Last week, Entertainment Weekly called my manager, and said that they were going to write announce Just A Geek in this week’s issue. I told my manager that I was concerned, because Entertainment Weekly has always written really cruel and misleading stories about me and my website, but the reporter assured him that this would just be a nice blurb announcing the release of my book.
Since the mainstream media have completely ignored me and Just A Geek, I was pretty excited that an influential magazine like Entertainment Weekly was going to give me a little ink.
That “nice blurb?” I just saw it 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.”
It’s pretty clear that the person hack who wrote this awful, mean-spirited, and misleading blurb didn’t read the entire book, because I DON’T spend 260 pages “lamenting I used to be an actor when I was a kid.” I spend the first chapter talking about those feelings, because it’s an important foundation for the rest of the story. A responsible journalist would know that.
It’s one thing to criticize the way I write, or opine that I spend too much time on one thing, and not enough time on another. That’s totally valid opinion . . . but to completely misrepresent me and the content of my book this way is despicable.
Someone at that magazine must have a vendetta against me, because Entertainment Weekly has tried very hard to portray me in a consistently negative light. When they reviewed WWdN about two years ago, they selectively quoted me out of context, and made me look really bad, so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that they’re at it again, but it still hurts.
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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
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.
[email protected]
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 [email protected]
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 (468×60 and 88×31 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.”
http://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
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.