Shawn claims no film degree and it shows in his writing. His language and understanding of the film process are mostly limited to that of a fan with minimal usage of journalistic techniques or evenhanded criticism. The writing is swamped with grammatical and mechanical errors and the site, at least according to its “no data” Alexa ranking, has inconsequential readership. We were, at one point, impressed with the correct usage of a semicolon. A film critic or journalist not willing to attach a name to a byline is ultimately neither.
A site whose creators write, “The Basement is where movies are watched, mocked, thrilled upon and yelled at.” The Basement's greatest claim is that they interviewed an actual journalist at “Arrow in the Head.” The writing is often angry and accusatory and the inability of being able to properly place a comma can be maddening for anyone who cares about grammar. Apparently, The Basement started on a Canadian college radio station and has segued its listenership into a non-existent readership. The site boasts critics only willing to give their first names or last initials. They are Jason, Shawn and Mike S. who choose to offer critiques on films while keeping their own anonymity. However, one brave male basement dweller reveals himself as Anthony Michael Bosa and the brave women of the Basement all give complete bylines as Amy Wickenheiser, Kara Evans and Suzanne Cappelletti.
