Opinion

In praise of myself

As you know I am often taken to task for daring to present an opinion that clashes, for being foolish enough to put an argument that conflicts, and often I see that criticism as fair. But for reasons that are blatantly obvious on this blog, criticism from soccer suckers, tattooed idiots, Ulysseans, rottwielders and, pre 2010, four-wheel-drivers is never worth taking to heart.

You will have an opportunity this week to add to the load of criticism, because at this stage every year I write of what I see as my highs and lows of the year and invite your concurrence or otherwise. Today I write of my highs for the first half of the year, and please feel free to applaud or condemn my choices, to add to the list, to subtract from the list.

The columns and blogs I have in my list include: the alcohol at the teenagers' roadside shine (15.2), an abbreviated marriage not being necessarily a failed marriage (22.2), free chooks a better option that Lake council's $1800million food-waste bin (1.3), the mobile gnomes who are Ulysseans and their boilers (24.3), dining with dogs in Newcastle (16.4), keeping children and yourself left on Fernleigh Track (14.5), and the ethics of pet shop's selling pups and kittens (2.7). Tomorrow I look at the second half of the year, at least so far as the columns I'm prepared to own up to.

So, have I got it wrong, again?

Posted By: Jeff Corbett on 20/12/2011 3:00:00 AM | Comments (54)

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Local comment from the NSW Hunter Valley and the more distant additions is what makes this opinion column visiting regularly.

It is even more exciting when you manage to hit a local hornets nest and they come here to have a go at stinging you.

Apart from the number of comments, have you been able to measure page hits and even advertising revenue clicks from each of your blog pieces?

Posted by Laurie Brewster maclaurie@hotmail.com Video Skype aussie9999red www.maclaurie.com, 20/12/2011 3:31:29 AM, on The Herald

The boffins here measure such things, Laurie, but they are of no particular interest to me. I know that some of the columns (or blogs, to use the online term) that have attracted the most readers have produced unusually low level of comment. I agree, I too find the range of responses and opinions interesting.

Posted by Jeff Corbett on 20/12/2011 7:50:42 AM

Ulysseans - I think your criticism of them was unfair.

I wish everyone a safe and happy festive season - I have boxing day off, but otherwise I will be happy to see all the travellers that call in over the season - I love seeing everyone in a festive mood - kids beaming little faces and telling me who and where they are visiting - it's a terrific part of customer service!

Cheers - take care.

Posted by Kurri 'n Rose, 20/12/2011 4:01:07 AM, on The Herald

We're here for a few more days, Rose, so don't leave us yet.

Posted by Jeff Corbett on 20/12/2011 7:51:35 AM

Nah your doing a sterling job, what is point of an "opinion" piece if you don't voice an opinion. Sometimes it hits a raw nerve, but I look forward to the replies from your regular respondents, some are absolute crackers (Scott Hilliard, the Judge and even Moron). But it is equally enjoyable to see the interest group that is opined to bombard the writer with abuse (the soccer/football hooligans piece jumps to mind).

Posted by old fart, 20/12/2011 6:20:42 AM, on The Herald

The fat bikers column certainly stirred up an entertaining hornets nest . 5 stars!

Merry Xmas everyone

Posted by Crazyivan, 20/12/2011 6:43:32 AM, on The Herald

I think you are spot on most of the time. You prick at the absurdity of the way we live all with our overinfalted sense of entitlement especially those dog owners. I have seen houses where thousands of dollars have been spent and a dog lounges on the leather sofa, shits on the plush pile and drags its itchy bum across the tiles. Dogs are laughing at us and don't mention having lunch where a dog has cocked its leg on the table uprights. We are all mad and thanks Jeff for pointing it out so well. Get stuck into xmas gluutony and greed Bah humbug.

Posted by Tilda, 20/12/2011 7:31:52 AM, on The Herald

The Ulysseans Jeff was your crowning moment. The Hunter's most provocative columnist had the desired result. Or did you go too far? Have you ever been so successful that an Apprehended Violence Order was required for your protection?

Posted by old boy, 20/12/2011 7:36:14 AM, on The Herald

Over the years I've been threatened a number of times, a couple of which were relayed to the police, and I've been assailed in a threatening way two or three times in the street or another public place, but the great majority of people, 99.9 per cent, who approach me are pleased to meet me and I'm pleased to meet them.

Posted by Jeff Corbett on 20/12/2011 7:56:01 AM

one of my favourite posts of the year is -- "I never park next to a 4WD that will need to be reversed out of the park. Always assume the driver is a woman. You can get a good indication if it is regularly driven by a woman by checking if the corners of the front bumper bar bear the scars of many scrapes." any guess who posted this ?

Posted by catlocker, 20/12/2011 7:44:41 AM, on The Herald

Gotta be worth an Ernie, eh catlocker! My wife, by the way, can't drive her LandCruiser into or out of a spot even faintly tight unless a passenger is giving her a running commentary of how the left side is faring. Scary.

Posted by Jeff Corbett on 20/12/2011 7:58:50 AM

Generally speaking, I think you were boring this year. I think you have mellowed with age.

Posted by judgedredd, 20/12/2011 7:57:38 AM, on The Herald

But what about my columns on pitbulls and their owners, judge?

Posted by Jeff Corbett on 20/12/2011 7:59:49 AM

One of the most surprising topics was sampling food before purchase. You certainly got under moron's skin.

Posted by old boy, 20/12/2011 8:07:47 AM, on The Herald

Ulysseans has to be your star piece. 3 weeks short of running for 3 months!!

I hope you all have a happy & safe Xmas & New Year.

Posted by tina, 20/12/2011 8:26:12 AM, on The Herald

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