Since then, I have received more than my usual amount of email - mostly negative comments - from people who did not like my opinion. Well, I certainly don't expect everyone to agree with me. But, some seem to think only their opinion has merit and would prefer the arena of discussion be limited to only the thoughts they want to hear.
One more thing: the bulk of my article was analysis and opinion about performance and the listening experience. Yet, almost every negative comment I received was more concerned with politics and assumed I was a conservative. These people really missed the point.
Yes, I used Rush Limbaugh and G. Gordon Liddy as examples of successful talk-show hosts, but I also proposed the liberal-viewed Tom Leykis as a better choice for Air America Radio. My article was mostly about entertainment value. Yet, folks who emailed me were quick to ignore that and pick a political fight.
Here are some highlights from those emails, beginning with one positive one that sets the tone for the rest:
"...thought it was great...... I doubt that it will last more than a few months, after which those involved will have some painful memories that need repressing. Just to warn you though, they posted a link to your article on the Democratic Underground website, and now plan to bombard you with negative e-mail. So expect a lot of vitriolic hatred coming your way..." - Bryan
Now, for the rest:
"Is it true that you shared needles with Rush and got AIDS?" - Gregory
Hmmm, is it true a comment like this just reinforces in peoples' minds that some liberals are bitter, angry, and have no room in their world for thoughts that differ from theirs? YES.
"Sorry Cory. Your bias is showing. I listen to Air America daily. I’ll take Randi Rhodes over Rush anyday. I’m sure it is not easy job to defy corporate radio and establish AA. But my listening time is way up." - The McCanns
I've been in Radio for over 20 years and have seen every aspect of this business from every angle. You can call it bias, but I call it insight.
"...I keep reading from every online pundit that Air America Radio is boring, mean-spirited and not funny, and how Al Franken just isn't as "talented" as Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly (????). To me there's a considerable disconnect between the Air America I'm experiencing and the one I'm reading about." - Keith
You're right: how could so many people who write reviews and opinions on Radio all have the same bad things to say about Air America Radio? It must be one of those right-wing conspiracies...
"In my opinion, you've disqualified yourself from any consideration as a (to coin a phrase) "fair and balanced" reviewer of Air America Radio." - Michael
Let me get this straight: if I don't like it then I'm not qualified to comment on it? How odd: you can have an opinion - but mine has to measure up to some standard you toss at me? Would you feel that way if I wrote a glowing tribute to Air America Radio?
"Your article about Air America contains more misinformation than a George Bush news conference. Don't you reactionaries ever bother to check your facts before publishing?" - Stephen
See that? Express an opinion and now I’m a "reactionary". All the facts in my article have also been reported by scores of mainstream sources and industry trade papers. Did we all get the same facts wrong? Or is it just easier to accuse someone of "getting the facts wrong" when you just don’t like what the facts are?
