Someone yesterday encouraged me to make a thread. I love to do projects and since I am between them at work, I figured I would look at again some of the past things I have seen and read here. Sorry that this is so long. You are all welcome to discuss it or debate it and throw it in the trash. It won't matter to me. Such is the nature of projects.
Here are my impressions.
Back during the celebration over the 150th Dirty Job, there was a special program done. There have been comments back then by Dave Barsky about the two people named Jana and Mel being in every picture. A joke was made about their blonde hair and lighting. I would say that everyone should have figured out back then that they were personal friends of Dave. I read that other fans were invited and Mike Rowe posted on here how bad the idea was and even used the word “dangerous”. Give me a break. This is the same man that just met with a bunch of people. I have not figured out how to put together the politics of all this. I bet it made the rest of the people invited feel very bad though. My conclusion based on what can be seen on the television, and read in this forum is that Dave Barsky brought in some buddies to be filmed and Mike Rowe pretended to be upset. This is all business as usual. The whole world runs this way.
I think it is very “nasty” to use someone else’s word, that special people come onto this forum of fans and obviously let everyone know about their special treatment and special relationship. Both the posters who go by Jana and Mel if you read their past posts are always coming on and knowing more or getting more than everyone else and dropping hints about it. Things are beginning to fall into place about why everyone here is so bent out of shape all the time. Who needs that kind of behavior actually encouraged? Why not just tell the truth? Everyone is entitled to friends. I cannot say why Dave Barsky called them fans. They are obviously much more and that makes everyone else feel bad. This place is called a fan forum.
I have read Mike Rowe’s many things about fans and how he feels about the people here. I find the words to be insulting to fans. I get the impression that this is some joke for him. That is if it really is him. If you look at the interviews that are put on here, Mike Rowe says the same thing over and over. I know he is asked the same questions, but he even says it the same way. Little show, now I can’t stop it, a tribute to my grandfather. He has memorized these words that someone has written for him and just says them over and over. At least that is how it seems. So I have some disbelief about whether this is even the star Mike Rowe writing here, cause that writing is sometimes good. I also wonder why the writer pretends that there is an interest in the fans here and pretends that they are so important to him, and then really laughs in their face with his postings. The whole forum when I read it is based on being rude and it starts at the top and works its way down. I can feel and read that everyone is angry all the time. I think this comes from being jealous, and Mike Rowe and Dave Barsky must like people to be this way. It might make them feel more important. Whoever this writer is, or if it is Mike Rowe, he is a good salesman. He knows what buttons to push about being so sincere.
Someone I respect very much has told me over and over about how good this show is and how great Mike Rowe is. So I watched the show on fish and visited this website. I liked the show, but this website that is supposedly been an important part of the development of this show, or at least of the commercials for HP per Mike Rowe is full of hatred. Someone is always making a bad comment on a thread. And that is encouraged by the poster calling himself Mike Rowe from my point of view. And this Mike Rowe even warns this board again and again not to believe what you see.
I am just writing out my impressions after coming onto this supposedly fun place to be and reading the past things and watching the past episodes and interviews. I don’t care about this place other than to interact with a colleague. Because of how Mike Rowe treats his fans though, I would really appreciate not being put into that category.
Hey, Jo. Everyone's entitled to their opinion. For what it's worth, I'm a fan of the show. And while I enjoy Mike as host of Dirty Jobs, I don't consider myself a fan of Mike. Not because he's not fan-worthy, but because I don't work that way.
You can stay and post on the board or not. It's not for everybody.
I smell something fishy....but I couldn't care less.
Jo, you already came in with a banner on your forehead 'Sumthinsfishy'. Just dig yourself out of that net and enjoy the waters here. Everything must not be taken so seriously, but balanced with fun here in the Mud Room.
Just enjoy whatever you like and partake of conversations that stimulate you. Remember, you'll probably land up here, there and then everywhere given the situation, topics and your needs for seriousness or light-heartedness.
Jo, sometimes things look better from a distance. And in this case you have to accept it that way. From a distance, with one eye squinting and your back turned to it.
Who knows why things are as they are. Sometimes we give people too much credit because they have an initial appeal to us. Upon closer inspection you see the cracks and fissures. I say watch the show for your enjoyment. Don't let what you've seen here of the foibles of human nature detract from what was the moving force in the beginning. The real stars of the show. Those hard working people who are kind enough to share a bit of their life with us and Mike. For without them there would be no Dirty Jobs. That's how I see it for myself.
I have read Mike Rowe’s many things about fans and how he feels about the people here. I find the words to be insulting to fans. I get the impression that this is some joke for him.
Hello Jo, I disagree with you when it comes to thinking that all this is a joke for mike, I think that he is truly and sincerely feels blessed by how all this came about. The show started small and now it’s bigger then his head , when I see him on talk shows you can tell how happy and grateful he is and I don’t believe he is acting. Yes of course these guys are making the big money, but I am happy for them, and as long as they keep up with the great entertainment I will always be a Dirty Job fan.
You said this very well Gayle. I would want to remind you that this forum is suggested during the Dirty Jobs shows. It is very different here than the show comes off as. People are asked to come here on the TV, and the front page is very welcoming, and then the forums are the typical internet stuff.
I want to say there are many posters who I have laughed at, like there are in all internet places. And everyone has this genuine like of Mike Rowe and of Dave Barsky too. I can really tell that because of those who jump forward to defend both of those men. But people don't like each other in some cases. And from what I've read, my impression is that this has been encouraged for a long time. I know some don't agree with me. But the actual truth seems to be always hidden and there is a lot of beating around the bush. So this is just another fan site that has lots of petty jealousy. What I found different is what the star and the director actually say. They are just as bad as the fans.
As for my choice of screen name. I love all things fishy. My degree is in marine biology and that is what I work in. Sorry if I mislead anyone with that.
I know my participation on this board has been less than scant this year, and one can only give so much creedence to what I say. But, now that I have some well-earned free time after Graduhmation, I thought I'd provide my input.
Jo, what you are observing is what many are observing. And you have to wonder after awhile, if an inordinate number of people are catching things, might they be true? I find it curious that a new member has caught wind so quickly of the general environment here.
Of course, it's perfectly fine for Barsky, Mike, and Crew to befriend people from here personally if they so choose; there's nothing inherently wrong with that. However, I believe they, as well as their "friends," have personal responsiblity to act with tact and good taste about it.
Coming to this public fan board to post cryptic, bubbly, absurd messages about personal goings-on is extremely bad form, and it comes as no surprise that it's very unwelcome here.
When coupled with the fact that I was inundated with schoolwork this year, the goofy, tasteless behavior on this forum made me not want to come back. It made me dislike a lot of people, and it even made me dislike the show. I can't even watch the show anymore, petty as it might be.
The way I see it, if I wanted to be around cliqueish behavior, gossip, and rudeness, I could A)Go back to high school, or B) Join private forums. I don't come HERE for that.
I'm not here to crow my politeness and good behavior, because frankly, I often lack it. But I bring the worst of it elsewhere, not a public fan forum. I'm not perfect, but some of the stuff I see here is just sad.
So, Jo, surely you aren't the only one seeing these things.
As for Mike, as I've said, who's to say what he can and can't do? But, if he ever enables or in any way encourages the bad behavior, well then, we have a problem. It's frustrating when some people post thoughtful, fantastic questions to Mike every day, and he comes back only to reply to his "buddies." To provide a concrete example, I believe there was a thread that sat there for some time about the goofy Alcapulco shirt he wore, and he only commented on it on one of his, as Dave would put it, "most trusted fan's" threads. Interesting. But that's just what I see.
Alright, I've expelled enough hot air for one afternoon.
Thanks Fishy, if I may call you that. What we have here my dear is the usual fandom dynamic. It hasn't changed in ages. It will never change. Human nature is a "son of a gun"! I hesitate to add the special flavor gender adds to the mix. But it's powerful. Six months or a year from now you may not even care or remember much of what moved you to say what you did. When all is said and done and everyone moves on to whatever it won't really matter. Despite arguments to the contrary. This whole thing is not a lasting forever and ever amen kind of situation. Like the bonds of family or what marriage should be. It's a right here and now until life and new interests come a long. Until a presumed greater opportunity for showing up and showing out presents itself. I have to say the old adage; "Ignorance is bliss" rings true. And especially here from what I've seen and read over the two years I've been here. Maybe being totally oblivious to certain things would be good too.
first of all EVERYONE is entitled to their own opinion. thanks for yours.
i agree with alot of things you said. in dealing with a public forum as in real life there are alot of different kinds of people out there. some smart, silly, obnoxious, sweet, kind, horrid, etc. on this forum as you get to know people you can tell how they are. some are the horn blowing, i am wonderful, mike loves me the most, i am his president, some are funnier than cr@p, some ask great questions.
what burns my fannie is when some think they own this board, that they are better than some. bah and cr@p i say, we are all equal and have the right to voice our own opinion. and not get b e a t up on.
i will disagree with you on mike. i believe that he truly adores his fans and is greatful for his show. he has said that many times.
Everyone is entitled to write their own opinion based on speculation while belittling and bashing others:
NO.
It's us members that have made the MB the way it is. The 'sides' as I see them are Positive and Negative contributors. More and more of the posts have become bickering sessions that cause an environment which has discouraged many not to return.
Jo, I've only been posting since mid-March, so I can't really say what things were like before then.
I think much of the conflicts that arise here are a natural result of having different kinds of folks in the same place. Go to any large place of business, bar, high school (or any other place that is a mini-society)and there will be arguments, hurt feelings, and maybe even plans for vengeance. This board is a mini-society.
But, also like society, I've seen plenty of examples of people looking out for each other here--in sublime and ridiculous ways. Since I've been here, MB'ers have had cancer scares, bad days at work, near natural disasters and worries about their children.
These concerns led to eruptions of well-wishing, prayer-sending, and even physical help. Maybe I'm just innocent (as opposed to naive), but when I send out my best wishes to someone, I mean it. I assume others do the same (perhaps wrongly).
It's not all bad here, Jo.
As for conflicts arising from the actions and words of Mike (or Dave), I don't know. I think you may be right, but perhaps not in the way you mean. Mike said he would come on this board and answer questions, and this has naturally created a more competitive kind of MB. After all, Mike's a busy man and can't answer everyone's questions. And he can't spend all of his free time (assuming he even has any) attending meet-and-greets every day everywhere.
Results: some here have had more 'Mike time' than others. And human nature takes over (and it ain't always pretty)...
But I get the impression that he tries, he sincerely tries, to be as accommodating to us as he can be. I've never had the feeling that he's laughing at us or manipulating us.
I just want to know what the h@ll is going on!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I thought this board was suppose to be fun?? This is like a bad soap opera!!!! I try to stay away from this stuff, Jeremy knows all the "goings" on and I frankly don't like hearing about it. I joined this board because I liked the show. I could care less who met who,when,where,why!!! Mike has responded to one of my posts and I didn't "wet my pants" sort of say. When the day ends, he is just a human like everyone else!!!! There are people dying from cyclones and earthquakes, be glad you can sit at a computer and type!!!! Hey Nola where is that eject button when you need it!!! Melissa P.S. Would most of you say this stuff to each other in person?????? P.S.S. Everyone needs to go to their own perspective corners and take a time out!(Gosh I sound like such a mom!!)
Originally posted by sanfrangirl74: I just want to know what the h@ll is going on!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I thought this board was suppose to be fun?? This is like a bad soap opera!!!! I try to stay away from this stuff, Jeremy knows all the "goings" on and I frankly don't like hearing about it. I joined this board because I liked the show. I could care less who met who,when,where,why!!! Mike has responded to one of my posts and I didn't "wet my pants" sort of say. When the day ends, he is just a human like everyone else!!!! There are people dying from cyclones and earthquakes, be glad you can sit at a computer and type!!!! Hey Nola where is that eject button when you need it!!! Melissa P.S. Would most of you say this stuff to each other in person?????? P.S.S. Everyone needs to go to their own perspective corners and take a time out!(Gosh I sound like such a mom!!)
Melissa there is fun stuff here too. Don't worry about that. This message board has lot going on all at once. With a variety of ideas and conversations. Would be rather boring if it was all one note. I mostly stay away from serious threads unless I've asked the question myself. People should feel free to voice their opinions with respect, not resorting to being snide or catty. Honest debate has its place too along with the Mike is Hottt, Davie is Funny and Dougie is such a cutie quotes. Everything has its place. Nothing here is going to change what happens elsewhere in the world regardless of what kind of talk is done.
It's us members that have made the MB the way it is. The 'sides' as I see them are Positive and Negative contributors. More and more of the posts have become bickering sessions that cause an environment which has discouraged many not to return.
That's certainly true, Judy. Personally, I've had my not-so-shining moments just like anyone else. A lot of us have. But it's when people do nothing here but claim turf, brag, and isolate others with childishness that it's time to leave. I might not like or agree with stuff Mike Rowe says, but he's not the central problem for me.
If you want to gossip, discuss private lives, and act like a goofball, fine. We all do it. But for crissakes, take that s**t somewhere else. Like I said, I'm not here to preach or boast of my perfect behavior (which would be total balderdash), but suggest that this kind of stuff contributes a crazy bad dynamic to a public fan board.
I used to have a lot of fun here. And for awhile, I tried really hard to ignore the c.rap and find some good left here. But I couldn't, so I gave up.
It's us members that have made the MB the way it is. The 'sides' as I see them are Positive and Negative contributors. More and more of the posts have become bickering sessions that cause an environment which has discouraged many not to return.
That's certainly true, Judy. Personally, I've had my not-so-shining moments just like anyone else. A lot of us have. But it's when people do nothing here but claim turf, brag, and isolate others with childishness that it's time to leave. I might not like or agree with stuff Mike Rowe says, but he's not the central problem for me.
If you want to gossip, discuss private lives, and act like a goofball, fine. We all do it. But for crissakes, take that s**t somewhere else. Like I said, I'm not here to preach or boast of my perfect behavior (which would be total balderdash), but suggest that this kind of stuff contributes a crazy bad dynamic to a public fan board.
I used to have a lot of fun here. And for awhile, I tried really hard to ignore the c.rap and find some good left here. But I couldn't, so I gave up.
Megan
So, who decides who is claiming turf, bragging and isolating others? Who would that leave?
If we can't gossip, discuss private lives and act like a goofball, what does that leave? Who determines what is gossip, private life discussions and goofballisms?
If you're not having fun... then why did you come back?
I'm not trying to be snarky... I'm just trying to find out if I'm supposed to leave.
Originally posted by oyster: Megan, if I remember correctly, are you the one with hairy legs?
Oh my goodness, Jenny. That was absolutely hilarious. The things we remember about each other. Wait! I have to quit laughing before I continue.
Okay. Hello Jo and welcome. It's too bad your experience here has been less than delightful. This place, like any other, has positives and negatives. I've been here almost nine months and I have found much more positive interactions than negative and that is what I'm choosing to focus on.
I've made friends here, had wonderful conversations here, learned a lot here, and laughed my fool head off. I've hit some rocky spells, but forged ahead anyway.
I believe mikerowe is the real Mike Rowe (warts and all) and producerdave is the real Dave Barsky (warts and all). I appreciate their participation on this message board as well as anyone else from the crew. They do give us, those that watch the show, something back by posting here and I thank them for that.
This place isn't perfect, but on a scale of one to five, I would have to give my last nine months here a steady four/four and a half.
So, who decides who is claiming turf, bragging and isolating others? Who would that leave?
If we can't gossip, discuss private lives and act like a goofball, what does that leave? Who determines what is gossip, private life discussions and goofballisms?
If you're not having fun... then why did you come back?
I'm not trying to be snarky... I'm just trying to find out if I'm supposed to leave.
Fleur
Oh for crying out loud, Fleur, where are you getting the idea that I'm trying to weed this place out? As it's been made inescapably clear, any and all are welcome. I'm just SUGGESTING that, if the environment is to improve, people will need to take the more private stuff out of this, a public space.
By "acting a goofball," I mean the petty, negative stuff, not having fun and enjoying yourself, and dare I say, acting a bit silly.
To me, and a host of others evidently, the gossip and pettiness is obvious. You don't have to look far to find it.
I have no clue why you're asking me whether or not you should leave. I find that pointless. You do what you want to do, but if stuff gets nasty, don't be afraid to ask why.
As for me? I returned for a bit because I had some input to provide; perhaps this was also another vain attempt returning here in hopes things had improved.
It's us members that have made the MB the way it is. The 'sides' as I see them are Positive and Negative contributors. More and more of the posts have become bickering sessions that cause an environment which has discouraged many not to return.
That's certainly true, Judy. Personally, I've had my not-so-shining moments just like anyone else. A lot of us have. But it's when people do nothing here but claim turf, brag, and isolate others with childishness that it's time to leave. I might not like or agree with stuff Mike Rowe says, but he's not the central problem for me.
If you want to gossip, discuss private lives, and act like a goofball, fine. We all do it. But for crissakes, take that s**t somewhere else. Like I said, I'm not here to preach or boast of my perfect behavior (which would be total balderdash), but suggest that this kind of stuff contributes a crazy bad dynamic to a public fan board.
I used to have a lot of fun here. And for awhile, I tried really hard to ignore the c.rap and find some good left here. But I couldn't, so I gave up.
Megan
So, who decides who is claiming turf, bragging and isolating others? Who would that leave?
If we can't gossip, discuss private lives and act like a goofball, what does that leave? Who determines what is gossip, private life discussions and goofballisms?
If you're not having fun... then why did you come back?
I'm not trying to be snarky... I'm just trying to find out if I'm supposed to leave.
Fleur
You only leave if you chose to do so yourself Fleur. It's your decision. It's the one right we all can agree on for any of us. People can come and go as they please. Me, myself I must be either stubborn as a mule, morbidly curious or a bit crazy. Of course I could be here because I still try to stay a fan of the show. And like being around people who see themselves as fans too. Still thinking that one through.
Bragging? I think we all know what that is and when we see it. Gossip is usually the dissemination of personal information for conversational purposes. Usually done by those who either really know or are just guessing. It's more than often done privately by a select few. Like a chat and not so much a message board. When done in front of others not in on the gossip it's done for effect. I'm well aware of how things run. Don't ever expect for one moment more positives to out shine the negatives. Such is the nature of things. Even Disneyland ain't Disneyland all the time. I know the enlightened ideal is that we are all one group. Sadly I am afraid this not so true. There is noticeably different agendas about. That wouldn't be actually so bad if a little more grace was doled out with them. But it's not always. And yet it could be.
, when I see him on talk shows you can tell how happy and grateful he is and I don’t believe he is acting. Yes of course these guys are making the big money, but I am happy for them, and as long as they keep up with the great entertainment I will always be a Dirty Job fan.
