I thought Francis was the biggest hack in sports journalism for a long time, and I still stand behind that opinion. He was a click-bait manipulator posting 'outrage' at times, making stuff up at times and then contradicting himself. I loathed him and wouldn't give him a single click after a while of realizing that complaining about him was actually supporting his work.
However, I also think he has VASTLY improved and I now consider him to be an actual journalist. Not sure how it happened - or if it will last - but he is fairly good now. Just solid, honest reporting. I haven't clicked on many of his articles, but from what people post here and from what I read, I not only have zero issues with Francis now, but I think - now that Wes is gone - he is 'the' voice now when it comes to sports journalism for Calgary, and in particular, the Flames. Hopefully it lasts, and he ends up being more like Eric D and Wes G - I make time for articles like those. Fair, intelligent, and honest. That's all I ask from journalists and the media in general (which is becoming increasingly rarer, unfortunately). I am surprised Francis has shifted to this area, but I am 100% in support of it.
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