98 Responses to:
ABOUT THE COLUMN

# 1. 4/23/12 12:11 AM
The blogosphere is peopled almost exclusively by self-important idiots who can neither report nor write, and being part of that crowd makes me fear that I might actually be a part of that crowd." So when I read this, my initial thought was "so what the heck does that have to do with you?" Sure there are blogs all over the place, but people come here for what you write- and have been coming for that reason since its' inception. Second, perhaps this is impossible but it would be fun to have a column every now and then by your older kids and wife. Would love to hear how Aubrey is doing in her own words, for example.

Editor's Note: that's a good idea. let me pass the suggestion along to all the lonsberrys old enough to form complete sentences.

# 2. 4/23/12 12:20 AM by Paul Martin - Rochester NY
Bob,

I appreciate your comments in today's column. I don't feel the necessity of your comments. You have always been there for your fans, and the community at large. In today's work place, there are changes going on dramatically. I don't mind waiting till the next day to see a new column. It also gives me time to see the later comments. If the column has changed, the comments normally stop for the previous one. Keep up doing the great work you do. You speak for the people and yourself. Your comments make us think. No matter if we agree with everything or not, we think about what you have said. That's all good. Blessings to you and your family. Thank you for sharing them with us also. I feel like they are my grandchildren, etc. Waiting to hear you in the morning.

# 3. 4/23/12 12:47 AM by Lee - Alexander, NY
I enjoy reading your columns, and I enjoy listening to your show (when I'm not sleeping; I work nights). But you can only do so much. Do your job, enjoy your family, and write when you can. You have no need to apologize to anyone.

# 4. 4/23/12 1:37 AM by BIFF
I, for one, forgive you.

I used to write some columns at "Writers On The Loose," the link available right here at your column. But, like you, I've been too busy to do much of anything there.

Maybe, someday, things will get better for both of us.

Keep up the good work, Bob.

BIFF

# 5. 4/23/12 1:41 AM by Bob H. - Henrietta, NY
Bob, I work for an emplooyer on a night schedule 5 days a week. If I get up in the morning after four hours of sleep for some activity or appointment, I'll still need to get three hours of sleep in the afternoon if I'm going to be worth anything at night.

I sympathize with your schedule, and unlike the Democrat and Chronicle, which charges us 75 cents a day, and 2 bucks on a Sunday, you provide your content for free. Even if your column or someone else’s column is late, we should always be grateful to those who give away their talents to us for no charge. Everything you do is from your own generosity and time, and we are all grateful for it!

# 6. 4/23/12 2:26 AM by Steve - Rochester NY
Some tasks matter a lot. Others matter less, and still others don’t matter at all. Unfortunately, every day at work, most of us spend more than a little time on tasks that don’t matter a lot. Some of the things we do don’t matter at all – others don’t matter as much as the tasks we leave undone - which quite often includes family time. You are no exception or more important or something special as a worker. You place more worry and value on losing readers than losing evening meal time with your family. Nobody really cares if you write 5 days a week or 2. Really. Nobody cares. If there is a stale old column, readers can return the next day to see if you've put up a fresh one. You are kinda a legend in your own mind with all that you wrote. Wife and kids are where it's at in life. You said you are not willing to give up your "running." That is selfish. We do what matters to us -- running is more important to you than writing a column so you don't have to do it during family time in the evenings. You would be with your family in the evenings if you wanted to. We make sure to take care of what truly matter to us. You seem to make sure you get yourself taken care of - you matter to you, first. Wrong road, bud.

Editor's Note: actually, my first obligation to them is to be alive.

# 7. 4/23/12 3:12 AM by Andy - Provo, UT
Man, you've gotta slow down and smell the roses, Bob. And we really miss your voice out here in Utah....

# 8. 4/23/12 4:13 AM by A fan
Thank you, Bob. On my best day I do only one tenth of what you do. I marvel at your talent and dedication. We appreciate you, and value your opinion and your column.

I've heard a saying a long time ago. Beggars can't be choosers. We get high quality articles from you and appreciate every word. We true fans acknowledge your responsibilities and your dedication to your family. All the best to you, Bob. From, A fan

# 9. 4/23/12 5:25 AM
My words to my husband this weekend. I want my body to be like it was when I was 25. I could keep up the crazy pace and not think twice. I still have to keep up three jobs for a bit longer and it is getting harder and harder...

# 10. 4/23/12 5:25 AM
As usual, poor, poor Bob. Have tried to listen to your Syracuse program, but it is nothing but a rehash of what you read on Syracuse.com. Syracuse is NOT a mormon City like Utah and your holler than thou mode is a huge bore. Beating up the few people who dare call you is not entertaining or enlightening in the least.

Editor's Note: and yet ratings have doubled. weird.

# 11. 4/23/12 5:56 AM - Fairport
Bob I'm tired out just reading this.

# 12. 4/23/12 6:02 AM
I love children, but you must love them even more. Good luck as you move forward!!!

# 13. 4/23/12 6:21 AM by hunter - e. bethany, ny
Nothing wrong with two columns a week. Give up the town board.

# 14. 4/23/12 6:27 AM by fgf - Rochester
Unless you think you need this column to further your career, I would give it up and spend the extra time with your family. That is more important in the long run because it matters more how we live our life than how we write about it. Just my opinion

# 15. 4/23/12 6:29 AM by Larry - East of East Webster
Thank you for your explanation. Not that you needed one for me, but I certainly have been curious. I enjoy reading what you have to say, especially when you can generate more than 25 comments. It's your writing and opinions that bring me here but the "comments" section is very important to me. From the readers who have tasted your kool aid to the Democrat Liberal Loonies, there are many days when this is the only adult conversation that I have. Take care.

# 16. 4/23/12 6:51 AM by rjd
Hey Bob, really, no big deal. Sounds like you have way too many things buzzing around in your life anyway. Focus on the things that put food on your plate and keep you sane.

# 17. 4/23/12 6:52 AM by Skippy
I hear Barry hits it hard for about 7 solid hours a day at the White House. Shame on you Robert!

# 18. 4/23/12 6:55 AM by Paul - Rhode Island
It amazes me you are able to write a column at all with your brutal schedule. Granted, some days I read your column and wish you had taken the day off (for example if it's about religion, or your opinion of global warming). But your schedule sort of reminds me of the old saying "if you want something to get done, ask a busy person to do it".

# 19. 4/23/12 7:11 AM by Henricks Revocable Living Trust - Columbus, Ohio
Bob, Here in the Ohio I am diligent about reading your column, daily or not! You give me a boost and invigorate my mind and my desire to "live on!" If you have to hang up the column or cut it back, I'm sure most of your fans on the Internet will understand. But, even an occasional column would be great! Bro. H. :)

# 20. 4/23/12 7:11 AM
Bob,

To those of us who have followed you through the years, the paper and web and WHAM and early "Christmas with the Lonsberrys," there is no need to apologize; we understand. You do what you have to do. When you fill your Thanksgiving-style plate to heaping, it's a chore to consume. I do marvel that you're able to squeeze everything in... especially the important mind-clearing lung-burning run. Your loyal listeners and readers will remain with you.

Regarding the blogosphere, and what you so eloquently call "the intersection of narcissism and navel gazing," that's one of the reasons I refrain from writing. There are far too many "ILM" ("I Love Me") web sites and blogs. I would not put yours in that category, and so look forward to your next installment. Keep the faith, sir.

# 21. 4/23/12 7:16 AM by Rick G. - Spencerport
No need to apologize. Anyone who even occasionally tunes in to WHAM knows you have a hectic schedule.

Why not just pop up a weekly column? Who says it has to be daily? This gives you more time for your family, which ultimately should come first.

# 22. 4/23/12 7:16 AM by Tom Dey - Springwater, NY
Ah how true! Your sched sure exceeds most for maxed out. I agree with your weights and running - At 64, I exercise way more than most and consider it a "must." And for your reason - keeps me sane, fit and able to handle the other responsibilities. Too few people grasp that exercise relaxes, unwinds and tunes up the machine! Blessed sleep...like you, I deplete during the week and catch up on weekends - not ideal but lets the body and synapses recharge. Alas, WOTL has gone bloggish. I'm still hanging in there, but my quantity and quality have gone lazy. Tom

# 23. 4/23/12 7:17 AM by Poplar Beach
Bob, maybe it is just me, but it seems you are doing more national and less regional commentary on your Rochester show.(I don't usually catch the Syracuse show, but I do listen to the Recaps.)

I live 70 miles from both Rochester and Syracuse, so I enjoy the national, or statewide issues much more than the local. And if syndication is your goal, that is the way to go!

I do understand the hometown show necessity, as a long time listener I know Rochestarians are your bread and butter, and the advertisers are almost all local.

Also, try doing a show in Syracuse without mentioning SU and some other local issues, and you are might be history.

But, Rush, Beck, Hannity and the like, just seem to beat the same drums over and over and ten minutes of any of their shows is too much for me.

Your show is much more interesting, entertaining and uplifting, partly because of the local issues, but I think mostly because of your personality and formula.

How to try to go national (syndication) and keep that formula, must weigh on you like crazy.

I am waiting for the day when your show will fit every-town USA, and you only have to do one show a day!

In the meantime, if you keep missing columns, I will just keep your photo on my dart board.

# 24. 4/23/12 7:22 AM
you shoulda stayed in the army

Editor's Note: roger that

# 25. 4/23/12 7:25 AM
Stop your complaining. I do recall you saying that you would never retire? Just think about the incredulous college expenses for all those little ones.

# 26. 4/23/12 7:26 AM by Larry - Virginia
Your health has to come first. Your job and your family are important. I like your column because it often keeps me up to date on things where I used to live, and it has good insight into national issues. However, it's more important that you keep yourself and your paying work going. I can reas something else when you can't write. Keep running until you look like the guy in the ad to the left of today's column!

# 27. 4/23/12 7:28 AM
Yet you continue to take money from the delusional writers on the loose.

Editor's Note: my web partners do. the money i make comes from people who subscribe to this column, and advertising from people who click on the google ads.

# 28. 4/23/12 7:31 AM by Robbie - Greece, NY
Bob....I look forward to your column every day. Comments are a big part of my enjoyment.

# 29. 4/23/12 7:37 AM by Dave - Buffalo
Too busy to comment right now!

# 30. 4/23/12 7:45 AM by prick - webster
Bobby-boy,

Don't start a "Lonsberry family column" as suggested in the comment by #1 (and your response). If you do, then your column WOULD become nothing more than a blog.

# 31. 4/23/12 7:57 AM by Chuck
Just a matter of time before you snap.

Editor's Note: speaking of which, what's your address?

# 32. 4/23/12 8:04 AM by Mary Pat - Penfield
Not every reaction to columns has been positive. You certainly received your fair share of disgruntled comments. I love reading all sides....even liberal ones.

# 33. 4/23/12 8:15 AM by Tom - Tonawanda
Between ommercials, news and calls... a lot of down time. Can't be too difficult of job.

# 34. 4/23/12 8:26 AM by RC - Bloomington, IN
Bob - I'm going to find a way to send a donation to this fundraiser in your name. If times were different and a few different breaks in life and the world would know you as a modern day Ernie Pyle (but I've told you that before).

Fundraiser planned for Ernie Pyle site in western Indiana Associated Press April 23, 2012, last update: 4/23 @ 6:41 am

DANA — A group dedicated to preserving Ernie Pyle’s legacy as one of America’s most famous World War II news correspondents is planning a fundraiser in western Indiana. The Tribune-Star reports the Friends of Ernie Pyle are sponsoring the event May 19 at the South Vermillion High School auditorium in Clinton. The fundraiser for a museum in the correspondent’s name will feature a one-man drama followed by a Terre Haute-based troop that recreates the “Golden Age of Radio” with musical and theatrical presentations. Pyle was born and raised in Dana, a rural community in Vermillion County about 70 miles west of Indianapolis. Friend of Ernie Pyle took control of the site from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Indiana State Museum after the state closed it in 2009.

Editor's Note: i've been to this place. years ago, they let me read through some of his personal letters in the backroom.

# 35. 4/23/12 8:32 AM by Former WOTL'er
"Yet you continue to take money from the delusional writers on the loose.

Editor's Note: my web partners do."

Wow! Wait until delusional Rick G. see this.

# 36. 4/23/12 8:36 AM
Spend the time on the weekends with your kids till the schedule smooths out. You have enough old material to keep everyone entertained for a while.

And stop being embarrassed. Roll with the times. Adjusting to what blogging has become, and to what makes it so popular, might even help you out financially.

The sacrifices you're making to take care of your family and your health are admirable. Thank you for your efforts.

# 37. 4/23/12 8:37 AM by lucky wife - Mount Morris, NY
Good morning Bob, Your children need you healthy, but more than that they need you there. They will remember the times you made them the priority as much as the times you didn't. As you know from your older children, they grow up so fast. Your wife also needs you. She may have family and friends around but you are her partner in marriage and in everyday life. Just make sure you honor her. Without the marriage foundation strong, everything else will fall. I hope everything turns out ok with family and work.

# 38. 4/23/12 8:38 AM by Amy - Lyons
Beth gets fired and you get more air time. Now you are complaining. Bring back Beth.

# 39. 4/23/12 8:42 AM by Ben - Rochester
Hire a ghost writer.....Ted Nugent is probably available.

Editor's Note: i'm going to cut your head off in november, ben.

# 40. 4/23/12 8:44 AM by Mike
Bob, I think you should do this... write three columns one week (M,W,F) and then two columns the next (T,TH) - and then keep going back to and forth from three to two. No one should expect 5 columns a day - that's just crazy, and for over 10 years now... come on, the Internet is almost full anyway, help reduce the bloat.

One more thing - you are not a blogger, those idiots live and write on a whole different level, puhhlleeeeeaze.

# 41. 4/23/12 8:45 AM by Iron Mike
Our soldiers are fighting 24 hours a day in a hell hole in Afghanistan and your complaining. Man up Bob.

Editor's Note: not a bad point, actually.

# 42. 4/23/12 8:47 AM by Cal - Rochester, NY

Bob,

Keep writing! Dont let the thought police get to you! We appreciate your honesty! You are such a busy guy!

Yesterday was communist earth day, to promote their dictatorship.... They want us to buy $60 light bulbs now. From 2014, incandescent bulbs of 40 watts or above will be banned in the US. Doesn`t sound like the US to me!

Cal

# 43. 4/23/12 8:50 AM by Jimmy the Greek
You are probably just embarrassed because your boy Wimmer got hammered. I could make a ton of money just betting against your political picks....keep them coming.

Editor's Note: i think everyone knew the fix was in on wimmer, but i wanted everyone to also know that the fix was wrong. wimmer was the best candidate, but different people and entities have different priorities.

# 44. 4/23/12 8:50 AM
Channel 10 had 2 meteorologists on this morning at the same time. Talk about husteria!!!

# 45. 4/23/12 8:52 AM by Betty - Sodus
Bob...don't stop. You are the best. I look forward to your column and the comments, even Cal's.

# 46. 4/23/12 9:00 AM by Tom
Holy crap!!!

You actually do two hours of show prep. How much worse would your show be if you did nothing?

Editor's Note: ha ha

# 47. 4/23/12 9:03 AM by Marie - Pittsford
Poor Poor Pitiful Me - Linda Ronstadt

Editor's Note: remember before she got fat? she was hot.

# 48. 4/23/12 9:06 AM by Melvin
Do you shower after your run? That would save some time.

Editor's Note: no. i shower at night.

# 49. 4/23/12 9:16 AM by Diane - Utah
We all miss you hear in Utah. I listened to you and Lee and Paige every morning. My radio was set, so when I turned on the car early in the morning, I got Lonsberry and crew. I love reading your column. Write when you can, you have fans that will always check back to read it.

# 50. 4/23/12 9:27 AM by kittynana - Lewiston NY
They're not excuses. They're explanations. However, I might suggest you leave the village board. With little ones around, you need to prioritize and, to me anyway, that's a position for someone WITH time. I'm not questioning your passion. My husband would have made an excellent fire chief with our local company but he turned down the nomination because we had young kids at the time.

But remember this- coming from a 'white trash' background, you are showing all of your kids how the world REALLY works. You could have been sitting on your arse on the dole. We all understand.

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