a nice monday morning surprise.

https://secure.customersvc.com/wes/servlet/Show?WESPAGE=am/Services/wes_email.jsp&MSRSMAG=EW

Screw those guys

Now I know what to wipe with after I take a Berman

Sent a letter, everybody should, EW sux

*squick*

This reads just like any one of the examples from Deborah Tannen's _The Argument Culture_. She wrote the book as an academic analysis of her own extensive experience with media use of inflammatory language. Forgive me for the unsolicited advice-- but I think the book might be a good read for a rising star who is only going to get more publicity from here on out.

Concider the source. I wouldn't read that rag anyway. I prefer to get my Wil Wheaton news from WWdN! You rock, Man!

What can I say that hasn't already been said? IF it were a decent mag I can see being truly upset, but seing as that it is a lame and biased rag like EW I think only perhaps minor annoyance with a side boycott will have to do.

Although it does suck that so many people read EW as it is a mainstream mag and will undoubtedly heed the writer's foul and mean-spirited words.

For what it's worth, all of your readers got your back.

I suppose it's silly to say, but... don't say yes when they ask again. You already have a good idea of how this publication will portray you. :) You sound like an easygoing guy, I'm sorry that you had to be stomped on like that. Ah well, it's only their opinion, right? *hugs*

Wil,

There are 191 comments to your entry. Now that in itself is pretty cool. I wish I could get the attention of 191 people. :-) The press are who they are. We're here, Wil, and listening and reading every day. Don't let them get you down.

Linda

Here's what I sent to EW:

Regarding 'Whiner of the Week', page 83:

Maybe before printing a 'review' like this, the reviewer should actually read the book being critiqued. If they had done so, they would have possibly found why it was near the top of Amazon.com's list of most popular books when it first came out and maybe, just maybe, if they would have read it, they would have found that 'Just A Geek' is about much more than Mr. Wheaton's journey through Hollywood as a child actor, but how it was also about the insensitive, inconsiderate people he encountered in the Industry...just like the one who wrote this 'review'.

Sincerely,

John Park

Nuke 'em from orbit. It's the only way to be sure.

That's it. I'm buying the book!

The Hell with that guy Wil!!!!!!!!!!!

Cheers,

Keith L. Dick
Xgaming, Inc.

Here is a copy of the e-mail I sent to EW:

In your September 17th issue of EW, you listed Wil Wheaton as "Whiner of the Week". Did the writer of this little jab even bother reading Just a Geek? It is clear he or she only read the first chapter because they completely missed the point of the beautiful journey Wil writes about in his book. It is a shame that when a writer such as Wil bravely shares his life, another chooses to make ignorant, shallow remarks about it. Please tell the child who wrote this to grow up and get a heart. In fact, I know a good book that would be an excellent start.

Wil:

I read Dancing Barefoot last weekend and Just a Geek a couple of days ago. I realized that I had been reading WWDN almost since you set the site up, and that I had read most of your posts over the last few years -- and you know what? It worked. It really worked.

The book that you wrote around those posts is so much more than just the posts (which, in and of themselves, were entertaining). What you poured into JAG was context, meaning, and reflection. Oh yeah, and a whole whack load of wit and humour.

JAG could well have been titled "Just a Human" because you touch on so many of the universal themes of being human. Self-doubt and Prove to Everyone plague us all at times, and while the details may change between individuals ("Should I have quit the show? " vs. "Should I have stuck with English and Philosophy?" vs. "Should I have stuck with that hot Brazilian girl that never wanted to leave the bedroom?"), we can empathize with others going through the same feelings and experience catharsis as we reflect on our own parallels.

Perhaps the reviewer was being deliberately cruel as a way to exercise power over someone who has demonstrated "weakness" (admitting to such emotions, rather than only demonstrating manly-man strength in a stern Teutonic fashion), or perhaps because the reviewer has never reflected on their own path and existence. Either way, they're not the kind of person you want to spend much time worry about, apart from feeling sorry for them.

Wil, you're a fine writer. While EW is a magazine with a broad circulation and thus an understandably attractive publicity source, nobody would think it's an authoritative source of book reviews.

Well, it only took a couple of times to be sure these guys are not worth your time so now you know - don't work with these dicks anymore.

My letter was sent before I read this showing of support and noted the number of electronic "angry" mail already on its way. I think I'll send another one recommending they read these remarks. Rock on man, ROCK ON!

-heather vesta

Sorry to hear about the dissing review in Entertainment Weekly. I am still reading your book and I find it a great read. Keep up the good work with everything that you are doing here and in your life.

Here's my letter:

Dear Editor-
Did anybody on your staff actually read Wil Wheaton's book JUST A GEEK? It's clear to me that the "review" on pg. 83 was written by a person with no first-hand knowledge of the book or its contents. Wil's book only deals with his struggles regarding his loss of fame in the first few pages (the few pages your reviewer apparently read), but spends much more time addressing his coming of age in a manner that is instantly relatable.

My 12 year-old daughter often attempts to do her book reports by reading the first few pages of the assigned book and then projecting those few paragraphs she read onto the rest of the book, thereby guessing (yes, guessing) at the book’s true contents. It seems clear your reviewer took the same Jr. High shortcuts as my daughter. I urge to assign a writer who will do this wonderful book justice, and maybe even read the book (or is that too much to ask?). I hope you will rectify this egregious and seemingly vindictive review with a "real" review very soon.

Sincerely,
Chris G.
San Dimas, CA

Well, I for one don't care what EW wrote. All I know is that my husband is in the next room intermittently laughing outloud while reading JAG; and darnit, he won't give up the book long enough for me to read it!

No worries, Wil. I'm not reading all the comments, so I'm sure this has been said, but Entertainment Weakly has *always* been mean spirited about everything. Granted, this is particularly harsh, but I stopped reading them a long time ago when I realised that every review I read pissed me off and caused me to lament the pitiful bastards who never made it big the way they wanted, got stuck at a shitty magazine, and try to fill every empty moment trying to convince themselves they know fuck-all about the creative endeavor. I especially loathe their movie reviewers who think they are film critics. You want to write criticism, you're gonna need more than a page, let alone a fragment of a paragraph. I haven't gotten it yet, but next to the final "Dark Tower" book, it's the one I most look forward to reading before the end of the year.

Sheesh — what a bunch of a--holes. They could have at least read the whole book and given it an honest review — but then, if they had done that, we wouldn't be talking about Entertainment Weekly.

Anyhow, they just made me that much more likely to by the book. Chuckleheads ...

This has made me so upset that not only did I send an e-mail too, I asked all my LJ friends to do so as well

http://www.livejournal.com/users/diannad/47977.html?mode=reply

Rise up, Monkeys!!!!!! :)

It's entirely their loss. They will look like idiots when you are written up time and time again for your excellent work in this book, and in your future books. They will be late to the game, and they will try to pass it off like they knew about your talent all along. The truth is, they have to sell what is sensationalism, and to them (this is Entertainment Weakly), you are your TV career and they can't be bothered to learn anything more that requires more than fifteen minutes of their time. And you are probably right, somebody over there doesn't like you -- probably a 'Wesley Crusher' hater, if you ask me :).

Let them fall behind your peripheral vision, Wil. You are better than that. Remember -- never read your own press. Just keep doing what you do well, writing, observing life, and being an incredibly devoted husband and father. It sucks to have them shoot you down again, but only because you wanted to trust them. At the end of the day, they are nothing but another rag on the newstand.

That sucks Wil.

Looks to me like some reviewer still has some unresolved 'anti-Wesley' issues to deal with. Since 'Wesley' isn't around, they continue to kick you.

Glad I don't subscribe.

Okay I only read about half of the comments above so if somebody has already covered this, then I am seconding (or thirding or whatevering) you :)

The reporter assured you that it was just going to be a "nice blurb announcing the release of your book" and then printed that? I'd like to see what they consider a bad review! Oh well, I doubt anybody will put much stock in the opinion of a guy whose decisions are based on what J.Lo is wearing.

Like everybody else I say to just ignore this review. Obviously the reporter hasn't read the whole book. I know it's hard to just blow this off. You gave them the benefit of the doubt and they suckerpunched you, but think of it this way: If you let this review hurt you then they win.

We can't have that, now, can we?

Keep your chin up. *Hugs* :)

Honetsly, Wil does anyone actually read thoses magazines? I mean, when I read something negative in one of those publications, I actually think the OPPOSITE of the review and go out a seek those works which they rip on. As a dedicated WWDN reader I can say "they've got nothin!!!"

Honetsly, Wil does anyone actually read thoses magazines? I mean, when I read something negative in one of those publications, I actually think the OPPOSITE of the review and go out a seek those works which they rip on. As a dedicated WWDN reader I can say "they've got nothin!!!"

Wil, this berk can say whatever (s)he pleases. It doesn't change the truth.

As I post this, there are over 200 people expressing the same sentiment:

We know the truth. So do you, so does Anne, so do the boys. Pay attention to that.

Lady's grace, my friend.

;)

Personally, I think you are owed an apology. It's one thing if this guy actually stated that 'in his opinion, he hated the book because...', but what he did was rude. I loved JAG. And I loved DB. I can't wait to see what the future holds, where your writing is concerned. You seem to go along with the line 'Treat people like you want to be treated'. You could have 49,999 people praise you, but all it takes is that 1 person to respond in the negative to bring you down. I know it's hard, but just try to remember that your family and friends and fans don't care about what this guy has to say.

Sending you some genki o dasu mojo :)

Mean people really suck! I am sorry that they did this to you again. *Hugs*

You are a U bewt, Fair dinkum, ripper of a writer.

Th EW "journalist" is not.

Well, since I have never liked the magazine in the first place, I'll just continue to ignore them. They're a bunch of hacks!

Scott

I'm so sorry to hear that. :( Those little blurbs EW does that criticize celebrities are a way for the writers to get a cheap laugh out of the readers. They're not worth getting angry at; don't waste your energy on them. You've got better things to do.

"Just a Geek" is a great book. It's wonderfully written just like "Dancing Barefoot." In fact, my boyfriend saw how highly I thought of DB that he bought JAG for me as a present before my vacation to visit family this past summer.

Like everyone else who has posted, I know the truth about the richness of your book and your writings.

Entertainment Weekly relies on people on both sides of the 'famous' equation (stars and star-watchers) believing that the most important thing is life is either being famous, or watching and opining about the famous. This cycle is what makes them money (and throws our cultural system out of whack.) For you to come out so intelligently against the cult of personality and finding success as a normal Joe rather than one of the famous, well, its ruins their whole paradigm. So, it’s no wonder they don’t like you so much…

just ignore it, wil. you do something interesting, you are bound to get someone who attacks you over it - that's just the way the media works.

especially in non-quality publications, reviews are done by looking at/listening to the first few minutes or reading the first few pages, then mixing it with what the "journalist" knows about the authors background.

and, like mentioned above, "teen actor still interesting as adult" doesn't work as a headline. "whiney has-been writes memoirs" works, even if it's an outright lie, like in this case.

please don't let it go to heart. i really love reading your blog, so do ten-thousands of others. i strongly doubt ew has even 10 readers who'd say the same about them :) and i can't wait to get my copy of jag.

Remember what Oscar Wilde said, "The only thing worse than being talked about, is not being talked about."

Maybe someone will pick up the book because the hack put it up on the radar.

Hell, that's what happened with Ethan Hawke's book. Everything I read about it when it came out said it was crap -- that he should stick to acting. But everyone I talked to who read it, was very impressed.

I'll keep my fingers crossed, while I'm going out to buy my copy of Just A Geek.

And the "Tall Poppy" syndrome strikes again...

The petty dribbling of a wannabe can only hurt you if you let it. Concentrate on all the good things in life and eliminate the negative, life is way too short to let them drag you down.

Best wishes to you and yours.

Stacye

Dear Editor,

I'm a bit puzzled about your write-up on Wil Wheaton's book, Just a Geek. I've been reading his blog where much of that material originated and I don't think your copywriter is much of a reader of he would have commented about the book showing the humanity and evolution of a child celebrity becoming a husband, father, and a man.

Your writers tend to mistake bitchy and catty comments for wit. They are not the same thing. You could learn some writing tips from Wheaton.

And not to pick a nit, but even if it were true that Wheaton spent 260 pages with lamenting, that wouldn't quite qualify as "endless" now would it? Your animus against Wheaton, however does seem quite endless. Did he run over your dog or screw your mom?

Sincerely,

Brian C. Bock
Los Angeles

SONS OF BI#$@$*

Subscription: CANCELLED

F them Wil you rule.

Here was my letter to EW....

Hi

I just noticed your little blurb regarding Wil Wheaton's book "Just a Geek". For a moment I was troubled that you would slight Mr. Wheaton's efforts as "whining" so casually. Wil Wheaton has come a long way since playing Wesley Crusher and many of us enjoy his remarks about life and fame. You could even say that I was actually becoming angry at this insult until I realized one very important thing that put the entire issue in perspective, at least for me.

Entertainment Weekly is a publication that one should line their kitty litter box with rather than read. Your vapid and meaningless "insight" into the world of entertainment is fit only for mongoloids and medical patients who have recently received heavy electroshock therapy. You make People Magazine look like the Mensa society newsletter.

But, in all fairness, you do serve one purpose. In the great swimming arena of culture someone does need to mind the kiddie pool. You do that exceptionally well.

Sean Wardwell
San Marcos, TX

I read this blog entry in disbelief.

I am going to totally come out of the closet here. I don't think I have ever actually seen an episode of star trek start to finish and definitely not one with you in it, Wil (please don't kill me, other people) . I have seen some of your movies, but not for ages, since I was a about 14 (i'm 22). But I stumbled onto the site by accident one day and 18 months later I am regular dedicated reader, because I really like your writing and think you are very funny, and because I absolutely love how well you express the many highs and lows of life as an actor (which I was once too, and which my whole family are). This quote:

The worst thing about being an actor is not working. The second worst thing about being an actor is knowing that your whole life could turn around in a second, with one phone call. No wonder so many of us end up dead, or in a cult.
Wil wheaton

is written up in my room, and i have sent it to many, many friends and family members who are actors, who all love it because it is such a TRUE comment. And because being able to laugh about it makes us all feel better.

It takes a lot of guts for an actor to actually ADMIT how crap it feels when you dont work, how many times they have been rejected, how painful and agonising and horrible the whole process is. People tend to gloss over it and lie and fake and pretend they are 'about to work' or 'shortlisted' or whatever. You are one of the only actors i know of who has had the guts to actually BE HONEST about how they are feeling about it all, and how their careers really is.

Anyway, while some of us only have the guts to admit it to our boyfriend or our dog, you admit it to the whole world . AND THEN - and this is what even those who admit it would find hard to do - YOU MAKE IT FUNNY. The scene at the audition with Sean Astin? I laughed so hard while reading it on public transportation I got weird looks. And how you contrasted the 'reality' with what you wrote in the blog? so so so so painfully honest I was wincing!

I guess this is why the entertanment weekly thing is so weird - because your feelings about life as an actor - or how life 'used to be' as opposed to how it is now...they are what makes the book so compelling for me.

anyway, I dont know if you have time to read these comments anymore, but if you do, please know that I came to this site not as a fan or with any kind of weird 'star trek' baggage but really just out of interest and now I own both your books and I am the proudest monkey ever.

Man i'm pissed. It feels like someone has attacked a good and dear friend and there is nothing i can do about it because i live in The Netherlands.
But, who is the "whiner" ? I think that the man who wrote that blurb is the biggest f*cking whiner, wanker and a true A-HOLE !

This is so F'd up. I feel sorry for you Wil, you dit not deserve this (again sorry for my bad gramma, englisch is not my native tongue)

I have finished JAG and DB 2 weeks ago and i love your work.

Lots of love and warm greetings from, just a guy in The Netherlands.

Leon,
rock on \m/

Such BULLSHIT!

I've cancelled my subscription.
I'm writing a letter and sending an email.

I'M SENDING BACK THE ISSUES I STILL HAVE!!!

If you can spare the postage, Everyone, send any copies you may have back to their "Editor", too!

It'll be our protest to their lack of integrity. If fans can successfully do letter writing campaigns to save their favorite shows, or send thousands of bottles of Tabasco, like the fans of Roswell did... then shall we send back our issues of their rag??? [won't send my copies of DB or JAG... they're books I'm PROUD to own, read, and recommend shamelessly!

Is "Premiere" magazine owned by TimeWarner, too? If not, everyone switch to them outta spite. And send a copy of your paid invoice to Ent. Weakly to show 'em where your money's going.

So pissed... man... BASTARDS.
------

Wil... you're Good People. Good People with TALENT! We all know it... your loved ones know it. Never forget it.

Critics... they're just jealous. He's jealous that he can't get a book [or two!] published.

I work at a Barnes and Noble in Southern CA. Your books are well displayed at my store. (I check them every couple days, straighten them, see how they're selling.) 'Just A Geek' is my employee pick for the month and I've given you a wonderful review. Although my voice might not be as loud as Entertaiment Weekly's, there are plenty of us out there letting anyone and everyone know you're the real deal. You Rock!

Wil,

I read both your books, and loved them. I think whether you love them, or you don't find it your thing. It must take someone with a vendetta to attack a story that you write so honest and humbly.

You're already cutting a new path with your books and blogging style, some people aren't getting it at all it seems.

Chin-up! You're fans are unswerving!

Jerks. But who are they to talk? Entertainment Weekly? It's one of those trashy celeb magazines, right?

I mean seriously, who are they to bash you or ANYTHING O'Reilly publishes? O'Reilly is phenomenal. It's like Entertainment Weekly criticizing something published in Science!

That just sucks. But at least you know you have thousands of people telling EW that *they* suck! Everyone knows your books are great. I don't think EW s going to have any influence on anyone.

Sod them. I've read JAG and I was very impressed.
I'm not easy to please in a literary sense, but I thought it was a great book and you showed a massive amount of promise as a writer.
I've never read EW (I'm English) but if it's anything like its British counterparts then I wouldn't worry. No entertainment magazine I've ever read bears even a passing resemblance to actual journalistic effort.

It must be very disheartening to get stuck writing for Entertainment Weekly, of all places, and having to simply write nasty things about talented people, rather than actually having talent of one's own. Not, of course, that this excuses, for a moment, writing obviously untrue reviews of books that one has clearly not read.

This clown, whoever he is, can only *wish* that some day he's able to write something that people won't throw away when they're done, and wonder what they read.

Wil, you are a talented writer, and I expect even greater things from you in the future. When nobody remembers this clown's name, I'll be showing my kid my signed first editions and telling her that I heard you read them in person.

While I understand, from experience, that sucky reviews hurt like hell, it seems that most reviewers see themselves as something other than normal readers, and feel that they have to see something that's not there in order to justify their paycheck. Screw 'em.

Although I read your site very infrequently (only when stupid sean bonner links you), I do have to say that I hardly ever see reference to your old gig. In fact, just upon reading your site, I wouldn't even hazard a guess it was you...except for the fact that your name is wil weaton and you look like him.

My letter:
-----------------------
Just when I thought it was impossible for the tabloid-posing-as-journalism sect to sink to a new low, I see this:

"Whiner of the Week"
In his blog-cum-memoir Just a Geek, the former Star Trek, TNG cast member, now 32, fills 260 pages endlessly lamenting, "I used to be an actor when I was a kid."

Maybe your reporters should actually *read* the books they critique. This is equivelant to Roger Ebert saying, "Lord of the Rings was OK, but the space ships were just too much for me." Or reducing David Copperfield to "My dad died, then my life sucked for a long time, then my mom kicked it, and then it sucked worse, and then it got better, but OH BOY it sucked there for awhile."

Whatever.
---------------------------------
Based on the number of daily hits this site is reported to get, I'd say that your regular readership probably exceeds the circulation of EW. We're not ALL slobbering sycophants that take whatever the world throws at us if it's labeled "TRUTH."

We live in a world where lying and "dissembling" have become acceptable and accepted practices. Even reporters at major news networks engage in it to push their preconceived notions. The entertainment business is no better.

A tiger is a tiger and cannot change its stripes. You now have multiple experiences with the quality of writing at EW. So, the next time they ask to write something about you the answer should be a resounding "NO!" Don't let their hacks go at your again.

Wil, don't pay any attention to those nincompoops. Whoever wrote that so-called "review" was obviously suffering from a MAJOR malfunction of his (or her) medulla oblongata--that is, if they even HAVE one!

The best response I can suggest is the same one that organ composer Max Reger once sent to a music critic in Munich, Germany. It went thusly:

"Dear Sir:
I am writing this in the smallest room in my house. At the moment, I have your review in front of me. In another moment, I will have your review behind me!

Signed,
Max Reger"

Nuff said? I thought so! Take care!

Sincerely,
Tom Nichol

I'd sue.

Don't they know you're 33?

Wil,

I was sitting in my home office, listening to your Mac Life interview when my roommate walked through on his way to the kitchen. I had passed on my copy of JAG to him several weeks ago, but he had not opened it yet.

As he heard your voice from the interview, he commented that you really sound just like you came from the California suburbs.

We then went on to talk about how you seemed to be the NEW VOICE for the average good guy who survived the harsh tribalism of your teen-age years and who now represents the portion of the Gen-X folks who are intelligent, techno-savvy, and concerned.

Somehow, the 'entertainment' machine has missed the beat for a lot of us. We are not drug addicts, gang members, superheroes, samuri killing machines or punkers.

I wish just being nice paid well. I think it is time for the GEEKS to rise up and rule! Oops, I think we ARE ruling now, but being our usual subtle selves.

The quality of both People and EW has gone down significantly since the advent of reality shows. That's all they seem to write about now.

I've been thinking about cancelling my subscription to both magazines, and this pretty much clinches it.

Ignore it wil. Your book was great, you're a great writer with a long career ahead of you. Who cares what they think?

Text of the email I sent to EW last night:

"Dear EW:

Did whichever staff member who called Wil Wheaton "Whiner of the Week" re: his memoir "Just a Geek" even bother to READ the book?

I don't think so. In fact, I know so. How do I know? Because I HAVE read it, and it is categorically NOT 260 pages of whining about being a has-been child actor. Instead, it is 260 pages of someone giving us insight into how he came to terms with his life--as an actor, yes, but also as a husband and stepfather and budding writer. There are going to be regrets in any life. That Mr. Wheaton gives voice to those regrets does not make him a whiner--it makes him an honest human being. And as such, he deserves more courtesy from a publication such as yours.

Unless, of course, EW is more interested in displaying mean-spirited, puerile pseudo-cleverness than accurate reportage. If that's the case, you may find you've lost a subscriber."

And according to the magazine's Letters page, the email address is ew_letters@ew.com--I've seen lots of folks leave off the "ew_" part, so I don't know if emails to that address will get through.

Hope so, though. What will be interesting to see is whether any of our letters get published.

Between you and me and the gatepost, y'all, I'm not going to hold my breath...

Syd

You are a great writer. If you weren't I wouldn't keep coming back to your site over and over again.

Yeah, Dumbass *reporters*. I wrote to them yesterday. Don't let the jackass get you down Wil. He should have read the book first.
=====
Dear Ed;

I would have to say that the journalistic integrity of Entertainment Weekly never ceases to amaze me. The skill and dedication that goes
into researching your articles to provide top quality and unbiased stories about our favourite celebrities is astonishing.

Take for instance the latest issue of EW where on page 83 a so called "reporter" felt it necessary to malign a very poignant and interesting read by calling the author a 'whiner'. The review may have been fair had the author event taken an opportunity to read the book.

Wil Wheaton has struggled and gone through a metamorphosis over the past few years and has had some very real life altering revelations that most people in Hollywood are too shallow to be able to admit or even have for that matter.

Not only has he been very public about it on his website but he has taken the opportunity to delve into a bit more depth so that people can really get to know him as a person and not just judge him as 'That guy on Start Trek' or ' That kid in Stand By Me'.

Your 'reporter' (and I use the term very loosely) is a two bit hack that should have paid more attention in high school when they were teaching creative writing. At least he may have had a more realistic viewpoint.

Another reader lost
=====

Dude, I totally agree with EW (hear me out). If I was some douche bag who decided that only bad news sells and decided to read 3 sentences of the first chapter maybe I would have written the same. The problem with these people is that they target the lowest common denominator - people who just want to hear about sadness and misery to make their own fucking existance barable.

They quite clearly didn't read your book, especially considering how much self discovery happens in the later chapters and how much you completely move past your acting in your younger years. You had so much success then, but I think you are recieving so much more now as an Author.

You totally rock dude, don't let these losers get you down. I am about 2-thirds the way through JAG and as soon as I finish I will be sure to review it on my website (just like I did with Dancing Barefoot) and I'll send you a link. Hang in their buddy and don't let the man get you down. \m/

the comments on this blog should be evidence enough that this so called rag-writer had no clue as to what he based his dribble on.

we all support your work Wil, and hope you place this is in your 'theyre not worthy' bank. YOU ARE ABOVE THIS!!

take care mann

I have scanned over these comments. I especially like the one about not reading your own press. But, as an ex-pro basketball player in Europe, I know that sometimes, you just can't help it. And it hurts when it's negative like that. So I feel for you. One thing is for sure, all this guy has done is raise awareness for you and reinforce the loyalty of people who read your site, including me.

Stick it to 'em Will. I think its because of EW that people have a bad opinion of you. I've never found EW amusing, its boring and not very geek friendly. Besides, the stuff that I've read in there was posted to Slashdot or Ain't It Cool News long before EW even got wind of it.

Ok, that just makes me so mad. Why do people have to go out of their way to be mean? And it's particularly irritating because I've always been a huge EW fan. I guess I'll have to be rethinking my magazine subscription.

I just purchased your book. I have read the first three chapters and have gone through so many emotions. I have laughed out loud, been enraged, and of course, have cried. Only a great writer can put all those emotions to play. Apparently, this writer is jealous of your fantastic-ness. Have fun Wil.

That is totally teh ghey. I never had a subscription to EW but now I'm going to think twice before I flip through it at the dentist's office or something. Just think of it this way, Wil; for every dumbassed "journalist" who says shit about you, there are a million fans who think you rock. Keep it real, Uncle Willie.

Dear Entertainment Weekly,

I recently saw your review for Wil Wheaton's book 'Just A Geek', and I am writing to say how disappointed I am in your analysis of it.
I have read the book myself, and I enjoyed it very much. Your short article about it, calling the author the "whiner of the week" seems to be more along the lines of a personal attack than a book review. I also feel that the article shows a lack of responsible reporting. Had your reviewer actually READ the book I'm sure he would have had a different opinion.
I'm afraid that, although I used to see your magazine as one of the more reliable sources of information about the entertainment industry, your behavior in this article and in past articles about Wil Wheaton shows your magazine to be nothing more than another mean-spirited and gossip-fueled tabloid.
I regret to tell you that you have lost my business.
N. Black
Thunder Bay, ON, Canada

OMG, what a fucking jackass. Try not to stress over it. Remember, "Those who can, write. Those who can't, review." He's just a bitter little prick who obviously doesn't possess the mental capacity to truly appreciate your book. You have a lot of fans out there that are LOVING Just a Geek (myself included, I'm sure, when I can finally get a copy), AND your blog. That's what matters. Not some snobby, slow-witted dick hole who can't even read the whole book.

Just take it easy, and don't give him the satisfaction of letting it get you down. :o) *hugs*
Kim

This is a time when the phrase "Asshatted fuck chickens" becomes quite appropriate.

What a bunch of morons.

I, too, have sent them a disapproving letter, and won't be renewing my subscription.

It just goes to show you, you can't believe everything you read in media these days. Anything.

everybody's a critic.

I bought JAG and loved it. Screw EW anyway, sodding lot of celebrity-arse kissing, no talent, douchebag, dillweed, crack-smoking nerf herders.
You are still the dealio in THIS household.

Rock on..

Hi Wil

The out pouring of support here is overwhelming!
So I decided to add my own.
I read Dancing Barefoot and Just a Geek and all I can say is "When will your next book be ready?????" hurry up --pump out another one!! lol JK
Seriously though EW has been a trashy rag for years. However, a ridiculous review like that can not go without a response. I will send EW my opinion as well.

Keep writing Wil --you have a gift.

ChrisL
Vancouver
PS too many Chris' to just sign my name lol

Welp, I went into Barnes and Noble as soon as I could (live 40 minutes away from the nearest metropolis)and wandered around forever trying to figure out where they had put your book. DUH-found it in the Star Trek section. yep, they still put you there. My family doesn't understand my obsession with your web site, and my daughter just grinned and told me I was hopless when I showed her my copy of "Just a Geek". I believe that the hack that did your reveiw must not have had time to read it.. quite frankly I enjoy your conversational writing style in this book. It works. I am anxiously awaiting your next book, not that I'm trying to pressure you or anything ya know!

ATTENTION WWdN READERS - We know what we must do for Wil. WE MUST BOYCOTT EW, Time Warner, AND ITS ADVERTISERS. Tell them we are sick of their lousy reporting, and make it hurt. Come on, for years of fantastic free content I think that's the least we could do. Hey, I'm short on cash anyway and need to cut back anyway.

To Wil:
Dude, that sucks. I think it's time you tell EW to go to hell. Just DON'T have anything to do with them. I don't know much about the entertainment biz, but this sounds almost like battered wife syndrome to the casual WWdN reader. JUST SAY NO TO EW. I promise on my side NEVER to even read them again, let alone buy them. I'll try to avoid any of their advertisers that I realistically can. When you hit number 1 on the NYT bestseller list for 10 wks in a row (which I completely and nonsarcastically confident you will do), and they desperately want an interview - you'll know where to tell them and that game review site that screwed you where to stick it. Your the writer and I (and I suspect other readers) would expect nothing less but the most colorful of insults - just be sure to record it as an MP3 and put it on the site so we can laugh with you.
Possible Conspiracy Theory: AOL TW owns EW. Star Trek is owned by Viacom. By denegrating you, would they help denegrate a rival's franchise? Does O'Reilly have nasty things to say about AOL?

Don't sweat the comment Wil -- EW sucks and has only ever been a good resource for the oscar race -- other than that EW has had made very bad reviews of great movies, glowing reviews of the horrible, and basically puts anyone down that they have deemed uncool and if EW has deemed you uncool and bashes you and your book than its not even worth getting mad about -- I will be sending my letter to them expressing my discontent -- also will begin a campaigne to have you brought via satalite to canadian morning television. So come on my fellow Canadian fans - start writing to Canada AM and get Wil on the show promoting your book in a positive light.
loved the book read it cover to cover in 4 hours and after ordering it, my local book store brought in both books for others to enjoy.

hope to see better reviews in the future
and remember one thing
We all love you here and thats what really matters

Why in the world would they do that? Who at Entertainment Weekly could have a hard-on for you for that many years? I think bashing you is just their style of "infotainment" at the magazine. You're right, it's a mainstream thing. You're not losing any audience by being misrepresented to the readers of a rag like that, or at least the ones that find their reviews credible! Feel better, and *don't* waste your time with outlets like that in the future (my advice).

Now I'm glad I don't have a subscription to that rag. I'd have to cancel it. Your book was the best money I've spent, Wil, and I've since loaned to all my family and friends so they could share in it too.

I, at least, thank you for writing it and putting it out there for me to buy, read and love.

To EW:

"Suck my fat one, you cheap, dimestore" piece of shit.

If you want the mainstream media to notice you, just let them know (for you, it shouldn't be hard) that you are a communist. They'll *LUV* ya'!

BTW, I enjoy (most of) your blog, even if you are young, confused and a communist. Don't worry; your 40s will straighten out that problem, right around the time that Nature kicks you in the ass a few more times really REALLY hard.

Wil,
Journalism minus responsibility equals EWwwww.

What the f*&k is up with a magazine that has something like th Shaw report in it anyway? In/Five minutes ago/Out? All with one solitary word in each column? I don't keep track of time like that. By the way, I'd join that letter writing campaign, but I've already acknowledged that freakin' magazine too much. If I were on fire and the only thing people could do was to beat it out with copies of EWwww, I would just tell them, "Let me burn! Don't get that sh*t near me!"

Once upon a time, Wil, I would've laughed along with the jerks that would've written such tripe. Now, I laugh at them. You've more than earned my respect from the first time I read WWdN

These past couple of years, your blog's been an inspiration to me. "Whine" all you want. I'll read it!

EW selectively quoted you out of context? And you haven't figured out yet that this is what the majority of media outlets do? The media has long ago ceased to be objective. That's why they are (democ)RATS! This tactic, of course, is only acceptable when it works in their favor, done only by them; when the opposition uses this tactic, it's claimed as being "disrespectful," "unfair" or "insensitive." Hypocrisy is only acceptable when you, not the other guy, can get away with it, right?

There was this one joke I heard on Jay Leno years ago and I will never forget it -- I think you need to hear it:

"My dream job? To work for Entertainment Weekly so I can make sure they won't print anything bad about me ever again."

/never subscribing to EW again because the writers really say awful things about the nicest people

We LOVE you, Wil.

I've been boycotting E.W. forever - just to avoid crap writing. So continuing will be NO PROBLEM.

And anyone who has read even one paragraph of Wil's writing should be tickles, encouraged and enlightened. I know I am. Even when it's about poker :)

Wil,

I have to go with one of the above posts.I laughed outloud at the idea you were whining about a blurb called Whiner of the Week no less. Frickin' brilliant, man! But just so you know I'm not a total illiterate without critical reading skills, I did catch a note of the "damn,I fell into the publicity trap when I shoulda known better, damn me and damn EW." And, as with other posts, when I did see the issue, I had to hunt for it...think about that, Wil...searching to actually find the thing. So no worries, mate.

HI-Larious, Wil, barbed wit. Awesome. You rock.

Wil -

Responsible journalists don't work at worhtless gossip rags. Screw them.

Bastards. I unsubsribed from that magazine a couple of decades ago because I thought their journalist practices were questionable. What a rag that magazine is! Don't let it get ya down, Wil! You're an awesome writer, Geek is an awesome book, and we all love you!

Tracey

I agree with all of the comments here that EW's lack of professionalism seventh layer of hell sucks. This seriously makes me wish for Karmic payback. Young Mr. Wheaton, in my humble opinion you are Good People. You are brutally honest, a loving father and husband and all kinds of smart and talented. On no level do you or JAG deserve that kind of pathetic dribble.

I agree that there seems to be something personal going on here. I went to their site and tried to find a link to email them and ask if someone there got turned down for a date and never got over it but couldn't find it.

Moreover, I hope their attempt at a hack job blows up in their collective faces and causes more people to buy the book to find out what's up for themselves.

You know what Wil? Screw Entertainment Weekly, to your fans (including myself), your book was awesome...

My letter is on the way. That "review" was ludicrous...

And I know that the tide is turning 'round
So don't let the bastards grind you down

No worries, Wil. Anyone who forms their opinions based upon a blurb they read in a meretricious magazine is not the sort of person who would appreciate your writing anyway. I just read through a lot of the comments here - how many people now will never buy EW again, but buy your book instead? Ahh, karma. :)

Well, goes to prove that there are asshats everywhere. This guys gonna get his rump roasted by someone, some day - and you can be there gleefully warming your hands by the fire on that day, my friend.

Don't let those losers get to you!

EW can kiss my grits. Your's too. And there's no way I'm paying to read their stupid website. Just tell 'em to go to hell.

for what it's worth, i sent in my .02 to 'ew'.

Going for the coveted "of the year" award?

Just be careful, the people like me who read that "blurb" and come here to read this entry will walk away giving EW more credibility than you want.

And in regards to the boycott, the 200 of you planning on not buying EW (who in all honesty either had subscriptions, in which case, they've got your money, or probably never bought to begin with) will be offset by the hordes of Wil haters because the "situation" has been blown out of proportion now.

It was probably better to have suffered a blow like this silently and handled the few upset fans who did see it when they emailed you by responding that you know about it, and think they're being dicks while publicly blowing the whole EW thing off instead of playing the victim card to incite a riot of fanatics.

Just sayin'

Screw 'em, Wil. Obviously, the idiot didn't even read it or, if he did, he has no business writing book reviews because he pretty much missed the entire premise of JAG. Maybe he could try my son's new Peekaboo Elmo book next time - the plot and length is more his speed.

Thought this would be appropriate:

"Pay no attention to what the critics say; there has never been set up a statue in honor of a critic."

Jean Sibelius

Coincidentally, there's a pretty good article in the current (October) Writer's Digest magazine (a feat in itself...) on the subject of unfair, unjustified reviews. Loriann Oberlin makes a couple good points; chief among these: If you can use the presence of the poor review to drive intelligent discussion about JAG, then the reviewer will have done you a great favor. I won't repeat the article here, but the gyst is: (1) Don't ignore the review, respond intelligently and concisely, citing examples to demonstrate the reviewer did an incomplete job and (2) Don't permit an overflow of emotion (yours or your supporters) to overwhelm the reviewer; this will come across unprofessionally (think of all those "U suk!" emails we've gotten over the years). Personally, I think this is something you should engage, representing yourself as a writer, not as a personality who's produced a book, which is (my guess) how you were treated by the EW reviewer.

To other WWDN fans: rather than bombard EW, which will accomplish nothing, let's post intelligent reviews in the places we can reach (like amazon). Be positive.

Well, obviously "Entertainment Weakly" (sic) is not exactly the bloody New Yorker or the Atlantic Monthly or whatever magazine most of us recognize as being an "authority" on anything. It is a cheap rag, and has just renewed its membership in the ignorance club. I wouldn't even use it for lining the kitty litter box, although I don't hesitate to use the Globe and Mail (Canada) Report on Business section every time.

All I know is that I read your website every week. I read the weekly magazine... well, never.

That's just WRONG.
Sorry Wil.
*hugs*

Just remember, Wil, this is the same magazine that called "The Family Guy" the worst show ever put on TV.

Just remember the episode where Peter Griffin wipes his ass with an issue of EW, and remember you're in good company.

These people should be ashamed of themselves. I'm sorry, Wil.

Obviously journalism *isn't* the point of EW. I've never read it, but your experience makes it fairly apparent. The only thing to do is shrug it off and count your blessings--the fact that a ton of people know how wrong-headed and mean-spirited the 'review' was, and that EW didn't print a scoop about you having an affair with JLo or going into rehab. (Of course, if they were the Weekly World News, they'd go straight to something involving aliens, demonic possession, vampires or Elvis ... but I gather EW isn't that imaginative in *their* fiction.)

well i just canceled my ew subscription..fuckers

Funny, and you base your political opinions on the same new sources that trash you. How naive are you?

Oh My gosh! It took a half hour to read all the responces. What a show of support. With the support of family and friends, there is nothing you can't over come. I'm new to WWdN, (I guess that makes me 50,001) and just recently heard of JAG. I usually don't read books, but I think I'll have to make an exception.

I e-mailed EW letters@ew.com and asked that they get someone to give JAG an honest review.

Val

Will-san,
Take heart. We, the readers of WWdN know better. We will speak out.
We appreciate you. I encourage you to continue writing. Now to save my pennies from skipping lunch to buy "the" book. Why do school fees and college books cost so damn much?

Bloody hell, I like your blog.

Thanks to some totalfarker for posting the scan link so I didn't have to be seen looking thru EW. The blurb was mean, the illustration even meaner.

You are a good person, Wil. We can see that in your writing. Not because you're Mr. Perfect, but because you struggle like the rest of us. You are brave enough and articulate enough to write about your struggles for the world to see. And we not only learn a little something about you, but we learn a little something about ourselves.

Love and peace to you, Wil.

The person who insinuated that you're just "whining" here and making EW look more credible in dismissing you as a whiner, sounds like classic blame-the-victim mentality. You're protesting EW -factually misrepresenting- your book with an unprofessional smart-ass remark, and expressing your disgust that they have a history of acting like this when they're supposed to be professionals.

The fallacioius statement of the "Mysterious They" was also invoked - you know, the bit that goes "THEY go after you even more now... " [The hoards of "Wil Haters" we're supposed to take as a given are lurking in the shadows ready to jump.]

Maybe there are hordes of Wil-haters out there! *looks around suspiciously* It's highly possible... Kaijima must be taking a class in logic and rhetoric.

Thanks to David Vincenti for the great idea! I wrote the following review on Amazon just now!:

Personally, I read the book because Wil Wheaton is one of my favorite people. I read his weblog almost every day. I really feel like he is "one of us." (thirtysomethings?) I enjoyed the book, from a very biased standpoint. Wil's writing always makes me feel like he and I are long-time, intimate friends. How does he do that? His writing has a certain disarming quality.

I figured only fans of his would be interested in the book, but a younger (24-yr old) friend of mine, whom I consider to be very cool saw the book on my nightstand and picked it up. He said he thought it was 'rad' that I had a book by "Wesley Crusher." I told him not to think of Wil that way, he doesn't like it. Anyway, my friend opened the book and proceeded to read the entire thing from cover to cover in one sitting. That amazed me. The book catches your attention and you can't help but read it and feel that you know the author!

So, I guess I'll go buy JAG from Amazon, now!

Yay! I did it! *waits for copy of JAG to arrive in mail*

I would have never considered Entertainment Weekly an 'influential magazine' but then again, I'm not an 'over 40' housewife or an 'under 20' teen without a life of my own. To thine own self be true, Will. Write what you feel; people will either get it or they won't.

The major problem with the entertainment industry is, collectively, everyone is more interested in keeping people in their boxes then seeing them expand into something new and different. Many are content to live forever within their boxes, and some are angry over their inability to free themselves. It's a short cut. It's easy to say "this and this" about an actor or a celebrity, but God forbid they do anything to contradict the stereotypes associated with them.

Anyway, keep truckin'. There's enough of us sending you our good wishes for the bad mojo to be equalled and surpassed. The reporter was small-minded in this case, and let's just hope that he'll pick up your book again and realize his error.

Okay, all together now "letter to the editor". Come on readers bombard EW with letters. We all know that Wil is a very talented writer, actor, father...let's help everyone else know that too!

As a writer, I find your site incredibly well written and informative, as well as entertaining. I also recently ordered your book based solely on what I've seen on your website. EW (and there must be a reason that their initials spell a sound generally recognized as an unpleasant experience) couldn't tell a good thing if they pulled their collective heads out long enough to look around. As far as I'm concerned, they're just another "rag" (again with the unfortunate use of a descriptive term) who hire "snotzzarrazi" to spew their filth. Just remember, Mr. Wheaton, it's not REALLY about you, it's about their puerile minds unable to rise out of the shallow end of the gene pool. Write on, Wil!

I don't care what a stupid reporter said about you, I love you. I think it's an amazing book and I've already convinced 2 other people to read it, WOOHOO!

Wil, your posse is with you all the way. We are witnesses to your talent. That reviewer is not, having been too lazy to read the book he was supposed to be reviewing.
Have a lovely day, unspoilt by morons.
Joan
London

While I'm the 305th comment and I doubt few will read, if any, I thought I would post nonetheless. Wil, you should not let this bring you down. You know how successful you are both as a writer, husband, step-father, and yes even as an actor. When incidents like these happen all you need to do is sit back and think of the positives that have occurred in the past few years. You have an extreme amount of positive things going on in your life, and while you'll encounter some turbulence from time to time, you must always remember that the overall ride is a good one. You're an aspiration for a lot of people out there, many of whom don't post comments to your entries, or on the soapbox. You know that everyone who's bought your book and read it and feels its a funny, well written, and an overall great f**kin book. BTW in the future if someone has such a bad comment say the following to yourself: In the guise of Eddie Murphy imitating Richard Pryor "Tell Bill to have a Coke and a smile and shut the f*ck up!" (refering to Bill Cosby's criticism of Eddie Murphy's stand-up.

Rawk on!
Bryan

Christ what is it with these rags man, they try and do anything they can to get their ounce of flesh. All I can say to Wil is ignore this wanker, your book is a wonderful read, a window into your heart and your soul. A concept that this asshole hack (and that really is too nice a word for him) couldn't even begin to understand. We're all behind you man, so don't you be thinking twice about this sort of crap. We got your back bro!

Seems like no matter what you do, someone will always find some inkling of a way to critisize you and make you out to be the bad guy.
generally, these people are just brutally bored and jealous.
I don't see your writing as whining in the least.

I've been moved to de-lurk, and to make a small suggestion, but first: Hi. I've been reading your site since 2001. Your site is my computer's home page, so I see your words every day.

This might be a "Hail Mary" idea that'd be hard to pull off, but there's someone else worth contacting at Entertainment Weekly: Mr. Stephen King, with his E-Dub column about whatever the hell he wants to write about. You could try sending JAG to his publisher (Scribner, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, NY, NY 10020) with the message "Try it. You might like it." King, imp that he is, still seems to have sympathy for people who've survived the celebrity machine as you have. (It *is* a machine, isn't it? Think the "Pink Floyd The Wall" meat grinder...) And he might have sympathy for your situation. Imagine getting a "thumbs up" review from as prolific a writer as King...

I'm disappointed in E-Dub, because that doesn't seem like the magazine I read (yes, I do read it, and I subscribed to it in its early years). Their articles in the past year on such writers as Neil Gaiman, Larry McMurtry and (a personal favorite of mine) Poppy Z. Brite have been meaty and respectful; there *are* writers there trying to do a good job covering authors, and the fact they'd hire Stephen King in the first place is another good sign.

So. A possibly positive way to deal with the situation, to improve things.

To close: thank you for being part of the effort to give us geeks a better name. To quote "Hoosiers," "You did good."

Christopher Walsh

I am the 310 comment (and I did read comment 305!). Nice site. Sorry that you are being treated unfairly, but I guess that is the nature of the beast. Some have to down so that some are up, so to speak. It gives them something to write about. Keep you chin up.

I am sure the comments from EW are painful and done out of the usual malicious way they treat most people. However, remember, no publicity is bad publicity. Just look at as EW's childish way of helping the book sell.

So someone doesn't like your book and that means they're a "hack"?

Someone who doesn't like a book and proceeds to dis it like a cheap internet troll instead of offering anything with substance or to justify their opinion as something other than petty vitriol, is a good qualifier as a "hack". Particularly when they're writing for a print publication.

Email sent to letters@ew.com:

Your magazine's recent criticism of Wil Wheaton's new book was totally uncalled for. It sounded like the journalist who made the comments didn't get past the first chapter of Wil's book, Just A Geek. To say that Mr. Wheaton, "fills 260 pages endlessly lamenting, "I used to be an actor when I was a kid.", was grossly incorrect. This statement gives your readers who are not familiar with Wil the wrong impression, and for those of us who ARE famililiar with him and his wildly popular website... well I'm sure you're hearing from us by the hundreds. The only impression you are leaving with Wil's friends, readers, and fans is that your magazine is not worth reading. You're losing readers and subscribers by making these sort of statements.

To Letters@ew.com:

You are fat.
Learn to read.
Wil Wheaton rules.

Thanks!
Matt D.T.

In response to the person above who seems to think it would have been better for Wil not to express his feelings about the blurb, do you think that it would be better for Wil to hide his feelings about it from his readers? Surely one of the things that sets Wil apart as a blogger and author is his disarming honesty. If he hadn't mentioned it, fans who'd read it would have wondered why he hadn't mentioned it and thought he wasn't as open with us as we'd like to believe.
Of course being so honest leaves him more open to attack, but in the long term it will endear him to those who appreciate honesty and a writer who doesn't hide his emotions.
I hope he never changes that aspect of his writing.

This calls for a boycott of EW. Monkies UNITED!

Wil,
If I ever wrote a book, I would not even read the reviews. They are just trying to sell there product. Try not to get to mad because they may be twice as hard the next time. Some reporters love to just stir things up.

FG

My issue of EW lists their letters to the editor email address as ew_letters@ew.com. I sent my email to both that and to letters@ew.com. I wrote it before I read the now 317 posts here and it reads much the same. Funny how everyone said the same thing "Did anyone there actually read JAG???"

------------------
I'm writing to take issue with your snarky put down of Wil Wheaton's book "Just a Geek" in the 9/17 issue of Entertainment Weekly. To dismiss it as 260 pages of whining is unjust and even misrepresents it. I thought the book was a fascinating, unflinchingly honest look at
Wheaton's search for meaning and for something beyond the "child actor" or "Star Trek" labels. It's sad, funny, and uplifting in turns - and
Wheaton turns out to be a promising writer as well. Calling Wil Wheaton "whiner of the week" makes me wonder whether whoever wrote that blurb actually read the book - or just really hated Wesley Crusher and has confused Wesley with the actor who played him.

Maggie

319 commenters can't be wrong. I saw the blurb yesterday and will be calling to cancel my subscription tomorrow.

When I was younger, I used to dream a lot about being famous. But now that I am older I know that those kinds of comments such as those in EW would hurt my feelings too. Of course, if it sold a few extra books and helped my income, it might take the sting out of it. Or not. I really dont know. I do know that I enjoy reading your blog and I hate whiners. You can make of that what you will.

Entertainment Weakly is garbage. Although I read the garbage sometimes... I don't necessarily repect it's opinion.

Well, seeing as how mine will be about the 323rd comment of encouragement, I think I can safely say that those of us who know the real Wil also know that Entertainment Weekly is just a splash-and-trash rag that wouldn't know a real book if it came up and bit them in the ass. Though I know our support doesn't take away the sting of the blurb, just remember that it's the opinions of the people who really know you that matter, not what the rest of the world thinks. On the bright side, perhaps people will want to know what the "whiner of the week" really has to whine about and pick up a copy for themselves! (Do people who read Entertainment Weekly read actual books, or just mindless gossipy bullshit?) Anyway, chin up, Wil. We all think you're wonderful, even if you are "Just a Geek".

Sorry for the vulgarity but,

Entertainment Weakly is composed of a bunch of Kool Kid losers who aren't fit to lick your shoes clean after you step in dog shit. They are insanely jealous about the fact that you were making a profound contribution to society through your acting while they where still in potty training (at nine years of age). It drives them insane that our generation of geeks has changed the world for the better while they gave each other venereal diseases and bragged about who spent the greatest percentage of their life savings on shoes.

I was in college while you were doing your stint on STNG and I think you epitomized the aspirations of all of us geeks admirably. In fact their review makes me wish I had bought your book to spite them rather than because I admire you and feel we are fellow travellers (even though we shall probably never meet IRL).

Bah. They suck. Richard Feynman wrote a good book; "What do you care what other people think". It's a book about Physics, but not boring stuff. I think you would like it.

I had to jump on the letter-writing bandwagon.

To: letters@ew.com

To The Reviewer of "Just A Geek":

My what wonders Equal Opportunity Employment has done for the emotionally challenged. How nice of Entertainment Weekly to employ a mean-spirited philistine like you. Grab a dictionary. I'm sure you're going to have to look that big word up, you anthropophaginian. Wil has more writing talent than a pseudojournalist like you will ever hope to. Next time read past the first chapter before you submit your slush to that tin god of an editor of yours.

Sincerely,

Aylaleia - Goddess of Justice

I wrote this yesterday fully intending to post it here then I got to the comments about turning the other cheek and not sending emails to EW. I didn't want to be flame bait for trolls so I didn't post it. Then I came back today and decided to go ahead.

How many hours has it been since I read this and I am still so angry that I keep getting teary-eyed? Oh yes, a nerve was struck. Hard.

I read every single one of the comments here and this is for Wil:

We care man, we really do. You have touched a lot of lives in a good way.

I gave myself some time to put words to why I continually read WWdN and it goes beyond how beautiful the things you share about your family are (although at first blush I would have said that was it).

It’s the way you are so brave, honest and GENEROUS to share your foibles and human failings and are so amicable and wise that you to do it in a broader, universal 'lesson on life' scope. And damn it, you have such a fine sense of humour about it all. If I had to sum up my affection for you its what you feel for any real life hero. You embody qualities I can only hope to emulate. It's as simple and as complex as that.

Hence why (despite the fact that we are talking about a worthless, stupid supermarket tabloid,) my poison pen came out and whipped up a nasty can of whup ass for Ewwwwwwwwwwww. I sent it yesterday evening.

'Whiner of the Week'

Since the nameless person who wrote that excuse for a review obviously did not read more than a few pages if that of "Just a Geek", I can understand why they conveniently forgot to put their name to it. After all, your "magazine" is little more than a waste of trees, yellow journalism like the other tabloids with headlines about alien babies and talking cadavers and the like. And that's all fine and good if you stick to your own.

That said, your target audience could not possibly possess the sophistication, depth or wisdom to read, let alone comprehend Mr. Wheaton's book - just like the person who maligned it. Clearly a poignant, compelling, amazingly sincere and unabashedly honest tome by a fine young man has no business in with the filth you peddle. Yet inexplicably, you saw fit to pan both author and content of the work.

So answer this: what exactly is your vendetta against Wil Wheaton?

This is not the first time you have gone out of your way to defame him. Did he turn one of you bottom feeders down for a date and you have neither the self-esteem nor common sense to just get over it and move on? That you're jealous because your pathetic lack of skill and talent left you nothing but that trash you call a magazine and he is a published author with a very loyal and growing following? Or is it that you are so insidiously wanting that you truly have nothing better to do than go out of your way to be hateful?

It would be another matter altogether had the "reviewer" actually read the book in its entirety and made valid points supported by critical statements. Instead you stooped to a few shoddily written personal insults accompanied by an infantile cartoon and passed it off as a factual review. The real whiner of week is the excuse for a hack that wasted the time to write that dribble.

If you have not realized it by now, Wil Wheaton has a lot of dedicated supporters and you have provoked us. The very least you could do is retract that pack of lies you printed in favour of an objective, intelligent review and include a very carefully worded apology to him.

But then you are what you are and to you for that, I invoke the Cheney Doctrine.

You know what to do.

LB Williams

Hey, maybe this bad rap may open doors for you. Maybe even get more copies sold. *Cha Ching!*
From what I've seen with media is that whenever something or someone gets a bad rap it boosts their popularity or sales. Larger crowds turn out for that concert that was given a hard time by the media trying to keep the event from happening. Or that 9/11 doc. It made big bling, bling.
Maybe people will want to buy the book just to see what this dope was talking about. It's got me interested in the book already! LOL
Point is there's always a silver lining.

I cancelled my subscription, but dont let them get to you Wil. They are only a small step above the NE and Star Magazine. They are the last place that I would worry about a book review, its not exactly the Washington Post. Add up all the great reviews you got from papers and friends here, and it blows their garbage comment away.
Dont let a rag drag you down, you know thats garbage and so do we. It must suck to be lied to, but it happens to everyone. We just have to move on and learn a lesson, and not let them ruin a good time.

You must know your books are great reads, we do, and thats what counts. Not the Tv Guide of so-called Journalism.

As always.....another trash publication failing to get their facts straight before they push the print button.

I am glad that E-W isn't a popular mainstream publication in Australia (or if it is I have yet to suffer the misfortune of reading it).

I understand that not everyone in the world can like everything and everyone. But there are kinder ways of of putting forward an opinion/review even if the material isn't to their liking.

I for one tend to read books and view films that have been panned by critics and even though I had already planned on buying and reading your book Wil, you can be assured that I will be making an extra effort to pick up a copy now.

In fact after reading abour you appearance at Mysterious Galaxy I have enquired about ordering a copy all the way from accross the Pacific just so I can have a signed edition.

Thanks for always delivering something interesting to read Wil, in both your books and on your site.

cheers
Lauren

The "blurb" writer sounds like the whiner.

My week started of so well - until I found out EW was unfairly maligning my number one favourite author. I've notice amongst most Hollywood cognoscenti (aka Jeffrey Wells, EW) a certain "elitist snobbery". Their disgusting treatment of Wil only confirms my suspicions - EW is nothing more than a trashy tabloid rag, and I will never read it again.

Keep in mind that WHO magazine in Australia does reprint some pieces from EW and People magazine in the US. So, regrettably, we Aussies will probably see this misleading piece of trash in our local magazines. More's the pity.

Who reads Entertainment Weekly anyway?

Dude, I actually saw that on Friday and I thought the same thing regarding the blurb.

But really, does anyone truly trust what an AOLTW publication has to say? Or the media in general for that matter? NO! (Unless it's Jon Stewart. Heknowsstuff.)

Check out the good review of JAG at Applelust:

http://www.applelust.com/reviews/books/archives/040903_justageek.shtml

Hey Wil

I just wrote this to EW, I'm sure lots of others have done the same.

Dear Editor

Having just read your review "Whine of the Week" about Just A Geek, it's obvious that your reviewer did not actually read the book, or in fact do any research whatsoever.

This leaves me wondering whether any of the articles in your publication have any research behind them, and I certainly won't be buying Entertainment Weekly again.

Kate Waring

Maybe they're jealous that you made Wired in the top blogs (beating the White House!). (OK, I just read the August 2004 issue, but am VERY impressed!)

They're irresponsible. As with other things in the US, we can vote with our pocketbooks. I don't subscribe, and now I won't read it elsewhere, either.

Off to B&N in northern CA to find a copy!

Woops, a copy of JAG (not EW!). Already read Dancing Barefoot, and have had my wife and several friends read it, also. It was wonderful!

It's interesting. While I was waiting for my coffee to be made, I had a choice of two mags to browse. One was EW. I stopped reading it years ago when the clear mean spirited-ness of the writing got to be too much. It is a terrible rag and all it does is promote people bashing of all kings. They are disguised as an entertainment magazine but all they are are spreaders of hate. That said, I flipped it open right to the blurb on chance. I read it and thought, 'Well, that's way off.'
They still suck and truly, I wouldn't worry about them. They live in their own catty world that has nothing to do with what you are trying to do on this planet anyhow.

Rock on, Wil.

Hi Wil- just thought you'd like to see what I sent to EW:

To Whom It May Concern:

I just read the little "blurb" that someone at your magazine wrote about Wil Wheaton's book, Just A Geek. I suggest you search out and fire that person, since they obviously either can't read, or don't read books before writing reviews about them. I also suggest that you read the book yourself, and do a proper review. It's a very interesting book, and NOT one in which Wil "fills 260 pages endlessly lamenting, 'I used to be an actor when I was a kid,'" as your reviewer wrote. Please give Just A Geek a fair try- even if you don't like it, base your review on what's actually in it, rather than on what someone who obviously didn't even read the book *thinks* it's about. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Alicia Van Sant
allywag67@aol.com
www.thewagband.com

I'd like to add my voice to Kathleen (somewhere in the 300s... There are a lot of comments in here!) and say that one of the things that attracts people to this blog and keeps them here is that it really is honest. When we visit your website, it's because we want to know what our friend is up to, not because we want to find out what some celebrity is up to. If you start using WWDN to deal with your career, or act as a publicity machine, it won't take long for your loyal fans to catch on.

Of course, announcing things you're doing on here is different. It's natural to be excited about stuff, and your excitement comes through. We all enjoy that aspect of the site, and we all cheer when you have something fun and exciting come up. :-) And hey, if it weren't for WWDN, I'd never have heard about JAG, and then I'd have missed out on a great read!

For whatever it's worth, I don't read Entertainment Weekly, and now I definitely won't ever read it, even at the doctor's office.

It sound like someone at the magazine is very bitter over your early success and now your current success. I'd probably be bitter, too, if I were stuck writing reviews for Entertainment Weekly, instead of creative works like JAG.

Personally, the only reviews I read are in The Onion's A.V. Club. ;-)

I was going to read all the postings and make sure I wasn't just posting the equivalent of "me too", but holy, God! So instead of taking the hour or so it would take to read the plethora of comments I'll just say what I think. I think that the "reporter" who wrote that is just a hack looking to get a rise out of everyone who has come to respect you through this site and your books. We know that your writing is honest and forthright. We know that you write about things we all feel and sometimes can't express. However, he knows that we are legion and some of us are fanatic. Like the saying goes, "any publicity is good publicity".

What I'm getting at is that the "reviewer" isn't interested in whether or not your book was good, he's interested in how much publicity he can draw his magazine.

What really gets me is the absolute misrepresentation, er, let's call it what it was folks, the outright lie that the representative of Entertainment Weekly told your manager. That kind of thing should be illegal. Oh, well, its not like I get my entertainment news from them anyway. Does anyone? The internet is a much better place for entertainment news, especially when you could care less who J-Lo is dating this week.

Shrug it off, Wil. Let the sales speak for quality of your book. Here on your site we stroke the hell out of your ego, but on Amazon.com the people speak with money. Like an old friend of mine used to say, "Joke 'em if they can't take a fuck!".

Wil, don't worry about what an "entertainment" magazine says about you. They're more interested in who's banging who than actual life. Maybe they only reviewed the part that made any sense to them; the part about acting. Anything with any meaning or heart; anything real, is beyond their comprehension. You don't need their approval anymore, that's what the first chapter was all about.

Maybe that's what they're so mad about. One more person doesn't give a damn about what they think.

They are teh sUxX0rS. You are teh r0xX0rS.

I put my 2 cents in too Wil.

Dear EW:

The staff member who called Wil Wheaton "Whiner of the Week" re: his memoir "Just a Geek" didn't even bother to READ the book.

How do I know? Because I HAVE read it, and it is categorically NOT 260 pages of whining about being a has-been child actor. Instead, it is 260 pages of someone giving us insight into how he came to terms with his life--as an actor, yes, but also as a husband and stepfather and budding writer. It’s written with humor, insight and honesty.

EW reminds me of Fox news, which I don’t watch anymore because they do not check their facts either. EW is nothing more than a rag of Enquirer status. I’ll never read your rag again.

Michelle Berry

https://subs.timeinc.net/crtn/ew/contactus/index.jhtml

A link to a feedback form you can get to without logging in.

fuck 'em. you want we should flood their in-box with letters objecting to the review?

Hey Wil,

Guess EW just lost me as a potential reader. Not that I've ever bought it in the first place.

And here's something else I felt I need to say.

I will honestly say here (briefly paraphrasing) what I said the night of your booksigning at Powell's to people there when we were discussing you on Star Trek:

"I thought Wesley was kind of a tool at times. I couldn't believe that (you) as a person or as an actor were like this 2-dimensional kid on TV."

It wasn't meant as a jab against you, that's for sure. Just my being critical of a character on Star Trek. Heh. I doubt you overheard any of that. You were pretty busy with the fans, talking and signing books. The important stuff :)

I'm glad I'm right. You're pretty cool man, and one of my favorite authors. Up there with William Gibson, who I also met at a booksigning.

Having heard you read your book, and then meeting you and having my books signed was right up there in the top five of the list of things I did in Portland while I was there on vacation.

So I'd be pissed at EW, but fark 'em. Next time around, go on your gut. My US$0.02

Sincerely,

Wolf (Bryan, with a 'y')

[P.S. - I'm the skinny guy who gave you the sticker from DEFCON and thanked you for inspiring me to try writing again. Still haven't finished my drafts about my vacation yet, but they'll be up there on the blog once I get them polished up.]

Wil,
While I am sure the negative and inaccurate portrayal of your book by Entertainment Weekly stings, draw strength from knowing that you were able to draw a response at all. Don't think of yourself as "a used to be." The wind has to stop blowing occasionally for you to enjoy a breeze. Keep up the great work you have done so far and don't lose faith in yourself. Your fans haven't, regardless of the media form you use, to express your obvious talents. You have been a shining example of our generation for years, and always will be.

Chad

Maybe Michael Moore wrote the blurb, he's
very talented at quoting people out of context
in order to make them look bad. He's got
experience in the vendetta area as well.

Late to the party on this one, but nonetheless I'll post so as to up the comment count!

I first saw EW back in the late '80s when copies showed up at the radio station where I worked. I flipped through for a few weeks, and soon noticed that anytime they reviewed something I'd liked, they hated it...and vice versa. So I've never read it since, even at the dentist's office, much less given them my hard-earned money. (Not that I care much for the other "celebrity/entertainment" stuff either.)

I see that I still disagree with their "reviews."

Letter Posting:
Entertainment Weekly,
Like many others, I was offended by your recent misrepresentation of Wil Wheaton's book Just a Geek. The reporter was obviously irresponsible and uninformed. I doubt they even read the book. It's impossible to maintain a good relationship with artists and readers if you can't be counted on to be unbiased or at the very least informed on the topic. I am cancelling my subscription to Entertainment Weekly, solely based on the way you cruelly handled the content of Wil's writing.
Sincerely,
R. Perkins

Hi there.

I am sure you are getting plenty of these letters telling you that the Whiner of the Week was written by a moron. I will state that I don't believe the person is. I do believe this so-called journalist could have at least read the damn book before throwing a vicious little jab at a writer. The writing was about life. A single chapter was dedicated to that acting, and when you write a bit of biography, you usually include your childhood. Considering his past, it would be impossible to neglect his former career.
Instead of reading this book and seeing it for what it is, a moving work relating to life and how being a geek has its own set of problems, the writer of that little dig, decided to behave like an ass and mock Mr. Weaton. Perhaps the fact that when "the reporter assured him that this would just be a nice blurb announcing the release" the reporter was somehow unaware that "Whiner of the Week" and "In his blog-cum-memoir Just a Geek, the former Star Trek, TNG cast member, now 32, fills 260 pages endlessly lamenting, "I used to be an actor when I was a kid." Is not a nice blurb. Exactly how would anyone see this as a "nice blurb"?
I will be suggesting to all those I know that read your magazine that if this is their opinion on a really good book, maybe all your opinions are trash. And I am also going to point this out around subscription renewel time. Several dozen times.
I encourage you to print a retraction and a correction. That was sloppy and utterly incorrect. The book is much better and deserves to be read and seen for what it is.
--
"They couldn't hit an elephant at this dist..."
-General John Sedgwick (1813-1864), last words.

----------------

I almost put in a jab in it. "Perhaps the "journalist" was a bit jealous that he can't even whine about being able to claim to have been a has-been? The journalist is obviously a will-never since he can't manage to read a script past the first 5 pages.

almost.. but I wanted it to be more to the point and less of a rant.

Hey Wil,
I totally support your view that people have a right to their opinions but without properly reading your book and then making some dumb ass comment was just ignorance on their part.
I'm going to write them an e mail and tell them to give their heads a shake.

Ok I'm in. My hat in the ring:

I am writing to inform you that I have just purchased your magazine from a newstand for the last time because it is clear you do not employ writers who do their jobs.

This little tidbit on page 83:

"Whiner of the Week"
In his blog-cum-memoir Just a Geek, the former Star Trek, TNG cast member, now 32, fills 260 pages endlessly lamenting, "I used to be an actor when I was a kid."

Well that’s just great. I read the book and Wil Wheaton discusses his career IN THE FIST CHAPTER ONLY!!!

Your publication always entertained me because it was a short, consise summary of weekly entertainment news and reviews. Given the success of your publication, I would expect your readers to suffer from attention deficit disorder, not your writers.

Sloppy!

Hey Wil,

I just received JAG on friday (look up to about post #110), and I wanted to let you know that I finished it last night. It was, of course, everything I had expected and hoped for...and more. You are an excellent writer, and had me captivated for every minute I was not involved in my grandmother's 90th birthday this weekend.

I can't wait for you to find more stories to tell. I'll be here to read them.

Scott

Well, it makes sense if you think about it. I don't know anyone whose greatest aspiration is to write short blurbs for such an esteemed publication. So you have to figure they are either very frustrated or very shallow... and probably both.

Now they can't lash out at Big Stars to satisfy their petty psuedo-power trip, so hey, they'll lash out at someone they think can't get them in trouble.

Much like the 3rd grader hall monitor who has to just stand their and take abuse all day long from every 3rd grader to 6th grader. So he then writes up a 2nd grader for some imagined offense to make himself feel better.

Lurker here for a few months now... good stuff Wil. You even have me geocaching.

Good luck,

Vance

Hey Wil,

I just finished Just a Geek on Saturday and really enjoyed it. Having said that, I just called to cancel my subscription to EW. (Stupid school fundraisers.)

I know this sucks and all, but no press is bad press.

Wil, I gave up on Entertainment Weekly years ago after I got suckered into a free subscription. The people doing the mini-reviews seem to be total hacks who have nothing better to do than trash EVERYTHING they review. I'm a harsh critic at times, but GEEZ!
I think the sheer number of blog responders here tell the real story. I can only imagine how many people started to post something then stopped as I almost did when they saw how many responses there were. Don't hold back, gang!

Having read all of the comments, some I agree with and some I don't. One or two people mentioned that they don't think Wil should be using this to boost publisity. I really don't think that was his intention.

Think about it gang, when something happens that ticks you off what do you do? Tell your friends, rant to your friends. Wil has done just that. Although many of us have not met him in person, most of us consider him a friend in one way or another. When my friends are attacked, insulted or hurt, I do what I can to help.

So, that being said, below is the letter I sent to EW. Hang in there Wil, you have touched more lives in a meaningful way than EW will ever have a chance to.
_________________
Dear Editor-

I remember that it was about a year ago that a friend of mine told me to check out this website called wilwheaton.net. I thought she was nuts. I confess to being one of those people who pretty much thought that Wesley deserved his title of "the one we love to hate." But I found that in moments I was engrossed in this wonderful, honest, amusing, and often uplifting journey through this incredibly normal person's life.

I find it inexcusable that a magazine would publish an "article" that clearly does not represent more than the first chapter of a book. I find it even more inexcusable that your magazine would not even try to get beyond the stereotypes that you clearly portray here.

I fully understand that a book review is based on opinion, but what was written was not an opinion of the writing or even the content, it was an opinion of Wil Wheaton based on his character in StarTrek. The book is not about a child actor whining about what he has lost, it is about Wil Wheaton, the person sharing not only what he lost but what he gained. Perhaps you should take the time to read the book or his website and rediscover a bit of your own humanity and open your eyes beyond the narrow-minded viewpoint published in your magazine.

Alli

Here's the e-mail I just sent to EW:

"Thank you for printing the announcement of Wil Wheaton's book, Just a Geek. It helped me confirm that Entertainment Weekly is fully dedicated to sensationalism and shallow journalism, as opposed to real research and - God forbid - reading. Had the person who wrote the announcement actually read the book, s/he would have realized that it is a journey, a soul-searching look inside the mind and heart of a human being. It is about moving past juvenile limitations, not reinforcing them, as your one line review indicates."

Forget about them, Wil. They give no more respect to you than Rolling Stone gave to Rush for their first dozen albums. And we all know how wrong that was!

Be well,
Stace

Look at how many people bought the book because of that blurb, and how many more people bought the book because of this blog entry.

I'd say that the marketing "ploy" worked.

The dupe dupes again.

Entertainment Weekly, bah! I went to see Van Helsing based solely on their gushing over it. What the hell was I thinking?!

Sorry dude, but you've got to take the bad with the good. You're gonna win some and your gonna lose some. You're gonna get more good reviews in the future and just as surely you're gonna get more bad ones.

Enjoy what you can in the good and learn what you can from the bad.

ANOTHER message of support....

I have to wonder about the kind of people who would subscribe to such a negative publication. If the book was as the reporter described, then how is it newsworthy to complain about it?

I think the blurp speaks less for the mag and its staff than you and your book. Consider it free publicity. Because, had I not known of WWDN or your book, and had been unfortunate enough to be reading EW, finding that you had written a book, no matter what someone said about it, would move me to find out more about it.

Nice guys are easy targets, and I'm sure you were chosen for that reason. It's sucks, but know that the numbers speak louder than the name on any mag. The people who count have already spoken, and as people keep buying your books, they continue to speak.

The insecure small prick that wrote that obviously doesn't have the #%*@$ to slander anyone who might have more resources to bite back. It makes me angry.

*Psychologically* (dont freek out) I feel as though I own you as apart of my growing up experience, and so when someone hurts you or wrongs you, I take it personally. Right or wrong, it's just how I feel. And I know others feel the same.

You can tell EW that there is at least one person who wont be buying their mag.

Best Wishes!

- Don
Student of Political Science and Pre-Law at the University of Colorado at Denver

I've got a few comments of my own. First off, I bought Just a Geek because I was a TNG fan as a kid. Despite the fact that the writing for the Wesley Crusher character was horrid, I still connected with the character due to my age. That was all Wil as far as I'm concerned.

Secondly, it doesn't suprise me that a wonderful and objective media outlet such as Entertainment Weekly would make such comments about Wil. That group of cock bites can just fuck right off.

Finally, I read Just A Geek cover to cover. I couldn't put it down. It was real. And there was much more there than I even expected. If some hack at Entertainment Weekly couldn't finish the book in time for his review to be turned in, he could have at least skimmed some of the other chapters. But it's obvious if all you take away from that book is that Wil laments his leaving TNG, you didn't read very many pages.

The world if full of cock holes. Obviously Entertainment Weekly has its fair share of them.

Wil, keep up the good work. Very few authors keep my attention for an entire book. They include Neil Gaiman, Michael Crichton, Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle and you.

I'm a subscriber of EW - generally enjoy reading the magazine. I saw the blurb when I got my copy, and well, being a reader of your website (haven't had a chance to buy the book yet) I was diappointed in EW, and the way they potrayed you. It has made me more critical of EW - and other snarky comments I've read in the past, etc. Probably a bunch of BS all the way around, some hack trying to be funny or make themselves feel more important. Keep doing what you're doing - many find great enjoyment in it, can relate, respect, etc. All the best.

Way to mention your career in the FIST chapter only.

I didn't think you wrote a pr0nographic book!

RE: *Fist Chapter* type

Yup. I saw that crack coming down main street.

Right on time and just as expected.

Some are saying that you're proving yourself a whiner by writing what you wrote in your blog.
These people have not been reading all of your work... they have no idea...
I wrote a letter to EW using the email address posted in these comments. I hope it gets to them. I sure as hell have no plans to register for their site and get stuck buying issues of the mag!
http://www.mylifeasalizard.blogspot.com
Best of luck in everything you do,
Chuck

I was reading these comments and I had the tv on. I turned and there's Family Guy head of the family Peter being told he has to repay the Godfather. He is on the toilet and sees he is outta toilet paper. He looks over and sees Entertainment Weekly. His response? "That's one problem solved".

Case closed.

I didn't read that magazine, and have never commented here before but that's ridiculous and I happily sent a letter to the editor...pathetic.

Wil,

EW, are just a bunch of hacks anyway, and most of the people i know don't actually take anything that is written in there is serious. I find their constant tearing apart of television shows, movies, art and literature to be appaling and ridiculous. They aren't journalists, they are critics. They don't understand craft, art or the artist, but it is their negativity that they sell. It's a tabloid with a pretty glossy cover. Don't take it too hard man.

What's even more pathetic then EW is the people like the balls of steel-brain of mush guy needing to weigh in on their sites. What makes it laughable is seeing the the half-witted 3 comments of unintelligible agreement. "I haven't read the book but I agree he's a whiner". Nice.

Anyway, it's obvious the support here should make it clear what opinions are worth being grateful for, and what opinions don't need to be given a second thought.

I don't care if it's labeled "honesty", "whining", or whatever, keep up the good fight, Wil.

Wil,
Do you really think someone at the magazine has an actual vendetta against you? I think that's being a little paranoid. Maybe the writer of that little piece just (gasp!) didn't like your book. I'm not trying to be inflammatory, but I don't believe that it is out of the realm of possibility. Different strokes and all that.

However, if you do believe it was personal, then maybe, like any good leftist, you should ask yourself: Why do they hate you so much? A better approach though would be to stop letting them rent space in your head for free, and forget about them. People in the world can be shitty, but that doesn't mean you have to pay them any mind.

I learned as a young kid to let it roll right off my back. If you can't do that, you'll wind up letting others determine your self worth, and then you'll need a whole website full of fans to help you feel good about yourself again. Just a thought...

Monkey activated.

EW feedback sent.

Monkey deactived

[sadly AOL and Time Warner are much much more difficult to contact... :( ]

Next time, stick with your intuition Wil. You were right on the money when you worried that they'd slam you again. But then....if you hadn't been optimistic enough to let them bash you...you wouldn't have received so much positive feedback, ended so many EW subscriptions, generated so many new JAG sales, and brought the evil AOLTW giant to its knees....

Muhahahahahaha....

I'd like to see what kinda response comes out of EW from all this...

I actually enjoy reading my EW magazine and I am a subscriber, but when I saw that in this week's issue, I was really disappointed. I don't think the book deserved being trashed like that. I wrote a letter to the editor just now expressing my feelings. Don't let it bring you down, though. There are plenty of people out there who do like your book. And remember what they say - "there's no such thing as bad publicity!" LOL!

Wankers! I'll be sending an email to the editors.

I actually have that first article they did on you on their back page from when my sister used to subscribe to their magazine. Until I read this and was reminded of how crappy they are to you I was going to subscribe....but yeah now it isn't gonan happen. I'll be reading that in the doctor's office if at all..

...right, because EW knows what it's talking about...

Entertainment Weekly is to book and movie reviews what Fox is to news: only the gullible, the stupid, and the extremely ignorant take anything they have to say with any less than a pound of salt.

If they've got it in for WWdN, it's because they're afraid people will visit your site and see what good writing's SUPPOSED to look like.

Hang in there.

...and any chance you're going to come out east on your book tour? The college geek population of DC would love to hear you read live. Plus, I hear this crazy rumor that the Smithsonian will let you and your family in for free :D.

Entertainment Weekly is a rag. I stopped reading it long ago. (Premiere is way better.) I just read your book; I loved it.

Hey Wil-
My hubby and I both really enjoy your website- and we are in the 30-45 age group that make damn good money. We both enjoyed watching TNG as well-and thought you were an asset to the show. My perspective on this is that any publicity is good publicity. So mainstream ignored your book- but EW hyped you. So his review stank- we never ever believe reviews- in fact, we usually buy whatever they insist is rubbish, because, really-what kind of loser gets a job reviewing others artistic work at a scum magazines? The point is though- thousands of people who didn't know you had a book out saw his review- and I assure you, most of them would want to make their own minds up. Hell, I am going to get your book now because I am really curious. Reviewers usually knock actors who write because they are steamin jealous that you guys can do both. Screw him and screw EW- I don't even buy that piece of shit magazine- but his blurb just got you another sell. We read you not because you "used to be a child actor" but because you write really, really well.

I don't read entertainment weekly, I read WWDN, and generally rather prefer to get my news from the source.

cheerio!

ps- ah, but they did write about you...they're just seething with jealousy! (pirates of the carribean quote, "you're the worst pirate I've ever heard of!" "Ah, but you have heard of me!")