The Comparative Joy of T-Nation

[Derek Weaver]

Yeah, I saw that one the next page with regards to Joel's take on T-Nation:Biotest.

I still think it would be hilarious if it ever ran. I remember Lyle writing how
TC is a poor man's Bill Phillips or whoever the Body For Life guy is.

It's odd how they do things there though. Dan John articles, Tony Gentilcore and Cressey articles. The occasional non stupid Shugart or Thibadeau article (usually stupid, sometimes not with both of them). Then..... everything else.

I do like their powders though. Too bad they're so expensive.

[Steve Shafley]

There is no such thing as a "non-stupid" Shugart article.

[James Evans]

Originally Posted by Steve Shafley

There is no such thing as a "non-stupid" Shugart article.

I remember you once described him as a 'weasel'.

[Derek Weaver]

Originally Posted by Steve Shafley

There is no such thing as a "non-stupid" Shugart article.

Can we go with less stupid?

His understanding of nutrition is woeful, but he does have some interesting recipes in his "V- Life" section.

If he would otherwise shut up about training and... everything else it would be okay.

[Chad Cilli]

Speaking on the comparison of the articles cited in the OP, it has long been my belief that T-nation just changes its opinions in order to promote whatever supplement they're hyping that month. For as many articles and forum threads as they've had bashing Crossfit, I've seen articles touting Crossfit's benefits as well. I seem to remember another article championing the benefits of eating healthy and naturally, and then they ruined the article with half a dozen recommendations for various supplements.

While I am occasionally impressed with the articles there, such as Dan John, and even once in a while Poliquin, I'm often returned to my skeptical self by all the supplement plugs. I am not anti-supplement, but when someone tells me this is the secret to getting HUGE, COLOSSAL, AND RIPPED and then in the same sentence tells me the one and only supplement that you can use is our Anaconda protocol, I can't help but question the necessity of the supplement regime.

[Yael Grauer]

When you think about T-Nation as a custom publisher rather than a consumer publication, it really makes a lot more sense.

[Yael Grauer]

Oh yeah, and also I don't think of it as T-Nation changing their opinion or needing one specific opinion like some publications do. I think they like to use a variety of authors, and each have their own unique and distinct opinions which sometimes contradict one another.

[Derek Weaver]

Originally Posted by Yael Grauer

Oh yeah, and also I don't think of it as T-Nation changing their opinion or needing one specific opinion like some publications do. I think they like to use a variety of authors, and each have their own unique and distinct opinions which sometimes contradict one another.

I honestly think that's one of the strengths of the website.

The other being fairly consistent hilarity with the Top Secret Training Lab, Anaconda Protocol results etc.

The problem though is that they're a digital version of Men's Health. There have been some real gems from Men's Health through the issues, I'm sure, but there is so much contradiction that things get quite confusing.

[Allen Yeh]

Originally Posted by Yael Grauer

Oh yeah, and also I don't think of it as T-Nation changing their opinion or needing one specific opinion like some publications do. I think they like to use a variety of authors, and each have their own unique and distinct opinions which sometimes contradict one another.

Exactly.

[Andy Vinakos]

Originally Posted by Yael Grauer

Oh yeah, and also I don't think of it as T-Nation changing their opinion or needing one specific opinion like some publications do. I think they like to use a variety of authors, and each have their own unique and distinct opinions which sometimes contradict one another.

Agreed. IMO the contradictions and different perspectives of various authors are the best part of T-Nation articles.