I don't like it.

It departs from the whole reason I come to NPR. It sounds like any other network show. Too much chit-chat, too little substance. And the impression that the only way to get a point across to people today is to say it fast and loud.

But I'll keep listening. Perhaps it'll grow on me.

Sent by Brian Tristam Williams | 1:34 AM ET | 10-02-2007

Hi Brian,

If you don't like it, you should feel free to post critiques on their blog. They've been piloting the show online for many months and seeking feedback from the public, and that'll continue on their blog. Just try to be as specific as possible, because that'll help them out more.

Sent by andy carvin | 9:29 AM ET | 10-02-2007

ial.' My bad. But I wouldn't try and back-seat-drive their gig!

Sent by Brian Tristam Williams | 11:05 AM ET | 10-02-2007

By all means, please back-seat-drive. :-) That's one of the main reasons they launched the blog - they're want users to participate in crafting the look and feel of the show. Trust me, they won't take it the wrong way, as long as the criticism is constructive.

Sent by andy carvin | 1:16 PM ET | 10-02-2007

Well, I tried - collected some thoughts after the second show and posted them on their blog, that is. But it was ignored. I think they DID take it the wrong way. Maybe I was a bit harsh :-)

Here's part of my whinge:

"I must say, I'm disappointed. I listened to Monday's show, and I'm listening to Tuesday's show now.

Firstly, I love NPR. But what your show seems to be aiming at is exactly what I come to NPR to avoid. It sounds just like another American radio network. But the train has left the station and you're probably way too far gone to have your very essence pulled out from under you. But I'll try.

- I don't care what Britney Spears is doing. And you justify telling me that, because, well, it's all over CNN. Guess why I'm at NPR and not at CNN? See what I'm saying?

- You make really lame stabs at humour and chuckle at it constantly. It's not funny at all - I'm not even smiling. You never signed up to be comedians. It comes across as extremely self-indulgent. I'm trying to listen to the info - stop with the giggling and the jokes already. Seriously, you have long, intelligent patches that I can actually listen to, and then suddenly you guys throw in a silly quip or a chuckle, and it throws me off completely.

- I liked the music segment - that makes sense. I subscribe to All Songs Considered, and I'm interested in what's new in the world of what we can hear.

- I really don't care about sport. NPR keeps this to a minimum. In fact, the only sport show on NPR that I'm aware of is called 'Only a Game'. Perfect. But you guys started Monday's show (podcast) with a long jargon-filled sports story.

- As I said on someone else's blog on NPR, you intended to go for a 'conversational' tone, but it's turning out to be too much chit-chat, too little substance.

Maybe I'll get what you're going for, so I'll keep listening - if I can put up with the bad jokes and weak puns without gouging out my eyeballs."

Think I was too harsh? Just telling it like it is!

>:|

Sent by Brian Tristam Williams | 11:35 AM ET | 10-03-2007

They definitely try too hard to be witty.

Sent by Andrew Bell | 10:14 PM ET | 01-02-2008

Forget the part about critiquing them.

I tried. They decided to ignore me. They are trying too hard to be too cool by being cool and angry. And that takes Marlon Brando to pull that stunt off.

Hey, Bryant Park: When you use the Vilage Voice to criticize the New York Times, and you get critized back...and decide to cry cause you can't finish what you started....then stay out of the criticism business.

But I did have a little fun with Sean Penn and Dennis Kucinich over there. There are some okay people at Bryant Park. They were cool. Then there are some angry people trying to make a point.

And I can hear Frank Sinatra singing 'My Way.'

So, a word of wisdom for Bryant Park: If you start something, before you start it, be sure you can finish it. Cause if you can't finish it, you look silly.

Tough is tough. Wimpy ain't.

fred camorra call

Sent by fred camorra call | 9:49 AM ET | 01-03-2008

Oh, yeah...to be fair to Bryant Park's lack of handling the fire.

Hey, John Ridley: You said white guys are afraid to debate black guys.

Well, I called you on that one. And you ran. You hid.

Don't be using the race card just because you're black and you think white guys don't have the right to respond.

I repeat, my friend, this is one white guy who isn't afraid to take on the black situation debate. Now, are you afraid of white people, John?

Okay, now I've lambasted everyone in sight...have a nice morning.

fred camorra call

Sent by fred camorra call | 9:59 AM ET | 01-03-2008

Funny how this becomes the place to talk about Bryant Park 'cos they can't take the heat.

Giving it another chance this week, 'cos I'm a Korva Coleman fan.

But yeah, the call about the Saudi woman who can drive? How patronising. "Do. You. Know. How. To. Drive?"

When they brought on the four-year-old guest musician, I pulled the plug. I can't, I just can't. Help me!

Sent by Brian Tristam Williams | 6:22 AM ET | 01-29-2008