150KTubs - future career in Virgin Radio and other soulful pursuits **Mod: Read OP**

He will disappear for good if he ever discovers Amazon. :)

Regards...jmcc

I've read some shyte in my time, but that's vying for a spot in the top five. I'll eke out a spot. FFS

Based on his comments from that Times Radio promo interview, it is like he has a few pre-packaged comments about various things (the NI situation, the First Minister etc) and reuses them in his column. They probably have also been used in his show at various times.

The writing is like that of a teenager with aspirations to be a great writer. The emphasis has changed from the "London Diary" back to his RTE radio style. Without the LLS and the constant stream of selfies with celebrities, there's nothing much happening for him in London. There seems to be no major show business events being mentioned and he's no longer bumping into celebrities. There are no UK TV appearances. It is a different world and he does seem to be missing Ireland. You'd almost feel sorry for him.

Regards...jmcc

What did you say, recode?

They must be using Tubridy's fame as the "Toyman" to branch into a new market. Perhaps he can write about unboxing the latest Harry Potter novel while quaffing a latte as Paul McCartney walks by and nods. If the Irish Mail on Sunday thinks it is reaching his audience who are we to dispute that? Thousands of budgies appreciate it

Regards...jmcc

It really is appalling drivel. He thinks this "Nerd Herd" schtick has some traction and he's going to flog that particular horse until he finds another lifebuoy to cling onto

What is the 'nerd herd' thing? I've seen it referenced here a couple of times, I assume it's some variation on "The Toyman" that he's trying to brand himself with over there? I could only manage to listen to the show for about 5 minutes on two of the first days and he wasn't going on about it then.

It is a lot more difficult to write in simple English and with short sentences. Tubridy doesn't seem to be able to do it. It is a skill that can be learned. The deeper problem is that Tubridy frequently has nothing to say and tries to fill the space with the same kind of name dropping and banter that he uses on his radio show.

It is probably very difficult for a fifty year old like Tubridy to write an interesting weekly column without having any previous experience as a newspaper columnist. It is quite different to writing a book or two (as Tubridy did) because there are tighter deadlines and a discipline to the process. There is also a need to keep readers interested.

Regards...jmcc

You couldn't call this dross a column. People mock the likes of Boris Johnson and Jeremy Clarkson for getting paid a hospital consultants salary for their weekly brain farts in various papers but it's a skill to write a topical, interesting, funny and unmissable newspaper column every week.

It helps of course if you're a curious, interested and interesting person yourself but there's a structure to a good column, a theme maybe, a message you want to impart etc. It's not just a case of vomiting up a "Where I went on my holidays" school level essay.

Since he's such an expert at secret payments, you'd think he'd hire someone with some writing ability to ghost his column for him.

It can be dangerous to use stereotypes about readers. Most people don't have the time to laze about like Tubridy. They will often read books in the privacy of their own homes rather than posing in cafes trying to appear intellectual. There are so many genres that it is impossible for any show to cover them all. Even the book review sections of newspapers like the Sunday Times or Irish Times are highly formatted and almost a closed shop to people like Tubridy. This is because reviews are part of marketing a book and who reviews it can result in more sales. Some newspapers have their own reviewers or get established writers to review books. A good review from a well known writer can sell more copies. Tubridy seems to be aiming at a kind radio based book club of thing for his "nerd herd" stuff. The problem for Tubridy is that he has no brand recognition in the UK and the format of his show works against it. Amazon's review system really cut the legs from under Tubridy's strictly analogue approach. It is more effective and based on purchases and reviews. Perhaps he's hoping for a book review programme on LyricFM once he finishes his London exile?

Regards...jmcc