I’m sure you have heard the saying ‘it takes all kinds’. Certain elements of this rich palette are on regular display during my broadcast, but only a day spent over my shoulder could fully exemplify the outrageous breadth of these individual hues.

More so than an individual’s demeanor or specific behavior, I find myself in awe of the diversity of impressions that different people take away from the same catalyst. There can be, and always is with anything unique, a wide array of opinion amongst those exposed to such a catalyst. The response will always run from greatly enthusiastic support, all the way to its antithesis, wrathful scorn. Different people have all had different experiences, and have been told or taught different things. Everyone has a filter that mirrors or represents the net of all their experience. How the catalyst hits their unique filter determines that persons impression, and then there judgment.

All though I have been told “you’re not doing it right if no one is getting angry”, clearly the balance and proportionality is key. An interesting thing about the business that I’m in is that when about 85% of radio listeners don’t listen to you, your show is wildly successful. Because that statement may read a little weird I will state the inverse: if you have a “ratings share” of 15% percent you are kicking ass and almost assuredly in first place in the city. I would think that would be a surprise to a lot of folks. I point it out to underscore the immensity of diversity in the (radio listening) population.

While my thinking here is not a recent epiphany, my move in March to WCMF has brought these concepts back for consideration and review. Although I am clearly aware of this diversity of judgment, in a ‘real-time’ exercise like my radio show, I can still be baffled when the contradictions roll in. I think I can say and not sound like I am bragging, that there are moments of ‘high impact’ on my show. Whether it’s some prefabricated bit, or a call from one of the regulars, the result for some listeners is hysterics. It is not too uncommon for someone to tell me that they had to pull over because they were laughing so hard. Then, from time to time, someone will call a couple of minutes later, after hearing the same damn thing, and complain or bitch. It’s amazing. While their peers next to them on the same express-way are tearing up with laughter, they say “why did you put that on your show dude, that sucked and was stupid. Play more Loverboy”. While I feel compelled to respect that person’s filter, I can still be glad it’s not mine.

It’s an ideal scenario, and one I would think we all strive for, to enjoy one’s work; to think that you might still do it, even if you did not need the money. Okay, maybe with money to burn I’d go down to part time and spend more time tooling with old cars or sitting at the piano. The point is I enjoy my work, and that’s because I stick to my own filter and my personal sensibilities. I’m a Ford Mustang guy, so why would I own a Trans Am? By the same token, why would I tell a joke that I didn’t think was funny or was not original to my thinking, in hopes that you would think it was funny? It’s not genuine. I think the difference between genuine and generic shows pretty clearly. A lot of people who have jobs like mine download their daily packet of jokes from their web-service. They play it safe. They take the easy route. And while they never incense anyone, they never compel anyone to feel a bond or sense of respect for them either.

On my first day broadcasting on WCMF, truly seconds after my voice first sounded, the multi-line switch board filled to capacity and stayed that way for much of the day. I disclose that not to boast, but to show my immense gratitude. To think that so many people from my former station made nothing short of an appointment with me for a Wednesday Afternoon is indescribably flattering. That outpouring of loyalty is unprecedented, and made for one of my most personally gratifying days in broadcasting. It’s nice to be shown you’re doing something right.

As I have brought my act to WCMF, a bunch of cool folks have really rolled out the welcome mat for me. Of course, there are a few that make it clear that they ‘just don’t get it’. Admittedly, if you have got a certain type of filter you could find all this obtuse. You know what? I’m okay with that. If we all liked the same things, we would all drive a light blue four door sedan, wear a parchment sweater and listen to Glen Medeiros. My mission: go to work and have fun! The reciprocal result is a great many of you having fun right along with me, and us endearing ourselves to one another all along the way. I take great satisfaction in this ‘community’ we have fostered. It wouldn’t be the same without YOU.

-Robinson