A home for those who love almost everything about The Ticket (1310 AM, 96.7 FM, Dallas-Fort Worth), and who would like to discuss -- respectfully and fondly -- their thoughts on how (and whether) to eliminate the "almost."
I'm thinking about making my first ever journey to Ticketstock tomorrow. After 13 years of listening it might be time to see what all the fuss is about.
If I go before the Timewasters (just because I can't stay that late) is it worth the trip?
I'm considering going (as in previous years), but the truth is, I hate crowds, and I have no one to go with. Ticketstock doesn't seem like the kind of thing you attend alone. I really would like to see the Timewasters, though.
I kinda feel the same way. Not sure. Never been and only briefly poked my head in on a couple of remotes. Interested in seeing what kind of vendors have booths, what the crowd looks like. Not that interested in the TW or the athletes.
Wonder how much it costs to sponsor a booth? Would The Ticket allow a My Ticket Confession booth next year? Fun to think about. I could give out Plainsman T-shirts.
This isn't about Ticketstock, but I have a confession to make.
BaD Radio is and has been my favorite show on the Ticket for many years. I even record their entire 3.5 hours on my TuneIn Radio app so I can listen at night. Unfortunately, I think they have had 2-3 weeks straight of really lousy shows. I know they love the hockey road trip, but WAAAY too much hockey talk for an entire week, constant "aggressiveness" segments where they've been replaying the same audio over and over for months, and the multiple segments of homer calls have become immediate punch-outs for me.
@ Douglas Sutherland (Oh, you're back to being Douglas now?) I think it isn't worth a trip if you leave before Timewasters unless you've always wanted to watch live radio...
@ Shaggy You might have a point, especially if you're not interested in hockey. These are dead times in the sports world with the beginning of spring training and months to go before hockey or basketball play-offs.
The aggressiveness segment has become watered down. They were all trying really hard to hear something that wasn't there regarding Norm and JJ Barea's entries.
@Christy I always sign in with my google account and for some reason it's set to my full name.
I've never been to any huge Ticket event; namely Ticketstock and Summer Bash. Most of us on here are loyal P1s and are lukewarm on these events if we've even been.
So who goes to these? Are they huge dedicated listeners, people looking for a good time, or people who happen to live around the area and somehow get wind of it?
The only big Ticket event I've been to is Summer Bash because of its proximity to my area. My impression of it was that it was probably 15% P1s, 35% people who've listened to the ticket before and the rest were hangers-on or people who just happened to be in the vicinity of Sneaky Pete's. I base those percentages entirely on what I noticed about the crowd's reaction to the Time Wasters -- how many sang along with Sweet Hardline; how many seemed to get in-ish jokes; reactions to the on-air personalities walking through the crowd, etc. I might be completely off, but it seemed to me that about half the crowd were very Ticket-aware and the rest were enjoying the beer and music. Not that there's anything wrong with either of those things...
I think I might side with Grumpanon on the ego thing. I'm hoping you were joking about the MTC booth; I'm sure you were because shirts with your fake likeness on it would be more self serving than anything Corby has ever done.
Also how would you keep your anonymity? Dress as The Unknown Comic? Buckethead perhaps?
Anyway I'm (pretty) sure that was a total joke, but it was kind of a "look how popular I am" joke. Wasn't it?
If you'll review my response to Grumponymous, you'll note that I pleaded "guilty" to the ego accusation.
I mean, jeez -- this is my 270th post on a single radio station. Anyone who offers that kind of content is obviously going to think he/she has something to offer that readers aren't finding elsewhere. If that's ego, well, yeah.
You're right, the booth was a gag. Mrs. Plainsman would never stand for an investment like that. However, if I were a wealthy person and able to put up such a booth, you may be certain I would hire beautiful women to staff it (another reason Mrs. Plainsman would not be on board) and you'd never see me.
However, the booth/t-shirt idea was not itself an ego gag. I probably really will start taking ads on this site, kind of like The UnTicket, and the booth/shirt idea related to simply getting some pub and more hits, and thus more ad revenue.
But if I run out of topics, or repeat myself too much, I'll shut 'er down. The Nation won't have to tell me when it's time to go.
I went on Saturday around 3 or so. It was not what I expected. In retrospect I approached it the wrong way. I wasn't aware that all the special events were segregated in rooms down the hall; it reminded me of meet the teacher night. And given my crippling shyness I didn't want to go into any of those rooms and converse with Ticket personnel knowing full well that they were required to be in there and would be waiting for me to shut up and leave as soon as I started beating them over the head.
I didn't stay too long, mainly because I had my wife and (very) young daughter with me, and I felt uncomfortable being there with them. I was in the wrong mindset, through no fault of The Ticket, and I just don't think Ticketstock and things like it are for me.
It also reminded me that 1) These guys are true professionals. I'm sure casually talking to your pre determined friends while hundreds watch you talk is pretty difficult, and the roundtables do them so seemlessly. They're just kind of in their own world, and that's super interesting. My totally anti-sports wife even enjoyed their benter. And 2) Most of us listen to The Ticket more than we socialize, so in the back of our minds, The Ticket hosts, because they're so down to earth and casual, become one-way friends. And then you go to an event like this and realize that like it or not, these guys are celebrities. Even people like Grubes, TC, Killer, Jer, etc. are celebrities amongst the enormous P1 demographic.
It sounds really silly that after watching Ticketstock one could have those kinds of emotions considering The Ticket doesn't keep their success a scret by any means, and there are businesses created just for the P1, but I suppose seeing that entire event and thousands of people on some Saturday afternoon really drives the point home.
I'm obviously a bit late to make any suggestions since the event has passed, but reading through these comments compelled me to chime in. I can finally confront my guilt for not attending. I had the entire weekend available, nothing else to do and Plano isn't that far from me. Yet I too, like others commenting here, decided to sit this one out.
I guess I'm just a tad bit glad that other P1s share my trepidation. I honestly felt like I was missing my own birthday party by not going, but my urge to not attend, as usual, got the best of me. The crowds and loneliness are the typical factors, but the one comment about them all being celebrities is what really hit the nail on the head with me. I know this event is supposed to be all about me the P1, but my feelings are that it over-inflates the hosts who I normally regard as "regular guys" who happen to be on the radio. There is that one-way friendship, but in my opinion Ticketstock ironically doesn't further that bond. I don't want to endure lines and stand in a crowd to see my "friends." I wouldn't for my regular buddies, so why for them? When you take a moment to think about it, the only guy here who's truly worth any of your time and effort is Gordo. I think I would be correct in saying that man has great talent. Everyone else is meh in comparison, except maybe Grubes.
I attended last year and that experience supports the above. I love The Ticket so very much, but let's face it if I'm not more famous than them do they really care if I'm there? I know I'm a spare, but to be a spare among these guys? I've even been to remotes where I was the only P1 to show and still I felt like a spare.
I love sports but rarely go to games, love movies but wait for dvd and love The Ticket but no longer check out their events. If those first two describe you then the third probably does also. My approach is try to be happy with limiting your involvement to the radio and blogs like this and your Ticket bond will remain strong. These guys have their own circle and as much as you feel you belong, they don't.
Yours was an exceptionally well-written and thoughtful comment. I was going to respond, but I think it raises some very interesting issues that deserve a separate article. I may quote from your comment when I write it.
Well thank you for taking the time to respond even though I commented on an old post. You are really on top of things! I look forward to reading your take on it.
I'm thinking about making my first ever journey to Ticketstock tomorrow. After 13 years of listening it might be time to see what all the fuss is about.
ReplyDeleteIf I go before the Timewasters (just because I can't stay that late) is it worth the trip?
I'm considering going (as in previous years), but the truth is, I hate crowds, and I have no one to go with. Ticketstock doesn't seem like the kind of thing you attend alone. I really would like to see the Timewasters, though.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Are the lines as bad as I've heard?
-Anon B
I kinda feel the same way. Not sure. Never been and only briefly poked my head in on a couple of remotes. Interested in seeing what kind of vendors have booths, what the crowd looks like. Not that interested in the TW or the athletes.
ReplyDeleteWonder how much it costs to sponsor a booth? Would The Ticket allow a My Ticket Confession booth next year? Fun to think about. I could give out Plainsman T-shirts.
This isn't about Ticketstock, but I have a confession to make.
ReplyDeleteBaD Radio is and has been my favorite show on the Ticket for many years. I even record their entire 3.5 hours on my TuneIn Radio app so I can listen at night. Unfortunately, I think they have had 2-3 weeks straight of really lousy shows. I know they love the hockey road trip, but WAAAY too much hockey talk for an entire week, constant "aggressiveness" segments where they've been replaying the same audio over and over for months, and the multiple segments of homer calls have become immediate punch-outs for me.
It's depressing--get back on your game, boys!
@ Douglas Sutherland (Oh, you're back to being Douglas now?) I think it isn't worth a trip if you leave before Timewasters unless you've always wanted to watch live radio...
ReplyDelete@ Shaggy You might have a point, especially if you're not interested in hockey. These are dead times in the sports world with the beginning of spring training and months to go before hockey or basketball play-offs.
The aggressiveness segment has become watered down. They were all trying really hard to hear something that wasn't there regarding Norm and JJ Barea's entries.
1) It's too far out of the way for me and 2) I'm like a lot of P1s in that if I don't have someone to go with, I don't want to go alone.
ReplyDelete@Christy I always sign in with my google account and for some reason it's set to my full name.
ReplyDeleteI've never been to any huge Ticket event; namely Ticketstock and Summer Bash. Most of us on here are loyal P1s and are lukewarm on these events if we've even been.
So who goes to these? Are they huge dedicated listeners, people looking for a good time, or people who happen to live around the area and somehow get wind of it?
Plano's far.
The only big Ticket event I've been to is Summer Bash because of its proximity to my area. My impression of it was that it was probably 15% P1s, 35% people who've listened to the ticket before and the rest were hangers-on or people who just happened to be in the vicinity of Sneaky Pete's. I base those percentages entirely on what I noticed about the crowd's reaction to the Time Wasters -- how many sang along with Sweet Hardline; how many seemed to get in-ish jokes; reactions to the on-air personalities walking through the crowd, etc. I might be completely off, but it seemed to me that about half the crowd were very Ticket-aware and the rest were enjoying the beer and music. Not that there's anything wrong with either of those things...
ReplyDeleteThe Timewasters are really good and really entertaining in m opinion.
ReplyDeletePlainsman, you know I love you, right?
ReplyDeleteRight?
I think I might side with Grumpanon on the ego thing. I'm hoping you were joking about the MTC booth; I'm sure you were because shirts with your fake likeness on it would be more self serving than anything Corby has ever done.
Also how would you keep your anonymity? Dress as The Unknown Comic? Buckethead perhaps?
Anyway I'm (pretty) sure that was a total joke, but it was kind of a "look how popular I am" joke. Wasn't it?
Doug:
ReplyDeleteIf you'll review my response to Grumponymous, you'll note that I pleaded "guilty" to the ego accusation.
I mean, jeez -- this is my 270th post on a single radio station. Anyone who offers that kind of content is obviously going to think he/she has something to offer that readers aren't finding elsewhere. If that's ego, well, yeah.
You're right, the booth was a gag. Mrs. Plainsman would never stand for an investment like that. However, if I were a wealthy person and able to put up such a booth, you may be certain I would hire beautiful women to staff it (another reason Mrs. Plainsman would not be on board) and you'd never see me.
However, the booth/t-shirt idea was not itself an ego gag. I probably really will start taking ads on this site, kind of like The UnTicket, and the booth/shirt idea related to simply getting some pub and more hits, and thus more ad revenue.
But if I run out of topics, or repeat myself too much, I'll shut 'er down. The Nation won't have to tell me when it's time to go.
PS: I didn't mean to suggest I was about to terminate the site. Still got a few STDs in the hopper.
ReplyDeleteBetter see the Doc and get a shot of penicillin stat!
ReplyDeleteDid anyone go? And if so, how was the crowd size?
ReplyDeleteI went on Saturday around 3 or so. It was not what I expected. In retrospect I approached it the wrong way. I wasn't aware that all the special events were segregated in rooms down the hall; it reminded me of meet the teacher night. And given my crippling shyness I didn't want to go into any of those rooms and converse with Ticket personnel knowing full well that they were required to be in there and would be waiting for me to shut up and leave as soon as I started beating them over the head.
ReplyDeleteI didn't stay too long, mainly because I had my wife and (very) young daughter with me, and I felt uncomfortable being there with them. I was in the wrong mindset, through no fault of The Ticket, and I just don't think Ticketstock and things like it are for me.
It also reminded me that 1) These guys are true professionals. I'm sure casually talking to your pre determined friends while hundreds watch you talk is pretty difficult, and the roundtables do them so seemlessly. They're just kind of in their own world, and that's super interesting. My totally anti-sports wife even enjoyed their benter. And 2) Most of us listen to The Ticket more than we socialize, so in the back of our minds, The Ticket hosts, because they're so down to earth and casual, become one-way friends. And then you go to an event like this and realize that like it or not, these guys are celebrities. Even people like Grubes, TC, Killer, Jer, etc. are celebrities amongst the enormous P1 demographic.
It sounds really silly that after watching Ticketstock one could have those kinds of emotions considering The Ticket doesn't keep their success a scret by any means, and there are businesses created just for the P1, but I suppose seeing that entire event and thousands of people on some Saturday afternoon really drives the point home.
Apologies for the numerous typos.
ReplyDeleteI'm obviously a bit late to make any suggestions since the event has passed, but reading through these comments compelled me to chime in. I can finally confront my guilt for not attending. I had the entire weekend available, nothing else to do and Plano isn't that far from me. Yet I too, like others commenting here, decided to sit this one out.
ReplyDeleteI guess I'm just a tad bit glad that other P1s share my trepidation. I honestly felt like I was missing my own birthday party by not going, but my urge to not attend, as usual, got the best of me. The crowds and loneliness are the typical factors, but the one comment about them all being celebrities is what really hit the nail on the head with me. I know this event is supposed to be all about me the P1, but my feelings are that it over-inflates the hosts who I normally regard as "regular guys" who happen to be on the radio. There is that one-way friendship, but in my opinion Ticketstock ironically doesn't further that bond. I don't want to endure lines and stand in a crowd to see my "friends." I wouldn't for my regular buddies, so why for them? When you take a moment to think about it, the only guy here who's truly worth any of your time and effort is Gordo. I think I would be correct in saying that man has great talent. Everyone else is meh in comparison, except maybe Grubes.
I attended last year and that experience supports the above. I love The Ticket so very much, but let's face it if I'm not more famous than them do they really care if I'm there? I know I'm a spare, but to be a spare among these guys? I've even been to remotes where I was the only P1 to show and still I felt like a spare.
I love sports but rarely go to games, love movies but wait for dvd and love The Ticket but no longer check out their events. If those first two describe you then the third probably does also. My approach is try to be happy with limiting your involvement to the radio and blogs like this and your Ticket bond will remain strong. These guys have their own circle and as much as you feel you belong, they don't.
CA, welcome.
ReplyDeleteYours was an exceptionally well-written and thoughtful comment. I was going to respond, but I think it raises some very interesting issues that deserve a separate article. I may quote from your comment when I write it.
Well thank you for taking the time to respond even though I commented on an old post. You are really on top of things! I look forward to reading your take on it.
ReplyDelete