Way to go and insulte your audience...that's smarts!
posted by lloyd at 09:41 A.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
Given the article states that the morning time slot has lost 5,000 listeners since Bob left, I'd hazzard a guess that Wilson's time slot has also lost listeners as well. So maybe this is a desperate attempt to create controversy so we'll listen.
:-)
posted by psyche777 at 09:55 A.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
In other words, Wilson read the posting about Bob Frantz being removed from the morning slot. Looks like Wilson has some insecurity issues. Freud probably has an explanation for Wilson's behaviour.
Think about the people who have posted here even if it was only one time. And think about those in the Toledo area who maintain their own blogs.
This Wilson guy insulted Jeep workers, lawyers, politicians, public officials, business owners, a UT administrator, journalists, parents, retirees. You get the idea. He's obviously an equal opportunity offender.
Michael Miller did the Toledo Free Press interview with Wilson. Wilson must not have realized he was talking to an ego masturbator. Miller, the Toledo Free Press editor, has posted here. So have Frank Szollosi, Maggie Thurber, Peter Ujvagi, Bob Frantz, and Peter Gozza the CEO of Downtown Toledo Inc. For those who listen to Wilson, see if he calls these people has-beens and never-will-bes.
Wilson's comment: "populated by ..."
also includes those who only read blogs and don't create accounts and don't post comments and don't have their own blog. How many read-only bloggers are there in the Toledo area? Wilson has called them all Kool-Aid drinkers and mouth-breathers.
But take it as a compliment considering who said it. By trying to belittle and discredit blogging, it probably means Wilson feels threatened by change and new technologies. He probably feels threatened by the fact that people can easily discuss and disseminate information without the need of a radio talk show host.
Blogging is a cheap and easy way for citizens to exercise free speech. I thought Wilson was a Libertarian. Don't Libertarians embrace free speech of all kinds? Is it standard operating procedure for Libertarians to run around and call bloggers ego masturbators without even reading the blog?
How does someone like Wilson formulate such an opinion if he hasn't been to the site? Maybe for someone like Wilson who has been in the radio business for 40 years, this new free speech medium and phenomenon is scary. Change and progress can be frightening to those who don't understand these things.
So we should have sympathy for Wilson who doesn't understand that Internet technologies are changing how people obtain information and share opinions. We should feel sorry for Wilson because broadband Internet access, WiFi, mobile devices, and podcasting will change his business.
Wilson said:
"They have no clue how this business works."
Oh, I think we do. And we know that dinosaurs like Wilson and his archaic views of the radio business, the media, and technology will soon be relegated to the landfill.
So tonight, light a candle, say a prayer, or do a shot of Cabo Wabo for the soul of Brian Wilson, so that he may find the wisdom to buy one of those black and yellow "For Dummies" books.
posted by jr at 11:06 A.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
Well we know the Toledo Free Press supports blogging and Toledo Talk from their current and previous activities. I also knew Brian Wilson did not like to get emails since he made it clear he will not read emails he receives on air. I was surprised at his comments given he stated he's never been here.
You made some valid points jr and I'd add I think it demonstrates also that Brian Wilson should do a bit more homework before he makes such assumptions in the future.
I also need to figure out which one I am of those listed...lol
:-)
posted by psyche777 at 11:16 A.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
Wilson: ”I haven't seen it, but every town has a blog, and they are generally populated by Kool-Aid drinkers, mouth-breathers, has-beens, never-will-be people and so on.”
Sounds to me like ‘ole Brian would fit right in then ;-)
Wilson continues: “It's a game that means nothing. It's generally a hobby for someone to masturbate their ego anonymously.”
Brian is the professional (masturbator), I will yield this point to the expert (masturbator)…
I do feel the need though to point one thing out that I do know about:
Brian, your performance and decisions are reflected in the station’s ratings, which I suspect are down (significantly). The revenue that WSPD can generate is based on these ratings. But, you already knew that, you are the new program director.
Anyway I digress. When ratings are down, somebody pays the price; you knew that too, and you also know what changes, that you made, affected those ratings…
Rather than continue rambling, let me get to the point that I wanted to make.
Brian, you will soon be history here. I hope that, during your 40 years in radio, you learned long ago that you shouldn’t buy a home until after a couple of rating cycles have proven that you are somewhere that the listeners want you to be, unless the housing market is booming.
See you around, maybe. And, watch out, I hear that the slide down “the razor blade of life” can sometimes be a tricky thing to negotiate...
posted by Hooda_Thunkit at 11:23 A.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
I haven't seen it, but every town has a blog, and they are generally populated by Kool-Aid drinkers, mouth-breathers, has-beens, never-will-be people and so on.
Brian Wilson just called us has-beens? Wilson hasn't written a popular song since the mid-1960's and we're the has-beens? Hey, Mr. Pot, Ms. Kettle has something she'd like to tell you. To my generation, the name Brian Wilson is the punchline to a joke. Where I used to work, we had a programmer who would lock himself in his office for a week or two before a looming deadline, prompting us to tell people who were looking for him that he had "Brian Wilsoned" himself. All those hits and what he gets remembered for is being the guy who got cracked out and locked himself in his house. If being a has-been or never-was means I don't become addicted to drugs and later, nutty psychologists, then have a ghostwriter pen my memoirs, then I'd prefer to be a nobody.
I've been in this business 40 years. They're listeners. They have no clue how this business works
Yeah, but how many of those years does he actually remember? Brian, your show sucks and you're a horrible program manager. I've never even set foot in a radio station, but even I could see that Bob Frantz should have been moved to the 3PM-6PM slot, giving the prime spot to Toledo's best radio commentator and allowing Wilson to polish that turd of a broadcast he calls his show.
Fred was associated with one of the biggest morning show teams here. He's funny, he knows this area, he knows everybody. His new show is one of the best morning shows I've ever heard.
Sounds like he's the only one listening. As the article reveals, since giving the morning slot to LeFebre, WSPD has lost 5,000 listeners in the morning. And Fred was on 92.5's morning show, which has sucked for as long as I remember. When I was twelve I thought their morning show was immature.
Listening to the morning show, Bob had great energy, great focus, great information. But it wasn't morning radio as I wanted it. Great morning show hosts have to be friendly, warm, topical, wear all sorts of hats, offer a full menu. The way the show had been constructed did not provide the variety.
So instead of a high-rated morning show, Wilson decided that Toledo needed another bland, pointless morning show. Again, 5,000 Toledoans disagreed. Doesn't sound like his plan for success is working out for WSPD. Maybe they can hire that chicken that picks NFL games to do their lineup. It can't hurt at this point.
And yes, this contains what some might consider personal attacks. But at least I actually researched what I said, instead of making broad, uninformed generalizations. Which I'm beginning to determine is the basis for his management decisions. Anyone who can't remember vast stretches of their life does not get to call other people useless without his failures and shortcomings being called out. And give me credit: At least I didn't wish for him to slide down the razorblade of life, wrist first. Oh, wait, I just did.
posted by thenick at 11:28 A.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
Pardon my ignorance,
What is a mouth-breather? I know you can only guess what Brian's definition may be, but I am sure some of you can enlighten me.
I do think that Blogs will eventually make an impact if it allows some members to get together on political/ social issues to make change. There should be action attached to discussions, or we as bloggers and citizens will go nowhere.
Critics use the fact that we are not face to face against these "community groups". We do not have to be face to face in order to make an impact.
John
posted by jdmsbyrd at 11:40 A.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
Don't fall for Wilson's blatant, sandlot league stunt to attract listeners. Don't tune in to see if he mentions his ignorant views on blogging. Since he's been around the biz for 40 years, he knows the gimmicks to get temporary spikes in listernship. The idea with such a hack is that a few new listeners will become regulars.
The article mentioned the drop in ratings for the morning show, but it didn't mention the ratings for the afternoon time slot. My guess is, the afternoon time slot is also tanking because if ratings were up, Miller or Wilson would have mentioned it.
But it is too early to make ratings judgements. I think the holiday period does have an affect. Plus, there's the adjustment to lineup change. Some people will drop off while others tune in. After six months, then do the ratings comparisons.
posted by jr at 11:59 A.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
thenick...This is a different Brian Wilson, not the performer.
posted by psyche777 at 12:03 P.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
The next arbitron ratings come out in May according to this:
Link I hope works
:-)
posted by psyche777 at 12:22 P.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
What the hell? We just got some random guy named Brian Wilson, instead of the real one? So instead of creating overrated music in the 1960's, this guy hasn't done jack. Really, I've had three people tell me it's the same guy, but I don't listen enough to hear him talk about himself. Not to mention that his website has no bio or personal information about himself.
Well, I look like a dumb ass, don't I? Sorry about that Brian, you're not a drug addict or mental patient. You're just an incompetent manager. And put a bio on your website so we can differentiate between Brian Wilson, the crazy musician and Brian Wilson, the radio hack.
posted by thenick at 12:37 P.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
What's wrong with breathing through your mouth? What if one's nose is stuffed up? Perhaps Mr. Wilson would prefer to pass out in such an instance.
posted by paddington at 12:47 P.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
Paddington
My thoughts exactly.
HAHA
J
posted by jdmsbyrd at 01:01 P.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
Very astute comments, all.
This is either a publicity stunt, or Wilson really is that clueless.
Ignoring the emerging media (like a certain NWO mayor does) is foolish. Of course, as a 40-year veteran of radio, Wilson simply might not be able to envision that there is anything different.
How sad that he would choose to attack people who might be listeners.
I tune him in on occasion, but his show is so monotonous that I don't feel like I am missing anything if I don't tune in.
Love or hate Bob Frantz - you always knew there would be something happening. With Wilson you get monologues about bass fishing, Walter Williams, and the travails of moving.
(historymike nods off for a moment....SNORT!...sorry about that. Thanks, psyche 777 for elbowing me)
posted by historymike at 01:12 P.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
The next arbitron ratings come out in May according to this
I don't know what we would do with that information anyway, psyche, because we have no clue about how that business works :)
posted by babbleman at 01:13 P.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
Question - What's this:
http://www.brianwilson.net/
Answer - the ultimate in hyprocracy. ITS WILSON'S OWN BLOG!!!!!!!!!! (lame assed as it is...)
posted by billy at 01:51 P.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
thenick...no you don't look like an ass, when I first heard he was coming to Toledo I thought he was "that" Brian Wilson too.
WAKE UP MIKE!
Good point babbleman, it must have been the high amount of oxygen I took in by mouth breathing that made me forget that.
To be fair, alot of people who don't know much about blogging seem to have a general misconception about what we do.
Now somebody pass me some KOOL-AID! Lemon-Lime would be most appreciated....
:-)
posted by psyche777 at 02:01 P.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
If I were a terrorist who had been caught by the CIA and would have a choice of either being flown to an undisclosed EU country for torture or forced to listen to WSPD 24/7, put me on the airplane!
posted by limedrops911 at 03:12 P.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
It's rare to see such unapologetic condescension from a person whose very career depends upon the victims of his verbal abuse. The name calling, insults, and general "Mr. Superior" attitude of this hack tell us everything we need to know. No wonder the ratings at his station are going in the tank. Here's hoping the upper management at his station pay attention to blogs like this one, and understand how disgusted we are by this guy's sanctimony. They need to dump him, and fast.
posted by yepyep at 03:13 P.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
You know, I don't think Wilson's comments were a publicity stunt because that would be giving Wilson too much credit for creative thinking. It doesn't make sense that his comments were a publicity stunt because why would he want Kool-Aid drinkers, mouth-breathers, has-beens, and never-will-be people listening and calling in to his show?
Besides, his arrogance at the end of his diatribe shows he believes what he says:
"I've been in this business 40 years. They're listeners. They have no clue how this business works."
Not to belittle the Toledo radio market too much, but after 40 years in the radio biz, is starting a new gig as talk show host and program director on AM radio in Toledo an achievement? I hope Bob Frantz has loftier goals for himself. Even before the beach bum arrived, I didn't think Frantz would be here forever. Toledo is a stepping stone market, and that's okay. But I wouldn't think of Toledo as a place to go after 40 years elsewhere.
posted by jr at 04:43 P.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
jr - I tend to think Wilson is here after 40 years because no other market will tolerate him.
I have tried to be open-minded and listen to his show a couple times, but his entire attitude just makes me cringe. He laughs at his own comments, snorts, and stutters and stammers like a school kid that just can't get his thoughts together.
I don't find these traits entertaining, educated, informational or worth listening to. Therefore I choose to NOT listen to this self-proclaimed, allegedly knowledgeable, wannabe that washed up on the shores of the Maumee.
Baltimore must really miss this moron. I bet we could all volunteer to help him pack a UHaul and head back there!
As for his blog/site ------------- the man is delusional. I'm thinking some kind of anti-anxiety medication or other psychotropic would be helpful.
And for those Clear Channel folks that monitor local blogs............PLEASE PUT BOB FRANTZ BACK WHERE HE BELONGS. You're killing us here in Toledo!
posted by DoknowDocare at 04:55 P.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
There's a certain talk show host in Atlanta giggling softly to himself.
Knowing the radio business, as several others have noted, it's based on ratings.
What is Brian's demographic anyway? Would it happen to be 18-54 year old men? What is the Free Press demographic? 18-54 men?
What does one do when it's realized the format is failing? Spice it up! Brian has probably 4 books until he is dismissed. Notice no reruns? No vacations? That's because we're in the middle of the first book of the year, which lasts until March I think.
If the station has lost 5,000 listeners since the transition, you're going to be hearing advertising for garage sales before too long.
Being in the business for 40 years? Brian, you should know better. He's got more attention on this blog than listeners to his show, and that says a lot.
Brian, want a programming idea that will work? A consultant would charge you THOUSANDS for this idea and I'm going to GIVE it to you for free. Avoid politics, abortion, religion, gun control, drug legalization and lost dogs and talk about whatever is on the callers mind. That's it.
Do that and I guarantee your books will improve. You can publicly thank me later.
A better talk show host dosen't hurt either, just my opinion.
posted by BrianInFlorida at 04:56 P.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
Brian Wilson did respond, meanly, insulting, to an email I sent him a while back. He blasted me, said I was an ignorant idiot (and my email was sent based upon his on air request about other 'views' on ups over usps - he wanted to know if people had a good reason to use usps as opposed to ups or fed ex, so I sent him a few reasons I prefer usps. Geez, I was so upset, the thought that this person I can barely stand to listen to (is there something strange about his speech, or is it me?), obviously did not like me. I got dizzy from my mouth breathing and spilt my Kool Aid. He was so arrogant, he did make me feel like a has been/never will be anything. But I had a feeling given the tone of his email to me, that he is this way with anybody who may disagree with him, and made the mistake of emailing him again, telling him so, and that I presumed he also kicked his dog daily as well. He really blasted me bad on that one.
posted by starling02 at 06:33 P.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
Did you by chance keep the email?
:-)
posted by psyche777 at 06:46 P.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
Mr. Wilson may believe what he wishes but making gross generalizations about bloggers and people who comment on them reflects more on him than any of us.
His comments won't change my impression of WSPD's new lineup.
I've never had anything against Fred but based on most of his callers he seems to own the "confused 65+ yr" demographic. The last time I caught any of his show, a caller was commenting on how Mayor Finkbeiner should offer TPS students healthier school lunches. No joke. It's actually frustrating to listen so I've stopped.
As for Wilson's show, I have nothing bad to say about it. I've found it to be uninteresting so I just don't listen. That's not a slam, just an opinion and a choice.
I do enjoy Bob's new show but the time slot makes it inconvenient to listen very often so I usually don't.
There's no bile here, just the facts. Before the changes, WSPD had me as a solid listener for 40 minutes of each major drivetime slot and now I usually choose the iPod instead. Maybe Arbitron should list "Apple" in its next ratings.
-Dan
posted by photodan at 08:00 P.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
Brian, want a programming idea that will work? A consultant would charge you THOUSANDS for this idea and I'm going to GIVE it to you for free. Avoid politics, abortion, religion, gun control, drug legalization and lost dogs and talk about whatever is on the callers mind. That's it.
An example of how this is true:I was listening to Glenn Beck the other day (who claims he is the third most popular talk radio show now! and I am not a big fan of) and they were talking about how freaking the Burger King mascot is, and it was soo interesting that the phones were ringing off the hook and I couldn't change the channel. That Burger King mascot is freaky....perhaps I should start a thread on that...
To repeat billy: Brian Wilson has a blog!!!
posted by lloyd at 08:28 P.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
I agree the King is creepy, but I'm not sure if he is as creepy as this promotion that Burger King did over a year ago...
http://www.subservientchicken.com/
Though okay I confess we had alot of fun seeing what the chicken would and would not do.
:-)
posted by psyche777 at 08:56 P.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
Now I think the marketing people at BK are sick...some of those photos are a little suggestive too???...???
posted by lloyd at 09:13 P.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
Whatever you do, don't tell it to "be sexy", it doesn't like that.
:-)
posted by psyche777 at 09:49 P.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 #
I could probably find the email again. He was so nasty, really upset me for a while.
posted by starling02 at 12:48 A.M. EST on Thu Jan 26, 2006 #
If you still have it, there are alot of things you can do. He didn't have to respond to you rudely, he could have merely just not responded.
posted by psyche777 at 07:32 A.M. EST on Thu Jan 26, 2006 #
JR sex "Not to belittle the Toledo radio market too much, but after 40 years in the radio biz, is starting a new gig as talk show host and program director on AM radio in Toledo an achievement? I hope Bob Frantz has loftier goals for himself. Even before the beach bum arrived, I didn't think Frantz would be here forever. Toledo is a stepping stone market, and that's okay. But I wouldn't think of Toledo as a place to go after 40 years elsewhere. "
Ya got that right JR.
Might help explain why this is his 4th job in 5yrs!!!
My brother lives in Baltimore, and has a little over an hour commute every morning, so he has a long time to listen to talk radio. I asked him about BW, and other than the Beach boy, he'd never heard of him...
I still keep high hopes tho. $$ runs the radio business, and if WSPD keeps losing listeners, they'll make changes.
posted by billy at 07:48 A.M. EST on Thu Jan 26, 2006 #
Wilson: I haven't seen it, but every town has a blog, and they are generally populated by Kool-Aid drinkers, mouth-breathers, has-beens, never-will-be people and so on...
With over 30 comments in 24 hours, this is a hot topic! Folks sure got up in arms over Wilson's comments.
Seriously people, are you truly shocked and incensed over what he said? Seems to me that if you watch a porn flick, you're gonna get aroused. If you play hardball you'll get smacked. If you go to Windsor, you'll lose.
Why, then, would you expect to tune in 1370 AM and expect to hear 'Mr. Nice Guy?' I never have. I was chided by a friend of mine to try WSPD one time [like trying a joint one time]and I did and, like a joint, I never went back. It was what I had been told: in-your-face rancor full of hyperbole, innuendo, and junior high debate tactics.
When Wilson says the following of blogs, ..every town has a blog, and they are generally populated by Kool-Aid drinkers, mouth-breathers, has-beens, never-will-be people and so on, how is this any different than what Limbaugh or Hannity say every day?
From my liberal perspective, I'd guess that the anger we see in the posts above emanates from the fact that, for once, bloggers are on the receiving end of the vitriol for a change. I would imagine that some of our irate fellow-bloggers would have no angst if the terms mouth-breathers, has-beens, never-will-be people were said of liberals, or Michael Moore, or Ted Kennedy.
Words are powerful. Words cut like a sword. Words can kill. Perhaps we all ought to be careful with the words we post here even if it is, as Wilson said, a 'hobby for someone to masturbate their ego anonymously.'
posted by limedrops911 at 08:33 A.M. EST on Thu Jan 26, 2006 #
Considering I'm the one who posted this initially, I don't think being liberal or not liberal has anything to do with it. While I do agree with you people should be more careful with their words, or in Brian Wilson's case, his blanket assumptions, I would have had the same reaction and written probably pretty close to the same post had it been said by Rush Limbaugh, Al Franken, Michael Moore or anyone.
I'd also point out that the majority of those who visit and participate here are not bloggers, infact I'd hazzard a guess that those who do not blog far outnumber those who do.
Bloggers are on the receiving end of vitrol often, even a simple phone call to the local Lucas County Democratic Party office for information when I identified myself as a blogger the first question was "Don't all of you bloggers just write to dig up dirt on people?" While of course there are those that blog for that reason, there are just as many of us who see blogging differently. It's been suggested I identify myself as a free lance journalist, or use the term "citizen journalist" but? I'm a blogger. Even if those who disagree with what I write discover that blogging was not quite what they assumed it was? That works for me.
posted by psyche777 at 10:19 A.M. EST on Thu Jan 26, 2006 #
...how is this any different than what Limbaugh or Hannity say every day?
IMHO, there is a big difference. Take Glen Beck as the school from which I think Wilson (at least his statements here) are more closely aligned to. Beck is mean for mean's sake. He is over-the-top mean and loud mouthed for entertainment value - and there is almost no philosopical discussion to back it up.
I think Rush, on the other hand, has very compelling arguments and very honest insight into the issues at hand. Rush is a big picture person and when he slams someone it is an outgrowth of and in justifiable support of his argument - not an end in itself. When I listen to Rush, I am attracted to the argument, not the slams (although the slams make for a great comedic punch line at the end of a good argument and it is no surprise that liberals are not pleased with them). I think for Glen Beck fans it is the other way round.
While perhaps less mean or over the top, I don't think any of the other conservative radio hosts come close to having the ability to frame the issues as well as Rush. As a result, they tend to lean on other things, like comedy or being mean, to make their point.
Again IMO, Hannity is mediocre at best. On the local level, Frantz is so so. Denny was/is a Beck clone. Wilson is boring to me because I don't find his dry humor funny and he uses it so heavily and is always trying so hard to be funny that it gets in the way of wherever the conversation is going.
Rush pretty much started it all. At some point, another branch started that minimized the philosophy and maximized the insults. That's unfortunate for conservatives.
I can see where those on the left would be very unhappy with Rush. He peels back layers that I think they would rather be left alone. But he is not the same as Wilson or the Beck school.
posted by babbleman at 10:35 A.M. EST on Thu Jan 26, 2006 #
"I do enjoy Bob's new show but the time slot makes it inconvenient to listen very often so I usually don't."
Exactly. Last night I went to a school meeting, so I couldn't hear all of Bob's one-hour show where he had the guy on that's done research, showing new arenas are overrated as economic engines unless they're 100% privately funded.
That's why WSDP needs to offer downloads of Bob's show, so we can listen whenever we want. But Wilson has been in the biz for 40 years, so I assume he knows all about technology and iPods as photodan says:
"... now I usually choose the iPod instead."
That's part of the changing radio biz that Wilson clearly doesn't understand. Why listen to FM or even satellite radio in your car on a commute if you can jack in your MP3 player into your car's stereo system and listen to your own selection of music?
With broadband Internet access at home and podcasting by many in the Big Media, you can load up your MP3 player with news and info before leaving the house and plug that into your car's stereo system. What if the Blade started podcasting a lot of their daily news stories. You could listen to the Blade on the drive to work or at work to get the local news.
"Seriously people, are you truly shocked and incensed over what he said?"
No. I don't think anybody is incensed because it would give legitimacy to Wilson's existence. Nobody cares, really. The comments appeared in a newspaper, and we sometimes comment on media stories here. So what's wrong with commenting on Wilson's comments?
"... how is this any different than what Limbaugh or Hannity say every day?"
You'll have to site examples because I've heard Rush Limbaugh embrace blogging, calling it part of the New Media.
"Perhaps we all ought to be careful with the words we post here ..."
Interesting suggestion coming from you, but if you want to be careful with your words, go ahead because I won't be. And I don't recommend anyone "be careful" with their words except towards other Toledo Talk posters. Wilson means nothing and has no affect on anything here.
"I'd guess that the anger we see in the posts above ..."
What anger? Point out the angry comments above?
"I would imagine that some of our irate fellow-bloggers ..."
Who is irate and incensed? We've been mocking him in humorous ways. Show us the angry and irate comments from above, instead of once again making things up, limedrops911.
We had several comments here on the topic of mouth breathing and the Burger King ads. By the way, I like Burger King's NFL ads.
posted by jr at 10:38 A.M. EST on Thu Jan 26, 2006 #
"I'd guess that the anger we see in the posts above ..."
What anger? Point out the angry comments above?
I dunno, jr, but to me the posts below do not exude joy:
Question - What's this:
http://www.brianwilson.net/
Answer - the ultimate in hyprocracy. ITS WILSON'S OWN BLOG!!!!!!!!!! (lame assed as it is...)
Baltimore must really miss this moron. I bet we could all volunteer to help him pack a UHaul and head back there!
As for his blog/site ------------- the man is delusional. I'm thinking some kind of anti-anxiety medication or other psychotropic would be helpful
He was so arrogant, he did make me feel like a has been/never will be anything. But I had a feeling given the tone of his email to me, that he is this way with anybody who may disagree with him, and made the mistake of emailing him again, telling him so, and that I presumed he also kicked his dog daily as well. He really blasted me bad on that one.
I could probably find the email again. He was so nasty, really upset me for a while.
posted by limedrops911 at 10:57 A.M. EST on Thu Jan 26, 2006 #
Right on Limey, I'll drive the UHaul.
That man is like nails on a chalkboard to me. I cannot stand to listen to him listen to himself talk.
I wonder how many listeners they've lost in HIS timeslot since HE came to town & took over the 3p.m.?
1560a.m. is better every day! Right now I'm lovin Dave Ramsey. He saved me from Brian Wilson!
posted by gotoledogo at 11:02 A.M. EST on Thu Jan 26, 2006 #
I am not irate.
Regarding use of the term "blogging" I agree completely. The Blade and others referring to this site as a blog and those who post here as bloggers has always struck me as a newbish malapropism. To me this is a forum.
I post here occasionally, but I don't have a blog and I'm not a blogger. HM, Psyche and a few others are bloggers because they have blogs, not because they post on this forum.
posted by babbleman at 11:43 A.M. EST on Thu Jan 26, 2006 #
True babbleman, this is a forum. Not sure why they refer to this as a blog. Many bloggers visit & post here, I am not a blogger. I am simply a Toledoan that likes to discuss some toledotalk issues in this really great forum.
posted by gotoledogo at 02:36 P.M. EST on Thu Jan 26, 2006 #
It's our fault, we bloggers give the place a bad name...
:-)
posted by psyche777 at 02:38 P.M. EST on Thu Jan 26, 2006 #
Because of this I will certainly not listen to Brian Wilson! I tried giving him a fair shake, but I feel he should explain his remarks and apologize.
We can listen to the same programming 1370 offers on 760 (in fact reception is better) or 1560. If 1560 starts doing local programming 1370 might be in trouble...
posted by lloyd at 04:31 P.M. EST on Thu Jan 26, 2006 #
Interesting, 760 has the ability to listen to shows later and live on net.
http://www.wjr.net/
1560 doesn't have the online ability at this point, I can't get AM reception here, so I always listen via my pc.
http://www.wgte.org/fm91/
The NPR station 91 FM also has the ability to listen live from a pc as well.
posted by psyche777 at 04:58 P.M. EST on Thu Jan 26, 2006 #
I am an unapologetic conservative, but I get very little out of talk radio. I have to agree with Limedrops (hard for me to admit) and his opinions of WSPD.
I believe a good conservative must always challenge his/her thinking. Must seek out liberal columnists, opinions, and ideas. He must discuss them, analyze them, and figure out how to refute them. Letting Rush Limbaugh do that for you leads to brain atrophy.
posted by MemyselfandI at 06:32 P.M. EST on Thu Jan 26, 2006 #
Agreed, MeMyself&I. My politics tend center-left (although some issues I am to the right of center), but I couldn't listen to AirAmerica all day (in fact, I rarely tune in).
I would much rather read than listen to talk radio, and you find greater depth by reading a magazine like National Review than you would listening to Limbaugh's auditory cartoons.
posted by historymike at 06:45 P.M. EST on Thu Jan 26, 2006 #
I find Limbaugh good because he can link things together and point out the hypocrisy in politics that no-one else notices.
I am not a huge Hannity fan because he comes off as whiney occasionally and can't seem to point out when liberals are right. I do like listening to him when he is tough on a radical left caller.
I am a so-so O'Reilly fan because he is, for the most part "fair and balanced". I think sometimes he is too much of an advocate, which I don't feel like I need all of the time. I don't like when he yells and will change the channel when he starts ranting. He has a weird obsession with child molesters also, to the point where I think he might have been molested as a child. Child molesting is a sick crime, but he covers it more than anyone else on TV.
I am not a huge Glenn Beck fan because he doesn't talk enough about politics and most of the time I am not interested in hearing about anything else.
I wasn't a huge Denny fan because he seemed to be a sellout conservative when Bush's poll numbers were down and was generally rude to many of his callers.
I do not find Brian Wilson or Mitch Albom interesting enough to listen to.
This leads me to my current favorite Laura Ingraham on 1560. She is a good communicator and on top of the issues. 1560 used to have Tammy Bruce on also, and she was great. Females are said to be better communicators, and I think this is going to be the coming trend in talk radio. It would be great if 1560 could get a local conservative female talk show host.
posted by lloyd at 07:53 P.M. EST on Thu Jan 26, 2006 #
All,
Several responses back, billy posted this:
”Question - What's this:
http://www.brianwilson.net/
Answer - the ultimate in hyprocracy. ITS WILSON'S OWN BLOG!!!!!!!!!! (lame assed as it is...)
posted by billy at 01:51 P.M. EST on Wed Jan 25, 2006 “
(If I recall correctly, Brain himself identified it as a blog.)
Thanks billy, for posting this, but it brings up a question:
I briefly looked at about 4 of Brian’s “blog” posts, but I didn’t see any responses nor any way of posting one.
Is it REALLY a blog if Brian doesn’t allow reader input/comment, or is it just Brian (to use HIS words) masturbating his ego?
posted by Hooda_Thunkit at 08:47 P.M. EST on Thu Jan 26, 2006 #
I pretty much stopped listening to WSPD when Denny left.
posted by Foolkiller at 09:18 P.M. EST on Thu Jan 26, 2006 #
Subcomandante Bob wanted to weigh in on this topic earlier, but then he ran into a friend, and then three days later he woke up on a train to Toronto wearing a dress and six-inch pumps.
Maybe some things are better left unsaid...
Anyways, Toledo Tales has the straight dope on Wilson.
posted by Subcomandante_bob at 10:51 P.M. EST on Thu Jan 26, 2006 #
I found one of the emails I got back from Brian Wilson. Here is the worst part of it (it was a pretty long email, most of it was rants, about how I would 'never understand'). From Brian@wspd.com : "When you have achieved the basic level of listening with comprehension, I'll be happy to engage you in correspondence or conversation.
Meanwhile, get the wax out of your ears and the dust off your brain - if possible - and don't bother me with your nonsensical blatherings." wow. I honestly do not see what I did to deserve that. All I did was email him the reasons I preferred usps, as opposed to fed ex/ups, as was his request on the air. Ok, I have let all of you see the horrible things he said to me. Maybe I am thin skinned, but now I am going to go put some vodka in my kool aid and sulk.
posted by starling02 at 12:04 A.M. EST on Fri Jan 27, 2006 #
That was a bit extreme, I can see why you'd be upset especially since all you did was tell him why you prefer usps.
Lime or Orange Koolaid goes best with vodka..so I hear anyway...
:-)
posted by psyche777 at 12:09 A.M. EST on Fri Jan 27, 2006 #
I then, suggested, via email to BW, that radio talk shows are a product, and if he treated his listeners like shit, the ratings/ads go down, etc. Not good for business. He again, berated me for my ignorance, and said that radio was simply entertainment, not a product/service, and again, I had no clue what I was talking about, because he had 40 yrs in business and I knew nothing. I do not know anything about radio, talk or otherwise, beyond listening once in a while. So I simply sent him a final email and asked that he just 'go away'. And he did.
posted by starling02 at 12:10 A.M. EST on Fri Jan 27, 2006 #
Which is why limedrops911's examples of comments in this topic that "do not exude joy" don't qualify as comments filled with anger and being irate to what Wilson said in the interview.
limedrops911 points out starling02's comments about Wilson, which were in reference to an unprovoked, mean-spirited e-mail by Wilson. Like psyche777 said, starling02 has a right to be upset with Wilson.
"Baltimore must really miss this moron."
That's not angry or incensed or irate. That's simply the truth. Is there a business strategy for radio that says insult the public to get higher ratings? Like starling02 said, I would think insulting people like Wilson did would turn off listeners, which lowers ratings and reduces advertising revenue. That doesn't sound like a good business model to me. Only a moron would push for lower ratings. But like Wilson said, he's been in the biz for 40 years, and we don't have a clue.
Another example limedrops911 mentioned as supposedly being irate or filled with anger was this comment:
"Answer - the ultimate in hyprocracy. ITS WILSON'S OWN BLOG!!!!!!!!!! (lame assed as it is...)"
Again, user was simply stating fact. Wilson blasts blogging but he has a blog. And apparently, not a good blog.
Here is another comment limedrops911 thinks is filled with anger:
"As for his blog/site ------------- the man is delusional. I'm thinking some kind of anti-anxiety medication or other psychotropic would be helpful."
I did mention Freud probably having an explanation for Wilson's behaviour, so it's possible that a psycho-something studying Wilson's writings and recordings may find him delusional. So this comment could be filled with more truth and not incensed or filled with anger. I don't know. We need a doctor.
So nice try, limedrops911, but you failed to find these angry, irate, and incensed comments you mentioned. I tell you what. So you don't feel shutout, I'll agree to one of the comments meeting your requirements. One out of over 50 is filled with anger. How's that? Not quite matching the hyperbole you're talking about.
posted by jr at 01:28 A.M. EST on Fri Jan 27, 2006 #
I quit listening a while ago, and everytime I try to give him another shot, he goes off on a caller. At that point, I do what Dan does. I flip on the iPod.
It also seems as if none of his blog postings are in his own words. But at least he attributes to those that he borrows from.
I'm probably one of those "never-will-be" kinda people, and I'm really OK with that.
posted by micah at 01:33 A.M. EST on Fri Jan 27, 2006 #
Aren't Limedrops anc Coward the same kind of creature as Brian Wilson? Different viewpoint and different medium, but same basic tactic: 1)Belittle opinions with which you do not agree. 2)attack the person who expressed them. 3)Declare your own intellectual superiority.
posted by MemyselfandI at 07:27 A.M. EST on Fri Jan 27, 2006 #
Just a little article of interest. Explains PART of the reason why Wilson is not Baltimore's favorite son.
posted by DoknowDocare at 07:48 A.M. EST on Fri Jan 27, 2006 #
OK - that didn't go as planned. :)
Here's the link:
http://turnspit.com/ipw-web/bulletin/bb/viewtopic.php?t=205&sid=dcff5e417de5a8465408ecb3093d6fd6
posted by DoknowDocare at 07:49 A.M. EST on Fri Jan 27, 2006 #
I am confused, DoKnowDoCare; is BW one of the posters on that thread?
(Chicken pot pie?)
posted by historymike at 08:53 A.M. EST on Fri Jan 27, 2006 #
Oh wait (historymike actually READS the link):
However, much of what people assume about good ol' Dundalk (named after the Irish community of the same name, by the way) might be traced to one media figure: radio personality Brian Wilson.
"I love Dundalk, but not the way it sticks to my shoes" and "It's 7:48--time for all you people in Dundalk to move your El Caminos to the other side of the street" are just a couple of the Dundalk disses Wilson delivered while bouncing between Baltimore radio stations WBSB, WCBM, and WOCT back in the mid-1980s. And he's still at it. While no longer a permanent local media presence (Jones says complaining/boycotting Dundalkians got Wilson booted from his permanent Baltimore jock jobs), Wilson sometimes fills in for DJs on WBAL (1090 AM). A couple of weeks back, while subbing for Ron Smith, some of Wilson's Dundalk jabs led to an on-air tussle with a Patapsco High School teacher (he asked her if she taught "overhand bowling" and called Dundalkians "pinwheels").
"That's his deal--everyone has freedom of speech," was Jones' diplomatic response to Wilson's ongoing war with her community. Wilson was more verbose when the Nose contacted him via e-mail (through his Web site Brianwilson.net). He suggested that the Greater Dundalk Association scrap boosterism and turn to self-deprecation, offering up sample slogans like "Come to Dundalk! Only half of it smells bad!" and "Come to Dundalk: We paved it all for you!" He even suggested that they hire him as their pitchman: "No one has made more fun of Dundalk in almost 20 years than I have," he says. "For me to be telling people/business: 'Dundalk!? Hey--it's OK. Great place to raise kids, move your business--and restore that El Camino' [would be] shockingly positive, amusing, and effective."
posted by historymike at 08:56 A.M. EST on Fri Jan 27, 2006 #
pronoun person posted:
Aren't Limedrops anc Coward the same kind of creature as Brian Wilson? Different viewpoint and different medium, but same basic tactic: 1)Belittle opinions with which you do not agree. 2)attack the person who expressed them. 3)Declare your own intellectual superiority.
Oh really? It seems to me that you and AirTrainer would love to see me and other folks here with a political point of view left of Goldwater to disappear.
AirTrainer drove Coward away with his intimidation and now it looks like you, memyselfandI, would like me to be gone as well. Do I understand that correctly?
I noted that you have posted only one topic since you first appeared here but you have managed to make 136 comments on other people's topics.
Why don't you go ahead, memyselfandI, and originate some topics of your own for a change, rather than butting in so often?
I noted that you tried to smear me on Toledo Talk by telling everybody that Bob Frantz banned me. It reminded me of a little 2nd grader tattle-tailing to the teacher.
Frantz banned me because I was one of the very few liberal posters on his blog and, as you know, today there are only folks with right-wing thoughts on his blog, including you, Sepp, and billy. Liberal folks like Watcher and me were not welcomed there and we always subjected to your 1, 2, and 3 items above.
Now, you'd like to see me and my thoughts off of Toledo Talk.
Funny, though, you could only muster a couple of negative comments about me and my postings here on Toledo Talk. It seems like the posters here are much more open-minded and tolerant of different political philosophies. That's why it is called "talk" rather than "rantz!"
I'll let the posters to Toledo Talk decide if they would like me to leave and if you want to spew more hate about me and my philosophy, you are free to do so.
Here's a suggestion: why not start a topic of your own with the title: Who Should be Posting to Toledo Talk? Then you can 'rant' all you want about just whose ideas and which political philosophy should be permitted to be posted here.
posted by limedrops911 at 12:32 P.M. EST on Fri Jan 27, 2006 #
Uh oh - we're losing our focus on this thread.
Everyone, repeat after me: WILSON, WILSON, WILSON.
posted by historymike at 01:34 P.M. EST on Fri Jan 27, 2006 #
Also - does anyone want to volunteer to listen to Wilson today and see if he addresses the mini-firestorm he ignited?
If someone buys me a triple espresso I'll try to stay awake through the whole show.
posted by historymike at 01:35 P.M. EST on Fri Jan 27, 2006 #
No way has Wilson created a mini-firestorm about anything. It's not possible because it would mean Wilson's words had some value. When a 40-year veteran and alleged professional of the radio biz uses grade school bathroom rhetoric to make a point, thereby lowering himself to the level of say, oh, I don't know, a blogger, then why would anyone waste time listening to his show for any reason?
Besides, NPR is much more interesting during Wilson's time slot.
Today on 91.7, it's Science Friday on "Talk of the Nation." At 4 p.m., "All Things Considered" focuses on Mozart.
Also, it's in the 40's outside. Enjoy it because who knows, February could be like December.
posted by jr at 02:13 P.M. EST on Fri Jan 27, 2006 #
Can't do it, Mike. Have tried too many times to make it through a few segments of him. Besides, I'm going out to dinner tonight, I don't want to lose my appetite!
posted by aperson at 02:20 P.M. EST on Fri Jan 27, 2006 #
Sorry, but WSPD has a counter on their internet thread to keep track of internet traffic, and I'll be damned if I am the only one moving the digits.
I just want to add how frustrating it is to try to get to the crux of the thread and having to read over someone vying to be the center of attention, distracting from the post.
posted by BrianInFlorida at 05:02 P.M. EST on Fri Jan 27, 2006 #
I'm sorry Brian...
:-)
posted by psyche777 at 06:47 P.M. EST on Fri Jan 27, 2006 #
Limedrops,
I enjoy discussing things with liberals. Liberals intrigue me and challenge my thinking.
You try to belittle me and others with whom you do not agree. That was my point. I don't want you to go away. Just treat people with a little more respect.
BTW, I did not raise the fact that you were banned by Bob Frantz. I don't listen to Bob Frantz and certainly do not take the time to listen to his blog.
posted by MemyselfandI at 06:55 P.M. EST on Fri Jan 27, 2006 #
Actually I'd probably be more inclined to READ his blog and than listen to it. However, given how I feel about Frantz, I'd get just as much out of listening to it.
posted by MemyselfandI at 07:05 P.M. EST on Fri Jan 27, 2006 #
To amend my earlier statement, I did listen to WSPD this morning. In my defense though, it was only to hear the natural gas discussion, not Fred's normal show.
-Dan
posted by photodan at 10:07 P.M. EST on Fri Jan 27, 2006 #
BTW, I did not raise the fact that you were banned by Bob Frantz.
You are right and I apologize for having mixed you up with Sherry T.
posted by limedrops911 at 04:32 P.M. EST on Sat Jan 28, 2006 #
Slate article about the newspaper biz that probably applies to any media company, including talk radio.
"It's not just the best of the blogosphere drawing away big audiences that the guild need worry about. The worst of the blogosphere—if it's big enough—presents just as much (or more) competition. If newspapers, magazines, and broadcasters don't produce spectacular news coverage no blogger can match, they have no right to survive."
According to those here who have stomached a bit of Wilson, I would say Kool-Aid drinkers, mouth-breathers, has-beens, never-will-be people, and anonymous ego masturbators are less boring than Wilson. And it's always better to be interesting than well liked.
posted by jr at 12:10 A.M. EST on Mon Jan 30, 2006 #
jr,
AMEN!
posted by DoknowDocare at 08:03 A.M. EST on Mon Jan 30, 2006 #
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