SC

The War Against FITS

SOUTH CAROLINA’S STATUS QUO TARGETS ITS MOST VOCAL CRITIC … US A few months ago we published a report highlighting the contempt certain politicians in South Carolina feel for FITSNews. Then a few weeks ago, we reported on the latest state agency to ban our website from its network servers. We’re been…

attack on fits

SOUTH CAROLINA’S STATUS QUO TARGETS ITS MOST VOCAL CRITIC … US

A few months ago we published a report highlighting the contempt certain politicians in South Carolina feel for FITSNews. Then a few weeks ago, we reported on the latest state agency to ban our website from its network servers. We’re been down these roads before, obviously. And so we recognize them for precisely what they are – validations of the effectiveness with which we rebuke the failed, corrupt status quo that continues to run our state into the ground on a daily basis.

Some websites have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to strike a “nerve” – and been ignored.

Not us … FITS has organically evolved into a legitimate vehicle of resistance for South Carolinians who are fed up with the rampant excess, incompetence and corruption that exists in government at all levels. We’ve buried the rest of the state’s political blogosphere, and legitimately compete with its corporate-owned mainstream media outlets – which is precisely why we are targeted.

Obviously many of the attacks against us are more than just “displays of displeasure.” They represent active attempts to limit this website’s audience – and choke off our sources of revenue. And make no mistake: Some of the most powerful elected officials in the Palmetto State are responsible for these machinations. For example we’ve heard countless anecdotes from insiders at the S.C. State House based on conversations they’ve had with legislative leaders like S.C. House Speaker Bobby Harrell and State Senate Finance Chairman Hugh Leatherman.

“There’s a standing rule,” one lobbyist told us. “Anyone advertising on Shits News better not ask for any money in the budget.”

Awwwww. “Shits News.” How cute …

This boycott threat has also spread to activists within the Republican Party – many of whom are reportedly cautioning rank-and-file GOP members against clicking on our content.

“Many in the GOP issue warnings not to click on your site because that is how you make money,” one source told us recently. “They say not to even click on your page.”

Leading the anti-FITS crusade (not surprisingly) is S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley – who has made it clear to all comers that this website is “attacking her family” and that anyone affiliated with the website is also “attacking her family.”

Really, Nikki?

Anyway, Haley’s office is obsessed with our website – going so far as to demand that certain groups fire employees who communicated with our founding editor on social media websites. Haley’s office has also reportedly sent screen captures of our website to FITS advertisers – demanding that they remove their ads.

Again … ironic.

Throw in the unmitigated ire we’ve managed to draw from the state’s judicial branch and you’ve basically got the entire South Carolina government/ political/ special interest complex aligned against us. Impressive, huh? Additionally legislation will be pushed this year aimed at shuttering political action groups like the one our founding editor Will Folks recently formed to expose the Palmetto State’s most hypocritical, fiscally liberal politicians.

Because God forbid any of these self-proclaimed “conservatives” ever be held accountable for their actions.

Anyway … we’ve never really stopped to assess the “War Against FITS” in toto, but given the extent to which it has escalated in recent months we figured we ought to devote a few thoughts to it. In no particular order, those thoughts are as follows …

1) WE GET IT This website’s role in South Carolina politics is to write about the stories the bought-and-paid-for “lamestream” press won’t cover – and to provide critical context to stories they cover from a decidedly left-of-center vantage point. That means being aggressive – and blunt – in dealing with elected officials in this state. “You can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs. Nor can you cover South Carolina politics without busting open a few thin-skinned inbreds,” we wrote recently. That’s true. Of course it also means we shouldn’t complain when those inbreds get angry.

2) IT’S A MARKETPLACE … We think it’s incredibly petty for elected officials to threaten monetary (or other) consequences based on an individual or entity’s proximity to FITS, but at the end of the day – that’s their right (well, within reason). We’re in a marketplace. You may see us expose those back room arrangements, but you’ll never hear us bitch about them.

3) THE WAR ISN’T WORKING … We’re receiving more visitors and making more revenue than at any point in our website’s history. Not only that we’re about to launch a nifty new design that will elevate our status even further. If the goal of the “War Against FITS” was to knock us off our block, it isn’t working.

4) BADGE OF HONOR … This website started out six years ago as one guy with a laptop. Ok, ok … who are we kidding. This website is STILL one guy with a laptop. So say what you want about “Sic Willie” (and people say plenty) but it’s pretty impressive how one dude can generate so much angst.   

Accordingly, we welcome the “War Against FITS.” As our founding editor is wont to say …

“Bring it, bitches.”

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(Banner: via)

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53 comments

ceilidh10 January 9, 2013 at 1:01 pm

This is a great website. I frequently disagree, but I am never censored.

You cannot censor free speech even though it causes your hemorrhoids to bleed. You have a right to bear arms. You have a right to practice your own religion. And you have a right to free speech.

Everyone gets a say-so here, whether conservative or liberal or in-between.

Go FITS.

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Wilber Force January 9, 2013 at 11:42 pm

The Coolidge mantle falls well on Sic:

“We loved him for the enimies he made”!!!

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BigT January 9, 2013 at 1:10 pm

Imagine that FITS: you’re getting a tiny bit of what Conservatives have had to deal w/ for a lifetime…

At least you have Harpo, USC and The State newspaper on your side…

What I LMAO about: Liberals melt in faux compassion, as they pain away for all the alleged attacks on their protected special intrest groups…(Blacks, Gays, single-mothers, education)…When those are the most priviledged groups in history…

But try to be a Conservative Writer, even in a Conservative State…Do that and you’ll KNOW what True Hate and Discrimination is…

FITS is only hated by the Republicans, but he is loved by the left…because he Hates Republicans…

To hear you whime is laughable…Grow some CORE Values and stand up to the REAL POWER of lefwing Radicals…and I may be able to get behind you…

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Checks In The Mail January 9, 2013 at 1:19 pm

Personal experience, Mr. Conserative Writer?

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Andy January 9, 2013 at 2:50 pm

Vous avez chie pour des cerveaux.

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ceilidh10 January 10, 2013 at 9:38 am

Big T, have you been tested for possible shizophrenia?? You are long overdue a clinical evaluation. Did you know they have Risperdal for your delusions and hallucination. You might even find yourself a structed workshop where you can hammer away at your imaginary liberal enemies.

Actually, Big T, the libs know they won the election nationally and don’t really give a crap about your rantings because you are not mainstream. If your rantings resonated with more America, ya’ll would have won the elections, but they don’t, and ya’ll didn’t. You are fighting a losing battle. L-o-s-i-n-g.

Unless the GOP becomes mainstream, it will continue to lose elections and voters. Already the Latinos, the blacks, the gays, youth, moderates, the thinking people, and most women, don’t like your party. Swing voters don’t like your positions. What would they be swinging to, fascism?? Not attractive.

If the GOP ever goes mainstream again, it would be very viable and attractive to people like me and lots of others. It would at a minimum get a swing vote every now and then from me.

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dwb619 January 10, 2013 at 10:53 am

Maybe he needs to hire a “professional journalist”, big idio”T”.
You can send a portfolio of your “shit house wall prose” in lieu of a resume.
YOU BETCHA!
YOU BETCHA!

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lexconserve January 9, 2013 at 1:16 pm

The Guv. is just mad because Fits catches her in her lies, then reports the truth. Makes her look bad, but she brings it on herself.

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told you so January 9, 2013 at 1:18 pm

You mean like the time she said she was disqualified nrom the Bamberg pageant, or the time she said her daughter won the Lex. HS pageant?

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BigT January 9, 2013 at 1:19 pm

Yeah, that’s it…

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Checks In The Mail January 9, 2013 at 1:25 pm

Lol! Conseratives hate it when you call their bulkshit and fact check…

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junior justice January 9, 2013 at 1:40 pm

And when she told Fits – “I really love being with you.”

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told you so January 9, 2013 at 3:02 pm

Isn’t it true that she wanted to leave her husband for you, Will. Even introduced you to her kids, for approval?

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Smirks January 9, 2013 at 1:28 pm

Any news outlet that won’t bury a story at the behest of the good ol’ boys and the Queen are bound to be on their shit list.

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BigT January 9, 2013 at 1:32 pm

Or if their ain’t no story…invent one…

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Guero January 10, 2013 at 5:39 am

Like you inventing the story you served our country, little t-bagger?

Bawk, bawk, chickenhawk!

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Dind-A-Ling State January 9, 2013 at 1:29 pm

The Guv’nor owes us money. We’ve been hacked due to a hack Queen Bee.

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Sir Bedivire January 9, 2013 at 1:35 pm

LOWER THE PORTCULLIS!

RAISE THE DRAWBRIDGE!

MORE GUARDS TO THE TOWERS!

HIDE THE WOMENT AND CHILDREN!

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? January 9, 2013 at 1:39 pm

“We’re receiving more visitors and making more revenue than at any point in our website’s history.”

And that’s a big fucking middle finger to most all you pols who couldn’t make a dime out in the private sector!

Without the power of gov’t behind you, most of you are worthless turds incapable of adding any measure of worth to society let alone find a way to be compensated for anything in the private sector.

Bravo FITS/Will!

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BigT January 9, 2013 at 2:20 pm

Dance w/ the liberals, and it pays…

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JustAskin January 10, 2013 at 2:19 pm

?…Will,is that you?

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letmetellu January 9, 2013 at 1:59 pm

The funny part about all of this is Katrina Shealy ran her campaign through this website. While during the same course of her political pursuit is good friends with Niki. Sic and Katrina are good friends and have each others cell phones in order to update and run their blitz on Jake Knotts. Any and all the information posted on this website was authored by Sic and passed along from Katrina. The GOP gave her the knod for their backing against Jake, while at the same time she was transcribing the articles to SIC.

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Sailor January 9, 2013 at 2:57 pm

The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

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2 CENTS January 9, 2013 at 2:17 pm

Vote For Vince

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told you so January 9, 2013 at 3:05 pm

Vice, the rockstar.

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Mr. G January 9, 2013 at 2:51 pm

How ’bout a work-around? iPhone/Droid application for FITS would not be blocked ‘in certain places’ like the web site. I have one for Drudge and check it all the time. FITS on the go: In your pocket, set on vibrate!

You should take this to the next level. Just sayin’…

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fitsnews Author January 9, 2013 at 3:44 pm

you’ll like the new site then … it will be an upgrade for all sorts of mobile devices

-FITS

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told you so January 9, 2013 at 3:06 pm

Funny thing about those Sikhs, it’s never their fault. “Ask Nikki”…wasn’t that her father’s reply in regard to the missing temple money.

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SparkleCity January 9, 2013 at 9:25 pm

Absolutely.

You will NEVER,NEVER,EVER hear an Asian Indian (NOT native American)utter these words:

“I WAS WRONG, IT’S MY MISTAKE”

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Bridgett Keany January 9, 2013 at 3:10 pm

Extremely disappointed that the Nikki porn has, like our (formerly?) hot mess of a Governor, apparently dried up. Let’s get some lube flowing in 2013. We want to know why she told you she felt the need to cheat on Mike a/k/a whatever she changed his name from, her favorite sex moves and positions, and the other juicy details. Don’t make us wait for a book that never will be written. Or better, see what kind of dollars 50 Shades has made, get off your ass and finish the damn thing.

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told you so January 9, 2013 at 3:15 pm

Is it true Rick left her sis? People are talking. Guess not everyone likes fruit cake.

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neighbor January 9, 2013 at 3:17 pm

Obviously Ricky didn’t like fruit cake.

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stfu January 9, 2013 at 3:29 pm

Just glad you are still alive.

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SCBlues January 9, 2013 at 6:14 pm

I love coming here just to call FITS an idiot – and he never censors me so you gotta kinda like him!

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SparkleCity January 9, 2013 at 9:30 pm

You’re right abut that. I was going to post something similar.

Don’t try pointing out the truth on the Spartanburg TEA party blog, you will get censored in a New York minute. (Karen Martin – queen of the Spartanburg TEA party calls it “moderating”)

TEA partiers are such hypocrits!!!!

I hope they are having a swell time pulling their pud on that nullification BS down in Columbia

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Thomas January 9, 2013 at 6:54 pm

Alrighty. Before your 5 Star commentators are rounded up one by one with trumped up charges and sent to prison, might I make a suggestion? You are a media outlet. You are a publisher. You can prepare weekly newlsetters mailed out on Saturdays. Nothing fancy to start…just 4-6 pages, legal sized, stapled, folded over, and offer subscriptions, with adverts, and…pictures…so the prisoners in our fine state and federal prisons can receive them weekly.

Think of the big story above the fold every week!

You can have a few subscription only stories and offer round-ups of weekly stories.

Get them started soon.

Now, all I want is to be hired on as a photo journalist with statehouse access, gas card, Red Roof for overnights, and no contact with Lazenby.

You can reach me here.

How? Kinkos

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shifty henry January 9, 2013 at 7:11 pm

(chuckle) – but, hey, I think Lazenby has sort of a dangerously sexy look in her photo – interestingly enough for me

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shifty henry January 9, 2013 at 7:23 pm

….. no prison time for Fits. He has an airtight defense -CONTINUAL INSANITY – because otherwise we would not be allowed to post some of comments we have posted.

I’m positive that all of you would testify as character witnesses, especially BigT – he could really create some confusion!

Unfortunately, at that time, I will be visiting relatives in Arizona, but I’ll follow you on the news.

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Old Bike Dude January 9, 2013 at 7:14 pm

Sic, where would I rant? The public service provided to Beaufort county by this outlet is priceless.

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commonman January 9, 2013 at 8:39 pm

Leatherman taken any junkets lately. Used to use NESA to hide it.

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Paul Baumer January 9, 2013 at 11:20 pm

— all quiet on the western front

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more verbal excrement January 10, 2013 at 8:16 am

i’m calling BS on these claims. like always, womanbeater will uses hystrerical and exaggerated claims to hide, obscure, and obfuscate his real role, real agenda, and his real allies. the biggest lie is that he and nikki haley dont use each other for mutual political and financial benefit. and of course his amen corner of fanboys, cult worshipper, and cyber cock sucker faithfuls never disappoint him with their total belief and acceptance of every transparent lie he places in their empty heads. LOL

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sam January 10, 2013 at 8:31 am

Your grandest move was inventing “BigT” as your counterpoint. How therapeutic it must be to argue with yourself all day.

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Original Good Old Boy January 10, 2013 at 12:50 pm

For the 100th time, Big T is not Will unless Will has used the “big t” schtick since 1998 on the allsportstalk forums. Big T then migrated to the State newspaper boards and (I believe) the go gamecocks boards.

Personally, I find t amusing. He’s so effective at riling up everyone with his trolling.

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Sailor January 10, 2013 at 4:45 pm

Every village (or blog) needs an idiot!

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hhuuhh?? January 10, 2013 at 8:58 am

Just this week, this website ran a gossip story involving allegations some school employees were having an affair. There was also a big deal that they had allegedly used their work computers for personal business.

Every state agency has rules about computer use since those computers are public property and the time that people “play” on them is public time.

So, is it good when a school district discipline staff for using public time and public equipment to have private communication, but bad when agencies move to prevent their employees from misusing public equipment and public time by reading blogs, newspapers and check their bank accounts?

The usage rules are the same for all. Internet access is a freebie that never had to be provided for the majority of the work that the majority of state agencies and workers do. Internal systems used to suffice and were a helluva lot more secure.

If you’re concerned that state employees won’t access this site from home, maybe you should work to help them get better pay so they can afford internet access.

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I'llBeYourHuckleberry January 10, 2013 at 9:41 am

If you’re scared of the lights, then don’t be a cockroach!

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? January 10, 2013 at 10:30 am

Exactly.

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Soft Sigh from Hell January 10, 2013 at 6:32 pm

“If you’re scared of the lights, then don’t be a cockroach!”

Excellent. Wisdom for our times.

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neighbor January 10, 2013 at 10:02 am

Saw the Escalade at the “clothing store” last night, late. They were leaving it vacant. Bye-bye to the “multi-million” a year shell, I mean business.

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SYP Blogger January 10, 2013 at 10:15 am

I was born and raised in Greenville, but came to Columbia in 2001. I happened to meet Will/Sic Willie/FITS at a small party one night in 2002 and thought to myself,”this guy is such a douche”. And then I ran into him a few times here and there and realized he wasn’t a douche, just a straight shooter who some people just didn’t understand. When FITS came about i started reading and just kind of taking it all in. When my law firm security gig dried up I relocated back to Greenville, but kept up with FITS until returning to Columbia back in June 2012. I have never met anyone who can get under the skin of people, yet seem to open their eyes at the same time. I am not friends with Will and he wouldn’t know me if I walked up to him and said hello, but I can tell you that anyone who stands up as tall as Will and faces down his doubters is ok in my book. It may be cheezy or seem like a plug/ploy, but the reason I started http://www.stateyourpeace.com was because of Will. I figured that if I wanted to piss people off, say what was on my mind, and hopefully find other people who wanted to do the same thing, just follow FITS lead and do it. So yes, Will Folks you inspired someone.. Speaking of books, I wish he would hurry up and publish that damn book about you know who..

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Original Good Old Boy January 10, 2013 at 12:53 pm

You are right. It is cheezy.

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AnObserver January 13, 2013 at 4:50 pm

I’m a 60+ white male, independent, occasional republican repelled by the lack of real news reporting in the local TV and news-less paper, The (we’re owned by) The State. Keep up the good work.

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