One of my odder writing gigs was a freelance job I had from 2007 to 2013, writing for the conservative news site, Newsbusters.
 | I managed to freelance for Newsbusted for nearly six years with a pretty steady stream of humor and checks. And it was remarkable to watch how attitudes changed. John McCain was a hero to conservatives, until he wasn't. I could then submit McCain jokes once the tide had turned against him. |
I was freelancing at a couple of other venues, but money was becoming tight in 2012. I called the different venues I was working for to see if I could get a raise, more money per joke. Generally the answer was no. But my call to Newsbusted went a little further.
Initially, I got his voice mail. I explained what I was asking for. He did call me back. The conversation began typically enough. No, they couldn't afford to give me a raise. Then he flat-out asks me "You're not a conservative, are you?" I replied that I wasn't really a political creature and I basically went looking for the funny. The conversation got a little stilted after that, what with his disappointment with me not being a conservative, and soon the call ended. I continued submitting into 2013, but the die was cast. They were using fewer of my jokes. Then, finally, I got an email. They were cutting back from two videos a week (Wednesday & Friday) to one and that my services were no longer required.
I was really ticked off, but I didn't want to play that game. I simply responded to the email with the phrase "That's show business!" To me, it was the snarkiest put-down I could hit them with. Did they think they were the forefront of some amazing revolution? That they were carrying the torch of liberty and enlightenment? No, they were an internet comedy show. They mocked show business constantly but they were show business.
Initially, I got his voice mail. I explained what I was asking for. He did call me back. The conversation began typically enough. No, they couldn't afford to give me a raise. Then he flat-out asks me "You're not a conservative, are you?" I replied that I wasn't really a political creature and I basically went looking for the funny. The conversation got a little stilted after that, what with his disappointment with me not being a conservative, and soon the call ended. I continued submitting into 2013, but the die was cast. They were using fewer of my jokes. Then, finally, I got an email. They were cutting back from two videos a week (Wednesday & Friday) to one and that my services were no longer required.
I was really ticked off, but I didn't want to play that game. I simply responded to the email with the phrase "That's show business!" To me, it was the snarkiest put-down I could hit them with. Did they think they were the forefront of some amazing revolution? That they were carrying the torch of liberty and enlightenment? No, they were an internet comedy show. They mocked show business constantly but they were show business.
My final jokes. Topics like healthcare, high deficits and other things the GOP is so concerned about.
The show continued until May 2016, but not without issues. By the end of 2013, they were begging for contributions to keep the show afloat. I commented on it at the time. Nothing says "free market" like begging for donations for a comedy show. But it managed. I realize now I didn't even bother posting my last couple of videos to my blog. While "researching" these blog posts, I learned that after Newsbusted, Jodi started hosting another identical series of videos, only now it was called "News Wrap with Jodi Miller" which only lasted a month. It was awful. And pandering. But mostly awful.
Don't feel sorry for Eric Peterkofsky or Jodi. Eric started working for Bryon Allen, the richest comedian in show business. So Eric works at the hub of a vast show business empire and has happily brought Jodi along, appearing on or hosting any number of Allen's 137 shows.
And me? I'm blogging!
It's been quite the ride.
Don't feel sorry for Eric Peterkofsky or Jodi. Eric started working for Bryon Allen, the richest comedian in show business. So Eric works at the hub of a vast show business empire and has happily brought Jodi along, appearing on or hosting any number of Allen's 137 shows.
And me? I'm blogging!
It's been quite the ride.
