Well, someone had to cash in…
…so it might as well be me.
Still working out the details, but I’m doing a fifth book for Kensington Publishing, about the so-called Hart Family Curse, which will of course heavily feature Chris Benoit. I’ve been wanting to do something on the death rate in wrestling for quite a while, and I knew I had to jump on the chance to do something on Benoit while the iron was hot, so this should give me plenty of opportunity to rant. The format is probably going to run along the same lines as Buzz on Pro Wrestling, with a series of essays rather than a month-by-month timeline like the last few books, but I’ll work that stuff out as I get into writing it.
More details as they become available!
Congrats on the new book deal. Sounds like if properly done this could be your most succesful yet.
Well, unless Benoit’s first wife was a Hart, how does he relate the “Hart Family” at all? Will the scope of this book extend to Bad News Brown, Dynamite Kid, and anyone else who ever wrestled in Stampede?
He isn’t related, he was trained in the dungeon by Stu Hart, and considered a member of the extended family.
Scott, just lost all respect for you, that makes you nothing more than a parasite. Ciao.
That’s a bit overly pious of you don’t you think? Nothing Scott can do would make an ounce of difference to Nancy and Chris Benoit…and for all you know, he may end up donating a portion of his earnings to related charities, which would be a lot more than you are doing to help.
If by overly pious you mean disgusted at using Benoit’s death to make money then yes.
No it can’t make any difference any of the Benoits, but it hardly justifies including them does it?
Perhaps for Scotts next book he can do a review of the Bin Laden family, and just chuck in 9/11 because its topical.
How vile.
I suppose you also condemn all the wrestling sheets, newspapers, and cable news shows that have featured stories on Benoit over the past few weeks?
It was a news story, they are news publications, programmes, current affairs etc;
They were reporting the news.
That’s a bit different than writing a book, and including it purely for exploitation purposes, then lauding on your blog about it.
I didn’t hear Larry King or Nancy Grace say, “hey I’ve got some wrestlers coming in to chat, and I’m gonna make a shitload money out of the deads guys name value!”
Did you?
so are you saying that it is parasitic to write books about past events? in that case everyone that’s written about the events of september 11, Columbine or Waco is guilty of doing the same thing. The question is not what is being written about, but more how is it written and what kind of goals are present in the authors intent. i am of the opinion that Scott Keith is the kind of person that is going to focus more upon how wrestlers tend to die younger than most people and discuss issues like the pressure of performing injured, only being home three days a week, living largely out of hotels, being forced to look a certain way and hopefully, i would like to hear about the character type of wrestlers, but with it focusing upon the Hart family I doubt that the book could cover how wrestling is something that attracts people that I must sadly say are just more likely to die young.
RE: darroncullen
What a silly thing to say. How about waiting until after you’ve read it?
Why would I want to read it?
I find it sickening and opportunistic.
Then shut up about it and go away, like your “ciao” signified earlier.
I didn’t hear Larry King or Nancy Grace say, “hey I’ve got some wrestlers coming in to chat, and I’m gonna make a shitload money out of the deads guys name value!”
Did you?
Not to knock you, because you are 100% entitled to your opinion, but thinking that Nancy Grace or Larry King didn’t profit from the Benoit stories they did is a bit naive.
They didn’t brag about how much money they were going to make (and neither did Scott, now that you mention it) because it was irrelevent. They very well could have behind the scenes, which is just as bad.
‘Well, someone had to cash in…’
Which bit of that doesn’t say he’s making money.
thejawas, I congratulate you on your excellent debating skills.
I’m merely returning to reply to comments made to me. That’s hardly a glowing endorsement for the blog owner is it?
I am not sure why people relate Bad News Brown in wrestlers dying at an early age. He was 64 when he died. That’s not that old but it’s definitely not young either.
I think he died of heart attack (complained of chest pains, when he was rushed to the hospital). Dying of let’s say heart attack in your 60’s is not that uncommon.
I thought Scott making a joke about “cashing in” in the title would diffuse this issue /sarcasm. I gotta agree with darroncullen on this one. Unless Scott actually believes there is a “curse” (and said curse also applies to random wreslters who happened to be around the Harts), then the purpose of this book is to reel in people looking for the sensationalism that’s surrounding these deaths. Benoit’s death was shocking, owen’s death was shocking, and here’s a book that discusses both of them! Unless Scott has inside information regarding the family (which he doesn’t), this will serve no purpose to real fans who don’t think of benoit’s death as a “page 6″ story of the week.
Yeah thats the biggest problem I have with this too. What does Scott actually know about the Benoit incident aside from what we’ve all read and seen on tv? Hes literally just writing this book because he thinks people will buy it if includes anything about Benoit. Thats pretty messed up.
I think this is kind of a cheap tactic. I respect your opinions Scott but “cash in”? that’s a bit low to say, even if it is sarcastic. And there is no curse. Many wrestlers have died that have nothing to do with The Hart Family. This just seems like a way to make money. If you want a book that makes sense, write one on how Japanese wrestling is still better than American wrestling. Because that’s actually a fact.
Hey, leave Keith alone. He needs the money to buy skin tight Owen Hart T-Shirts.
As a reporter, my job is basically to cash in on tragic situations but to write about a curse, that’s a little tougher to swallow. If he wrote the book about the bad fortunes without using “curse” as a way to sell it, it could be good. If it is a sensationalistic piece that is actually meant to cash in, that’d be disappointing. I’ll wait to read it. Not that I read the others but, ya know, I can’t pass judgment now.
I’m a reporter as well, and I agree completely.
If this book just says THE HARTS ARE THE KENNEDYS OF WRESTLING~! then I’m preemptively saying poor show, Keith. Unfortunately that’s the direction in which you appear to be heading; I hope I’m wrong, though.
Congrats on the book deal Scott. I will definitely pick it up.
Oh c’mon. Did everybody who wrote books about 9/11 disgust you? How about people who write about the holocaust? Far more people died in those events than that one weekend in Atlanta.
He said he was thinking about doing it for awhile anyway and now, with all that’s happened, why shouldn’t he have the opportunity to strike while the iron is hot and ink the book deal? God knows I’d much rather have Scott be the one who writes the leading book on this and not some cheap hack who doesn’t know anything about Stampede or the Harts or Benoit.
But this is the same dude that didn’t want to see Benoit and the Wrestling industry dragged through the mud of a sensational trial, right? Now he says, what the hell, I’ll make the money off this by writing a book.
Am I missing something here? Like NT3 said then every book that has written by anybody on any horrific incidents of the past is out there to make a buck. Then based on this, people shouldn’t write or read any books, because in the end you wind up supporting the author who is out there to make a buck.
Its the bragging about it that ticks me off. They weren’t openly saying, hey that dude killed someone, I’m gonna include him in my book about X,Y and Z and make some more money.
Good point.
Well the publishing company is paying Scott to do it, and if he didn’t they would have found someone else. If we are going to have a Hart family tragedy book, why not one by Scott, at least it will be a good read.
Isn’t Irv Munchnick writing a book about Benoit too. One that focuses *entirely* on the Benoit suicide/murder situation.
Plus, I read Muchnick’s other book where he “cashes in” on other tragedies, like Bruiser Brody, Owen, and the Von Erichs, and it says that he has no current connection to the wrestling business. I mean, sure, his grandfather was Sam Muchnick, but if you don’t have any connection to the current wrestling scene, how are you qualified to write a book about Chris Benoit and the current state of wrestling?
“if you don’t have any connection to the current wrestling scene, how are you qualified to write a book about Chris Benoit and the current state of wrestling?”
Are you talking about Muchnick or Keith?
Sounds interesting, Scott, but do me a favor: Stop with all the “Vince KILLED Owen Hart and I will never forgive him” bullshit. I understand how much he meant to you as a wrestling fan, but it was a terrible, terrible accident. If anything, blame the competition with WCW that led the WWF to ask him to attempt such a dumbass stunt. But Vince is not a murderer. Yes, the show should have been stopped. Yes, having the Undertaker win the WWF title in the main event was tasteless. Talk about THAT.
This book idea sounds interesting, if written intelligently. If it turns into “Chris Benoit killed his family because Vince McMahon is a heartless bastard” or “Eddie Guerrero died because Vince McMahon is an evil psychopath” well, count me out. I’m not defending Vince by any means, and he deserves to be bashed, but in an intelligent way.
I have to agree on that. While I fully agree that Scott has a right to believe what he believes, and that the line “I truly hate Vince MacMahon and Vince Russo and hope they burn in hell” (rough paraphrasing here) was completely acceptable in “Tonight …”, this book is going to need a stronger level of objectivity. (Especially since this is such a sensitive subject; I swear the Winter Park Borders has been without Wrestling’s Made Men for longer than it usually takes to restock, and I’m getting paranoid about the fact that it might be because Benoit’s on the cover — then again, most B&Ns still have it in stock around here, so it’s probably just paranoia.)
Benoit, Pillman, Smith, and Owen Hart…graduates of the Hart family dungeon…all dead well before their time. Bret Hart, at the pinnacle of his career, “shunned” to WCW due to “financial troubles”…sounds like good journalism to me. Good luck, Scott! I can’t wait to read it!
Journalism? Are you serious? If Scott quotes one legimate source, I’d be SHOCKED. It’s just him putting together some essays. It’s not journalism.
how would people feel if Vince/WWE was releasing a book about the “curse” of the Hart family? at least vince knew benoit, owen, etc. And to compare a wrestler murdering his family with the holacaust or 9/11 is ridiculous. The latter two were historic events that we, as a society need to learn from. Instead of a book on the 9/11 I compare Keith’s attempt to cash in on benoit’s death as the same as the people who I just walked by at ground zero who tried to sell me pictures of the twin towers. Exploitation.
Do not try to bring logic into this argument! We are talking about Chris Benoit, the plucky scrapper who got over based on his WORKRATE! (and then drugged and suffocated his 7 year old son!)
Because WWE is always out to alter history for themselves, they cannot be trusted!!!
To the people bitching about Scott “cashing in”…shut the fuck up.
This is the biggest news story in wrestling history. Do you not think anybody else is going to write a book about this? Do you not think somebody damn well *should* write a book about this?
By some people’s logic apparently nobody should have ever written a book about World War 2, or the aftermath of 9/11 or any of the topics that thousands of books have been written about.
People acting shocked an apalled that somebody might write a book about his are as bad as the WWE with their “nothing happened, this isn’t a story!” approach.
No,you be quiet. I don’t give a stuff if he writes a book. I’ll say it again, you want to write the book fine, but why go bragging about making money off it. That’s whats fucked up about it.
Hey, Scott puppets, it’s fucking ridiculous how much you kiss his ass. This is a patheic attempt to squeeze out money from an industry that has given him “everything” he has in life.
When I first started reading about wrestling on the internet, it was mainly Scott that I enjoyed. But now he puts out substandard work about an industry he says he can’t stand. And now, this.
Go back to making the same tired references and keep fellating the big guy.
….allegedly.
If Scott stuff bugs why are you here trolling?
If Scott stuff bugs
If? If Scott stuff bugs? Of course Scott stuff bugs. Scott eat bugs. You type well. Me like grammar.
You are an idiot.
I appreciate the second grade effort. Name calling is the lowest form of argument. Now after recess, we’ll be reading from Super Fudge. Be prepared.
Coming from a guy with CWO logo on his user pic.
Me no follow.
(I translated it for ya, no need to thank me).
It almost sounds like you are just calling more names. Well done.
The insults started with you. Scroll up and check the thread.
“bugs” is an Aussie term for shits, sucks etc.
This isn’t Australia, and the proper English/grammar for that phrase would be, “If Scott’s stuff bugs you”
Pointing out your poor grammar is not insulting sunshine, it is helpful.
Name calling is not, Scroll up and check the thread.
So is pointing out that you are an idiot.
What is? Do you even understand the basics of communications? Do me a favor, and put another shrimp on the barbie or as you would say, “put shrimp on barbie.” Daddy’s getting hungry (daddy hungry).
Actually I am Canadian. So I have no idea what the hell you are yammering about. If you actually look at the comments section, you would see I made some valid points. Scroll up. Your comments consist of taking potshots at people. So please troll, just go away.
“bugs” is an Aussie term for shits, sucks etc.
Its actually not an Aussie term though I’m sure they use it as well. But, uh, yeah, thanks for the history of language lesson sweetheart.
Scroll up. Your comments consist of taking potshots at people. So please troll, just go away.
I like how you are polite as you call people names. Canadians, whatayagonnado? But seriously, scroll up. Your comments consist of taking potshots at people. So please troll, just go away.
I am just calling you names. In fact I am pretty sure you are the only guy I have ever insulted on this blog.
So congrats, you should feel special.
I do, I really do.
*translated for you*
Me do. Me really do.
I guess it still doesn’t change the fact you are an idiot.
Nor the fact that name calling is the lowest form of arguing and the fact that you used poor grammar, darling.
Hey how about we do this on your LJ? I don’t feel like wasting this blog’s space with this.
I do feel like wasting this blogs space on this, what else is there to do here?
I came here simply because I heard about this idiocy.
Great argument in his defense though.
’so are you saying that it is parasitic to write books about past events? in that case everyone that’s written about the events of september 11, Columbine or Waco is guilty of doing the same thing.’
No I’m saying it’s parasitic to come here and brag about making money off a murderer. I don’t recall any prologues to a book or a writers blog saying ‘Hey, this guys a murderer,its still fresh, lets make some wonga’.
If he’s writing a book fine, but why brag about it?
All of you people chastised the WWE for exploiting Eddie’s death, and now you all support Keith for doing the same thing with Benoit’s. Nice. Furthermore, what the hell does Keith know about it all apart from what the rest of us have read on news sites that qualifies him to write a book related to it?
Really disgusting Keith.
So hypocritical as well. I can only imagine what you would say if someone else had signed a similar book deal.
So will you do any research for this book, or just copy and paste third and fourth hand speculative information from the internet and call yourself an author?
Anyone who is interested in Scott’s chops as an author and knowledgeable source on Pro Wrestling should really read this review of one of his past books…
http://web.archive.org/web/20040122092423/http://www.liveaudiowrestling.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=7266
I’d love to hear people’s thoughts on this post, if it were written on WWE.com, and the author was Vince McMahon instead of Scott Keith. Especially if the WWE.com article started out with “Well, someone had to cash in… so it might as well be us.”
Yeah that would be interesting. Except Vince McMahon didn’t post anything about that, nor did WWE.com. Instead, Scooter McFattits decided to cash in on his hero.
Scotsman finds this disgusting apparently. A guy that eats semen covered burritos and calls Jay Bowers profesors because he was mean to him on the internet finds writing a book appalling. What a guy.
You left out deletes people’s post for his amusement because they post comments on his blog for theirs.
What a guy indeed.
I can’t believe some of the nonsense written on here. Non-fiction literature is nearly always written in response to major world events.
The Benoit story is the biggest story ever to hit wrestling. So for wrestling authors like Scott, it would be more unusual if they WEREN’T writing books about it.
As for the “cash in on it” line, he could maybe have worded that a bit better but it’s hardly worth getting worked up over.
“Non-fiction literature is nearly always written in response to major world events.”
But nearly never in RANT~ form. The writing is informed by a strong body of research, namely interviews with credible sources. If Keith interviews no one for this book - and that is his M.O. - then really, what does he have to add to the discussion about Benoit aside from some mark’s expired hero worship and a third-hand account of his real life? It’s not like he’s a particularly good writer, and his strongest writing tool - sarcasm - will have no place with such serious subject matter. So unless Keith turns into Bob Woodward overnight, I fail to see what this book will have to contribute.
Point, Amalgamut.
“No,you be quiet. I don’t give a stuff if he writes a book. I’ll say it again, you want to write the book fine, but why go bragging about making money off it. That’s whats fucked up about it.”
Now you’re just grasping for things to act outraged about.
This is the guy’s blog where he posts most of his writing…why in the world *wouldn’t* he make a post about a new book he was doing on here?
The cash-in line was a *joke*…likely made because he knew a pile of retards were going to come out of the woodwork claiming writing a book about the biggest story in wrestling history would be somehow apalling.
“Scotsman finds this disgusting apparently. A guy that eats semen covered burritos and calls Jay Bowers profesors because he was mean to him on the internet finds writing a book appalling. What a guy.”
You should read one of his latest blog entries about getting tanked and doing coke and waking up covered in vomit in front of his 2 year old son…classy guy!
Tell Nancy and Daniel it was a fucking joke.
And yet, Scotsman still doesn’t capitalize on his hero and favorite wrestling clan meeting horrific ends.
Look…someone is going to write a book about this. It may as well be someone who generally respects the business and the wrestlers, and isn’t out to do a hatchet job on anybody and truly “cash in.” Scott qualifies. As for his techniques, well…that’s something of a valid point, but I don’t doubt Scott’s motives.
How many people actually buy Scott Keith’s books anyway? Even if he was serious, it’s unlikely Scott, or his publisher, will be “cashing in”.
Am I wrong?
Ha.
Well played.
Oh well, time to keep posting more random shit to bury this thread, eh Scooter?