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Some Web sites exist only to feed the creators’ ego. They use cheap jokes and flashy graphics to keep up with a 1,000 other similar sites, and the Web-masters probably have more fun reading their visitor count than making the content. Others, like TheSmokingGun.com, consistently justify their existence with exclusive, compelling and genuinely funny content.
The Smoking Gun reports on celebrities and bizarre crimes without an ounce of sensationalism. There are police reports, court transcripts, mug shots and backstage riders all available for their amusement.
When entertainers tour, “riders” are part of their contracts with promoters for each show they play. They include what artists want to find backstage in their dressing rooms. Busta Rhymes requests a box of ribbed condoms for each show. A Tribe Called Quest wants two boxes. In contrast, Bob Dylan’s star dressing room request sounds like a description of a motel room, right down to the “hot and cold running water.”
The best part of TSG is its use of straightforward, official documents with minimal editorializing. There are summaries for each document, and the documents have convenient red arrows in case you want to skip to the good stuff, such as how the Bloodhound Gang requests a “fridge magnet of local interest.” Guns N’ Roses wanted an “assortment of adult magazines.” Apparently, no one ever told them about groupies.
The archive satisfies the part of us that peeks at the tabloids, but on a more intelligent level. Where tabloids sensationalize and often outright lie, TSG uses understatement to allow readers to think for themselves. Exclamation points are far and few between on The Smoking Gun.
In the celebrity mug shot section, they provide a short description of the charges. It doesn’t take much description for some of these pictures to be funny. Nick Nolte’s infamous DUI mug shot is there. There are a few pictures of Noelle Bush, daughter of Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, after she tried to get a fake prescription for Xanax.
Many of the documents seen on TSG are confidential and were obtained somewhat illicitly, which only adds to the fun. Britney Spears’ backstage rider specifically demands that it not be seen by any third parties. Her list isn’t too long, and she deserves a little respect for requesting Cool Ranch Doritos.
In the spirit of The Smoking Gun’s format, it seems appropriate to stop describing the page and simply direct you there so you can see for yourself. Web browsers have bookmarks for pages like this because once you discover it, you will be back very soon.
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