ATTN Walt Murphy

[pacc76]

This is addressed to Walt Murphy. I'm not sure how you're associated with the broadcast of track in the U.S., but I think I've heard it mentioned on here before that you are somehow affiliated with it. Anyway, I just got done watching the coverage of the 5000 and 1500 from the Crystal Palace meet. It was exciting and fun to watch, but also reminded me of what coverage can be like. It was covered as other sports are covered in this country. No cut aways in the middle of the action to human interest stories ( or anything else, really, there was continuity of action), only a brief shot update during the 5km., and TERRIFIC camera work. I don't know how much a camera setup like that costs, but it was truly fun to watch.

So that's my 2 cents. It seems like whenever anyone brings something like this up it gets either a "that's what the average viewer wants" or "there's no way that can be supported." I don't buy either of those because I know people enjoy watching a SPORTING EVENT when that is what they've tuned in to see. It's tough to follow a race when the next clip you see is 4 minutes later into the action and you have to "get into" the race all over again. If you look at the time spent on false starts, human interest stories, and inane interviews, it can all be replaced in the existing time format with RACING.

[Pego]

Re: ATTN Walt Murphy

I wish somebody would listen. Your comments have been related to the networks by numerous T&F fans on many occasions without any change in the format.

[gh]

Re: ATTN Walt Murphy

The sad truth is that it really doesn't matter what the sport's real fans think. There simply aren't enough of us. They need to pitch it to the general masses, unfortunately, and all the wishing and hoping about it being otherwise are delusional.

[tafnut]

Re: ATTN Walt Murphy

It may just be a money thing. It's cheaper to have some canned stuff then have multiple (or moving) cameras. I would be fine with just one camera panning around the track but that's not how it works. As with everything in TV, it comes down to the bottom line. T&F doesn't pay much, so they don't commit many resources to it. The Euro feed is always superior in that respect. The Helsinki feed should be great!

[Walt Murphy]

Re: ATTN Walt Murphy

>This is addressed to Walt Murphy. I'm not sure how you're associated with the
>broadcast of track in the U.S., but I think I've heard it mentioned on here
>before that you are somehow affiliated with it.<

I;'d be more than happy to respond to your questions, but I like to know who I'm "talking" to. (or is it "to whom I'm talking"?)

[twittering debutante]

Re: ATTN Walt Murphy

It's a message board; people go by different handles. You respond to other posts without any formal introductions. Enough of your antiquidated pomposity, Mr. Walt Murphy.

[gm]

Re: ATTN Walt Murphy

If you can find a PBS station here willing to jump into sports all of a sudden, you might have a chance to see BBC-like coverage.

You did notice, didn't you, that there were no commercial breaks during yesterday's festivities? That's because John Bull and friends pay to keep the BBC running with an annual license fee.

It's easier to show more comprehensive coverage when you don't have to make frequent stops to actually pay the bills.

And TD, try a different brand of coffee.

[tafnut]

Re: ATTN Walt Murphy

>It's a message board; people go by different handles. You respond to other >posts without any formal introductions. Enough of your antiquidated pomposity, >Mr. Walt Murphy.<<

Obviously a touchy subject, huh? That's still no excuse for the insult, TD. You must be having a rough summer - your posts have had this negative tone for a while now. Lighten up, please.

[twittering debutante]

Re: ATTN Walt Murphy

I just bought some new coffee, different brand.

My point is if someone asks a question, either answer it or don't answer it. Don't turn it into an elaborate freak dance.

[tafnut]

Re: ATTN Walt Murphy

>>elaborate freak dance<<

um . . . yeah . . . that was MY first reaction to WM's post.

[twittering debutante]

Re: ATTN Walt Murphy

I'm glad we concur, tafnut. Now please try to lighten up!

[tafnut]

Re: ATTN Walt Murphy

>>Now please try to lighten up!<<

Hey, I'm practically floating! How are you?

[twittering debutante]

Re: ATTN Walt Murphy

I'd respond tafnut, but responding to anonymous posts is considerably beneath my dignity. You should know that.

Of whom do I speaketh with?

[tafnut]

Re: ATTN Walt Murphy

>I'd respond tafnut, but responding to anonymous posts is considerably beneath >my dignity. You should know that.
Of whom do I speaketh with?<<

Now see? That was a witty post, WITH sarcasm, but just funny, not insulting. You're fun to read, when you're not crabby.

[MJD]

Re: ATTN Walt Murphy

>I'd respond tafnut, but responding to anonymous posts is considerably beneath
>my dignity. You should know that.

>Of whom do I speaketh with?

Not for the faint of heart:

http://home.comcast.net/~gpc3/gpcjac.htm