But Bart - I LOVE you - so disappointing to find out you hate me. Oh well.

Actually - while I think Richard is the pain in the ass and so many people on our forum complained about him that I had to ban him - (He left that part out) his first comment here is spot on.

Bart you might be surprised to find out you don't know everything that goes on behind the scenes on a podcast. I rarely bother to explain this, and realize that it's most likely a waste of time now, but here goes...

1) Most people who don't like my approach on podcasts still listen. In fact, the shows I appear on are regularly the highest-rated in iTunes in their categories. As a former broadcaster, I come from the place where a listener is a listener - love me or hate me just listen.
2) I play a CHARACTER on the show. I hate to break this to you - but radio, television, the movies - they aren't real. There is no Batman, Superman or Spiderman. Take a moment to get over that crushing news Bart. What you see and hear of me on the SHOW - yes it is a SHOW - is what I choose to share.
3) My CHARACTER on the show is built on an archetype (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archetype). It's an over-simplification of a CHARACTER. In my case, my friend Leo Laporte helped me pick Thurston Howell III from Giligan's Island as the basis for my CHARACTER.
4) The CHARACTER I play - yes I play a part in a CAST - that's how we refer to the show's hosts, is based on my true self. I did make some money in Internet One - and I am a bit on the gregarious, outgoing and loud...is extrapolated to the extreme on the show.
5) I get paid the same if you like me or don't like me, just so long as you listen.
6) I am not a member of the TWIP cast because I need friends. I am part of the show because I genuinely like helping people learn photography. That's it. No other real motive. I spend dozens of hours each week offering free tips, teaching and advice. I charge not one penny for this information. I have never begged you or anyone else to listen, nor has anyone forced you to listen. But more than half a million times a month the shows are downloaded. We must be doing SOMETHING right.

And the last point is simple - you're jealous. I have listened to countless podcasts where the hosts are asked over and over about their gear. They typically have a mid-range assortment of cameras and lenses and they talk about them - a great deal. In my case, I have all high-end equipment so that's what I talk about. If I owned and used a Canon Rebel as opposed to my 1DS MKIII, you would feel better? It's a really silly thing Bart and you should come clean with yourself at least.

When I go back and forth with my pals on the show about gear - it's all in fun. Get over yourself, enjoy the show - and by all means continue to hate me, attack me - whatever.

I am at 2331 3rd Street in San Francisco, CA USA 10-4 Monday through Thursday. Feel free to walk right in and say anything you want right to my face. Then I'll buy you a beer after I tell you what I think.

Have a nice day.