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WFNX: Another sad performance

All I know is that WFNX sounded better to my ears when I wanted to listen to Alternative, when Max Tolkoff ran the station. If you're going to extoll his virtues, cite him by name.

Max is a programming god. His track record speaks for itself. His reputation is solid. And his fez is stylish.
 
I work at FNX so I am getting a kick out these replies...

The word is BLOSSOMS, not "blossums".

I was not aware I had reached the point of exclusivity with KD. I hope that means I get a Christmas gift.

Nu Rave? Is that like Nu Metal? We know how that worked out.

I can understand the anger though... I am still mad at Outback for not giving me employee of the month in March of 2000. I really deserved it. That's why I go to restaurant-info.com and post on the boards there.
 
"I can understand the anger though... I am still mad at Outback for not giving me employee of the month in March of 2000. I really deserved it. That's why I go to restaurant-info.com and post on the boards there."

Yes because you went to college to study steak serving, made it your career and watched all of your friends in the kitchen be promised the head chef job only to find out that the new head chef is a former manager from mcdonalds who couldn't flip a burger to save his life so now no one wants to eat at the Outback anymore. You're right, it's the same thing.

I am not angry. I was talking shop and giving my almost inside opinion on why the ratings are so low. That's what people do here. They talk about the radio business.
 
No, I didn't go to college to serve steaks but I did study art for over 10 years in the hopes of being an artist. Then I realized I wasn't a good artist and I decided to pursue another career. I didn't head to failed-artist.com and post on the boards there blaming my art teachers for my lack of ability.

I am all for talking shop but most of the time these threads are filled with former industry folks who have a chip on their shoulder.

Not that there is anything wrong with that...
 
First, let me start my post by saying that there's part of me thats embarrased to even be posting here.
I mean, sure, I come here often to read peoples (often jaded) opinions, but to post? Ick.

[EDIT]

Being a part-time weekender/fill in at a radio station is a miserable existence. Believe me, I know. I've been there. Buried on overnights.Working Holidays. Wondering if the Program Director and "powers that be" even know that you exist. It sucks. I can see how a guy like yourself can be bitter and angry. I've been that guy. It's not a good feeling.
[EDIT]

Anyway, the difference between you and I (and anyone else who has landed full-time work in this buisness) "Ex Radio Pimp" is that I knew it wasn't going to be handed to me because of any kind of "longevity". Nobody owes anything to anyone in this or any other buisness, you [EDIT].
You can call me one of Keith's "Boyfriends" all you want, but the fact is, I did what had to be done FOR ME to land a full-time job.

I ask you this, "Ex Radio Pimp". Were you ever pro-active in trying to improve your situation? Did you ever..

- Constantly ask for air-checks? Even risking being a pain in the ass? Send them to OTHER stations and ask for an unbiased third-party opinion?
Lord knows, one needs to do this if they would like to improve. Or, at the very least so that they know they're saying an artists name correctly. (Yes, that's a dig. It's KANYE. Not KANE. He's a wrestler. And you wonder why you never got better shifts.)

- Ever attempt to land a full-time job in a smaller market? Again, something that NEEDS to be done about 90% of the time if one ever wants to return to a station that is in a half way decent market.
Hmm.. let's see. Using just some of the people that work(or worked) in this building as an example, who's done just this thing? Keith (left to work in Richmond) Myself (Left to work in Manchester NH) Adam 12 (Albuquerque) Charlie (Richmond, Burlington VT) Nik Carter (Providence) Julie Kramer (Manchester NH)..

Would you like me to keep going? I won't. I'll save you the embarrasment, because I'm guessing you never attempted to actually do these things. Nope. You just sat here, doing your weekend overnights, getting bitter by the week, thinking those stereotypical jaded part-time radio thoughts of "Oh, I'm better than him. They're all idiots. I should have his/her job. I DESERVE a shot."

You deserve nothing, pal. This is America. Earn your right. Work hard, and eventually, things DO pay off.

As far as my useless 2 cents on anything else that's been mentioned...

- This: "I don't have to live in that poisonous atmosphere anymore." is the most absurd thing you could have written.
I assure you, I'm not saying this because I'm his "boyfriend", but Keith, like Max before him, are the most open-door policy P.D.'s I've ever had the pleasure of working for. Have an opinion? Pop in. Send an email. Let your voice be heard. They're willing to listen, and give constructive advice if you're not sounding all that good. Or, as you like to think of it "Making fun, and putting down" Grow some thicker skin, you [EDIT].

Poisonous atmosphere. Really man?
Hilarious. Try working here when the likes of Cruze and *shudder* Birdsey were working here. Then we'll talk "poisonous atmosphere".

- The "Virginia Boyfriends". All have resumes longer than yours. Worked hard, are genuinely nice people and deserved a shot. But yeah, you're right. Chris Centore shouldn't be getting good, mid-day weekend shifts. Nah. It's not like the guy hosted a big top 40 morning show in Trenton. Nah. He doesn't deseve good weekend shifts at all. (oh, and by the way? The guy probably sends out 10 cds a day trying to find full time work. Remember what I wrote above?)
And the Sandbox? Well, again, there resumes speak for themselves. They're young, they sound like they're having a good time, and above all else, they sound LOCAL. Sure, I may be biased, but what makes YOU think you should have a sniff of morning drive?
Hell, that might not even be the case. Perhaps you were just angry that they blew out the contest winner who was doing mornings for far too long here.

- Playlist changes/music In the interest of full disclosure, do I hear the occasional song on this station that makes me go "Um.. Really?" sure. However, that's just the case of me being a card carrying music snob who thinks he knows everything.
Fact is, I don't. And I also don't know the first thing about programming, music tests, how many "spins" a song needs etc. etc.
I never dipped into that part of the buisness, and frankly, I never want to.
I'm just happy I have a full time job. Even if it is just, y'know, a "clone of my boyfriends old shift".

- Ratings To any of you (especially this Ciao clown) Will the ratings here ever be phenomenal? No. We're a boutique radio station. It should have ALWAYS stayed a boutique radio station (see early 00's) Plus, is there anything more archaic that Arbitron's rating system? I mean, really. I understand it's the only tool sales and managment have to sell a station, but c'mon people. You've got to be kidding me if you think it's even remotely accurate. Sure, it may be ignorance on my part, but I just stick my head in the sand when it comes to that garbage. If numbers are down, and I get fired? So be it. I blow. It's part of the biz. I get it.
If they're up in some demo, and I get a bonus? Awesome. More overpriced jeans for me.
Still though, there is a part of me that is patiently awaiting the PPM. Sure, I'm betting I'll be collecting unemployment and or walking dogs for a living by the time it gets to Boston, but I am so certain that it will bring ratings vindication to this place.
There's no way it can't, and even if I'm not here by then, I still wish this place the best. It's deserved.

In closing, "Ex radio Pimp" you clearly had no place being here. Your horrible, poisonous attitude that you were hiding only helps to contribute to negativity, and go against the greater good of what's trying to take place here.
It also cements my theory that there's more than a few of the parttimers that feel this way, and if it were up to me, my "boyfriend" would kick their asses to the curb and get some fresh, new blood in here that actually WANT to be here.[EDIT].

Oh, and p.s.
-If you didn't care about this business anymore, um, why are you posting here?
-The Golden Banana is re-opening. They're having a job fair soon. You may want to inquire about D.J.'ing there. Y'know, what with your experience.


[EDIT-inflammatory]
 
Big Jim and Charlie and the fnx crew,

I never said I was jaded about not getting a job. i said the opposite. I have worked in radio for decades and am quite familiar with sending out demos. I said what I said as it pertained to a discussion but you insist that I'm mad about being passed over. I wasn't passed over, get it right.

and this argument about posting my point of view on message boards being immature , etc. It's a message board. This is what people do at message bards. [EDIT] I came here to see what was up in the biz and saw that the ratings at my former job (which apparently do not matter to a boutique radio station) have slipped in no small way. I decided to join the discussion and post my thoughts. My thoughts are that it's KD fault. OK?if not then who's at fault? Sorry if that hurts your feelings but he's a lousy leader. He's not honest and he loves pop music even if it doesn't fit what people love about fnx. So don't jump all over me because you disagree. Prove me wrong. Don't tell me about resumes. Show me the money. Show me how KD is awesome and fair and honest and is helping the station and not giving everyone the impression that you have to be in his club to get a job. Show me that he didn't make any big changes and that everything is as good as Max left it.

As for other part timers. Don't be mad at them because my opinion "cements" your theory that others feel this way. I don't know that they think. But if they do feel this way, who's fault is that? Everyone else's or KDs? Everyone else seems happy to be working there. I wasn't so I left. I don't think you need new blood. I think you have the best part time staff on the dial. Don't get mad at them for what i said.

I have met a million KD's. They come and go. i couldn't take it anymore so I left. Not because I didn't get a job or because the ratings slipped but because of KD. That's just how it is.

And I never refused to say my name. No one asked. That's a standard diversion in a message board argument. Discredit my opinion because I do what people do. Namely use a screen name on a message board. Big deal.

Remember what I said about KD making fun of me. You just did it. Make fun of The Golden Banana all you want. It pays better and I would be surroounded by naked women. You make fun of me all you want. Just remember that it's a really immature thing to do.

[EDIT-inflammatory]
 
Wheeeeeeeee! Let the fun begin!

I hope you all notice that I managed to not get edited. Try not to be such potty mouths...

Everyone apologize to Pimp. KD made fun of him enough already and it isn't nice to make fun of people.

Pimp, you are free to make your opinion known, just don't complain when people prove you wrong. You might think that whatever time you spent here in the past gives you insight into what is happening now but it doesn't. Can you comment on your days here? Sure. Although one might argue you only knew about 20% of what really went on. Most places don't share their strategic plans and big secrets with an employee that may or may not be there in a week. It is just the way it is.

FYI - Quoting Wikipedia is never a good idea. Mike Murphy left Cox in Richmond. He wasn't dismissed.

And just so you know, The Sandbox didn't "fail as a group" in VA. We all held different positions and/or dayparts at the same station. (Things were awesome until the suits made some changes. I didn't quit b/c I didn't like their ideas though. I stuck around and made the best of it. Read on for details.) The Sandbox started as a podcast with the 3 of us goofing off and swearing. We refined it and made it marketable and got hired on the promise it showed. Does it suck when someone from outside the building gets brought on rather than promoting from within? Sometimes. Normally doesn't happen if there is talent worth promoting. I went from Promo Dir to Morning Drive Co-Host (or sidekick if you prefer) in VA. How? Don't ask me. Ask the people that promoted me.

And the Big Guy you love so much? He was instrumental in us getting hired. I agree with your opinion of the decisions he has made. Brilliant man!

I am sure you had some gripes while you were. Did you do anything to address them? Or did you grouse and let it fester? I don't know you and probably won't but you have to realize it comes off as sour grapes when you make comments like you do.
 
Perhaps one of the problems FNX's has is that too many of its staff are wasting time posting here and not enough time on their shows......just a thought....

besides, Pat the Janitor reads here every day and he's ratting you all out to Stephen right now........lol....
 
I feel like an outsider when i post positive remarks about fnx, but I actually do enjoy the station...especially with its better signal. I've known a bunch of people that worked for fnx, and had nothing but glowing remarks for a lot of the people that worked there....it's just one of those stations that doesn't get a whole heck of a lot of attention just because of it's signal...but they do a killer job of promoting itself, decent playlist (although i agree with paul where it isn't deep enough) that provides an alternative to the other stations in town, and most of the air staff seem like people who want to be there, and believe in the product they are selling....now I could be completely wrong and they could hate it there, but hey...at least they sound good while on air....now excuse this part timer as I get back to emailing every station across the country to find my first full time gig :)
 
I appreciate the concern Mo but I made my previous post from my control center. It houses 2 desktops spread over 3 monitors and my laptop. I like to multi-task. When I wrote those posts I was editing video and/or audio for the web, managing our MySpace page, chatting with the peeps in the FNX chat room, booking guests and searching for show topics. I can't dance but I kill with tech. I am writing this one from my couch at home. I have no life... I can't speak for the other guys but I know that Big Jim does more in a day than Charlie does in a week.

Pat is one of our best friends. Haven't you heard the messages he leaves on the WTF line?

Travis, best of luck to you in your search. I don't know you or your work but I would be no help to you anyway. Unless you are looking in Richmond, VA.
 
Clever. Made sure you had to be paying attention to the whole thread!

Well played!
 
FNXEd said:
I appreciate the concern Mo but I made my previous post from my control center. It houses 2 desktops spread over 3 monitors and my laptop. I like to multi-task. When I wrote those posts I was editing video and/or audio for the web, managing our MySpace page, chatting with the peeps in the FNX chat room, booking guests and searching for show topics. I can't dance but I kill with tech. I am writing this one from my couch at home. I have no life... I can't speak for the other guys but I know that Big Jim does more in a day than Charlie does in a week.

Pat is one of our best friends. Haven't you heard the messages he leaves on the WTF line?

Travis, best of luck to you in your search. I don't know you or your work but I would be no help to you anyway. Unless you are looking in Richmond, VA.
Click to expand...

ed....i'll shoot you an email on myspace...I promise not to include any offers about free ipods and the like
 
I was making a joke.

If I was suggesting anything it is that everyone wants radio to play their favorite new sub-genre. I am partial to Kazoo-core. It is pretty badass.

I am pretty sure FNX has played Arctic Moneys and Klaxons. Shitdisco? We play them as much as we play F*ck, F*cking Champs, Hot Buttered An@l and Oedipus Rex and the Motherf@ckers.

(Thanks a lot BTW. I was just talking about how I don't swear in posts. This is bound to get edited for sure. They are real band names though...)

If I had any money I would ask you to help me with it. Sadly, I blow it all on Star Wars collectibles and Kazoo-core imports.
 
FNXEd said:
I was making a joke.

If I was suggesting anything it is that everyone wants radio to play their favorite new sub-genre. I am partial to Kazoo-core. It is pretty badass.

I am pretty sure FNX has played Arctic Moneys and Klaxons. Shitdisco? We play them as much as we play F*ck, F*cking Champs, Hot Buttered An@l and Oedipus Rex and the Motherf@ckers.

(Thanks a lot BTW. I was just talking about how I don't swear in posts. This is bound to get edited for sure. They are real band names though...)
Click to expand...

there's a band from Canada called F___d Up, too, and their style of rock would probably fit the station's format. They actually appeared on MTV Canada, where they were referred to as F'd Up.
 
All this is very entertaining but too wordy. Admittedly I skimmed. Remember though, it's easiest when you're working a gig and not feeling like you got f**ked.

I worked at WFNX for a while. Most of the years I was there were great for me. I was proud to be part of a station I believed in, worked hard and made things happen for myself but there were, and could still be, people who created a very bad "vibe". Pride and loyalty rarely--if ever--were acknowledged or rewarded. I saw many occasions when other staffers were given the "if you won't do it there's always someone who will for next to nothing" attitude. That mentality reigned supreme. I hope that has changed. Certainly, no one should get smoke blown up their ass as being the next in line. Air check sessions are beneficial for everyone, even those who've been at it awhile but most important to foster the young talent. The median age for that young FNX talent (read: new part-timer) is probably 22.
I was able to recognize that some DJs lack of advancement was due to just not having it or figuring it out and went no further than overnights, holidays, etc.

Initially, all former FNXers I know have similar unpleasantness and some even such vitriol but we get over it, come back to reality. Most of us. It doesn't happen right away, it takes more time for some.

And like your dad said, "have a back-up plan." Radio is fun, not forever! It can be if you want to follow it (or chase it I suppose)! I'd love to see FNX do well. I do tune in from time to time lately. Didn't do that for a very long time. I've seen recent changes as positive. There could be a few more.
And yes, I'm still in radio and a happy person. Weird, I know.
 
Some post in this thread have been moved to Take It Outside.

[iurl=http://www.radio-info.com/smf/index.php?topic=86915.0]http://www.radio-info.com/smf/index.php?topic=86915.0[/iurl]
 
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