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Douglas Ernst Blog terrifies and irritates Marvel writer Dan Slott to no end. The man stalks this blog in the wee hours of the morning, keeps tabs on my professional life, and consistently tries to smear me every time someone cites my work.
Your friendly neighborhood blogger walked out of Steven Spielberg’s newest film, The BFG, this afternoon to see traffic spike for a post titled “Dan Slott trolls random woman on Twitter, then has the gall to bash GamerGate supporters.” I knew immediately that a really good Reddit conversation was going on somewhere or that Dan Slott was once again lying about me on Twitter. It turned out to be the latter.
Here is how Mr. Slott responded to the DC Women Kicking Ass blog when its creator called him out for his unprofessional Twitter antics.
Yes, Dan Slott is calling me a “Right Wing extremist” — because a Catholic guy who believes in free markets, a strong national defense and the rule of law somehow equates to extremism in his mind.
- Perhaps it was “extreme” of me to say I really wish Donald Trump read and listened to the teaching of Saint Francis.
- Perhaps it was “extreme” of me to talk about how weird Mike Huckabee’s rants against gay people are, and that Christians might want to re-read the works of Saint Augustine.
- Perhaps it was “extreme” when I said Ann Coulter jumped on the Trump train for book sales.
As usual, the writer attacks me from afar because the evidence is not in his favor.
Since Mr. Slott knows deep down that a quick internet search can easily prove him wrong, he then goes to his bag of logical fallacies — after “ad hominem” usually comes “poisoning the well.”
In today’s case we have Dan Slott referring to a previous employer I had (for eight months), that has dozens upon dozens of op-ed contributors from across the conservative spectrum — some I vehemently disagree with (e.g., Ann Coulter), and others (like economist Thomas Sowell) who are intellectual giants.
Regardless, I challenge anyone to go through my Twitter feed and find “extreme” work — it’s not there.
Like any writer who works for online magazines or newspapers, I am sometimes given assignments that I dislike, but I always try my best to stick to the principles espoused on this blog. Dan Slott’s insinuation that I’m a “birther” is pathetic, but at this point it is to be expected.
Finally, Dan’s tweet-screed shows that despite being exposed as Slottian misrepresentation at its finest (even CBR readers have called him out on his sad attempts to deflect criticism), he still insists on twisting my response to Peter Parker’s “No One Dies” mantra.
Dan Slott says Douglas Ernst Blog “distorts” everything he does, which is weird because a.) I said he hit a “home run” with Renew Your Vows, and b.) his definition of distortion apparently is “quoting a man word for word and linking to the source material whenever available.”
A good example might be that time he said Peter Parker’s love for Mary Jane is “anti-Marvel.”
I quoted the man at length, linked to an hour-long YouTube video, instructed readers to view the entire thing, and he still accused me of taking him “out of context.”
That, dear reader, is “distortion” to Mr. Slott.
Note to Dan Slott: You obviously have learned nothing from the time you stalked The Main Event and then exploited his charity run for Twitter sponge bathes. The guy tore you to shreds, but yet you continue to act like an online buffoon.
Keep talking, Mr. Slott. I will continue to expose your lies. I might even have to do my own YouTube takedown soon. If I can deliver half as well as The Main Event, then I will be happy.
Update: Look who is stalking my blog again (despite blocking me on Twitter) — Dan Slott.
The name of this website is Douglas Ernst Blog. There is nothing weird about referring to it by its proper name. Anyone who knows about branding understands that. How strange is it that Dan Slott mocks me for being a single person when it is glaringly obvious that my writing is constantly on his mind? What are you going to do, Dan Slott, when I continue to expand my social media presence in the years ahead?
Side Note: Here is a brief glimpse into the mind of Dan Slott’s most ardent supporters. This individual tried to say that Mr. Slott does not resort to ad hominem attacks. When I said that calling me a “Right Wing extremist” is, in fact, an attack on my character his response was that it was “probably” used as a pejorative. Classic.
It was a mere “slight.” That’s all, old chap! Academics and all, you know. Hurrrm.
Douglas Ernst Blog 
Have you ever watched “Slott’s Dying Wish” on Youtube? Probably the best deconstruction of the whole sordid Slott phenomenon by a Spider-Man fan period.
“Have you ever watched ‘Slott’s Dying Wish’ on Youtube? Probably the best deconstruction of the whole sordid Slott phenomenon by a Spider-Man fan period.”
I don’t think so, but feel free to send the link. I’ll give it a look. I’m sure others would be interested as well.
Well, no wonder Amazing Spider-Man has so many problems. Slott still wastes good time being obsessed with a dissenting voice on the Internet.
“Yes, once again Dan Slott is calling me a “Right Wing” extremist, because a Catholic guy who believes in free markets, a strong national defense and the rule of law somehow equates to “Right Wing” extremist in his world.”
It’s also pretty disturbing how a guy who’s clearly obsessed with you to no end calls you an extremist. The guy seriously needs a non-stalker hobby.
“Well, no wonder Amazing Spider-Man has so many problems. Slott still wastes good time being obsessed with a dissenting voice on the Internet.”
I left my current employer for eight months (for reasons I won’t get into here). I never mentioned it in my Twitter feed. That means Dan Slott actually read my work when I left. He was either Googling me and reading my work or going to my Twitter feed and clicking stories.
Like I said, he actually kept tabs on my professional life.
“It’s also pretty disturbing how a guy who’s clearly obsessed with you to no end calls you an extremist. The guy seriously needs a non-stalker hobby.”
If he has an issue with me, then he needs to say it to my digital face (i.e., directly via Twitter or in the comments section of this blog). The dude has the nerve to call me a “Right Wing extremist,” as if I’m plotting some weird overthrow of the government in an underground bunker, but he won’t ever say it to me. He knows that he’d get his clock cleaned if he started commenting here and that he wouldn’t be able to delete it.
It seems to me like half the stuff Dan Slott (and other Marvel writers) tweet out would get any other person in another industry fired in a heart beat. And yet Slott can harass people and some recent female writer (whose name escapes me) can tweet out how she thinks all men should die. Marvel needs to rein in their employees.
Indeed. Which is further proof that Marvel really couldn’t care less about its comics division (it’s stories are already horrid enough).
It still absolutely amazes me that a guy in his position is so damn obsessed. There IS medication for OCD, Dan.
“It still absolutely amazes me that a guy in his position is so damn obsessed. There IS medication for OCD, Dan.”
If Dan were OCD, then he would spend much more time on The Amazing Spider-Man before sending it to his editors (who are M.I.A.). That clearly isn’t happening.
“It seems to me like half the stuff Dan Slott (and other Marvel writers) tweet out would get any other person in another industry fired in a heart beat. And yet Slott can harass people and some recent female writer (whose name escapes me) can tweet out how she thinks all men should die. Marvel needs to rein in their employees.”
You are correct, sir! 🙂 The thing is, as long as you say mean and nasty things to the “right” groups then it’s perfectly acceptable. So, for instance, someone cites this blog and Dan’s response is to label me a “Right Wing extremist.” That immediately conjures up images in a person’s head of the KKK, Neo-Nazis, etc. — so guys like Tom Brevoort just shrug it off. They think, “Well, that Ernst guy is conservative…” before brushing it to the side.
I believe that $19 trillion of U.S. debt is a recipe for disaster. I believe in maximizing economic liberty for all Americans. I believe in the old adage “Peace through strength.” Those three beliefs are apparently enough to get me labeled a “Right Wing extremist” in Dan Slott’s mind. He’ll slime me online and none of his superiors will blink twice.
Dan Slott can get away with telling Christians to go to “Christ-Land” after a U.S. Supreme Court decision in their favor, but he would never tell a bunch of Muslims to go to “Muslim-Ville,” would he? Of course not. Likewise, he would go ballistic if someone told him to go to “Jew-Town.” His hypocrisy knows no bounds.
I wonder how long Marvel as a whole will tolerate this childish behavior. It amazes me the company can be so strict about the use of disputed properties like the X-men and still look the other way at this reader-draining, alienating behavior. It’s one thing to have your personal political beliefs and you should be able to have those if they don’t threaten company policy…it’s a whole other thing to personally attack readers online, insult them and cast aspersions on them like Dan Slott, Mark Waid, Nick Spencer and some other marvel writers have.
In fact, the unwillingness of Axel Alonzo or Tom Brevoort to even do something about this behavior and the damage to their brand name suggest they should be fired as well, they seem to care little for destructive behavior…in fact they probably egg it on during the retreats to discourage the readers they don’t want.
I think all of the marvel comics division has gone full political machine and needs to be cleaned out.
Maybe if we Tweet Marvel directly with examples of these writers’ bad behavior, they’ll be forced to do something. It can’t hurt.
“Maybe if we Tweet Marvel directly with examples of these writers’ bad behavior, they’ll be forced to do something. It can’t hurt.”
If you tweeted to the @Marvel account, for the most part it would just be tallied by some social media guy who tracks engagement. It’s always worth it share your feedback with the company, but I think there needs to be a multi-pronged efforts. Letters to specific — well connected and influential — people within the company are a must. I suppose one of my longer-term research projects could be putting together a list of names. You just need to make sure the email is tactful and crafted like you were Matt Murdock litigating a case. 😉
I think notifying the parent company direct might be a better option. I would love nothing better than seeing Disney clean out the entire Marvel comics division of nepotistic Machiavellian culture.
“I would love nothing better than seeing Disney clean out the entire Marvel comics division of nepotistic Machiavellian culture.”
If that ever happens, I will once again come up with a special “Doug Prize” for the occasion. 🙂
I wonder how long Marvel as a whole will tolerate this childish behavior. […] It’s one thing to have your personal political beliefs and you should be able to have those if they don’t threaten company policy…it’s a whole other thing to personally attack readers online..”
Dan’s case is particularly interesting because he admits that he is a highly political, and then acts shocked and offended that anyone would dare to push back. He purges his Twitter feed of anyone who asks questions, and then calls my occasional responses (often sent to me via Twitter by readers) “attacks.” He says inflammatory things and then pretends as if he’s a big victim.
The other thing is that he doesn’t know how to separate criticism of editorial decisions with criticism of him as a person. He conflates “I didn’t like this story” with “Dan Slott is a bad person.” Again, it’s incredibly rich because he has literally called me a “bad” person over the years (I think “evil” was used once, but he’s deleted a number of tweets, YouTube comments, etc., and I don’t screenshot everything).
“In fact, the unwillingness of Axel Alonzo or Tom Brevoort to even do something about this behavior and the damage to their brand name suggest they should be fired as well, they seem to care little for destructive behavior…in fact they probably egg it on during the retreats to discourage the readers they don’t want.”
I was having a private conversation with a reader last night and this sort of thing was indirectly brought up. I’m sure they do rant about guys like us every single year. There is no doubt about it. Hubris prompts them to think they actually look good by demonizing fans, but it really only resonates with their small group of like-minded fans (e.g., the guy who said Dan was “probably” insulting me with the “Right Wing extremist” label).
“I think all of the marvel comics division has gone full political machine and needs to be cleaned out.”
At some point in time it was decided they would stay afloat with “shock” stories and currying favor with certain media outlets through political activism. Sad.
Who specifically at Disney would we write a letter of complaint?
“Who specifically at Disney would we write a letter of complaint?”
I may make it a side project to get specific names and emails. A company is like the human body — if you hit the right nerves, then you can send shock waves throughout the entire body.
I found a photo of the most recent Marvel writers and editors conference:
“I found a photo of the most recent Marvel writers and editors conference…”
A registered Democrat killed a bunch of gay people in the name of Islam and the ensuing outrage was directed at Republican Christians. That tells you where our culture is at right now and where it’s headed…
Ugh, not Dan Slott again. This guy just doesn’t know when to quit.
Doug, I had a thought. One of the problems with comic industry is that there is a lack of quality journalism. I think that there’s a golden opportunity for an enterprising person to go off and make a decent comic news site. It would probably be better than we have right now.
“One of the problems with comic industry is that there is a lack of quality journalism. I think that there’s a golden opportunity for an enterprising person to go off and make a decent comic news site. It would probably be better than we have right now.”
I agree with you. One of the reasons why I want to start getting into YouTube is because a good video will just have much more reach than a blog post. I love writing my blog, but it’s time to cast a wider net. There are some long-term plans that I have simmering on the back stove right now, but some of it is really just a matter of saving the money needed to make it happen.
Well, from the few videos I’ve seen of you, you’re certainly photogenic enough to do videos. I guess you could take some public speaking classes to augment your speaking and you’ll be good to go.
Are you thinking making a comic news site? If so, how will it operate?
“Well, from the few videos I’ve seen of you, you’re certainly photogenic enough to do videos. I guess you could take some public speaking classes to augment your speaking and you’ll be good to go.”
Thanks! Although, truthfully, there are some pretty popular YouTubers who are not photogenic. 🙂 That’s a platform that really rewards authenticity, although I suppose not being a slob will cut down on a certain kind of attack in the comments section.
My old job required me to do a lot of public speaking. I used to travel around the country talking to different college groups along with public policy experts from a D.C. think tank. I have no problem speaking in front of a camera. That won’t be an issue. It’s really just finding the time to edit the videos and make sure the production quality isn’t embarrassing.
“Are you thinking making a comic news site? If so, how will it operate?”
My first order of business is getting regular YouTube videos going. I have a wedding to go to this month and then once I get my finances in order after that I’ll be good to go. I’m buying a quality camera, getting my green screen set up, etc. Then I’ll fool around with “test” videos until I figure out the right formula.
I think it might very much be worth it to start a website that is essentially just like this blog, but on a much bigger scale. I’d rather not say too much here because, quite frankly, what I want to do doesn’t really exist in any meaningful way — at the moment. There are YouTube personalities who have sensibilities very much in tune with my own, but there isn’t a single website that offers a wide range of content.
I hope your idea ends up working, because I’m hungry for decent comic news.
“I hope your idea ends up working, because I’m hungry for decent comic news.”
We’ll see how it goes. I should have some YouTube comic reviews up in August. Those might just be audio with screenshots of the comic. My guess is that I’ll have videos with me in them up around a November-December timeframe. These ideas are all kind of fluid but I know the river is taking me where I want to go. That’s probably the best way to put it.
Well if you do end up making those videos, I’ll definitely subscribe. I’d actually had a similar idea after reading one of your blogs, but since you’re probably a much better person for the job I’ll leave it to you 🙂
“Well if you do end up making those videos, I’ll definitely subscribe. I’d actually had a similar idea after reading one of your blogs, but since you’re probably a much better person for the job I’ll leave it to you.”
Don’t see yourself short, Conner! The more voices on YouTube, the better. 🙂
I mostly just review cartoons, but I suppose I could expand to some comics and get my opinion out there about Marvel.
Conner, if you want to give it a try I would love to see them. I am in drastic need for more contributors on our site (I have been producing 98% of the content).
Look who is stalking my blog — again: Dan Slott.
Note to Dan Slott: Referring to my blog by name is not me referring to myself in 3rd Person. Anyone who understands branding understands that.
Call me by name, Dan. Let your readers know who this lone man is who you are obsessing over.
For a “staff of one,” it seems like I’m on your mind a lot. As another reader said, I’m living in your head rent-free.
Slott needs to really focus on something besides you. I probably just got myself blocked or am in for a bunch of white knights because I just Tweeted something to him.
“Slott needs to really focus on something besides you. I probably just got myself blocked or am in for a bunch of white knights because I just Tweeted something to him.”
He requires a safe space with even more cushioning than usual, so my guess is that it won’t be long before you’re on mute. If he sees that you’ve posted here (very high probability), you will be blocked.
Given this development, I have no choice but to offer you a position with the Douglas Ernst C.R.O.N.I.E.S. 😉
Years ago Dan called my readers “cronies,” so I decided to make it official. If you get muted or blocked, then let me know.
Good lord! I know it’s been said countless times by others, but I don’t think it can be stressed enough: Slott seriously needs psychological help. And I’m not even trying to be mean or insulting here, I’m seriously starting to get concerned about this guy’s mental state.
“Good lord! I know it’s been said countless times by others, but I don’t think it can be stressed enough: Slott seriously needs psychological help. And I’m not even trying to be mean or insulting here, I’m seriously starting to get concerned about this guy’s mental state.”
I went out with my wife to eat today after her shift at work and we were talking about Dan Slott’s Twitter rants. She looked him up as we were talking and was like, “What’s this mean? What is this ‘When a blogger makes the story about themself…’?” I glanced at the tweet and started laughing because it was about me. Haha!
The great thing about it is that he’s blocked me on Twitter, told others never to come to this blog, and has framed me as some insignificant, “crazy” and “extremist” blogger.
Yes Mr. Slott, I’m so insignificant that … you cannot help but read my posts and the reactions by my growing list of subscribers. Heh.
Seems more like he’s driven people towards your blog than away from it with all his free advertisement.
“Seems more like he’s driven people towards your blog than away from it with all his free advertisement.”
That’s the Catch 22 he’s in. He really wants to criticize me, but he knows that every time he does that a certain percentage find — and like — what they see here. He won’t actually come on the blog and comment because he can’t delete comments after he makes a fool out of himself, and he can’t call me out by name or link to my work because then a lot of people will see the extent of his lies. He’s left with making vague remarks in his Twitter feed that just make a lot of people go, “Huh? That’s…weird.”
Regardless, there are still people who start Googling to figure out what he’s talking about, and they inevitably end up here.
I’m starting to think that Slott is beyond help. The dude is obsessed with you. It’s been what, four years now since he started attacking you?
“I’m starting to think that Slott is beyond help. The dude is obsessed with you. It’s been what, four years now since he started attacking you?”
That sounds about accurate.
Given that he wants to attack my character for years on end, it’s time to show him that every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
I hereby issue The Dan Slott Challenge: Since the vast majority of comic book website editors will not ask their “reporters” to do a decent job, I will pay one winner of this contest $500 dollars to do some honest journalism.
Here is the deal (and this is an open challenge with no expiration date until the winnings are released): I want someone to ask Dan Slott about his unprofessional behavior on video — in a forum where it is perfectly legal/legitimate/appropriate to do so.
If Dan Slott is at a Comic Convention or at a meet and greet where the floor is open to inquiry, then get video of yourself asking him as many of the following questions as possible:
1. Why do you act like such an immature loon on social media and then portray yourself as a victim when people push back?
2. Why did you tell Christian supporters of Hobby Lobby to go to “Christ-Land” when everyone knows you’d freak out if a fan told you to go to “Jew-Town” over political differences?
3. Why did you exploit The Main Event’s charity run for cheap praise on Twitter?
4. Why did you search out a random woman on Twitter and then insult her? Why do you do stuff like that? Don’t you think it’s weird?
5. Why do you retweet “God isn’t fixing this” when political opponents pray after a tragedy while simultaneously tweeting “thoughts and prayers” yourself? Don’t you think it’s sick to essentially to say, “My prayers are good…but the prayers of these guys should be scorned,”?
There is obviously creative leeway here. The key is to do solid work that reporters within the industry should be doing without prompting from guys like me.
Once there are at least 10 YouTube videos, then I will judge all of them in a single blog post and award one person $500.
This may happen within months. This may never happen if people don’t make the videos. Regardless, it’s out there. If at least 10 people want to try their hand at real journalism, then they may get paid for their efforts. My guess is that it will translate into $100 per minute for five minutes. You can’t beat that.
The only people who are eligible for the prize are those who do not work for a comic website or have personal/professional connections to the writer. Reporters are supposed to ask tough questions. They do not get $500 from me for doing their job.
Wow, once again comic book writers continue to find ways to aggravate readers. Douglas, if you don’t want to start your own web site you can always join us. 🙂
I am always looking for someone to add more content, I have been swamped.
“Wow, once again comic book writers continue to find ways to aggravate readers. Douglas, if you don’t want to start your own web site you can always join us. 🙂 I am always looking for someone to add more content, I have been swamped.”
Thanks, Captain Frugal. I don’t think I’d be able to write Frugal-exclusive content anytime soon, but you are always welcome to post any comic-related material you like in its entirety on your website if that would help you out. I can get a little peeved when I see people post an entire blog post someplace else (especially if they don’t include a link), but it wouldn’t bother me if posts showed up on your website.
Also, I’m always happy to help with podcasts. As long as I have a little bit of a heads up, then I’m usually good to go.
Fair enough, and we love to have you on the podcast!
I hope to have another one posted this week. I have been behind on editing.
Doug, If you can ever find the right people to send letters to please share the information. I would love to be able to share my genuine concern with people that matter. I would like them to know that the partisan politics and disregard for professionalism not only effect me, but my willingness to guide my kids to Marvel to comics.
I know that comics is small time revenue for Marvel and Disney. Small as it may be, I have to imagine somewhere there is someone concerned with making as much money with comics as they can.
Doug I look forward to any and all future endeavors from you.
“Doug, If you can ever find the right people to send letters to please share the information. I would love to be able to share my genuine concern with people that matter. I would like them to know that the partisan politics and disregard for professionalism not only effect me, but my willingness to guide my kids to Marvel to comics.”
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, Adam. I appreciate it. I will certainly circle back here if I can put together a decent list for you and other readers. I’ll have to poke around the internet to see what I can find. 🙂
“Doug I look forward to any and all future endeavors from you.”
Again, I greatly appreciate that you give me some of your valuable time. It means a lot to me that people who have very busy lives take a moment to stop in and see what I’ve been writing. Don’t hesitate to share your opinions in the future. I’m always interested in hearing your point of view. 🙂
Another example of Slottian behavior is Mark Gatiss, the co-creator of BBC’s Sherlock, with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. Gatiss recently told people who think the show has become too confusing (and it has, which is why I stopped watching it) to “go read a children’s book if it’s too complicated for you” and to “pour warm paste in their mouths.” Talk about rude and unprofessional.