Comments on: Jumping the shark, or What gives a wine writer staying power?

By: steve

steve — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:35:15 +0000

Thanks for being a sorta fan, Mark.

By: mark bunter

mark bunter — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 04:14:20 +0000

Steve
I have fun pulling your chain. I hope you sense my tongue placement- in my cheek, obviously not up your keester, or poking out in your face (Tibetans notwithstanding). OK, usually a little in your face. That’s because you have the courage to post your opinion, which sometimes gets me. So does Gary. I don’t know Gary. I didn’t work with Gary. You’re no Gary. Much to your credit. I admire your taste in wine writers. Probably because I share it. Your opinion, like Berger’s, may court objection. It is, however, based on reason and experience. Gary V. may be a great person, I don’t know. I don’t wish to make any ad hominem criticisms. All I can say is I still read your column sometimes. Gary’s like Rush Limbaugh, bankruptcy, restraining orders, DUIs, divorces, or losing the rent at a blackjack table in Reno. Once was enough for me. Oh, yeah, I forgot high school. Signed, a sorta fan.

By: tom merle

tom merle — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 16:21:54 +0000

One of the draws of over-amped Gary V is his rough-around-the-edges, belligerance wrapped in a warm persona. He connects with all those young consumers who lack the polish, the savoir faire, the literacy that has historically been associated with the World of Wine. The Jancis~Gary WLTV show or the Martha~Gary TV show underscored this. “If I, an outsider, can make it you can make it” resonates, even though many of us wince when he peppers his commentary with terms like “douche bag” and similar crudities.

Because he lacks finesse, decorum, and education that goes beyond street smarts, he’ll stay a novelty. His liquor store will thrive because of its pricing (due in part to Gary’s vaunted bargaining skills) and its association with a celebrity (someone who’s famous for being famous). Without civility you tend to stay at the margins in society. Assimilation is the normal route, and Gary is a first generation immigrant. His son will probably wear a bow tie

By: Dylan

Dylan — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:56:54 +0000

I wish you had included the famous clip that started it all with Fonzie. That’s right, I’m young, but not so young that I didn’t grow up watching Nick-at-Nite.

I’m really glad one of your points was continuing education. I’ve always believed it’s not enough to rest on the laurel’s of any past accomplishment. Four years of college doesn’t mean you’ve learned all there is to know in any field. If any of us truly want to excel in our industries and goals we need to keep an open mind–by accepting we know nothing, we can know everything.

As for Gary, I grew up in the town where I watched him change that tiny liquor store into the Wine Library it is today. We can all point at one section of a person’s life and question them, but it’s not the big picture. We’re always allowed to stumble. It’s just a matter of what Steve hinted at–staying power is just making sure any downs are always followed by one more ups.

By: Tish

Tish — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:01:28 +0000

Gary is a rock star. And all of wine is better off with him, for two reasons:
As everyone who watches him for 30 seconds knows, he’s got charisma + knowledge + passion. And, as the good doctor points out, Gary is totally interactive.