I'll be honest with you, last week was very tough. As blog moderator I blocked a lot of your comments (besides the usual idiot trolls who I just delete and don't even read). Considering the emotional state you knew I was in, I didn't need gloating, I didn't need ugliness, I didn't need to be told to just suck it up. We all go through shit in our lives and for the most part I spare you mine. That's not what you log on for and I get that. You want to be entertained, you want my dubious advice, you want anything to distract you from work. Thus I keep churning out the posts even when I'm dealing with the crap we call life.
So when one time I announce that I'm really wrecked and people write in saying stop whining and go back to funny posts I get very cranky.
There were several points last week when I seriously thought, "Fuck this! What do I need this grief for? I'll just shut the blog down, walk away, and pick it back up again if and when I feel like it." I decided ultimately not to do that, but I'm sort of at a crossroads here.
What I always do for these annual anniversary posts is ask you to take charge. I'd love to know who is out there and why you're here? Especially now. So if I may, in the comments section could you please tell me who you are, where you're from, how old you are (you can round it off), how you found the blog, how long you've been reading it, how often you read it, and what you like and don't like about it? You can be honest. I know a lot of you don't like baseball posts but every so often I do them anyway. And you'll notice I've done very few AMERICAN IDOL recaps lately. But this feedback has helped me shape the content of the blog as I've tried to provide you with more of what you prefer. This year it's going to help me decide how to go forward.
So thanks in advance. And thanks for being a part of a great eleven year run.
259 comments :
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 259 of 259I'm a university professor in Alberta, Canada and I've been reading your blog for a very long time. I can't even remember when I started or how Infound it. I've dabbled with blogging a few times, and I admire your ability to keep coming up with new topics and things to write about. I am a fan of television (I grew up watching MASH) and I love it when you talk about something in a current show and how it illustrates something about running a TV show or about screenwriting. It has enhanced my appreciation of what I watch. You would be surprised to know how often I mention something I read on your blog to a friend or to my wife (giving you full credit, of course!).
So, thank you for the years of work on this. And don't let the election get you down. You have a great country that is far more resilient than most people think. I hope this turns into an opportunity to confront some difficult truths for Americans and you all come out stronger as a result.
I'm Cliff Corcoran, from Seattle. 66. I enjoy the baseball stories as it was by way of your calling games that I knew of you and started reading your blog. Many years ago now. I don't comment often, but read almost daily.
Ken,
Love the blog! I'm 35 and came across it over 5-years ago, can't recall exactly how it popped up in front of me, but I'm going to guess I Googled something like 'writing blogs'... I read it before doing ANY work every weekday at 9am EST. I will admit I do not read your blog on weekends, but do get caught up on what you wrote on Mondays.
I currently work in radio so I'm a big fan of your posts about your time spent in the industry, and how you're a firm believer that its heyday is in the rear-view mirror. I'm also a HUGE baseball fan and enjoy reading all the adventures you had working in the booth. Also, your posts on the process of writing TV and stage are of great interest as I do spend much of my free time trying to improve my own writing and style.
Please keep up the good work and wishing you at least another 11 more years of blog writing!
Cheers!
Hi!
I started reading your blog after Jane Espenson stopped updating her website. I came for the insight on writing and the creative process, but stayed for your insight on life in general. I am not a baseball fan but I enjoy those posts as well. I have learned that if the author writes well, even the most boring topic can become fascinating.
Kathryn (a librarian living in the midwest United States)
It was my eleventh year anniversary also -- as a reader! Been here since day one, and have loved every one of them. Ken, thank you.
Ken,
In my 50's. NE Ohio.
Been reading almost 5 years. Had to cheat and look it up. On one hand I can't believe it's been that long, on the other hand ...
I started reading when I was looking for an obit for Harry Morgan. Google brought me to you, and then I started reading.
I have read every one since then. Maybe not on the day published, but within a day or two. I don't comment as much as I used to, but that isn't a reflection on your content, it is a reflection of the fact I read on my phone most of the time and cannot stand typing on it. I have a comment come to mind with almost every post.
I enjoy the behind the scenes stories the most. Whether it is TV, movies, baseball, plays, radio, personalities, anything behind the scenes. I also always enjoy your obits. You really do a great job of writing those. I like your snarky reviews. We disagree on a lot of politics, but as long as you are writing funny comments, funny is funny no matter who the target is.
I like the fact you write every day, with the occasional rerun. I can tell you from experience that if blogs aren't posted on a predictable schedule, eventually I will quit looking for it.
I like Friday questions, and wish I had one right now.
I don't enjoy some of the travel logs - they sometimes seem too long. Pretty minor complaint.
And like I alluded to earlier, politics are fine as long as they are done for comedy, or a behind the scenes/personal story. Other than that I have other places to go for news, politics, and other real world issues. This is an escape. Like Mike & Mike will say on certain mornings - they are aware of the real world issues and figure if that is what you wanted, you wouldn't be listening to them.
Overall, thank you for your time. It is very much appreciated.
Sure Ken. And I'm glad you're still blogging.
Eric Sofer here, 55½ year old community theatre all-pro and currently unemployed QA Analyst in Greater Cleveland (yeah, my heart broke last week, AND the week before. It's tough out here... :)
I got directed here about five or six years ago from a Mark Evanier blog post, and I've never missed since. I read your column every day, and as a TV watcher, actor, and baseball fan, I catch your column. 'Sides, you're actually intelligent, which puts you above several other blogs.
Thanks for posting; I'm around as long as you are. Keep up the great work, and remember - we're still here.
I"m a commercial artist and actor in Michigan, of all places. I'm 58. I specialize in illustration (I've done a lot of instruction books- I draw hands well) and storyboard art. I used that skill to get my first paid acting job. I had a freelance assignment to storyboard a commercial through a design service without meeting the ad agency people, and I'd just signed with the only talent agency in my city. I knew the commercial would be cast there. So I drew myself into the storyboard. The ad agency folks were dumbfounded when I walked in to audition. I got the part. I told them a few years later.
I've worked as a mime, a caricaturist, and a comedy writer. I've worked at all the professional and amateur theaters around me as actor, set designer, backdrop painter, weird prop builder, etc. And when there was a film tax incentive in Michigan I got myself cast in a few movies. I took a fall doubling for Jim Gaffigan, dropped out the back of a van by Greg Kinnear. I had a nice speaking role with Gerard Butler in "Machine Gun Preacher." Then we got a Republican governor who dismantled the incentive program. Lately I make detailed soft puppets for ventriloquists and puppeteers. And draw instruction books.
And I became friends with a former sitcom writer/showrunner who lived here in Michigan for a while, and through him became aware of a number of sitcom writer blogs, including yours. I've been reading it for years. I'm not sure how many, but I've gone through three or four computers reading your stuff. I love reading about and thinking about how comedy works, and trying things out onstage. I've done a little standup, mime, and belong to an improv troupe led by a former Second City teacher/performer. When acting I live for the moment I know I've found the exact timing that works for a particular audience, and can sense when they are looking at me for a reaction. I can't get enough conversation about the art and science of comedy. "Getting" a joke is an insight. I love making an audience have insights into the dumb things we do. And if I need to draw them a picture to make that happen, I actually can!
Love your blog. Love the insights into comedy.
30 year old tech guy, currently living in Chicago. From India. found the blog on the Time list in 2011. I have enjoyed this blog almost every day. I'm not big on the spec scripts or the baseball but it is interesting still to read about an industry to which i have no connection.
i have liked this blog. and i should say thank you for entertaining me for the last 5 years!!!. I read it every morning before starting work.
Tom Asher from Maple Shade, NJ. 38, big M*A*S*H fan, which might be how I found the blog. Also a big fan of radio airchecks, sports broadcasters, and other comedies. I hit your page daily, and even love your reposts. Keep doing what you're doing, I think you're awesome!
Hi Ken,
I'm a middle-aged (turning 50 in April) dude who's been reading you since sometime in 2006. I was referred to your blog from either a post on Mark Evanier's blog or Earl Pomerantz' blog. For the last three years, I've been living in the SF Bay Area (currently in Mountain View), but am originally from the 'burbs of Cleveland, Ohio.
I really enjoy your stories of people you've met in your career and the (usually) wacky things that have happened to or around you. Your award show reviews provide that little extra snark that keeps me going.
I read you every day and can't wait for your post to appear in my RSS feed reader (ask Matt what that is).
Please keep blogging; in these times your loyal fans need you more than ever.
I'm 61, and I live in New York City. I ran across your blog during its first year. When I found it, I took the time and energy to go back and read all of your earlier posts; I've read it almost every day since, and if I miss a day, I make sure to catch up. I like comedy and baseball and radio, so I'm probably a good audience for your blog. But I find everything you write and share to be worthwhile.
Not to be deep dish, but your blog tends to typify that ideal that good high school English teachers try to instill in their recalcitrant students: if you believe something is of interest, others may likely also find it of interest if you take the time and trouble to communicate it well. I think one needs to believe this in order to write almost anything at all.
The thing is, you've mastered the process. Your voice is clear, your tone sane and witty and you have a lot of ideas to share. In a way, you're still on the radio, Ken. Instead of leaning toward the mic, you're simply typing out a bit of stuff that you've been formulating in your head for a while. You must now be the "morning wake-up man" for countless readers every day. I know I'm glad for your presence.
I hope you keep going for a long, long time. You've got more stories and anecdotes to tell and books and plays to write. We're ready to listen, pal.
Hi. I'm from Vegas (originally Tennessee) and have been reading for about five years. I don't recall specifically how I found your blog but it had something to do with MASH. I probably visit the site about four times a week.
I usually don't read the posts about the business since I'm not in the business. So the posts about writing or about behind the scenes positions not specifically related to a movie or television show I usually pass. However I like the weekly questions, behind the scenes stories of specific programs, and the baseball talk.
Hi, Ken,
I can't remember how I stumbled across your blog. I've been reading it for a couple of years. I like reading a blog that posts every day and is entertaining. Yours is the only one I know of that fits that description. Your insider information is truly fascinating. Please keep blogging!
I'm a guy from France, 35 years old, working in IT. I have been reading your blog for so long that I can't remember how I found it or when I started (it was a few years before your Time Magazine nomination, I felt clever having found you before them). It's been part of my daily routine since then. I've been a big consumer of american culture since my teens. Even as I cut back on it a bit (It seems to have changed flavor these last few days...) I keep comming back here as an avid reader and I plan to continue for as long as you are willing to provide us with your thouhgts, insights and experiences. Thank you for all these years of entertainment and thank you for being part of what keeps me sane right now.
PS: I even read your Baseball posts.
Christopher
Hi Ken
I'm from Toronto in my early sixties. I came across your blog 8 or 9 years ago through a link on "Dead Things on Sticks" or "TV-Eh?". Mostly read every day. I enjoy the TV-related stuff (I work doing Film/TV production accounting) & love your reviews. Not much interested in baseball but usually scan those posts even if I don't read the full post. Friday Questions are always fun/informative. Like the re-posts too even if I've read them previously.
Sorry you had to suffer through the nonsense posts after the election, but am glad you didn't shut the blog down. There were many thoughtful posts & proof that people CAN have a respectful dialogue.
Thanks :-)
Hi Ken, I'm Dan, from Phoenixville, PA in the Philadelphia suburbs, and I'm 55 years old. I think I first found the blog years ago in results of some search. I read it off and on back then, but the last few years it's a daily ritual. I first became aware of you seeing your name in the credits of M*A*S*H, and later Cheers, and then I made the connection that the quirky guy I heard during an Orioles rain delay was the same Ken Levine. So I read "It's Gone.. No Wait a Minute" and loved it. I'm a big fan of classic TV comedy and am in awe of how many classic shows you've been a part of. So I love reading your memories of old stuff and insights on current stuff. And as a big baseball fan I love the baseball stuff too. I had the honor of meeting you when you did the Q&A this spring at a performance of A or B in the Philly suburbs. I think the only content I don't relate to is your advice to writers, and that's mostly out of regret that I never had the guts to take a shot at a comedy writing career 30 years ago. I figure if I had I'd now either be a showrunner or a really good waiter. But at least I'd have tried.
I hope you keep the blog going. Always fun and funny.
And I was as depressed by the election results as you were. Your pre-election blog was as spot-on as anything I've read in summarizing the disqualifications of our now president-elect. <>
Dan
Hi Ken,
I'm Dan, a guy in his early thirties, living in northern Rhode Island.
I don't remember how I stumbled upon this blog, I believe it was a Buzzfeed article that mentioned it as a one of the top internet blogs, but I had a lot more incentives to want to read you. In order:
1. Cheers is my all-time favorite sitcom, and I was curious what happened behind the scenes.
2. I studied communications at a small college in Massachusetts, and had a very popular radio show on the campus station, so your radio background interested me.
3. I've always wanted to be the radio voice of the Red Sox, and I'm glad I bought a copy of "It's Gone.. No, Wait a Minute" although it bugged me to learn a non-discrete junkballer like Roy Smith dominated my Sox that year.
4. I consider Brandon Tartikoff a personal hero because of what he accomplished at NBC and the faith he showed in creative people. To gain insight from someone who knew him personally was highly inspiring
As you can see, there's not much for me not to like. Keep up the good work, and here's hoping you'll be able to share your entertaining and enlightening blog pieces for years to come.
Craig, from Texas....I have been reading this blog for so long that I read most of your "re-posts" when they were first filed. I can't even begin to guess when I was first linked to the blog. But it has always had a place in my RSS feed. There are some blogs that when they pile up in the RSS, I mark all of the posts as read and move on. But I read all of your posts.
What keeps me coming back is that the blog is inside baseball on TV/Hollywood, but not in a mean-spirited way. You aren't trying to settle old scores. But you let a kid who grew up in northern Wisconsin and lives in Southern Texas, understand what Hollywood is like, how a TV show is run, how comedy is made and read great inside baseball stories on MASH, Cheers, etc. As long as this blog is fun for you, keep writing it. I'll be reading it.
I'm 66,live in Florida,and check your blog everyday. I read about half of the posts depending on how rushed I feel. I especially like your posts about the people you've known.
Ken, I first became aware of you when you were Beaver Cleaver on Ten-Q & KHTZ. You didn't have a regular shift and I never knew in advance when you would be on. But when you were, I made a point of listening as much as I could. You were by far the funniest guy on the air in L.A.--a market that (at the time) had some of the best talent in the nation. I didn't know until years later that you were also an accomplished comedy writer with a shelf full of Emmys. If my memory is correct, I first learned of the blog via a comment you left at Reelradio. I've been a regular reader for most of the 13 years, and I've turned a good number of people onto it as well. Naturally, as a radio guy, the stories of your radio days are among my favorites. As someone with little interest in sports, those stories hold much less interest for me...but I generally read most of them and usually end up enjoying them anyway. Friday Questions are always a favorite. And I understand what you're going through regarding the election. I'm struggling with it, too. So many of us are, and that makes your writing that much more necessary to get through the day. Of course you should have something to help you through as well, so if you'd like to hear more vintage Mad Daddy or Dan Ingram, you know where to find me.
I love baseball. And I love comedy.
And living in Seattle I used to listen to you
call Mariner games.
After the tragedy (and it is) of 11/8.....where would I rather be?
I've been reading long enough now that I don't really remember how I originally found your blog or how long it has been. It is part of my daily routine in the morning to read that day's post (although I usually read the weekend ones on Monday). I enjoy almost all of your posts because for the most part you are teaching me about something I wouldn't have any knowledge about otherwise. I've used that information a lot when I talk to people about various things and always tell them they should read you blog. I have no idea how many actually do end up reading it but I try.
I've been a long time reader. I originally came over because I heard through Alan Sepinwall about your great comments about being a comedy writer. When I later found out that you also were a DJ and Baseball announcer I realized you hit the trifecta of dream jobs I have always wanted. The internet is amazing because where else would I find something as interesting as your blog. Yet the anonymity of it all allows the cretins to flourish. This most recent election was the perfect example of that. It is so easy to be an obnoxious jerk when theres no one to call you out on it.
Anyway glad to hear you are continuing your blog. Its become a daily addiction for me.
~Ken from Somerville NJ
Longtime fan of the blog (not sure how long, I remember reading on the blog that you would be coming back to Seattle after Dave Neihaus died, so since before 2010). I am a Seattle Mariners fan and really liked you as our radio guy back in the day. That was what first drew me to the blog, so of course I love your baseball posts.
I find your explanations of the inner workings of entertainment industry pretty interesting, though sometimes they get a little "inside baseball" for me, to use a metaphor from your other field of expertise. It's very cool hearing stories about what certain actors are really like, what the actual work of making a tv show or movie or radio broadcast is like, how hard/easy it is to make a living in the industry and how the changing revenue streams impact the writers, directors and actors.
And you are a pretty funny guy, too.
Hi, Ken.
Thanks for hanging in there. I too could not bear to update my websites for a few days after the election as it seemed frivolous.
Been reading your site for a few years. Found out via Mark Evanier's NewsFromME.
Especially enjoy the behind-the-scenes writing and TV stories, as well as memories of the '60s, '70s & '80s.
Bought your book on growing up in the '60s. Enjoyed it very much!
Hi Ken,
Checking in from Amherst MA, where the 10-1 Clinton-Trump vote ratio was unfortunately not replicated elsewhere. I'm a professor of computer science and a community-theater-level actor and choral singer. I love your insights on TV writing, play writing, and baseball, and I hope you can take heart from all the many people here who appreciate you as well.
Lynnsie from Chicago here, age 60. I've been reading your blog 3-4 years with great enjoyment. I especially like your reviews/recommendations of sitcoms, past and present, and have found many new shows through you. You seem to be a very open person. I have enjoyed your heartfelt tributes and your Mash/Frazier/Cheers stories, and your comments on Trump! I admire that you spoke out, in your restrained (in my opinion) way. Fie on the gloaters, don't let them get you down. we will all fight together. Just know that many, many people enjoy your blog and hope you will regale us for some time to come.
Hi Ken. I'm glad you are keeping this blog going. I'm around 55 and have been reading your blog for probably ten years. I have learned a lot and been entertained along the way. My requests - maybe a few snarky video posts.
Hey Ken, I'm Aurora. In my 20s, an Angelino living in New York right now... I love your television advice and Friday questions. I love hearing about your family and your projects. I even went out to see one of your plays. It was funny and you were really nice to me... I thank you for your continued writing! :-)
I'm not sure if my comment posted. Sorry if I posted twice! I'm Aurora, in my 20s. An Angelino living in New York right now. I love your Friday questions and insight into the industry. I like the tidbits about your family. And I even came to see one of your plays! I had a great time, laughed a lot, and you were super nice to me. :-) Thanks! Yay!
I am 64, from Denver and have been reading your blog faithfully for years. My sister told me I would enjoy your insights into television, the entertainment industry and writing. She was right!
Thank you
Hi Ken
Writing from Powell River,BC,Canada about 90 miles north of Vancouver.Being a big Seattle Mariners fan I think of you as a baseball broadcaster.When Rick Rizz headed to Detroit to replace Ernie Harwell [now how did that work out] I got hear your excellent baseball broadcasting.Then later after Dave Niehaus passed away.Dave RIP.
Just remember internet trolls are gutless.
My two favourite blogs are JazzWax and Ken Levine.Both are great ways to start the day.
Hang in there Ken!
Cheers
Doug
Hi Ken,
I found your blog earlier this year and went on reading backwards for a month - largely looking for stories on some of my favourite sitcoms - MASH, Frasier, naming only two of my all-time faves. I come from Latvia - that's a small Baltic region bordering with Russia, and scared to death by Trump at the wheel - and here's my claim to fame:
Some 16 years I was working as a translator for the local TV channel - I translated scripts of movies and series, and then actors recorded the voiceover of these scripts before the episodes were aired (the voiceovers are still the deal in the national TV, sadly). One of the first assignments for me was translating MASH scripts for season 5-11, and I was over the moon, being a big fan of the show. But, honestly, translating those lines and jokes and PUNS in pre-internet age (rather, in the age when internet connection was very expensive for households) was an arduous task.
So, for all those times when you said: "Let's make this pun or obscure reference to some 1930s icon even more sophisticated and harder to understand", there was someone on the other side of the globe pulling his hair in his little den and screaming: "What did Hawkeye mean by that?!" or "How do I translate this?! It's impossible!"
Anyway, being a massive fan of British sitcoms - even more than most American ones - , I'd like to hear about your favourites - at least ten, perhaps, and possibly also why you love them so much. Yes, I know about Coupling, and it's one of my favourites as well. "Stop playing Reservoir Dogs!" line still cracks me up.
Hi Ken, sorry I'm a day late in commenting, but I have been laying off the computer a lot since the election. I found your blog from Evanier, like so many others, and you and he are the primary blogs I read for entertainment. I'm a few steps from turning 73 on my jog through life, although they say I don't look a day over 70. When I was in high school in South Jersey we were within range of WOR in New York, and every weeknight at 11 PM I would lay in bed and listen to a fellow named Jean Shepherd. I was always a regular listener, even though his topics were all over the place, because he was above all a great story teller. And I think that is why I am a regular here and at newsfromme...because you also are great story tellers. I don't particularly have a great interest in comic books, animation, baseball, or comedy writing, but the subject matter is secondary to the stories as far as I am concerned. I am Fred from Tucson, and I hope you keep in good spirits and continue this most excellent blog, whatever topics you wish to address.
Sorry, I've been busy the past few days and just saw this. I've been reading so long, I don't remember anymore how or when I first started. You could probably go back to a previous anniversary post and see what I wrote then that I've since forgotten. That should also tell you all you need to know about my age. You know me well enough by now to know that I enjoy inside baseball stories about writing comedy more than actual baseball. And you can't go too deep into the weeds with showbiz trivia for me. But hey, it's your blog. Write whatever you want. The readers can complain when they start paying you.
PS - More photos of Natalie Wood!
Hey Ken , 57 Valencia, found you blog from link on Don Barett's LA Radio site, fell asleep watching A or B at Falcon, but months later was diagnosed with a bad case of sleep apnea so that is what caused it because I did enjoy A or B. I enjoy the baseball and the radio, and the old time Valley stuff as I grew up in Sherman Oaks. Hollywood stuff is good , inside writing are the ones I might skip but realize that is why others read this blog so as long as they tolerate baseball talk, I can handle the writing stuff.
My name is Dave
I moved to Florida from Chicago about a year ago
I felt much as you did last week and looked to the blog for humor
I try to read it every day or at least every few days while catching up on any posts that I may have missed in the interim
I don't mind the baseball posts
Friday questions is my favorite
I'm 51
I can't even remember how I first found the blog but I've been reading it at least 6-7 years if not longer
I am Sue..from Duluth, MN...I think I read about your blog while discussing Frasier..or MASH for something else..I love your radio posts..and anything dealing with TV....and music..
As for posting what we want to read, don't limit yourself to others expectations...I may not understand your baseball posts but I have friends that do...and I share those blogs with them.
I am a blogger myself...a beginner of sorts..with nowhere near the readership you have..but I know who I am and what I am most comfortable writing about....and I wouldn't change a thing..
Keep writing..keep expressing..and we shall read and follow....and ask questions...
I did want to randomly mention...I thought of you when watching This is Us...apparently, the "network" replaced The Manny with another actor..a black actor....so, the people on that show still have jobs...
I have been a reader since the beginning. Thank you for sharing your humor, stories and insights into a world I do not know or fully understand. I tell my friends to read your blog too. Sometimes, i read your blog every day, sometimes once a week, but all of your postings are read. Got to admit, I dont always read all of the comments, but when I do, i recognize people and learn from their comments as well. I consider your work a public service to my sanity, esp on down days.
Sara Dallas
Hi Ken, I happened upon your blog through a link from the Bitter Script Reader. I've started at the beginning and worked my way up to 2010 so far. Not a big baseball fan, but I have gone back and watched all of Frasier, and now I'm starting on Cheers. I'm working my way backwards through you and David's career.
Thanks.
My name is Ryan Danger Sims. I'm in the LA area and I'm 38 years old. I heard about your blog from your writing partner David Isaacs. I am new to your blog, but I'm really enjoying it and plan on checking in often. My favorite posts are the ones that give insight or perspective on the profession of comedy writing; I’m currently trying to break in and it’s great to read expert advice. I’m also very impressed that you’ve managed to blog every day for 11 years! My blog MoreRantsThanRaves.com just hit its 10 year anniversary and I know how much dedication and commitment it takes to keep a blog going (and I don’t post every day)!
I also totally understand feeling “wrecked” over the outcome of the election. I’m still in shock and I’m finding it really hard to go about my life pretending everything’s going to be okay. I feel betrayed and shocked that such a large portion of our society is willfully going along with this madness. I’ll stop before this turns into a Facebook rant, but I wanted to say thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject.
Looking forward to many more blog posts to come,
Ryan
Hi Ken, I found your blog back in 2007 when Raymond Chen at Microsoft linked to you from his blog (https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/oldnewthing/20070110-38/?p=28453). I certainly didn't expect to find a TV writer's blog as interesting as the software development blogs I typically read but I've been reading yours longer than many of them! I'm 36 and while I used to visit here every day, I'm busier now so I check in a couple times a week when I know I have time to read what I've missed. I especially enjoy the behind-the-scenes stories from your MASH, Cheers, Almost Perfect, and Frasier days.
Steve
Vancouver, BC, Canada
As always, I'm a day late and a dollar short but love your blog and wanted you to know. Have been reading it for about 7, 8 years after being introduced to it by my son. I'm a 66 year old NJ guy who loves TV and baseball. Check your blog every several days but catch up on any I missed. Was a "latch key" fatherless kid in the mid 50"s before they even had term and spent way too many hours in front of the tube. Sadly because of my family situation, I truly believe in some respect I was raised by the TV.. Silly as it sounds, learned how to conduct myself, so to speak, from Hoppie, Roy Rogers, the Lone Ranger, Matt Dillon and Paladin just to name a few. In particular, love your Friday Q&A columns but just about anything I learn about TV production is interesting. Being a Dan Ingram fan, I equally enjoy when you speak of your radio favorites. Could go on and on...just hope you do.
Hi, I'm a 26 year old girl in Texas and I found your blog about 2 years ago because I love the writing of Frasier. I am a career-changer back in college for pre-med and I like to destress with writing, so I like this blog because of the inside look at quality writing. It's just plain fun! I hope life lets up on you soon, you bring a lot of joy to a lot of people.
Long time reader, few-time commenter.
I would be happy to see you set a stylistic standard and not use 'in advance' in conjunction with 'thanks'.
If you say 'thank you', the 'in advance' is implied.
BTW, I'm not a cranky Grammar Nazi, but that practice is annoying.
Congratulations on your playwriting success. It sounds like you're having fun.
45 years old, have spent the last 22 working in or around local TV sports. Got your book "It's Gone, No Wait a Minute" as a college graduation gift in 1993. Of course, Al Gore hadn't invented the internet yet, so I couldn't google you! (my only slightly political joke).
I read you every day on my phone, which is just over four years old, so I guess I'm 4 out of 11. Am still mad I missed "A or B" in Hatboro, but continue to enjoy your posts.
I'm on board with anything M*A*S*H, CHEERS, or FRASIER as I loved all three shows. Certainly given my background, I'm okay with any of the baseball posts. I also work in radio, so I enjoy those posts too. Basically, you've earned my trust as a daily place to go and be entertained. I do read most comments too as maybe the BEST thing about your blog is the diversity of folks who read it and comment on it.
All the best, and here's to 11 more years...!
Hi Ken.
I come for 2 reasons... I love reading you and your insights. I love reading the discussions and the various point of views from the Levine Gallery. Whether they were/are in the field, or just an observant person or just a lunatic, most of the discussions are awesome.
I WISH there was a way for each person's threads to be replied to. But I realize this is a free site and there are limitations.
Been following you for most of those 11 years...
Ken,
Thanks so much for your blog.
I have been reading it on and off for years.
Writing from ReykjavÃk, Iceland.
~30 years old.
Hi Ken 50 year old New Yorker. I found your blog because I read Matk Evanier's blog and he linked to you. Have no idea when that was but it's been a number of years and I've read your blog ever since. I too was shocked by the election results. My girlfriend actually had to throw up over when she heard. . The hell with anyone who gave you a hard time. I love reading your take on the current state of television, your memories of working on MASH and Cheers and Frasier and etc...
Hi, Ken. I was referred to your blog by Mark Evanier, and I read both his and your blogs almost every day, usually as I am eating breakfast. I enjoy reading your blog and I would hate to see it disappear. I'm a theatre actor and director, and I enjoy reading about what life is like on the TV side of things, which I've never experienced. I also enjoy reading about your recent forays into theatre. I'm 66 and I'm originally from Brooklyn, but now live in North Carolina. Please keep at it.
Stan
Hi Ken:
My name is Casey Trowbridge, I am from Huron South Dakota where we just had our first blizzard of the winter season. I will be 36 years old on January 8, 2017.
I come to your blog at least once a week, typically on Friday as the Friday questions are my favorite post. It is usually then that I look to see if there is anything else from the past week that grabs my attention.
I was an early visitor to your blog but then got out of the habit. I got back in the regular habit after Harry Morgan passed away and you wrote that wonderful tribute.
What makes me come back is the fact that you wrote for or were otherwise involved with some of my favorite shows of all time: Cheers, Frasier, The Simpsons, Everybody Loves Raymond and M*A*S*H to name a few. You also have lots of interesting things to say about other shows I love such as The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
I'm not going to offer you any suggestions for what you should write about more or less, I do enjoy the baseball posts as I am a big fan, especially of baseball on the radio. Go Braves!
Aside from the fact I think you do a great job already, if I didn't I wouldn't keep reading, there's another reason I won't offer suggestions. As someone who blogs though not nearly as often as you do, I came to an important realization. I have to like what I'm writing because if I don't I won't want to write. If you can write what you're interested in and it finds an audience that's the best possible outcome. I feel like you've probably given that same advice yourself.
So that's pretty much all I have to say. Keep up the great work, Ken. Happy 11th blogging anniversary.
Hi Ken,
In the spirit of giving you something brief to read that has nothing to do with politics: I'm 40 and live in Ottawa, Canada. I've been reading your blog for years now. Long enough I have no idea how I found it. I was probably looking for behind-the-scenes tid-bits on some show. I usually check in about once a week to read the latest "Friday Questions" and what else is new on the site since my last visit.
I have a physics background and work in the tech industry, and yet find your posts (and guest posts) about the sausage-making of tv shows, movies, plays, radio DJ and baseball announcer endlessly interesting.
Thanks for doing the blog. Chin up. We all need a laugh and a smile now more than ever!
-M.
Trailing the pack as I had to journey to a funeral, but I didn't want to miss contributing this year. I found the blog from the "Frasier" thread on the now defunct Television Without Pity boards, started reading here around three or four years ago. I read every day. What I like about the blog is your interest in and interaction with the readers, your insights on writing, and your stories about production; I've also been enjoying your posts on your theatrical experiences (yes, stage managers are amazing.) My name is Diane, I grew up near Saratoga, New York, but have been a nomad for a while. I'm old enough to have watched M*A*S*H in its original run, but not old enough to be a Boomer (no matter what the statistics say.)
I almost jumped in during "The Great Sam & Diane Debate of Spring 2016" but my post was nearing Diane Chambers-esque dissertation length, and I didn't want to subject anyone to that. Thanks for all the work you put into the blog.
Hi Ken, I think I've been around for 9 or 10 of these 11 years. Here is a blog written by a guy who wrote two of my favorite shows of all time, *and* fulfilled one of my childhood dreams of being a baseball broadcaster. Now, if you only married Raquel Welch, you would have been a complete God in my eyes ;-)
Anyway, I love the insight you bring to both subjects, so please keep doing what you're doing.
Lets'see--I've been reading for four years, I think. I wanted to learn more about writing for TV. Alas, I have lived for two scores--ish, so I am far too old for that occupation. (You'd think I was trying to be a pro ball player or something.) Anyway, I stick around for the rants, reviews, and TV insights. Thanks. (Houston, Texas.)
50, Reading for a few years, can't remember how. Probably googling some obscure movie or tv show from my youth. Check in every month or two and get caught up.
Well, I’m over two months late in responding to your post, but as a long-time reader (and occasional commenter), I figure it’s the least I can do.
I’m a constitutional lawyer in Washington, DC. I often practice before the Supreme Court. I won’t reveal my age because I don’t want to give away too details that could narrow me down. But I will say that I grew up on Cheers, which was my dad’s favorite show, and I have very fond memories of watching it with him. I also watched the Simpsons religiously for the first eight seasons (but have barely watched since). I didn’t watch Frasier much at the time, but have watched many of the episodes on Netflix. I never really got into MASH, as it was largely before my time.
I’ve been reading the blog for several years, so long that I can’t remember how I came across it. I usually read it every day, although sometimes a few days go by in between my checking it out. I most enjoy the posts on the business of television and movies, as well as posts on your baseball announcing, because I’ve always been fascinated with the behind-the-scenes work of sporting events. I’m mildly interested in the posts about radio announcing. I’m least interested in posts about the 1960s and how awesome they were. But hey, if I had my own blog, I’m sure I’d constantly be writing about how awesome the 1980s were.
I’m politically conservative, and while I’m not the biggest Trump fan in the world (he was certainly not my preferred candidate), I do like to think that I can understand the motivations of those who voted for him, or who vote for the GOP more generally. Believe it or not, they are not all racists and bigots. Somewhat relatedly, I’m not really interested in posts delving into politics, though it’s not because I’m politically conservative, but because most political humor these days is hacky and boring.
This blog is a national treasure. I am constantly amazed that you post something every day. I have learned so much from it. In fact, I have incorporated your lessons on scriptwriting into my daily task of writing briefs. If an idea isn’t working, no matter how many times you try to rewrite it--take it out. If you show a draft to three people and they all dislike a certain passage--change it or delete it. Don’t be so proud of your own work that you disregard signs that something’s not gaining traction.
Anyway, thanks for the blog. I hope you keep it up.
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