Pete Croatto
@petecroatto.bsky.social
Nothing but blues and Elvis and somebody else's favorite song. Sportswriter, mostly. Articles in NYT, Andscape, GQ, Poynter, Philly Mag, etc. Author of FROM HANG TIME TO PRIME TIME. He/him. Tips or inquiries: pscroatto@gmail.com.
Reposted by Pete Croatto
ICYMI: I began my 20th (!) year of freelance writing by exploring why critics love and hate end-of-year and top 10 lists. For the good folks at @poynterinstitute.bsky.social. www.poynter.org/reporting-ed...
Why critics have a love-hate relationship with top 10 lists - Poynter
Reducing a year of culture to a handful of honorees leads to agita — and, one hopes, appreciation
www.poynter.org
January 5, 2026 at 1:07 PM
ICYMI: I began my 20th (!) year of freelance writing by exploring why critics love and hate end-of-year and top 10 lists. For the good folks at @poynterinstitute.bsky.social. www.poynter.org/reporting-ed...
As with any career, someone can give you a map but you have to get yourself to the destination.
I send them a bunch of resources including my free newsletter a crickets.
January 5, 2026 at 4:20 PM
As with any career, someone can give you a map but you have to get yourself to the destination.
This is such an irritant that it inspired an essay. www.writermag.com/writing-insp...
January 5, 2026 at 3:55 PM
This is such an irritant that it inspired an essay. www.writermag.com/writing-insp...
Reposted by Pete Croatto
If you, a young/inexperienced person, are reaching out to someone older with experience in the area that you’re interested in & asking for a meet up/advice, the words “Thank You” need to be in your message. Many young people don’t seem to know this, and it irritates me to no end.
January 5, 2026 at 2:54 PM
If you, a young/inexperienced person, are reaching out to someone older with experience in the area that you’re interested in & asking for a meet up/advice, the words “Thank You” need to be in your message. Many young people don’t seem to know this, and it irritates me to no end.
ICYMI: I began my 20th (!) year of freelance writing by exploring why critics love and hate end-of-year and top 10 lists. For the good folks at @poynterinstitute.bsky.social. www.poynter.org/reporting-ed...
Why critics have a love-hate relationship with top 10 lists - Poynter
Reducing a year of culture to a handful of honorees leads to agita — and, one hopes, appreciation
www.poynter.org
January 5, 2026 at 1:07 PM
ICYMI: I began my 20th (!) year of freelance writing by exploring why critics love and hate end-of-year and top 10 lists. For the good folks at @poynterinstitute.bsky.social. www.poynter.org/reporting-ed...
Reposted by Pete Croatto
Just under the wire
January 1, 2026 at 1:47 AM
Just under the wire
If you can find it, @diannarussini.bsky.social’s impression of her mom swooning over Jimmy G—while providing NFL insights—on the old Le Batard Show is comedy gold.
They just showed Jimmy G up on the big screen and my MIL was like "who is THAT?" and I think now she's a Rams fan lol
January 5, 2026 at 12:24 AM
If you can find it, @diannarussini.bsky.social’s impression of her mom swooning over Jimmy G—while providing NFL insights—on the old Le Batard Show is comedy gold.
Reposted by Pete Croatto
I think it's time to take down our Christmas tree because it's really dry and currently on fire.
January 5, 2026 at 12:16 AM
I think it's time to take down our Christmas tree because it's really dry and currently on fire.
Reposted by Pete Croatto
We’re looking for an experienced newsroom leader with a track record of producing and editing impactful, community-centered journalism. If that sounds like you, apply to be our next editor in chief: buff.ly/jKsWWgE
January 4, 2026 at 11:00 PM
We’re looking for an experienced newsroom leader with a track record of producing and editing impactful, community-centered journalism. If that sounds like you, apply to be our next editor in chief: buff.ly/jKsWWgE
Reposted by Pete Croatto
Kenetic Strike (2002) and Battle Rhythm (2009) are action movies you keep scrolling past on Tubi and almost but not quite pull the trigger on.
It shouldn't be lost among all the war criming what a massive dork Hegseth is. "Kinetic Strikes" and "Battle Rhythm" are terms from a fad workout program in the late 90s whose founder eventually went to jail for tax fraud.
January 4, 2026 at 3:39 PM
Kenetic Strike (2002) and Battle Rhythm (2009) are action movies you keep scrolling past on Tubi and almost but not quite pull the trigger on.
Artie Lange’s line about betting double your net worth on a football game beating any New Year’s Eve was not meant as life advice.
NFL Network is covering all aspects of the league this morning, from the Draft Kings bets of the week to the contract bonuses some of the players are aiming for.
Just a complete celebration of the game. Sports at its purest.
Just a complete celebration of the game. Sports at its purest.
January 4, 2026 at 5:57 PM
Artie Lange’s line about betting double your net worth on a football game beating any New Year’s Eve was not meant as life advice.
Reposted by Pete Croatto
In authoritarian regimes, underlings signal loyalty to the ruler by publicly attesting to obviously false claims
January 4, 2026 at 5:19 PM
In authoritarian regimes, underlings signal loyalty to the ruler by publicly attesting to obviously false claims
Reposted by Pete Croatto
I'm waaaay late on this, but here are some books I loved this year. Buy buy buy.
1. How to Be a Screenwriter, by Phil Stark
2. The Life of Singleton, by Thomas Golianopoulos
3. Changeover, by @girinathan.bsky.social
4. American Kings, by @sethwickersham.bsky.social
1. How to Be a Screenwriter, by Phil Stark
2. The Life of Singleton, by Thomas Golianopoulos
3. Changeover, by @girinathan.bsky.social
4. American Kings, by @sethwickersham.bsky.social
December 23, 2025 at 11:20 PM
I'm waaaay late on this, but here are some books I loved this year. Buy buy buy.
1. How to Be a Screenwriter, by Phil Stark
2. The Life of Singleton, by Thomas Golianopoulos
3. Changeover, by @girinathan.bsky.social
4. American Kings, by @sethwickersham.bsky.social
1. How to Be a Screenwriter, by Phil Stark
2. The Life of Singleton, by Thomas Golianopoulos
3. Changeover, by @girinathan.bsky.social
4. American Kings, by @sethwickersham.bsky.social
Reposted by Pete Croatto
Me when my editor likes a story
January 4, 2026 at 3:42 AM
Me when my editor likes a story
Reposted by Pete Croatto
First piece of 2026!
For @poynterinstitute.bsky.social, I talked to a bunch of terrific critics—including @anniezaleski.bsky.social, @sepinwall.bsky.social, and @jasondashbailey.com—about the pains and pleasures of creating top 10 and EOY lists.
www.poynter.org/reporting-ed...
For @poynterinstitute.bsky.social, I talked to a bunch of terrific critics—including @anniezaleski.bsky.social, @sepinwall.bsky.social, and @jasondashbailey.com—about the pains and pleasures of creating top 10 and EOY lists.
www.poynter.org/reporting-ed...
Why critics have a love-hate relationship with top 10 lists - Poynter
Reducing a year of culture to a handful of honorees leads to agita — and, one hopes, appreciation
www.poynter.org
January 3, 2026 at 1:34 AM
First piece of 2026!
For @poynterinstitute.bsky.social, I talked to a bunch of terrific critics—including @anniezaleski.bsky.social, @sepinwall.bsky.social, and @jasondashbailey.com—about the pains and pleasures of creating top 10 and EOY lists.
www.poynter.org/reporting-ed...
For @poynterinstitute.bsky.social, I talked to a bunch of terrific critics—including @anniezaleski.bsky.social, @sepinwall.bsky.social, and @jasondashbailey.com—about the pains and pleasures of creating top 10 and EOY lists.
www.poynter.org/reporting-ed...
Reposted by Pete Croatto
Never miss a chance to take a dig at immigrants. And if you’ve got a Top Gun cosplay outfit on hand, make sure you throw that on.
GOP Rep. Pat Harrigan: "There are members of Congress that they just cannot trust. And I understand that. We have folks that are Somali first and not America first."
January 3, 2026 at 11:47 PM
Never miss a chance to take a dig at immigrants. And if you’ve got a Top Gun cosplay outfit on hand, make sure you throw that on.
Reposted by Pete Croatto
Thanks to @petecroatto.bsky.social for including me in this article!
Why critics have a love-hate relationship with top 10 lists - Poynter
Reducing a year of culture to a handful of honorees leads to agita — and, one hopes, appreciation
www.poynter.org
January 3, 2026 at 7:07 PM
Thanks to @petecroatto.bsky.social for including me in this article!
Reposted by Pete Croatto
Hi! Are you doomscrolling? Do you have something fun planned today? Naps and trips to Costco count!
If your job does not involve being on social media, I recommend logging off and doing something else. Lots of options, including reading a book, going to a museum and watching the gay hockey show. 🏒
If your job does not involve being on social media, I recommend logging off and doing something else. Lots of options, including reading a book, going to a museum and watching the gay hockey show. 🏒
January 3, 2026 at 2:59 PM
Hi! Are you doomscrolling? Do you have something fun planned today? Naps and trips to Costco count!
If your job does not involve being on social media, I recommend logging off and doing something else. Lots of options, including reading a book, going to a museum and watching the gay hockey show. 🏒
If your job does not involve being on social media, I recommend logging off and doing something else. Lots of options, including reading a book, going to a museum and watching the gay hockey show. 🏒
Reposted by Pete Croatto
Agreed. Now what? The American voters and taxpayers you're talking to don't have as much power as you and we're all anxious to know what the plan is. Or if there even is one! I'm guessing you're gonna run for President someday. Maybe soon. This would be a good way to start leading us!
It’s not about drugs. If it was, Trump wouldn’t have pardoned one of the largest narco traffickers in the world last month.
It’s about oil and regime change.
And they need a trial now to pretend that it isn’t. Especially to distract from his sinking under Epstein and skyrocketing healthcare costs.
It’s about oil and regime change.
And they need a trial now to pretend that it isn’t. Especially to distract from his sinking under Epstein and skyrocketing healthcare costs.
January 3, 2026 at 5:54 PM
Agreed. Now what? The American voters and taxpayers you're talking to don't have as much power as you and we're all anxious to know what the plan is. Or if there even is one! I'm guessing you're gonna run for President someday. Maybe soon. This would be a good way to start leading us!
Well, if you need a distraction—
First piece of 2026!
For @poynterinstitute.bsky.social, I talked to a bunch of terrific critics—including @anniezaleski.bsky.social, @sepinwall.bsky.social, and @jasondashbailey.com—about the pains and pleasures of creating top 10 and EOY lists.
www.poynter.org/reporting-ed...
For @poynterinstitute.bsky.social, I talked to a bunch of terrific critics—including @anniezaleski.bsky.social, @sepinwall.bsky.social, and @jasondashbailey.com—about the pains and pleasures of creating top 10 and EOY lists.
www.poynter.org/reporting-ed...
Why critics have a love-hate relationship with top 10 lists - Poynter
Reducing a year of culture to a handful of honorees leads to agita — and, one hopes, appreciation
www.poynter.org
January 3, 2026 at 3:24 PM
Well, if you need a distraction—
Reposted by Pete Croatto
January 3, 2026 at 12:53 PM
Reposted by Pete Croatto
A lovely rumination on ranking and lists - enjoyed reading and participating!
First piece of 2026!
For @poynterinstitute.bsky.social, I talked to a bunch of terrific critics—including @anniezaleski.bsky.social, @sepinwall.bsky.social, and @jasondashbailey.com—about the pains and pleasures of creating top 10 and EOY lists.
www.poynter.org/reporting-ed...
For @poynterinstitute.bsky.social, I talked to a bunch of terrific critics—including @anniezaleski.bsky.social, @sepinwall.bsky.social, and @jasondashbailey.com—about the pains and pleasures of creating top 10 and EOY lists.
www.poynter.org/reporting-ed...
Why critics have a love-hate relationship with top 10 lists - Poynter
Reducing a year of culture to a handful of honorees leads to agita — and, one hopes, appreciation
www.poynter.org
January 3, 2026 at 2:34 AM
A lovely rumination on ranking and lists - enjoyed reading and participating!
Threnace, anyone?
Top 10 lists: threat or menace?
First piece of 2026!
For @poynterinstitute.bsky.social, I talked to a bunch of terrific critics—including @anniezaleski.bsky.social, @sepinwall.bsky.social, and @jasondashbailey.com—about the pains and pleasures of creating top 10 and EOY lists.
www.poynter.org/reporting-ed...
For @poynterinstitute.bsky.social, I talked to a bunch of terrific critics—including @anniezaleski.bsky.social, @sepinwall.bsky.social, and @jasondashbailey.com—about the pains and pleasures of creating top 10 and EOY lists.
www.poynter.org/reporting-ed...
January 3, 2026 at 2:34 AM
Threnace, anyone?
Let me stress that any insufferable tendencies come from me. Everyone quoted here was kind, eloquent, and endlessly patient in indulging my borderline bizarre curiosity.
Good to be among the likes of @sepinwall.bsky.social and @jasondashbailey.com discussing the art (or lack thereof) of Top 10 listmaking with @petecroatto.bsky.social in this Poynter piece, which mostly avoids make us sound insufferable on the subject!
Why critics have a love-hate relationship with top 10 lists - Poynter
Reducing a year of culture to a handful of honorees leads to agita — and, one hopes, appreciation
www.poynter.org
January 3, 2026 at 1:42 AM
Let me stress that any insufferable tendencies come from me. Everyone quoted here was kind, eloquent, and endlessly patient in indulging my borderline bizarre curiosity.
First piece of 2026!
For @poynterinstitute.bsky.social, I talked to a bunch of terrific critics—including @anniezaleski.bsky.social, @sepinwall.bsky.social, and @jasondashbailey.com—about the pains and pleasures of creating top 10 and EOY lists.
www.poynter.org/reporting-ed...
For @poynterinstitute.bsky.social, I talked to a bunch of terrific critics—including @anniezaleski.bsky.social, @sepinwall.bsky.social, and @jasondashbailey.com—about the pains and pleasures of creating top 10 and EOY lists.
www.poynter.org/reporting-ed...
Why critics have a love-hate relationship with top 10 lists - Poynter
Reducing a year of culture to a handful of honorees leads to agita — and, one hopes, appreciation
www.poynter.org
January 3, 2026 at 1:34 AM
First piece of 2026!
For @poynterinstitute.bsky.social, I talked to a bunch of terrific critics—including @anniezaleski.bsky.social, @sepinwall.bsky.social, and @jasondashbailey.com—about the pains and pleasures of creating top 10 and EOY lists.
www.poynter.org/reporting-ed...
For @poynterinstitute.bsky.social, I talked to a bunch of terrific critics—including @anniezaleski.bsky.social, @sepinwall.bsky.social, and @jasondashbailey.com—about the pains and pleasures of creating top 10 and EOY lists.
www.poynter.org/reporting-ed...