I feel like I'm
back in talk radio. For many reasons
actually...obviously 'cause I'm debating a somewhat
serious subject, and because I get the "burning
bridge" comment thrown at me because of Darryl Parks,
my PD back in talk radio.
Though not
directly said by a lot of you (though some did), the
question of me burning my bridges out here in LA by
being so frank and basically "harsh" has been brought
up. It begs a very cool "chicken or the egg" type
question: "Did I burn a bridge, or did
they?"
Now I will argue
nothing is burned, but for the sake of debate let's
throw out some ideas here. I think the true meaning of
"burning bridges" has gotten so out of whack, that
people have become faker than fake in an attempt to
NOT burn a bridge. Let's take Darryl for
example.
When I did
the Late Show on WTVN, my second PD (the guy who
didn't give me the job) came in and immediately
ignored me. The show was going so well, but I could
NOT get Darryl to listen. I was actually
selling CDs and comedy tapes by the popularity of the
show alone. Was written up in the papers a few time,
but I simply could not get the man to even hear
TAPES of the show. He ignored me. Incredible
situation. I even talked to him about a year later on
what happened, and he really just said he couldn't
remember the show.
During the show of
course, I would write songs calling Darryl out.
Even on the "Hearing My Thoughts" CD is a track:
"Lurid" (Darryl backwards) that's pretty pissy. Even
played it on the air. So why? Why would I do this when
I could very well run into Darryl down the road?
He could be in my way for a job...
It was the
honest-to-fiucking-GOD truth. Darryl was a pompous,
arrogant, incredibly weak judge of talent that
wouldn't think of using a person he didn't personally
hire. Plain and simple. I have never held back on
Darryl. His ignorance floors me. What I was able to
pull off on a weekend graveyard shift on an AM talk
station... All my followers were in their 20's and
30's...some even younger. To get that kind of a fan
base to turn their dials, let alone buy hudreds of CDs
and tapes, yet to ignore it...wow. So I spoke the
truth quite often.
Then a funny thing
happened. I started realizing Darryl may very well
have burned HIS bridge to me. Of course now that I've
kind of nixed radio as a career it'd be tough to draw
that corrolation, but you can guaran-goddamn-tee
I would never work for him. If I was in a
position as a GM, I wold NEVER-EVER let him run
my station. And when it's all said and done, the
tables could most certainly be turned.
So the point I'm
trying to make is, the "burning bridges" aspect of
interpersonal relationships happens WITHIN the
relationship. That holds more weight than afterwards.
As well, there is an absolute truth in many aspects of
the relationship. It's not always an opinion. Darryl
willingly admits he ignored the show. "Why" is my
opinion, the fact is still the fact. Opnion, or simply
being off-base will lead to "bridge burning" quicker
than anything. The bottom line is that I spouted the
truth loud and clear for anyone to hear, and had no
fear in doing so. If I wasn't hired By little "Darryl
Parks" down the road, it was fine by me.
In LA however,
absolutely everyone you run into can be that one
contact that could help you out. Out here however it's
all done in effort to personally move ahead. I'm
guilty of it to a degree as well. I'll do a web site,
or really cheap (often free) video editing hoping that
person can spread my name or help me out. On the other
hand, I actually care about the people as well,
and truly enjoy helping others. I love how happy
people feel when they see a video you did for them, or
a website you designed. If I can help them, I am glad
to. And I'm certainly not expecting anything in
return. Just hoping they'll think of me when the time
arises. So of course "burning a bridge" in this town
is quite stupid.
Or another way of
saying it...keeping your word is quite important. The
second you are seen as "talking shit" you kind of lose
your credibility.
Let me quickly
say, I was somewhat jabbing at Paddy about "The Tick".
He knows he's a big talker...he's always got something
going, and I was only mildy WANKED at him with The
Tick. He does need to stop acting like shit is
"certain" when it isn't. The word "maybe" needs to
meandor throughout his vocabulary a bit more. Last
week he came by and told me I would be called to
do a few days on "The Tick" like last time, because he
was called and gave them a few names including me. I
just rolled my eyes - no call, and not an inkling from
him that I "may" get called. LOL. Again, I kid because
he knows it's true. I also know to somewhat take him
with a grain of salt. Hopefully if something
REALLY happens, I'll be able to know the
difference.
Same with Marty.
Marty knew well before that entry I was
disappointed with him, and that this changes our
relationship. And it wasn't taht he couldn't make it
out here, it was that he actually COULD. With his FEW
expenses, he had it made...it's that he was actually
excited to go back to Speedway and Columbus. The man
talked about coming out here everyday for 10 months.
Saved up the money, got out here, got a job, and then
after a few weeks just decided to come back...it's
just a "what the fuck?" moment if I ever saw one. As
well he still owes me $82 and that sucks. He is still
my friend, and I will cherish the many Late Show
memories we had.
It all comes down
to this: "The whole 'burning bridges' phenomenon is
rooted in selfish-motives" To not tell the truth
because it may keep you from gaining power in the
future is bullshit. It's a slimy salesman mentality.
It's the motto of LA. "Ooh I better not stand up for
my beliefs because it may alienate me from others who
disagree..." SCREW THAT.
Darryl is an
asshole...
Paddy talks a big
game before there's any evidence...
Marty has no
accountability. In fact he promised me he'd call me
when he got into town last Tuesday...I finally tracked
him down Friday and he said his dad's email was down.
That has nothing to do with a 30 second phone call to
tell your friend you're not dead. Dependibility,
accountability, responsibility.
And I say these
things knowing it is a justifiable response to actions
towards me. I will not back down to be nice. Marty and
Paddy are still my friends, and I hold no
ill-will against them...I just won't put my faith in
them. And if either of them (or anyone else) feel
that's unfortunate, the bridge can be
rebuilt.
So there you go
for the whole "burning bridges" thing. I truly request
your reactions. I welcome the debate.
For
the video, I actually considered burning a
miniature bridge would be funny, but since
I'm working on my Bert & Ernie Set, I
thought I'd give you a sneak peak. By the
way, I made Ernie black and white
because in the opposite TV Ben Folds was
black and white...the other songs, Ernie
will be in full living color singing the
songs that have made him so
famous....RIGHT. Let
the lawsuits
begin...
Oh! And we had a
freakin' earthquake last night. Let me just say: "That
sucked". No other way around it...only a 4.3 but it
was right on us. Here's a map...
We're
right at the bottom of the center green
color...
It was a big JOLT
and than a few waves for only about 5 seconds. But
damnit...it SUCKED. I'm sorry but "standing under a
doorway" just doesn't make you feel like you're
helping anything. You're completely helpless. So I'm
sure there'll be worse in time, but goddamn
I don't wanna feel it. Sucks. Sucks. Sucks. Not
happy, missed Columbus, the ground MOVED.
(sigh)
