These words ring truer every day...

[nhradiochild]

Awhile back, I had a conversation with Dave Morgan when he was topic (or sub-topic) of this board, which semi-ridiculed him for his delivery.

To this, he replied: [For radio in general] "Those who can, do. Those who can't, blog."

The reference here is a simple one. Those that actually do carry regular jobs in radio don't need to be spending their off-time blogging about it because they are living the dream. Or just generally satisfied where they are. Or they're so exhausted with their regular duties that they'd rather talk about something else.

Regardless, generally speaking, I'd say this holds true. Jo Jo Kracko no longer blogs on here. Some owners/managers patrol the boards but generally do not respond because it would be a waste of their time. They have a mindset of how to do their jobs and they are not privy to taking many suggestions from the "riff-raff", whether they are good ideas or not.

So, should I suggest that maybe there are many on this board who are mistakenly under the impression they are talking to someone who actually has control of a station?

Maybe we are all fools. :-[

 

[MassMusicMan]

Who cares if people read the board or not? It's still fun to trash idiots and greedy owners.

 

[12 In a Row]

Who cares if people read the board or not? It's still fun to trash idiots and greedy owners.

This reminds me of great proverb:

"He who talks trash has the most junk in the trunk."

 

[Basnya]

I'm probably too old to be this idealistic but I like to think that there is some good information passed around on these boards. Long ago in another line of work I was told that the day you think you know everything about the job is the day you f*ck up. Perhaps the same could be said of owners?

An oft-discussed issue is the lack of some type of system to nurture new talent. It would be nice if some owners would be willing to share a few tips and tricks they have learned... not everything of course but there has to be more than a few people here who are at least considering taking the ownership plunge. If nothing else perhaps those owners would respond (and maybe are responding) privately.

Yeah it's fun to pick on the idiots too...

 

[nhradiochild]

Who cares if people read the board or not? It's still fun to trash idiots and greedy owners.

LOL, Will. I like the happy-go-lucky response.

I will admit, amidst the bickering, I have learned quite a bit from reading the posts here. (Now if only I could put it to some use.) :-\

 

[merrymary]

I've been working in this industry for 30 years in many different markets and after working a ten hour day I still take the time to do a "read-in" here each day. I write when it's important. So, I think this blog is valuable. Don't get discouraged. Do what makes you happy is my best advice. ;D

 

[cabradio]

Awhile back, I had a conversation with Dave Morgan when he was topic (or sub-topic) of this board, which semi-ridiculed him for his delivery.

To this, he replied: [For radio in general] "Those who can, do. Those who can't, blog."

I disagree, but first let me give a clarification over terms, this is a message board, not a blog. However, in the grand scheme, what it is called doesn't matter.

There are many talented "bloggers" and "message board" writers out there. Some of them are also professional broadcasters. I think most people here can separate the curd from the whey. There are a few who blow a lot of smoke, in some cases it's entertaining, in some cases it's downright crap. But one thing is for sure...there are movers and shakers checking things out here. They may not participate by writing, but they like to see what people are saying about them. Remember, if you are in the biz, you have some kind of ego. And nothing feeds the ego more than knowing people are talking about you!

Speaking of blogs:

 

[nhradiochild]

I'm sure when he uttered the catchy phrase, he meant to include message boards.

I realize it is not completely true, but does lend itself to being correct as the majority of posters I see are, in fact, not employed in the radio business currently. (Myself included.)

I also realized that if I were actually still in the radio industry, I would probably troll the websites without offering nearly as much commentary. Or perhaps not make it a daily routine as I pretty much do now.

However, I have seen an owner pop up from time to time to clarify things. This is very much appreciated.

I was actually making reference to those who tend to banter back and forth with people who they assume are in the forefront when they actually have no idea. Conversely, these folks may very well be in the position they allude to, but make such outrageous comments that it's tough to take them seriously.

Anyway, many times it is entertaining and informative which is why I still troll and offer suggestions. Perhaps I'm saving these thoughts to assist me for the rainy day that I should be back in radio. Won't be any time soon, though. I just reenlisted with the Army for another 6 years, and will probably round out 20 before I'm done.

 

[argytunes]

[/quote]

There are many talented "bloggers" and "message board" writers out there. Some of them are also professional broadcasters. I think most people here can separate the curd from the whey. There are a few who blow a lot of smoke, in some cases it's entertaining, in some cases it's downright crap. But one thing is for sure...there are movers and shakers checking things out here. They may not participate by writing, but they like to see what people are saying about them. Remember, if you are in the biz, you have some kind of ego. And nothing feeds the ego more than knowing people are talking about you!

[/quote]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS QUOTE! But if it's okay...I'd like to take it one step further? ???

Praising a new format or rotation is difficult. When a Program Director chooses to take a programming risk...IT'S RARE! So for others...in or out of the business..condemning that new idea IS EASY! Doesn't matter if the idea has gotten off the ground or is still in the early growing stage?

Maybe this is the reason why seasoned professionals have gotten out of the business entirely? It's not that they aren't good at the broadcast jobs they're expected to do? But that the cynicism from co-workers, competitors, and total strangers has gotten out of control!

argytunes

 

[cabradio]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS QUOTE! But if it's okay...I'd like to take it one step further? ???

Praising a new format or rotation is difficult. When a Program Director chooses to take a programming risk...IT'S RARE! So for others...in or out of the business..condemning that new idea IS EASY! Doesn't matter if the idea has gotten off the ground or is still in the early growing stage?

Maybe this is the reason why seasoned professionals have gotten out of the business entirely? It's not that they aren't good at the broadcast jobs they're expected to do? But that the cynicism from co-workers, competitors, and total strangers has gotten out of control!

argytunes

Funny you should say that. When I was the GM at WXCT in Hartford, I was "taking a risk" by developing a Talk Format that was easy on the ears to attract more female listeners. We originally called it Talk Radio for Women, but soon there after add "and Smart Men". In any case, people shmirked (is that a word) at the concept: Entertaining Talk, without the political lashing. We were Greenstone's first affiliate, but then I soon realized they were not in line with the concept, so I dropped them.

So, just a couple months ago, I read a quote from the new GM at Buckley here in Hartford that there is too much yelling and antagonism on the radio. And that there needs to be more general entertaining talk! There is also a station in Danbury that is airing Dr. Joy Brown and Dr. Laura....Hmmmmmm. Was I ahead of my time?

It is difficult to be ahead of the pack, but rewarding too.

 

[Arnold Poon]

AHHHHH, I just love the smell of bare feet on a cold floor! Anyway, I am enjoying everyone's opinion, makes for good show prep!

 

[cabradio]

While doing your show prep, don't forget about actually connecting with your listeners:

http://www.radio-info.com/content/column.php?rcID=156

 

[12 In a Row]

Congratulations Charlie, you hit a home run! ;D

 

[DudeWheresMyRadio]

This is one of the best threads I've read on this board! It's extremely refreshing to read thoughtful posts, without the cynicism. antagonism...and oops, I ran out of "ism's"...and slamming that fills up a lot of threads.

Speaking of blogging it's the next logical step in air talent connecting with their audience. I find it surprising that more stations (everywhere, not just in NNE) aren't making it a priority. If I were still in the biz - and programming - my jocks would be blogging daily...that is, if I could find any actual jocks in the building! :

 

[merrymary]

I used to blog every day about the community, teachers, police, traffic, roadkill, you name it. Corporate cut back the website, so no more of that. I was so enjoying the chatter and the feedback. And going back a few entries,; ego did not bring me into this business of 12 hours a day for about 10 bucks an hour. Local news brought me here. It's my belief the public should be informed.

 

[cabradio]

I used to blog every day about the community, teachers, police, traffic, roadkill, you name it. Corporate cut back the website, so no more of that.

That doesn't make much sense. If the station is already paying for a website, it doesn't cost more to have a blog. Besides, Blogger.com is free to use (as are others), and you can even design it around your website (like any blog program). Unless they just cut out the position as a whole. Which is foolish really, because the Internet is where stations will be finding the next generation of listeners...

I was so enjoying the chatter and the feedback. And going back a few entries,; ego did not bring me into this business of 12 hours a day for about 10 bucks an hour. Local news brought me here. It's my belief the public should be informed.

Ego may not have brought you into the business, but I guarantee you have one. If you don't get a little puffed up when people say they heard you on the radio...then, I suggest a visit to a doctor! lol. (that's just my sarcastic way of saying "what's wrong with you!".. all in good fun!)

 

[merrymary]

To be truthful, I HATE it when someone recognizes me from the air. That's why I use my legal name. I have seen far too many people take advantage of "freebees" just because they were on the air. I will pay for what I get and not owe any favors. Years ago some "nasty" listener accused me (on the air) of getting my car free. I said "if you have an extra $403.75 a month, you can take over the payments, today". That ended that. And no, corporate didn't eliminate the position, they just reduced "changeable" content and when that happened, the blog corner was lost. A real shame.

 

[cabradio]

To be truthful, I HATE it when someone recognizes me from the air. That's why I use my legal name.

Huh? If you use your legal name, wouldn't people you know, know it is you?

I have seen far too many people take advantage of "freebees" just because they were on the air. I will pay for what I get and not owe any favors. Years ago some "nasty" listener accused me (on the air) of getting my car free. I said "if you have an extra $403.75 a month, you can take over the payments, today". That ended that.

One shouldn't be ashamed of accepting some of the "spiffs" that you can get in radio. Consider them a bonus for doing a good job. There are companies that reward their employees with gift cards, dinner certificates, etc. Of course, if someone is like a prize hog and always grabbing stuff, then that isn't appropriate. But getting free concert tix, or a free dinner here and there isn't anything to shun, or be ashamed of. Especially when the pay is so low, a free dinner or concert can make a big difference in that months personal budget. But that's just my opinion.

And no, corporate didn't eliminate the position, they just reduced "changeable" content and when that happened, the blog corner was lost. A real shame.

Again, something that doesn't make any sense. If you have a "static" page, your listeners will come once, maybe twice, then they'll have seen everything and have no reason to come back. If you have a "dynamic" page with content that is updated or changed regularly, it gives the listeners more reasons to come back again and again. Surely your managers understand that simple concept. This is ever more important when you are placing ad banners on your site. You MUST give your visitors reasons to come back, so your clients get as much exposure as possible.

 

[merrymary]

Sorry Charlie, I was not clear. In business matters I use my legal name; even when advertisers are concerned. I'm not looking for any favors. If money were the issue, I could be working in any number of other professions. I love my work, always have. Regarding the blog, I couldn't agree with you more.