Mike Schoop explains himself regarding "rudeness"

[Danny]

Hello Cantankerous, how are you?

 

If people on this forum greeted each new poster in a thread, it would be ridiculous. That is the equivalent of what people are doing on the radio. (I anticipate people saying "that would be great, so much more civil" etc., but it wouldn't. It would get annoying). In fact, maybe the polite people here should try that, and see how it wears on them? Every new poster, in every thread. I'm certain even the most polite here would eventually stop that foolishness, but it would be fun to see.

 

I listen to lots of sports radio. You can hear the annoyance in the voice, and can feel them pushing to get things going, be it JT the Brick, Dan Patrick, or whoever (I know Schoop is a bad example because he is so disliked here). I know it seems small in individual cases, but over and over it's not good radio.

 

The caller is not there to have a personal conversation, they are in a forum, and there to give an opinion.

 

I see the point you are making.. i just dont think its the same thing. Exchanging pleasantries over the phone takes literally 2 seconds.

This guy's job in part depends on people calling in. Can you imagine if they sat there with not a single person to talk to? The least he can do is let the caller proceed in the fashion they see best.

[plenzmd1]

What are you talking about? Kornheiser doesn't take any callers at all.

 

 

 

 

I am talking about the old days, even before his ESPN gig..when he first started on 980..going back to the mid 90's. He would always start his show by saying

 

"i am fine today, so please do not ask how I am doing". If someone got on and asked the question, he dumped the call.

 

You notice what I did there?

I think so...thank you!

[bbb]

A by product of the Possibility of the Bills leaving town would be the down sizing of WGR and the buffalo news. Who do you think makes the cut and who gets cut out of Schopp Bulldog White Simon Sullivan Graham and Gaughn ??

 

My bet is on Gaughn seeing that he was let go at least 5 years ago.

 

I am talking about the old days, even before his ESPN gig..when he first started on 980..going back to the mid 90's. He would always start his show by saying

 

"i am fine today, so please do not ask how I am doing". If someone got on and asked the question, he dumped the call.

 

I can hear Mr. Tony saying that. His show is the best thing on the air right now, IMO, although a lot of people on here wouldn't like it since it's only about 60% sports.

 

I love that he doesn't take calls (I don't care what callers have to say), he doesn't interview athletes because you know what they are going to say and it couldn't be more boring, and instead has top notch guests with opinions.

 

Maybe Mike should say the thing that Tony did at the top of the show. I think it's stupid - it takes one second to say Good. And, like Rome has harped on, nobody cares how you're doing - it's a !@#$ing salutation, same as Hello or Hi.

[Geno Smith's Arm]

I see the point you are making.. i just dont think its the same thing. Exchanging pleasantries over the phone takes literally 2 seconds.

This guy's job in part depends on people calling in. Can you imagine if they sat there with not a single person to talk to? The least he can do is let the caller proceed in the fashion they see best.

 

His job does not depend on people calling in. It is part of the format (I bet he would like to do away with it, but the station probably insists).

 

The thing is the conversations do get extended, not necessarily very long, but repeatedly it adds up. How many times have you heard just the greeting get flubbed?

 

Caller: "How are you"

 

Host: "we are fine"

 

Caller: "what?"

 

Host: "I said "we are fine", what's your question"

 

Host: "oh, I am fine too, I wanted to talk about this Favre thing"

 

Host: "yes, we know, that is what we have been talking about for the last hour. What did you want to say?"

 

 

 

These exchanges are bad, bad, bad radio.

[bbb]

If it was something more than a greeting, then I can see Mike's point.

 

His job does not depend on people calling in. It is part of the format (I bet he would like to do away with it, but the station probably insists).

 

The thing is the conversations do get extended, not necessarily very long, but repeatedly it adds up. How many times have you heard just the greeting get flubbed?

 

Caller: "How are you"

 

Host: "we are fine"

 

Caller: "what?"

 

Host: "I said "we are fine", what's your question"

 

Host: "oh, I am fine too, I wanted to talk about this Favre thing"

 

Host: "yes, we know, that is what we have been talking about for the last hour. What did you want to say?"

 

 

 

These exchanges are bad, bad, bad radio.

 

Not many.

[Danny]

His job does not depend on people calling in. It is part of the format (I bet he would like to do away with it, but the station probably insists).

 

The thing is the conversations do get extended, not necessarily very long, but repeatedly it adds up. How many times have you heard just the greeting get flubbed?

 

Caller: "How are you"

 

Host: "we are fine"

 

Caller: "what?"

 

Host: "I said "we are fine", what's your question"

 

Host: "oh, I am fine too, I wanted to talk about this Favre thing"

 

Host: "yes, we know, that is what we have been talking about for the last hour. What did you want to say?"

 

 

 

These exchanges are bad, bad, bad radio.

 

 

Why do you think that is; to lower ratings? If the station wants him to take calls then he shouldnt pout about it. Its his job and he is getting paid to do it. Obviously his boss feels taking calls attracts more listeners.

 

As for the exchange...

 

Caller: Hi how are you?

 

Host: I'm good. What are your thoughts on the Favre thing?"

 

Proceed.

 

If a caller asks what or has his radio on or something like that is totally different but how often does that really happen on average.

[bbb]

Not much.

[billieve79]

God forbid someone cuts into their "food draft" by forcing Schopp to say "I'm good, thanks". That would be bad radio.

 

I have spoken to people who have attended multiple functions with Schopp, and they say he has the same rude, elitist attitude off the air as he has on the air. So, it's not all about not wanting to waste precious seconds of top notch sports wisdom, it's about this guy really just is a jerk. I feel sorry for him.

Edited March 4, 2012 by billieve79

[bbb]

I honestly don't think he's a jerk, and have been told he's not. I met him once when he worked for WNSA, and shook his hand and exchanged pleasantries..........Now,looking back, I should have said "Get to the point!" instead.

[Geno Smith's Arm]

Why do you think that is; to lower ratings? If the station wants him to take calls then he shouldnt pout about it. Its his job and he is getting paid to do it. Obviously his boss feels taking calls attracts more listeners.

 

As for the exchange...

 

Caller: Hi how are you?

 

Host: I'm good. What are your thoughts on the Favre thing?"

 

Proceed.

 

If a caller asks what or has his radio on or something like that is totally different but how often does that really happen on average.

 

Hello Danny, how are you?

 

It's not just Schoop though, think outside of Buffalo. It's ALL HOSTS of shows. They don't like it, and why do you think that is?

[Danny]

Hello Danny, how are you?

 

It's not just Schoop though, think outside of Buffalo. It's ALL HOSTS of shows. They don't like it, and why do you think that is?

 

Great Matthew!! Thanks for asking!!

 

I cant agree with your statement that all hosts hate it. I listen to hosts on the radio who dont seem to mind it at all.

 

Now please stay on the line, my screener is going to get your info and send you a free shirt.

[BADOLBILZ]

The part about not wanting to waste a second answering How are ya? is ridiculous and he says that even his colleagues seem to think so. Bulldog has gotten in on that, but seems to have backed down lately.

 

What they don't seem to grasp is that simple idea that when two people "meet" - they exchange salutations - sometimes it's Hi or Hello, but more often than not, it's How ya doing or How are ya?

 

Nobody cares how you're really doing - you just say good, and move on. A person calling in may be nervous or even if not, they will still feel the need to greet you.....Saying good wastes less than a second. Whereas I've heard them stew for half a minute because the guy would have the audacity to ask such a stupid question:

 

http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/other/article748321.ece

 

IMO, he is right about the howdoyado's......in theory. If his objective is to become a nationally syndicated host, it makes sense.

 

I'm thinking that's not happening though. When he started in radio there was opportunity for advancement in his field that no longer exists.

 

If he's not going anywhere, he should just embrace the area and cater to the listeners.

 

It's a fairly secure job in an area strong in his demographic. A lot of unemployement, even more under-employment and lots of colleges.

 

He's worried about boring them? These people are listening to the radio for 3-4 hours for information they could get in 30 seconds on the internet if they had anything better to do. Every business should have it that easy. Keep it simple.

[bbb]

IMO, he is right about the howdoyado's......in theory. If his objective is to become a nationally syndicated host, it makes sense.

 

I'm thinking that's not happening though. When he started in radio there was opportunity for advancement in his field that no longer exists.

 

If he's not going anywhere, he should just embrace the area and cater to the listeners.

 

It's a fairly secure job in an area strong in his demographic. A lot of unemployement, even more under-employment and lots of colleges.

 

He's worried about boring them? These people are listening to the radio for 3-4 hours for information they could get in 30 seconds on the internet if they had anything better to do. Every business should have it that easy. Keep it simple.

 

That's what I always say when people here want more sports talk. At one point, I probably did, but that was before the internet, where you can have all the sports talk and info you can possibly want.

[Geno Smith's Arm]

Hello Stadium Wall Posters, I hope you are having a great day!

 

Here is a snippet from a communications book. I'm not sure how well it will link, but scroll to "The Short Hello". It really says it all...

 

http://books.google.com/books?id=ZvYLwStxW80C&pg=PA170&lpg=PA170&dq=radio+callers+host+greeting&source=bl&ots=b7HaK9kAwA&sig=oMud32oMq0PxW3idpjVXFVwNpMM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=G_JTT-y3A4qYiQKT0tDhBg&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=radio%20callers%20host%20greeting&f=false

Edited March 4, 2012 by Matthews' Bag

[Beerball]

Hello Cantankerous, how are you?

 

If people on this forum greeted each new poster in a thread, it would be ridiculous. That is the equivalent of what people are doing on the radio. (I anticipate people saying "that would be great, so much more civil" etc., but it wouldn't. It would get annoying). In fact, maybe the polite people here should try that, and see how it wears on them? Every new poster, in every thread. I'm certain even the most polite here would eventually stop that foolishness, but it would be fun to see.

 

I listen to lots of sports radio. You can hear the annoyance in the voice, and can feel them pushing to get things going, be it JT the Brick, Dan Patrick, or whoever (I know Schoop is a bad example because he is so disliked here). I know it seems small in individual cases, but over and over it's not good radio.

 

The caller is not there to have a personal conversation, they are in a forum, and there to give an opinion.

Good afternoon Bag. You're full of it.

[bbb]

Good afternoon Bag. You're full of it.

 

 

Hello Stadium Wall Posters, I hope you are having a great day!

 

Here is a snippet from a communications book. I'm not sure how well it will link, but scroll to "The Short Hello". It really says it all...

 

http://books.google.com/books?id=ZvYLwStxW80C&pg=PA170&lpg=PA170&dq=radio+callers+host+greeting&source=bl&ots=b7HaK9kAwA&sig=oMud32oMq0PxW3idpjVXFVwNpMM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=G_JTT-y3A4qYiQKT0tDhBg&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=radio%20callers%20host%20greeting&f=false

 

GR has Nascar shows on most nights that I'll end up listening to for 5 minutes or so because it's too hard to switch station where a few of my radios are.

 

They'll have drivers on, and callers. Eli Gold is usually the host. And, they get into these things you're talking about. "Dale, how are you doing? You are my favorite driver. Eli this is a great show, etc." and Eli will have to put a stop to it and say what is your question.

 

I get that being a problem. But, it is such a rare exception on local radio, etc. that saying any form of Hi is fine.

[Geno Smith's Arm]

Good afternoon Bag. You're full of it.

 

Hello Beerball,

I hope you extend greeting to EVERY new poster, on every new topic. Eventually you will see how tedious and unnecessary it is.

 

The subject on greetings on radio shows comes up on many radio shows. It's a constant annoyance to radio hosts. I'm not the only person that feels that way. Why does it bother you that I feel that way, Beerball? I presented an outside opinion from a person with at least enough authority on the subject to author a book on it. That makes me full of it? Instead, you guys want to riff on Mike Schoop, who is merely a local representative of the sports media. It is you, and people like you that can't seem understand that it isn't a personal phone conversation.

 

Maybe you want to present some more slow thinkers to back up YOUR side of this argument? I am coming from the perspective of the hosts. They are trying to keep their shows MOVING, and THEY KNOW WHAT IS BAD FOR RATINGS. You can argue with me, but I know I'm right, and there are more examples FROM MEDIA ANALYSTS THAT SUPPORT MY STANCE.

Edited March 5, 2012 by Matthews' Bag

[SageAgainstTheMachine]

Hello Beerball,

I hope you extend greeting to EVERY new poster, on every new topic. Eventually you will see how tedious and unnecessary it is.

 

The subject on greetings on radio shows comes up on many radio shows. It's a constant annoyance to radio hosts. I'm not the only person that feels that way. Why does it bother you that I feel that way, Beerball? I presented an outside opinion from a person with at least enough authority on the subject to author a book on it. That makes me full of it? Instead, you guys want to riff on Mike Schoop, who is merely a local representative of the sports media. It is you, and people like you that can't seem understand that it isn't a personal phone conversation.

 

Maybe you want to present some more slow thinkers to back up YOUR side of this argument?

 

There's an enormous difference between the immediacy of spoken communication and a message board, where people are expected to answer at their convenience often hours and days later.

 

Heck, even on the shout box, posters often greet each other and say goodbye.

Edited March 5, 2012 by SageAgainstTheMachine

[Geno Smith's Arm]

There's an enormous difference between the immediacy of spoken communication and a message board, where people are expected to answer at their convenience often hours and days later.

 

Heck, even on the shout box, posters often greet each other and say goodbye.

 

How are you Sage?

Yeah, it's WAY worse, because there are so many other people listening, and the time is PAID FOR! Understand? Time is money on the radio, and these pleasantries are the equivalent to DEAD AIR.

 

Meh, I guess I'm wrong. Everyone continue calling with greetings. I don't know what I'm talking about, I am merely repeating what I have heard from dozens of radio hosts.

Edited March 5, 2012 by Matthews' Bag

[BarkLessWagMore]

Hello Beerball,

I hope you extend greeting to EVERY new poster, on every new topic. Eventually you will see how tedious and unnecessary it is.

 

The subject on greetings on radio shows comes up on many radio shows. It's a constant annoyance to radio hosts. I'm not the only person that feels that way. Why does it bother you that I feel that way, Beerball? I presented an outside opinion from a person with at least enough authority on the subject to author a book on it. That makes me full of it? Instead, you guys want to riff on Mike Schoop, who is merely a local representative of the sports media. It is you, and people like you that can't seem understand that it isn't a personal phone conversation.

 

Maybe you want to present some more slow thinkers to back up YOUR side of this argument? I am coming from the perspective of the hosts. They are trying to keep their shows MOVING, and THEY KNOW WHAT IS BAD FOR RATINGS. You can argue with me, but I know I'm right, and there are more examples FROM MEDIA ANALYSTS THAT SUPPORT MY STANCE.

 

Wow, bag. I think you could fill in for Schopp when he's on vacation. That is an incredibly obnoxious tone in your post. Do you really think everyone you are arguing with in this thread isn't smart enough to realize that an endless exchange of pleasantries might tend to throw off the rhythm of a radio show? I am pretty sure we all get that. But, as in many things in life, there are many ways to get that point across and to gently nudge your listeners along. Schopp constantly chooses the most direct, obnoxious and condescending way. And for that, he is mostly reviled. Not that difficult to understand really. Re-read Dick Drawn's post above, he pretty much nails it. I'll hang up and listen.