"Watch as these guys reel in their lines with fresh paint on them. They usually bring in their paint covered anchor ropes and go home" Quotes from the Batting Cleanup article in the new issue of STS.

This is one of your favorite tricks to pull on downstream fishermen while fishing from a boat? I hope this was your idea of humor??? If it's not a joke, I now understand why people get tires slashed and windows broken at boat launches. I would hope that a man who has the attention of the fishing public would use his position with a little more responsibility than this. If your just goofin, Say so.

My copy says just kidding after that phrase. Think about it, do you really think this was serious? Relax.

Hey, novel idea....RT, how about you keep poor jokes like that on this board where everyone knows your "type" of humor and keep it professional in the magazine?
Frankly, its a shame to even suggest such things as some idiot just might do it.....the power of suggestion. THANKS RT!

Hey GB,
Sounds like you haven't fished in a while. You're all stressed out....See...we ''Fisherman'' like to kid around every once in a while. Come on in, the water's fine!! :p

Waaaaaaa! Waaaaaa! Waaaaa! Did you guys all get together and try to find the MOST PETTY THING IN THE ENTIRE WORLD to get pissed about. Learn to take a joke and quit being such a bunch of whinning little sissies.RT jokes around a lot, and anyone who frequents this board knows it. If you don't appreciate the joke then fine, but there's no need at all to go off on some kind of a rant.

[ 11-29-2001: Message edited by: Bob ]

OH NO!I didnt know you were joking I already tried it. on the bright side it worked yellow seems to work best.

Yes Cracker, I was goofing around. And it was a poor example of attempted humor by me. I usually have more of my brain working than that, and come up with better stuff. My appologies to anyone upset by it.

But be assured that it's very unlikely that any cracker that can read would actually subsequently go out and pour paint in the path of other fishermen's boats. I wrote right after it that 'now you know I kid around'. I still would like to have that one back though. Give my column another chance, and I know you will see an improving novice columnist.

By the way, before your thread here, I posted a thread called "STS Dec./Jan. issue in the mail - read from Bob Ball and Superfly Joe in my column". I was critical of myself about this thing already; and vowed not to repeat such lame stuff. I will bring it back toward the top of the page for you to see. Thanks for your patience.

RT

By the way, if you look back a few posts, RT apologized to anyone who was offended by his humor in STS. READ before posting.

Hey RT, thanks for making me look like a horses ass who didn't READ before posting. You posted about your apology at the same time I was posting for others to read it.

Oh wow!!! You mean you weren't kidding Steve? Gosh I'm just dumb enough to try something like that. The power of suggestion you know! I wonder if it's like jacuzzi jet power. Hey Gummi aka Bill get a life dude!

Troy (Spooled), I've posted about the same time as others a few times too, and wound up repetitious. Should we form a "Horse Asses" club? Naah, someone somewhere would probably take it the wrong way.

Guys, I don't know RT from other than reading what he posts here and in STS. There is however a very valid point made: as a person in a position of "authority", in RT's case, a writer in a well known fishing magazine, whatever he says is taken seriously. He puts it here on the BB, and most of us know he is just emu'ing around . Put it in a forum like STS, and the joke goes right over the heads of some of the readers. RT called it earlier, and tried to retract his attempt at humor, but the deed was done. So give him a freakin break. I know how it is to have every blasted thing you say taken as verbatim due to my position in the Army. We're only human-so lighten up!!

RT haven't had a chance to pic up the new STS yet....only go to town once a month for flour, salt, bacon and other necessities. Anyway when I first saw this post my immediate thought was you were using an environmentally safe biodegradeable emu oil based paint as a chum slick. Sorry for being an arsehole for jumping to conclusions.

BTW don't we all love them first time postin lurkers who introduce themselves by bustin on someone.

Gooose

RT, if we do start that club, I will be elected President for life. Good one Aunty M. Did someone say RT was a peson in a position of authority? That's a good one too!

Wow after witnessing the cheap shots on ifish chat tonight and on other fishing forums I think everyone needs to take a chill pill and I'm including myself. Yeah what a great thing it is to come on a new BB and your first post is to ream someone Gummi Bear.

Geez, I guess it's just not my night tonight. Maybe it's the full moon? Stew just informed me by phone that I was chopped up on that chat forum tonight, mostly by Jennie's live-in Bill Hedlund (apparently Gummie Bear?). Bringing up the stuff about the lame STS joke is one thing (somewhat deserved), but among other incorrect inuendos of his, he also accused me of being someone on that chat acting like a jerk tonight; and said he'd have Jennie check out the IP numbers of those logged onto it. Good! Because they will find out that I not only wasn't on there tonight but also haven't been since leaving that website! When you get that jerk's IP's be sure to e-mail him/her, and warn not to do it again. And warn the others that there may be imposters trying to discredit people on that particular chat forum! With such strict rules to ward off site criticism on your BB, how about doing the same via registrations for your chat too? Hmmm.

RT

RT: I think you're finding out pretty quickly that it definitely requires a thick skin to survive as a columnist in any publication. Someone out there is always going to take a potshot.

It sure would be nice if some people could let go of the past, too. We can learn from history, but it doesn't have to be dredged up at every opportunity. Just ignore them - they will eventually go away.

John

Thanks for the kind words of wisdom John. I agree with you, and I am trying. But it keeps appearing in my face somehow. I will try harder, and find a way to aquire a thicker skin. Take care. - RT

RT, I knew your paint gag was just a joke, but you are definately held to a higher of scrutiny as a public figure published in a respected magazine. For the record, my issue does not have any just kidding disclaimers after the "joke".

Not only do people read things out of context, some idiot may just do it! There are some real neanderthals out there that are probably loading up their "low vis oil based" flourescents right now and snickering to their cousin Jethro "that RT feller has sum reely gud ideers".

What I really want to know is, where was your copy editor? Doesn't anyone proof read your work? I can't believe they would let you go off on your own. Don't they read your posts here? They at least have to check the spelling!

Pitch Pocket makes one good point; namely, where is the copy editor? The lack of professional editing is a consistent failing of STS, which is an otherwise good and useful magazine. Too bad.

[ 11-29-2001: Message edited by: Thumper ]

AuntyM, Thanks for your cheap shot insult. You just don't seem to read or remember my other posts. I'll be sure to send you an email each time I post somewhere here so you can see it. Or maybe I should ask your permission before I post here. I don't think I was the first one to show up in this thread anyway, you beat me to it.

I am not criticizing RT as others, including yourself have here (unless your suggestion that RT abuses perscription drugs and sniffs paint to get high was a joke). I was making an observation regarding how I believe public figures are held to a higher level of scrutiny.

The Jethro thing was a joke, apparently lost on you.

My real question was regarding the editors function at the magazine. You'd think they would have some say as to the content of the articles submitted. Or maybe you don't.

Aunty, You are going way overboard here. Please point out the cheap shot in my post. Unless you have relatives named Jethro, why would you have such a hard time seeing the joke? All jokes should have a little graemlin?

Also, please point out and explain the criticism in my post. I don't see it. Your post was critical of me wasn't it? It's ok for you to be critical?

But hey, if you want to make this thread all about me, lets go. I'm flattered.

By the way, if you really want to know what I've posted, just do a search on my registered nubmer 2073. I may not comment on every thread, but most of my posts are fishing related. Try to do a little factual research before you make generalized negative statements about me in print.

[ 11-29-2001: Message edited by: Pitch Pocket ]

Stew, was surprised to hear you say you were on ifish chat last night.
I know its hard to "really" leave that site but try a bit harder cause it just doesnt look good for your stance. If you go there, you project the image that you still support it. Just my opinion. And no, Im NOT Bill H. Ive been around for a long long time and dont care how many fricken posts someone has, just as long as they can express their opinion too. Thats the freedom you love about this site, right?
Now, would you like a glass of water to wash down that foot??

It's pretty egotistical to assume that everyone knows RT and his brand of humor. I don't know this guy from Adam. Fact, there was no clue in the STS article to suggest that it was not serious, hell I would take the hemorrhoid tip has being more of a joke before the paint tip. An apology is fine for the people that read this board, but believe or not, not everyone reads Bob's BB. Unfortunately, for RT it was irresponsible journalism and a correct apology and explanation would be better served in the next STS issue.

Fish4steel,
How is R.T. in position of authority??????He's just an average every day guy that likes to write
articles and B.S. on fishin board's.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE
P.S. I didn't see the authority that you must see.

Pitch', my favorite critic - let me quote the part of my article to you here, in case the ink rubbed off in your mag paragraph:

"You can then also use another of my favorite tricks - from above several other boats, dump out a few gallons of low vis oil based paint right in line toward the boats below. You will have more fun with this than sneaking into fish hatchery ponds! Watch as these guys reel in their lines with fresh paint on them. They usually bring in their paint covered anchor ropes and go home. Just be sure that if they look up river in your direction that you are pretending to be wiping paint off of your lines too, until they leave. ... OK, now you know I joke around a bit, eh?"

"OK, now you know I joke around a bit"

Pretty obvious to all, even those with an RT chip on their shoulder! Then you turn around and hypocritically say to Aunty "Unless you have relatives named Jethro, why would you have such a hard time seeing the joke? All jokes should have a little graemlin?" ... He's C&R'd again Marsha .

Double Haul, my appology about the tasteless joke has already been sent into STS, asking it be an addendum in my next column. Not much more I can do - but to keep learning as I've mentioned. As far as editing me and other columnists, they are reluctant to do that - prefering to give you the author as themselves. Same with articles, except in really substantial cases.

Has it all been covered satisfactorily now?

RT

[ 11-29-2001: Message edited by: RT ]

Note to self: send resume to STS for potential editor position

Strikezone, RT is being offered up by STS as an expert able to factually write about fishing in a respected fishing magazine. Assuming he is paid for his articles, he is a professional writer. That elevates him above normal everyday guy at least when he is writing about fishing. He has an extraordinary responsibility to be level headed when he communicates to the general public within his expertise.

Even though he jokes around here alot, he is not a professional comedian and STS is generally not a comedy magazine. This ill-advised joke is just that, ill advised. He has admitted as much and apologized for it.

I would expect the next issue to have a few negative letters to the editor, along with a retraction and apology, as some guy reading the magazine in the Great Lakes area won’t necessarily know RT’s sense of humor as we do.

I personally like RT’s fishing articles in STS so far and look forward to them since he has been published there. Tough spot RT, I wish you the best.

Dudes need to relax!!! Fishing and humor go hand in hand. RT please quit apologizing to these freakazoids trying to change your journalistic style. The venerable Ed Zern never did and neither should you.

P.S. Thanks RT for making me laugh as I sat on the sh!tter.

peace out..................

RT, the ink must have rubbed off in my magazine because there is no "OK, now you know I joke around a bit" where you said. I'd be happy to fax a copy of the page to you if you give me your fax number. If it is not in my magazine, how many others were printed and sent out without that little disclaimer?

Yes, the "relatives named Jethro" comment was a bit of a bite, but if "Marsha" is going to shoot a barb up my a@@, she's going to get it back. Nothing hypocritcal about that at all.

Tell me, do yu al thank I wur sereeus bout Jethro? Geez, you guys are sensitive little flowers aren't you? Alot of dishing out, but little tolerance.

OMG! What petty bullsh#t! And let's not talk about being held to a higher standard just because he has the respect and attention of the fishing public! We as AMERICANS lost the right to use that one when we failed to oust Bill Clinton from office! If the President of our United States can spend our tax dollars going to parties, getting blown by his intern, and then sticking a CUBAN CIGAR right up in her, pulling it out and then smoking it! Well......... I think RT'S little joke was pretty damn tame, even if he is held to a higher standard. Give me a break you morons.

Jethro?

-Austin Powers

I don't know RT. From the posts here, he seems like a reasonable enough guy. I, for one, instantly figured out that the paint thing was a joke, and I don't know anyone here. Even if I did not realize the joke, I have enough common sense to not pour paint in the water, and I would hope that anyone who has the brains to pound sand would feel the same. I suggest that it is really the responsibility of any citizen to figure these things out, even if someone does make a stupid/illegal/immoral suggestion.

To try to claim that RT has a higher responsibility because he is a professional writer seems a little extreme. If he was a noted columnist for a widely read, highly influential publication such as Time, Newsweek, or maybe even Outdoor Life, maybe one would have a case.

But as near as I can tell, RT's contributions are occasional, to a publication with narrow readership, whose journalistic standards are, in my opinion, low to non-existant. (no offense intended to you, RT, I am referring to a set of observations regarding poor editing, and some worthless, self serving articles in the past, not yours).

As such, I don't think it is fair to try to hold him up to be some figure worthy of hero worship, who therefore can't have a brain f_a_rt in public without getting skewered.

And even if the post was a bad idea, jeepers, was it worth this much high blood pressure? For crying out loud, people, we are in the middle of the best salmon and potentially steelhead fishing any of us can remember, and we're arguing about a bad joke? As Ron Weasley said of Hermione, "(You've) got to sort out your priorities!"

I'll be thinking about y'all on the river tomorrow.

Hey Pitch Pocket, Double Haul, and Cracker, I know this is gonna come as a surprise, but those stories in tabloid magazine like the National Enquirer probably aren't all for real. Yeah, they are written by people who get paid money for writing, but that doesn't mean they are based on fact, although that one out now with the 80 year old smoking monkey looks pretty real. (Please note the wink indicating a joke.)

Disclaimer: Any resemblance to any person living or dead, is purely coincidental. Harmful if swallowed. Keep away from open flame. Keep away from children. May cause death or injury. Knife may be sharp. Boat may sink if operated in an unsafe manner. Keep hook away from eyes. Do not eat lead. DUH.

Silver hilton, Maybe your right, after all it is RT (jk ok?). But people here, including myself, hold RT and his contributions to this board in pretty high regard. Maybe not hero worship (unless your talking about the sandwich type), but certainly respect. Except for his post about the two level bobber stop, (another jk ok?) he gets quite a following to his posts.

I do think you have to be careful about what you say when you are published in a public magazine, even as lowly as STS. On the other hand, they let Steve Duin write for the Oregonian so maybe.......... (another jk ok?)

Otherwise, it was an obvious attempt at humor. Any bonehead that actually pours paint in the water should be prosecuted as ignorance and blind following of their favorite fishing writer is no excuse.

As for the Harry Potter reference, I haven't seen it yet. Tom has not yet sent the movie tickets I won.

Heeeeeeeey GB

The "Dude"

[ 11-29-2001: Message edited by: Fishndude ]

Pitch', I hadn't seen the new issue yet. Now I find out that somehow someone in the office there omitted that key sentence of "OK, now you know I joke around a bit". That changes this situation. Nick is out of town this afternoon so I e-mailed the exact copy of my original column transcript to office manager Lorraine. It has that sentence right there in my transcript. She said she'll look into it and they will print a retraction type statement in the next issue. But that leaves me out there looking silly until the next issue. Oh well.

RT

RT

That being said, I think it's time to put this one to bed.