Well crud... Membership Day 1 starts off sucky

Email Print posted by MJSOL 07/29/2008 12:23:07 AM EST

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Cenk did such a nice tease for the post game show that I finally went ahead and paid for the service. I made the account first and then used paypal.

 

But now the "system" still doesn't know I am a member, so no show for me tonight. Dang that Cenk tease!

Is it perhaps because I used a different email to register than for paypal? My paypal is from an old email I don't even access on my laptop. Hullo! If anyone is out there... note the common MJSOL in both my account name here and BOTH emails!

 

Sigh.. sux 2 b m3. 

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Well crud... Membership Day 1 starts off sucky | 36 comments (36 topical, 0 hidden)
Let Dave know. He's good with these things. (none / 0)
Assuming he's back from being out of town.  I don't know how to fix your membership issue, but I have good news!  You can watch that postgame show whenever you want now on demand.  Membership has its privileges.  Welcome.

by Spencer on 07/29/2008 12:31:53 AM EST

ditto (none / 0)

same thing happened to me a couple years ago when I signed up. I emailed dave who fixed it pronto. good luck and welcome aboard soldier.

by hazmat on 07/29/2008 02:09:55 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Lont time TYT fan, but ...... (none / 0)
If you consider youself a "donor" and not a "customer" you will have less stress here.  I cancelled (again) because I can't deal with missing shows.  If the member side ran as smoothly as the free streaming, I would gladly pay - but unlike many of the latte-sipping liberals here, I think $120 a year is a lot to part with for a "sketchy at best" service.  I'm pretty sure there is some open-source software out there that TYT could use to manage/automate the business-end more effectively.  I have written over the years to give constructive criticism, but I don't know if Cenk doesn't care, or does not get these messages.  Cenk seems to be more interested in fast-tracking "be coming a celebrity" than running an effective business.  Cenk graduated Wharton business school and I expect a bit more out of an operation run by a graduate of that school.  As a business-owner and DAILY listener to TYT since the RadioPower.org/Sirius days, it hurts me to criticize something I love so dearly, but TYT is all about TRUTH and I thought I would drop some here because I'm sick of holding it back.  Suggestion: maybe you could hire an intern in charge of member relations and keeping the site running smoothly.  I really think Dave is probably overworked.

And while I'm at it, some comments on programming: the show was better with a cohost(s) and it was better when they took listener calls - TYT has some of the most insightful listeners around -- I enjoyed hearing them-- now I can only read them here.  And further: Michael Hirsch -- seriously overrated.   And finally, your avid tabloid coverage is really ironic since the U.S. obesession with fake-celebrities is a major reason that many people think politics/civics are boring.  Sorry for my dissent, but as Cenk has said before, when you love an institution a lot, sometimes you have to criticize it in order to try to improve it.

by CooLikeABird on 07/29/2008 11:49:52 AM EST

A few things (none / 0)
1. $120 a year is a great value. On average we get what, 2.5 hours of commercial free entertainment Monday-Friday (with a rare day off mixed in)?

50 hours of entertainment a month for $10? Think about it for a second, where the hell else are you going to find that kind of value? These days you can *maybe* get ONE ticket to a new movie for $10 and that movie will last 1.5-3 hours tops. That's ONE episode of TYT.

2. I'm not crazy about Cenk taking callers. Sure, we have some smart people but that's what these blogging forums are for. Maybe if Cenk did it ONE day a week on Fridays for a couple of segments it'd be fun, but there's nothing worse than day after day of callers. There are enough talks shows out there like that.

3. I like when Cenk sometimes mixes in guest co-hosts, but I really enjoy the show as is (Besides, we get a regular dose of Ana and to a lesser extent Jayar and of course Ben and R.J. Eskow).

PS---The third hour is fun. Like I said in another thread, talking straight hard politics for 3 hours can be draining and depressing. It's nice to relax a little and get up to date on the BS, besides which there are far more people who pay attention to entertainment/celebrity news out there so having some basic knowledge of it makes you more well rounded and conversation friendly.

Now, if you want to say that Cenk needs to do more shows with debates on domestic/economic issues (trade, health care, etc.) I'm with you. More guests like David Sirota, Sam Seder and Thom Hartmann would be fun. Anytime a guest challenges Cenk you know it'll be entertaining and informative.

by ihavenobias on 07/29/2008 12:40:29 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Ok, modify my last statement (none / 0)

Callers in moderation.  Maybe a call in time (Friday?) or even a call in show.  It takes no prep at all (which is why lame hosts do so much call in) and you only have to talk part of the time.

by ProfRich on 07/29/2008 12:53:00 PM EST

[ Parent ]
That's reasonable (none / 0)
I thought you meant every day take callers for an hour like a lot of talk show hosts do.

For some reason when you start taking callers you get a lot of idiots (or boring, uninsightful types) check in.

by ihavenobias on 07/29/2008 01:01:12 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Have paid in the past and willing to pay... (none / 0)
if the service works consistently.  I sit at a desk all day and listening helps to pass the time.  I've enjoyed the show daily for about 5 years through many incarnations and despite my criticisms, it is still my favorite.  That being said, if the videos / podcasts are missing, then I have to listen to the stream, so why pay?  That is my main gripe.  It's purely this operational issue on the business-end (so to speak) that made me cancel. 

My comments about the show content are obviously my personal opinions.  Hopefully feedback from all of us is welcome by the TYT staffers.

by CooLikeABird on 07/29/2008 12:59:28 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Be careful bias... (none / 0)
You'll hurt your back carrying all that water for Cenk... As for the content/format, I must agree with Rich - Cenk needs to take calls - when I get to listen live, he seems to ramble sometimes incoherntly with no one to counter him to move the discussion along - even on the live chat, people wonder what the Hell the point is...Cenk is the most entertaining when he is arguing. God I miss Jill and Ben!!! More co-hosts, more guests with a pulse and less entertainment BS and more issues - even the most tolerant of us (wink wink) are getting bored of the one man parade...:) BTW bias - 120 bucks is a lot for a product that looks and feels like its produced in Dave's basement - they could at least make the set look nicer - perhaps some plants or flowers?

by bobo1 on 07/29/2008 01:06:12 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Be careful bobo (none / 0)
You'll hurt your dong if you keep pissing in everyone's water.

You have no idea how much it costs to make a show 5 days a week for 3 hours. Why don't you try it and then get back to us with the numbers.

Hell, you could film it in the Phoenix Botanical Garden or whatever it's called, that way there'll be a ton of plants and flowers!

:)

by ihavenobias on 07/29/2008 01:41:39 PM EST

[ Parent ]
As the consumer... (none / 0)
I don't need or truly care to know what kind of money it costs them to do the show - all I know is that sometimes the product isn't up to snuff... If the show wants to move ahead, they better get out of this "garage band" mentality and spice it up - I'm sure among all of you smart "Foot Soldiers" there is someone who could help with web/set design... It doesn't need to be a Mercedes to run like one... Sometimes I think the show has hit a rut - I can imagine what might happen AFTER the election whne the news slows back down to normal! 3 hours is gonna be hell to fill then without some outside interactions... That's all I'm sayin....

by bobo1 on 07/29/2008 02:05:45 PM EST

[ Parent ]
I might watch The Bobo Show (none / 0)
Might need a few drinks but it might be pretty entertaining.

by ProfRich on 07/29/2008 02:13:10 PM EST

[ Parent ]
It's settled (none / 0)
Bobo, you gotta at least do one episode!

by ihavenobias on 07/29/2008 02:20:38 PM EST

[ Parent ]
If they cant afford decorations... (none / 0)
They sure as Hell couldn't afford my expert services!!! But if they really want me, I'll be happy to drive to LA and school you people on life in the non-Liberal-Blogosphere world - I guarantee it will be enlightening and entertaining!!! I won't get my hopes up for that call, though!!! :)

by bobo1 on 07/29/2008 02:36:04 PM EST

[ Parent ]
No (none / 0)
We didn't mean for you to take over TYT, we meant for you to have a "Bobo Show" on your own.

Again, since you like plants and flowers you can film it in the botanical gardens in Phoenix!

Just watch out for snakes and scorpions, although you could probably tie that into the show.

by ihavenobias on 07/29/2008 02:38:37 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Big talk (none / 0)
I expect to hear you call in the next time they take calls, because I'd also like to know what it's like in the "non-Liberal-Blogosphe re world". 

by Spencer on 07/29/2008 02:39:36 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Yes (none / 0)
We'd all like to know.

The question is, can I handle driving my Volvo, reading the NY Times, sipping my latte AND listening to Bobo on TYT all at the same time??

Only time will tell.

by ihavenobias on 07/29/2008 02:46:22 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Yeah (none / 0)
You know, I live in Colorado Springs (which is the liberal blog HQ for those that don't know), so obviously I don't ever hear conservatives from my commune.  bobo always shakes my fragile LSD-soaked-koombaya-singing worldview to the ground, and for that I'm ever so thankful.

by Spencer on 07/29/2008 03:05:59 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Last year I moved from Chicago (none / 0)
to a suburb 45 minutes away.

This suburb has a lot of money (ranked 3rd on Money Magazine's best places to live for 08) and it also has a lot of Republicans who only care about keeping as much of that money as possible.

There's no shortage of Republicans here.

PS--No, I don't have a lot of money. There's an exception to every rule. :(

by ihavenobias on 07/29/2008 03:08:02 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Lol (none / 0)
I can attest to what Tom says... I also live in quite a rich town without any money or posessions to speak of. Luckily I have a friend whose grandmother was kind enough to give him her house on excellent terms, and he was kind enough to rent a room to me for $500/month. But clearly my liberal blogosphere world (weirdly located in one of the most right-wing districts in suburban Chicago--- Henry Hyde's old district which the Dems lost again in '06) needs to be introduced to teh stupid by bobo.

by Weapon X on 07/30/2008 01:34:02 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Spelling kumbaya wrong (none / 0)
hopefully makes it slightly more clear that I'm joking (and also an idiot).

by Spencer on 07/29/2008 04:56:46 PM EST

[ Parent ]
That was a typo (none / 0)

Should have been:

"non-Liberal-Blogosphe re-re world".

by ProfRich on 07/29/2008 02:58:31 PM EST

[ Parent ]
I agree with everything Bias says, But (none / 0)
I have to take issue with your comment that "having some basic knowledge of it (entertainment/celebrity news) makes you more well rounded and conversation friendly."  Although, I have to admit that I get gratification talking about Hollywood, whether it's critical or positive, when you roll it up in one fat doob, you're smoking dog shit man.  It gets me high in minimal doses (such as the third hour), however, I would never call someone a less "rounded&quo t; person if they didn't partake.   

by rev24 on 07/29/2008 01:12:52 PM EST

[ Parent ]
My Only Recommendation (none / 0)
Would be for more Dave Koller in the third hour.  He doesn't have to talk about trash celebrity culture, but maybe something outside of the Huffington bubble that gets him going.  Obviously I would also like to hear him talk about entertainment and Los Angeles in general, however, I think Dave's principals allow little for that.  A little more Jesus wouldn't hurt as well. Don't take it personal Ana, I still like you.  

by rev24 on 07/29/2008 01:22:40 PM EST

[ Parent ]
More Jesus? (none / 0)

I thought we were all generally in favor of less Jesus.

Oh, wait.  Wrong Jesus.

by ProfRich on 07/29/2008 02:11:20 PM EST

[ Parent ]
yeah! (none / 0)
I like the fact that there is a variety of opinions and interests amongst the turks and always enjoy a hit of Dave and Jesus along with my Ana and Jayar.

by desertpear on 07/29/2008 03:05:30 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Instead of having it on the chat (none / 0)
I would love to see the "Dave Koller bitter Young Turks critic" segment where he simply chastises Cenk for using bad analogies (never sent that letter, sorry Dave), faulty premises and being a hypocrite, lol.

Seriously though, I enjoy Dave's viewpoints/criticisms when he offers them on chat, even agreeing half the time or so. I think it'd be fun to watch Cenk argue with him as part of a segment.


P.S.- BRING JILL BACK (and don't let Ben's head get too big to continue his weekly appearances)

by Weapon X on 07/30/2008 01:43:34 AM EST

[ Parent ]
But it's true Rev (none / 0)
The sad fact is that if you get into a conversation with a stranger they will know FAR more about the content discussed in the 3rd hour than they will about the political stuff in the first 2.

Again, sad but very true.  With that in mind I like the fact that I get the small dose (wouldn't want any more than that) of entertainment/pop culture news from TYT with political references thrown in.

That reminds me, a friend of mine who's not into sports at all came to a BBQ this weekend. Without going into detail, a lot of the people there didn't have much interesting to say or talk about so I found myself talking about sports with them (nothing else in common really).

Meanwhile my other friend sat on the sidelines and drank by himself.

Granted, entertainment news tends to go over better with women so...hey, come to think of it, what the hell are you guys complaining about? ;)

by ihavenobias on 07/29/2008 01:46:36 PM EST

[ Parent ]
I totally reject this generalization (none / 0)

"Granted, entertainment news tends to go over better with women..."

Maybe in southern California, or with girls under the age of 25.  The women I know all have careers and more important things to talk about than entertainers.  I never even know a tenth of the people you are talking about!   But then again, I live in the Pacific Northwest.  We can always talk about rain. 

Damn nobias, that sounds like a perfect opportunity to bring up guns or religion or politics!!  Just stir the pot a little and let things heat up ;)

 

 

 

by desertpear on 07/29/2008 03:02:48 PM EST

[ Parent ]
I had to say that Pear (none / 0)
to take the heat off of Cenk for being sexist per the accusations of Ms. Sklar! ;)

But seriously, come on, who do you think comprises most of the viewing audience of Extra, Entertainment Tonight, Nancy Grace, TMZ, etc.?

I agree the demographic is younger, but don't deny it's also mostly women (or girls if you prefer) and gay men.

by ihavenobias on 07/29/2008 03:04:57 PM EST

[ Parent ]
you're right (none / 0)
It is just a totally foreign world to me.  Same with pregnancy, marriage, all that crazy fringe shit.

by desertpear on 07/29/2008 03:09:15 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Callers (none / 0)

Yeah, consigning us here to the dungeons of the message boards seems a strange move while simultaneously asking us to send money to support the show.

It was better when they took calls.

by ProfRich on 07/29/2008 12:50:25 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Yes, yes, and yes.... (none / 0)
I was not arguing for an all call-in show.  Once a week would be fine with me.  I agree that callers can ruin a show - I used to listen to Joe Lyles "Pressure Points" podcast (cgradio.net) which was pretty great.  Then he got a show on his local radio station in Jacksonville, FL and started taking callers.  You can imagine what type of brain-dead bible thumping callers you get on AM down there.  Joe had no skills at cutting these people off.  It was an unbearable podcast - luckily you could skip forward.  His last couple shows had very few or no calls - much better - thank you jeebus.  So I know what you mean.

by CooLikeABird on 07/29/2008 01:12:48 PM EST

[ Parent ]
I think... (none / 0)

You could even have a show specifically for the call-in.

Make the third hour call in on certain days.

Maybe I am wrong, maybe there is so much Kardashian related news we must adhere to the five hours every week format, but I might not be.

by ProfRich on 07/29/2008 02:10:08 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Don't forget (none / 0)
Ana is in the third hour.

You don't really want less Ana do you?  I'd actually like to see her earlier in the show.

by ihavenobias on 07/29/2008 02:21:49 PM EST

[ Parent ]
I'm betting Ana can handle talking on the phone (none / 0)

by ProfRich on 07/29/2008 02:56:38 PM EST

[ Parent ]
I agree (none / 0)
Who would screen the calls, Jayar, Jesus or Dave?

by ihavenobias on 07/29/2008 03:03:11 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Well crud... Membership Day 1 starts off sucky | 36 comments (36 topical, 0 hidden)
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