I’m getting a bit tired of the little spurts of abuse I’m currently attracting, so I’m giving myself a few days off the blog. I’m on the radio all week anyway (10pm-1am, 6 Music, Mon-Fri; Rockumentary Rollercoaster one-off documentary, Radio 4, Tuesday Nov 13, 11.30am and on Listen Again thereafter for seven days), so feel free to get in touch. It’s amazing how quickly the fun goes out of all this when you are constantly niggled. When I’m feeling a bit less fragile, I’ll be back with more drivel. Your patience is appreciated.
Never Knowingly Underwhelmed
Don't look like much here, but we have everything
Never Knowingly Underwhelmed 
Don’t let the b*stards grind you down Andrew. There’ll always be a few idiots on the instant net, so ignore them and keep blogging!!!
That’s a real shame, but i can understand why. Will miss your musingsCome back soon x
Don’t let the b*stards grind you down Andrew. There’ll always be a few idiots on the instant net, so ignore them and keep blogging!!!
That’s a real shame, but i can understand why. Will miss your musingsCome back soon x
Your drivel, er I mean your witty and insightful blog posts are always much appreciated by my at least. When blogging feels like a chore, it’s always wise to take a step back from it for a while and then come back with a fresh perspective.
Your drivel, er I mean your witty and insightful blog posts are always much appreciated by my at least. When blogging feels like a chore, it’s always wise to take a step back from it for a while and then come back with a fresh perspective.
I appreciate what you say about the fun angle Andrew, but most of the attacks I’ve seen have been pretty childish and would best be ignored or deleted. Show an underbelly of sensitivity and they’ll just keep coming back to poke you again.
I appreciate what you say about the fun angle Andrew, but most of the attacks I’ve seen have been pretty childish and would best be ignored or deleted. Show an underbelly of sensitivity and they’ll just keep coming back to poke you again.
Good riddance (lol… 😉 &c.)
Good riddance (lol… 😉 &c.)
Sorry to hear that Andrew. Unfortunately the internet is patrolled by people with too much time on their hands who feel it is their beholden duty to barge into conversations and sow abuse amongst their self-righteous opinions. Which is why I value those hidden corners where people can have a chat and a laugh without all that stoked up zealotry which disfigures the large sites like The Guardian and the BBC. When you find a place like yours, I always feel you want to keep it secret to stop it falling into their hands. So maybe the right approach is to let it lie for a while, so they’ll go away and bully someone else. Anyway, enjoy the shows and keep us entertained with your thoughts when you’re ready. cheers
Sorry to hear that Andrew. Unfortunately the internet is patrolled by people with too much time on their hands who feel it is their beholden duty to barge into conversations and sow abuse amongst their self-righteous opinions. Which is why I value those hidden corners where people can have a chat and a laugh without all that stoked up zealotry which disfigures the large sites like The Guardian and the BBC. When you find a place like yours, I always feel you want to keep it secret to stop it falling into their hands. So maybe the right approach is to let it lie for a while, so they’ll go away and bully someone else. Anyway, enjoy the shows and keep us entertained with your thoughts when you’re ready. cheers
Don’t let ’em get you down, Andrew…most people are here because they like your take on life.
Don’t let ’em get you down, Andrew…most people are here because they like your take on life.
Don’t let the bastards grind you down, Andrew. Hope you find the time away from the blog refreshing. I thought you might have had something to say about Mailer’s death, as I thought you were a fan of heavyweight american fiction.
Don’t let the bastards grind you down, Andrew. Hope you find the time away from the blog refreshing. I thought you might have had something to say about Mailer’s death, as I thought you were a fan of heavyweight american fiction.
Sorry to hear you’ve been bothered by idiots again. I’m looking forward to hearing you on the radio later.
Sorry to hear you’ve been bothered by idiots again. I’m looking forward to hearing you on the radio later.
Enjoy your blog-break – and don’t let the silly buggers get you down.Have a good week at being Gid!
Enjoy your blog-break – and don’t let the silly buggers get you down.Have a good week at being Gid!
Oh, crap. I’ve been waiting agog for you the blog about the fab Spaced thing on Saturday so I could comment and tell you what an excellent host we thought you were… (hands up!) But now the stupid bastards have spoiled my chance to heap some (more) genuine appreciation on your shoulders.Mr Collins, I hereby swear that the very next time I see you standing at a coffee cart at Woodlands I *will* come and introduce myself and not lurk feeling overwhelmed. You sound like you need a random hug from a stranger.:D
Oh, crap. I’ve been waiting agog for you the blog about the fab Spaced thing on Saturday so I could comment and tell you what an excellent host we thought you were… (hands up!) But now the stupid bastards have spoiled my chance to heap some (more) genuine appreciation on your shoulders.Mr Collins, I hereby swear that the very next time I see you standing at a coffee cart at Woodlands I *will* come and introduce myself and not lurk feeling overwhelmed. You sound like you need a random hug from a stranger.:D
Not sure if my last post actually got saved, since the login thing was being a bastard. But if some strange redhead approaches you at the coffee cart at Woodlands, it’ll be me, trying to make you feel better….
Not sure if my last post actually got saved, since the login thing was being a bastard. But if some strange redhead approaches you at the coffee cart at Woodlands, it’ll be me, trying to make you feel better….
I have exposed my underbelly of sensitivity before. It’s out there. Decided to post these comments as it felt a bit controlling to keep them in a cage.
I have exposed my underbelly of sensitivity before. It’s out there. Decided to post these comments as it felt a bit controlling to keep them in a cage.
I don’t know what the “haters” hope to achieve, other than making themselves look like schoolyard bullies! It’s so irritating that these people can barge in here and upset the group dynamic that exists on this blog.I love your blog and am delighted to listen to you on 6music tonight.
I don’t know what the “haters” hope to achieve, other than making themselves look like schoolyard bullies! It’s so irritating that these people can barge in here and upset the group dynamic that exists on this blog.I love your blog and am delighted to listen to you on 6music tonight.
Andrew, don’t be hurt ( or even unduly concerned) by the electronic equivalent of three five-year olds who have figured out how to make ‘comedy’ farting noises in their own armpits.
Andrew, don’t be hurt ( or even unduly concerned) by the electronic equivalent of three five-year olds who have figured out how to make ‘comedy’ farting noises in their own armpits.
There are some strange people out there, but I would also point out that your Blog has strong views and generates much in the way of comments because you often touch on subjects where strong views are held. That’s a good thing because it means it generates interesting discussion and is far from bland. The down side is that those strong views will sometimes go over the top but that is a small price to pay for an intelligent discussion. While some of the comments are on the stupid or extreme side, I have noticed that the community soon picks up on this and comments appropriately.The nature of your blog is that you are talking ‘at large’ and don’t control who answers so you should expect a percentage of arses and treat them as such!AnonoNick
There are some strange people out there, but I would also point out that your Blog has strong views and generates much in the way of comments because you often touch on subjects where strong views are held. That’s a good thing because it means it generates interesting discussion and is far from bland. The down side is that those strong views will sometimes go over the top but that is a small price to pay for an intelligent discussion. While some of the comments are on the stupid or extreme side, I have noticed that the community soon picks up on this and comments appropriately.The nature of your blog is that you are talking ‘at large’ and don’t control who answers so you should expect a percentage of arses and treat them as such!AnonoNick
Bit too sensitive methinks. You can’t expect constant fawning and agreement just because it is your blog and you have a ‘successful’ career to date Andrew.
Bit too sensitive methinks. You can’t expect constant fawning and agreement just because it is your blog and you have a ‘successful’ career to date Andrew.
Thank you, JD, but I don’t expect fawning or agreement, just politeness. That, in fact, is all I expect from the world at large, and how rare it has become.Also, how shall I deal with my own sensitivity? How shall I go about making myself less sensitive? My heart breaks every time I see a pidgeon with one foot. I wish it didn’t. I am sensitive, in that one if someone has an anonymous pop at me, personally, it bothers me. Especially when I’m so much of a sucker for “free speech” I leave Comment Moderation off as a rule, and always try and refrain from insulting back those who insult. It’s better for my mental health to just remove the comments that don’t add to the discussion. If I expected agreement, I wouldn’t write about suicide bombers or health matters or smoking, would I?You said it though – it is my blog. I realise by posting I put myself, like every other blogger, in the public domain, but just because, as you put it, I have a “successful” career (your speech marks), does that mean I am fair game for insults? I understand the lawless nature of the internet, but I’ve been totally honest here and explained – for the benefit of those who regularly read the blog – that I am having a couple of days off. Believe it or not, there are personal reasons too, but perhaps because I have a “successful” career that still doesn’t buy me any respect.As I always say, if you are filled with hate, direct it at someone who’s done something to hurt other people.PS: Sorry if I’m sounding oversensitive again.
Thank you, JD, but I don’t expect fawning or agreement, just politeness. That, in fact, is all I expect from the world at large, and how rare it has become.Also, how shall I deal with my own sensitivity? How shall I go about making myself less sensitive? My heart breaks every time I see a pidgeon with one foot. I wish it didn’t. I am sensitive, in that one if someone has an anonymous pop at me, personally, it bothers me. Especially when I’m so much of a sucker for “free speech” I leave Comment Moderation off as a rule, and always try and refrain from insulting back those who insult. It’s better for my mental health to just remove the comments that don’t add to the discussion. If I expected agreement, I wouldn’t write about suicide bombers or health matters or smoking, would I?You said it though – it is my blog. I realise by posting I put myself, like every other blogger, in the public domain, but just because, as you put it, I have a “successful” career (your speech marks), does that mean I am fair game for insults? I understand the lawless nature of the internet, but I’ve been totally honest here and explained – for the benefit of those who regularly read the blog – that I am having a couple of days off. Believe it or not, there are personal reasons too, but perhaps because I have a “successful” career that still doesn’t buy me any respect.As I always say, if you are filled with hate, direct it at someone who’s done something to hurt other people.PS: Sorry if I’m sounding oversensitive again.
Andrew – most of the debate in response to your blog is of a very high standard (especially when compared with the ungrammatical, mispelt, ill-considered, ignorant and abusive rants that appear on many sites). If anything, I am overawed by the eloquence of some of your regulars, and often can’t bring myself to make a rather simplistic contribution of my own. No matter. On the whole the enjoyment of your blog (for me) comes from the realisation that there are people out there (including you) who hold some of the same views as I do, and are able to convey them so effectively. I don’t agree with everything that you say – indeed I sometimes get upset and feel let down by what I consider to be irrational blindspots (I won’t say what they are!) – but there’s always someone to make the opposing argument. Sometimes I wish you would change your mind in the face of concerted opposition, but, equally, I can see how one’s opinions might be hardened under such pressure. Please keep up the good work. I’d rather read your blog than work for a living!
Andrew – most of the debate in response to your blog is of a very high standard (especially when compared with the ungrammatical, mispelt, ill-considered, ignorant and abusive rants that appear on many sites). If anything, I am overawed by the eloquence of some of your regulars, and often can’t bring myself to make a rather simplistic contribution of my own. No matter. On the whole the enjoyment of your blog (for me) comes from the realisation that there are people out there (including you) who hold some of the same views as I do, and are able to convey them so effectively. I don’t agree with everything that you say – indeed I sometimes get upset and feel let down by what I consider to be irrational blindspots (I won’t say what they are!) – but there’s always someone to make the opposing argument. Sometimes I wish you would change your mind in the face of concerted opposition, but, equally, I can see how one’s opinions might be hardened under such pressure. Please keep up the good work. I’d rather read your blog than work for a living!
I can’t win! I know it isn’t, but those that have made up their minds will say that’s fawning. But do you know what? The main reason I blog is for the eloquence and stimulation of the comments. I get a certain amount of pleasure in just writing – when you write for a living, you’re constantly at the mercy of editors, hoping that what you’ve written, be it a column or a script or a book chapter, is accepted, so writing something where you’re the editor and there’s no word-count and no deadline is incredibly refreshing. However, without the dialogue at the end of each piece, it would seem a little inconsequential. Like you, Chris, I enjoy the high standard of comment that you find on this blog and the others that I link to on the right. It’s not actually all about me, as some seem to think. No more than Clair’s blog is all about her, or Five-Centres’ is all about him. It’s about getting stuff down, and seeing if anyone bites. Which is why I’ll be back when I’ve cheered up.
I can’t win! I know it isn’t, but those that have made up their minds will say that’s fawning. But do you know what? The main reason I blog is for the eloquence and stimulation of the comments. I get a certain amount of pleasure in just writing – when you write for a living, you’re constantly at the mercy of editors, hoping that what you’ve written, be it a column or a script or a book chapter, is accepted, so writing something where you’re the editor and there’s no word-count and no deadline is incredibly refreshing. However, without the dialogue at the end of each piece, it would seem a little inconsequential. Like you, Chris, I enjoy the high standard of comment that you find on this blog and the others that I link to on the right. It’s not actually all about me, as some seem to think. No more than Clair’s blog is all about her, or Five-Centres’ is all about him. It’s about getting stuff down, and seeing if anyone bites. Which is why I’ll be back when I’ve cheered up.
Good Points CD, some very eloquent posters here who often express my own thoughts and save me the effort as well as more contentious arguments: all good for a cyber scrap as long as people don’t get snide and plain nasty.(a shame but unfortunately inevitable) Glad I’m not troubled with a ‘succesful career’ so I can check here regularly to see what’s going on.Come on A.C chin up, have a break and get back with some less contentious issues to steady the ship….I dunno..Favourite Colours maybe
Good Points CD, some very eloquent posters here who often express my own thoughts and save me the effort as well as more contentious arguments: all good for a cyber scrap as long as people don’t get snide and plain nasty.(a shame but unfortunately inevitable) Glad I’m not troubled with a ‘succesful career’ so I can check here regularly to see what’s going on.Come on A.C chin up, have a break and get back with some less contentious issues to steady the ship….I dunno..Favourite Colours maybe
When you do come back AC, please find occasion to write something about Space travel, he asked nicely. You do do requests don’t you? It worked for me on the Rugby WC anyway. Only I’ve got something to get off me chest again. I’m sick of people telling me that space travel is an obscene waste of public money. Money that should only be spent on an endless conveyor belt of new hospitals and tackling world poverty. When all I know is that the human race was probably never been more united than when Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon. Since then it’s festered and stagnated into religious fanaticism, bigotry and hatred. Mankind must move forward or it lurches backward.Actually I’ve probably covered it now. Thanks.Richard
When you do come back AC, please find occasion to write something about Space travel, he asked nicely. You do do requests don’t you? It worked for me on the Rugby WC anyway. Only I’ve got something to get off me chest again. I’m sick of people telling me that space travel is an obscene waste of public money. Money that should only be spent on an endless conveyor belt of new hospitals and tackling world poverty. When all I know is that the human race was probably never been more united than when Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon. Since then it’s festered and stagnated into religious fanaticism, bigotry and hatred. Mankind must move forward or it lurches backward.Actually I’ve probably covered it now. Thanks.Richard
Hmm. Did you ever see Stewart Lee’s 90’s Comedian show? If not then you really should. The gist is that if you put your message out there then you can’t complain when people knock it down. Not that I’m comparing you to Jesus or anything. Though I did hear you on the radio last night and think that your old Sunday show on 6Music was the single greatest fucking radio show of all time ever and should be reinstated immediately. (Or you should be given a regular show at breakfast time or bedtime because that is when I listen to the radio most and there’s nothing on unless you are filling in on 6Music or there’s an old Fist of Fun on Radio 7)
Hmm. Did you ever see Stewart Lee’s 90’s Comedian show? If not then you really should. The gist is that if you put your message out there then you can’t complain when people knock it down. Not that I’m comparing you to Jesus or anything. Though I did hear you on the radio last night and think that your old Sunday show on 6Music was the single greatest fucking radio show of all time ever and should be reinstated immediately. (Or you should be given a regular show at breakfast time or bedtime because that is when I listen to the radio most and there’s nothing on unless you are filling in on 6Music or there’s an old Fist of Fun on Radio 7)
Your Blog, your space, keep up the good work Andrew and I don’t think anyone would think its fawning! Cheer up!
Your Blog, your space, keep up the good work Andrew and I don’t think anyone would think its fawning! Cheer up!
FWIW I enjoy your blog and the debates it produces, even though I often can’t post as eruditely as others.Count to 10 and then ignore the trolls. You’ll feel better for it.
FWIW I enjoy your blog and the debates it produces, even though I often can’t post as eruditely as others.Count to 10 and then ignore the trolls. You’ll feel better for it.
Andrew, please don’t let a few morons ruin it for everybody. Your blogs are always funny and/or thought-provoking and definitely entertaining. Please keep it up.Glad your thumb’s better, by the way.
Andrew, please don’t let a few morons ruin it for everybody. Your blogs are always funny and/or thought-provoking and definitely entertaining. Please keep it up.Glad your thumb’s better, by the way.