Meet the Twitter user everybody keeps confusing for Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg
Tuesday was a big day for Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, as the billionaire finally appeared before Congress and answered questions about the data breaches and privacy concerns his company has faced. It wasn’t just a big day for Mark Zuckerberg though.
Meet Mark Zuckerman, a baseball writer who has covered the Washington Nationals since the franchise came to Washington in 2005. As you might notice, his name—and Twitter handle—is nearly identical to Zuckerberg’s name. However, several people have not noticed, leading to a comically high number of Twitter users confusing the baseball writer Zuckerman for the tech mogul Zuckerberg. When that happens, Zuckerman will often respond with some light-hearted snark.
Would feel better if Mark Zuckerberg shared some of his fortune with me. RT @InternetBullies How's it feel to invent the Facebook?
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) February 27, 2012
The phenomenon goes back at least half a decade, to the point that “I didn’t invent Facebook” is the beginning of Zuckerman’s Twitter bio. It should be noted that Zuckerberg does not have a Twitter account, leaving Zuckerman’s account as a likely top result when people try to address him.
With Zuckerberg in the news as much as he has ever been, Tuesday represented an armageddon for Zuckerman’s Twitter mentions, with anger directed at Facebook’s founder from all political sides.
No, still nice and tan from spring training. https://t.co/MR2mtJaLbt
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) April 10, 2018
No, Rendon really is hitting cleanup tonight, I swear! https://t.co/8F55TXEXbe
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) April 10, 2018
Sorry, but I don’t support robot umps. Just hold the humans more accountable for their mistakes! https://t.co/mSwtmSKVFW
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) April 10, 2018
And those are just some of the tweets Zuckerman decided to respond to. Dive into his mentions on Twitter for Tuesday and you’ll see the full scope of anger, yelling and just plain weirdness that has come to populate Zuckerman’s feed.
Considering how long he’s dealt with this, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Zuckerman knew what was coming. He even spoofed Jimmy Kimmel’s Celebrities Read Mean Tweets segment for MASN, the Nationals television affiliate he writes for.
Appreciate all the kind thoughts and well-wishes I've already received at the start of what's going to be a difficult day. Your support means a lot to me. #ManNotBerg
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) April 10, 2018
PSA : Today and everyday, may you remember that our beat writer @MarkZuckerman is not Mark Zuckerberg! pic.twitter.com/Pwu6zvX4Kz
— Nationals on MASN (@masnNationals) April 10, 2018
Zuckerman talked to Awful Announcing last week about what he calls an “inside joke” between him and his followers. When asked why he doesn’t at least change his Twitter name or handle, Zuckerman’s response was priceless.
To quote the great character Michael Bolton from ‘Office Space,’ “Why should I change my name? He’s the one who sucks.
Fair enough, Mark. And just remember that you are not alone.
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