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Christmas in Portland

noticed that 94.9 is playing holiday favorites geared more towards the 25th of December as opposed to the, um, one, that's geared to the 25th of November - but good for them.

can't say that i heard the word "official" in there or not.
 
and as of today, Oldies 100.9 is all christmas. thankfully, they are NOT "official," otherwise, there'd be no stopping this thread. they are Continuous Christmas Music, though. fairly simple and strait-forward as to what they're doing - but the original format, per se, is not applying. how many times can they play Josh Groban's "Believe?" they should make it a drinking game - every time Josh plays, you gotta drink the nog.
 
;)

With all due respect to my friend, Erie....OFFICIAL is a term that should be euthanized forever....irregardless of whether the format is Christmas music or "all-hit Hannukah!"

In other words...let your listeners enjoy the music (along with the 7 minute stopsets of bad commercials) and drop the rest of the BS!

Let's keep the clutter out of the Christmas season as much as possible, okay? ::)

argytunes
 
argytunes said:
;)

With all due respect to my friend, Erie....OFFICIAL is a term that should be euthanized forever....irregardless of whether the format is Christmas music or "all-hit Hannukah!"

In other words...let your listeners enjoy the music (along with the 7 minute stopsets of bad commercials) and drop the rest of the BS!

Let's keep the clutter out of the Christmas season as much as possible, okay? ::)

argytunes

you have several official pet peeves, argy. pick one and run with it. as to the season of clutter - i'd prefer to keep the Christ in Christmas.

and to Underminer - the upside for the Oldies folks playing these songs this early is that more of them are 5 minutes long than the usual oldies lists. a greater chance to get coffee or something. small bonus.
 
::)

Erie....I'll make a deal with you...

I'll eliminate some of my 'pet peeves'...IF....the radio stations you're associated with WILL ELIMINATE THEIR CRAPPY PROMISES WHEN IT COMES TO THEIR PROGRAMMING. [I could also suggest trimming a minute or 2 off your stopsets, but I know your GM nor your sales departments won't go for that idea!].

From what I hear...most of the "clutter" (your term) appears to be present on several of the radio stations you're currently working for???? :p

argytunes
 
argytunes said:
::)

Erie....I'll make a deal with you...

I'll eliminate some of my 'pet peeves'...IF....the radio stations you're associated with WILL ELIMINATE THEIR CRAPPY PROMISES WHEN IT COMES TO THEIR PROGRAMMING. [I could also suggest trimming a minute or 2 off your stopsets, but I know your GM nor your sales departments won't go for that idea!].

From what I hear...most of the "clutter" (your term) appears to be present on several of the radio stations you're currently working for???? :p

argytunes

just be curious as to what crappy promises you think you've heard.

trimming the stopsets - not gonna happen under any of the present regimes in Portland radio. a dollar is a dollar.

and the clutter was first mentioned by you - not me.

here's my deal: the day i win the lottery and lose control of my common sense and buy a couple of radio stations, i'll let you run one. until then, you once were known for being one of the troops and doing that which you were directed or asked to do. recall those days and keep in mind that those of us doin' the radio thing are in no position to change the world of broadcasting as you would like.
 
Ah the holiday season is here. Christmas songs on the air, and Argy is back as Scrooge. It's the most wonderful time of the year!
 
Dear Argybrain
I love you. But irregardless is officially not a word.

Humbug! Damn near killed him!

regards

Your love child

Radio CIA
 
RadioCIA said:
Dear Argybrain
I love you. But irregardless is officially not a word.

Humbug! Damn near killed him!

regards

Your love child

Radio CIA

RadioCIA - i'm with you on the use of the word, but the dictionary does indeed recognize it

http://www.miriamwebster.com/dictionary/irregardless

even the fine lexicographers at MW cite your sentiments that: "The most frequently repeated remark about it is that "there is no such word." There is such a word, however."

(sigh) my blushing bride of almost a quarter century uses the word ad infinitum and i often share your pain. ;-)

i'd cite the whole toe-may-toe ... tah-mah-toe... let's call the whole thing off... but then that would set Argy to playing and singing it (which he does very well, by the way - a talent he could bring to a state-of-the-art production facility with a midi-keyboard set-up. home grown, well-writ&sung jingles and bits, just waiting to be harvested).

and to get back to the splitting of hairs of Christmas music positioning - there really are a finite number of ways to say you're playing Christmas music. it is what it is. an adjective here or there adds that personal touch, not unlike Martha Stewart adding shredded stock certificates to the Yule Candle centerpiece to give it that certain je ne sais quoi...
 
Dear Radio Cia...

Your point is acknowledged...and I thank you!

[It's amazing that YOU were the only one who called me on the grammatical error!] ::)

argytunes
 
For Erie...

"just be curious as to what crappy promises you think you heard..."

Shall we start with some of your station promos with "shotgun sam?" [He's the one who rattles off all the news and information shows in less than 10 seconds]? Or dissect a few of the commercials that run on a few of the music stations you're affliated with---instead?

I'll refrain from making a comment about your...err...'common sense?'


For j.parsons...

I still find it amazing how defensive you (and a few other 'broadcasters') get when I bring up stuff you don't particularly care to hear? Why use the holiday season as an excuse to put ME down. I'm not responsible for the quality of your radio station programming.........YOU ARE! :eek:

argytunes
 
For j.parsons...

I still find it amazing how defensive you (and a few other 'broadcasters') get when I bring up stuff you don't particularly care to hear? Why use the holiday season as an excuse to put ME down. I'm not responsible for the quality of your radio station programming.........YOU ARE! :eek:

argytunes

And I find it amazing how you have such a one track way of thinking. You're right Argy, you aren't responsible for the quality of my employer's programing, and neither am I. That's the job of the PROGRAM director, which last time I checked was neither one of us. I can only do the job that I am assigned to do. As I told you before, you come across as a bitter out of work old jock who refuses to think that anyone in radio is doing any good because you aren't in it anymore. Someday, and maybe soon, I will be in your position, but I certainly don't plan to be bitter about it.

Save your response that I know is coming. None of us are going to stand up and rebel against our employers, because you say they're doing it all wrong. I don't agree with all the decisions my employer makes, but hey I'm not writing the checks. I just do the best job I can with the tools I am given. I'm certainly not the best in the business by a long shot, but people listen. It's worked for me for 10 years now with this company, so why upset the apple cart when I'm having fun and earning a paycheck.

Yes I get defensive when I hear you spew things I don't like to hear. Who doesn't? Do you expect those of us in the business to all agree with you, and not respond to what you say? I disagree with almost everything you say on these boards, which is what a discussion group is all about. The one thing we do have in common is a passion for this business.

Who's the one getting all defensive? Some playful ribbing clearly isn't something you can take with a grain of salt.

Man I hate when these threads get way off topic like this ;)
 
argytunes said:
For Erie...

"just be curious as to what crappy promises you think you heard..."

Shall we start with some of your station promos with "shotgun sam?" [He's the one who rattles off all the news and information shows in less than 10 seconds]? Or dissect a few of the commercials that run on a few of the music stations you're affliated with---instead?

I'll refrain from making a comment about your...err...'common sense?'

argytunes

wow. bitter is an understatement, argy. thot i knew you, but the only thing i know now is i was totally mistaken. that'll teach me to beat your drum, toss you props and try to get you to display that which you know - but you won't display that which you know "for free," cuz that's not your bag. keep lookin' for work - you won't get any more leads from me.

"shotgun sam?" if you mean one of many promo voices employed by a number of stations in the Portland market - they do what they're asked to do by program directors, and then are produced per same said pd's instructions.
and the commercials are done by working, regular-paycheck professionals who do what the damn clients "insist" upon - there is no artistic integrity in radio advertising anymore, argy - wake the f--- up!!!! do you know how many times most spots are done before they get to air? i'll give you a hint - it's not less than three. holy crap - you are completely out of touch with reality. every now and then, the futility of Revision #4 pays off (recent spot - 5 tries, resulted in a whopping 16k annual buy - big money in today's market).

have fun tilting at windmills - this is me being really pi ss ed off at someone i really thought i knew, man and boy, for better than 25 years.

i'll move along now. and thankfully, retain my common sense as i picked, once again, the wrong 6 numbers
 
jparsons said:
And I find it amazing how you have such a one track way of thinking. You're right Argy, you aren't responsible for the quality of my employer's programing, and neither am I. That's the job of the PROGRAM director, which last time I checked was neither one of us. I can only do the job that I am assigned to do. As I told you before, you come across as a bitter out of work old jock who refuses to think that anyone in radio is doing any good because you aren't in it anymore. Someday, and maybe soon, I will be in your position, but I certainly don't plan to be bitter about it.

Save your response that I know is coming. None of us are going to stand up and rebel against our employers, because you say they're doing it all wrong. I don't agree with all the decisions my employer makes, but hey I'm not writing the checks. I just do the best job I can with the tools I am given. I'm certainly not the best in the business by a long shot, but people listen. It's worked for me for 10 years now with this company, so why upset the apple cart when I'm having fun and earning a paycheck.

Yes I get defensive when I hear you spew things I don't like to hear. Who doesn't? Do you expect those of us in the business to all agree with you, and not respond to what you say? I disagree with almost everything you say on these boards, which is what a discussion group is all about. The one thing we do have in common is a passion for this business.

Who's the one getting all defensive? Some playful ribbing clearly isn't something you can take with a grain of salt.

Man I hate when these threads get way off topic like this ;)


oh jeff, you're just a corporate shill. stop being so defensive when you know it's true.
 
???

"you come across as a bitter out of work old jock who refuses to think that any one in radio is doing any good because you aren't in it anymore..."

GOSH...I guess the 5-hours of live talkradio I co-hosted this past weekend on NEWTALK 96.3 WLOB (along with the hour that got a replay on 95.9--WRED) didn't count, did they?

Jeff...having worked with you several years ago when you weren't as (clearing throat) "corporately committed" as you are now...it's too bad you have to read my thoughts as TOTALLY NEGATIVE! Because not all of them ARE!

I actually enjoy some of the programming at many Northern New England radio stations...and practically every format has some sort of merit! My issues are connected with station imaging...along with some of the promos...which are often CONSIDERABLY BETTER than the broadcast product itself! ::)

argytunes
 
:)

Erie...

Your very nice comments about my music work...not to mention my ability to write and produce jingles for this (or any) market made me very happy.

AND I SINCERELY THANK YOU FOR BOTH!

I know you've brought up the "why can't you give away your ideas for free" issue with me on these boards several times? So I'll answer your question with one of my own...

"If you weren't employed by the company you're currently working for, would you continue to offer programming advice and/or advertising suggestions FOR NOTHING?"

As you and I already know...there's a big difference between creating an idea and making it happen as we originally conceived it....as opposed to "handing over a thought to someone else"---who MIGHT completely misunderstand the concept or bypass your idea because they're convinced THEIR WAY WORKS BETTER?

I've seen this happen with dozens of clients whom I've written copy for. And when the final spot doesn't generate the traffic...or at least the interest to pick up the telephone or visit a website...who takes the blame for the failure? It's usually the person who came up with the concept in the first place....yes???

And as I've indicated (several times) earlier...a listener isn't exposed to the step-by-step creative process. The final audio product is the ONLY thing they'll hear!

Erie...I realize that it has been quite awhile since YOU and I have collaborated on a "production project" together. However...I've always respected your quality standard...on the air, in the studio, even with a legal pad when you're doing show prep or writing copy. You are probably one of the few broadcasters in the Northern New England market that can take a lousy script, rework it, find appropriate background music (if needed) and make a spot or promotional idea WORK!

I'd like to think that my approach is similar to yours....even though I'm a little more connected with the 'musical performing side of things' than you are? But this comes down to having professional standards as opposed to just slapping something together because it's scheduled to go on-the-air in 'less than 15 minutes!'

Contrary to what a few 'radio newbies' might believe...anybody can "bang out a commercial spot or radio promo!" But if its content (or concept) sounds foolish to a listener....HE OR SHE CAN TUNE IT OUT WITHIN THE FIRST 6 SECONDS! Even worse is the reality that the more annoying a commercial is...or the more clutter that's contained in ANY stopset...the likelihood of LISTENER TUNEOUT is extremely HIGH! :'(

argytunes
 
He he he he! I want to thank all of you for the entertaining reading during my lunch break! Who needs to watch soaps when one can catch a ton of drama in here! :>)
 
Pliff said:
He he he he! I want to thank all of you for the entertaining reading during my lunch break! Who needs to watch soaps when one can catch a ton of drama in here! :>)

Well I'm happy to oblige. Let's continue with today's chapter shall we? ;)

argytunes said:
GOSH...I guess the 5-hours of live talkradio I co-hosted this past weekend on NEWTALK 96.3 WLOB (along with the hour that got a replay on 95.9--WRED) didn't count, did they?

Sure they do. I'm glad to see J.J. is giving you some airtime. Read what I said though. "You COME ACROSS as a bitter out of work old jock..." I don't know you from a hole in the ground Argy, so how am I supposed to know you actually are employed in the business. You sure don't sound like someone who is, hence my comment.

argytunes said:
Jeff...having worked with you several years ago when you weren't as (clearing throat) "corporately committed" as you are now...

Ok so you worked with me. Again, how am I supposed to know that? I don't know who it is hiding behind "argytunes", and I really don't care. I'm basing my impression of you off what you post here.

Dude, knock it off with your "corporately committed" BS. Corporate is signing my paycheck and I'll kiss their royal behind for as long as it takes to keep getting that check, as long as I'm enjoying my job. Ten years ago I left non-corporate radio because I couldn't stand to work with the owner anymore, and therefore wasn't enjoying my job. When and if the same happens with my current employers, I'll do the same.

Like I said before, it's been ten years with Citadel, and they've treated me well. That does not mean that I don't disagree with decisions that they make. I have brought things I disagree with both to my PD and GM, and they always listen. What they decide to do with what I present before them is their decision, not mine. I'm doing all I can do by bringing my opinion into the mix. Until it's my name on the company (which it never will be) then I don't have the right to do anything more.

it's too bad you have to read my thoughts as TOTALLY NEGATIVE! Because not all of them ARE!

Sure not all of your comments are neagtive, but the majority are.

Contrary to what a few 'radio newbies' might believe...anybody can "bang out a commercial spot or radio promo!" But if its content (or concept) sounds foolish to a listener....HE OR SHE CAN TUNE IT OUT WITHIN THE FIRST 6 SECONDS! Even worse is the reality that the more annoying a commercial is...or the more clutter that's contained in ANY stopset...the likelihood of LISTENER TUNEOUT is extremely HIGH!

Here's my opinion. Likelihood of listener tuneout is extemely high regardless of what gets played other then music. In this day and age, no one like commercials. My own wife, hits the preset button in the car the second the music stops. I don't know the best way to combat this, but that's the challenge facing broadcasters today.

I do agree with you Argy, that more creativity in copywriting is a step in the right direction, but as Erie pointed out, the most creative spot can turn out in the end to be nothing like it was originally imagined. The client gets what the client wants. Copywriting seems to fall on the shoulders of the salesperson more often then not, and they are under enough pressure as it is. Having a creative copywriter is the key to getting great commercials. As I've said to our sales staff before, get me a good script, I guarantee I'll get you a good spot.

This was about Christmas music wasn't it?
 
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