Will Someone Please Slap Peter Carruthers???

[lisadotdash]

But Dick is extremely rude about the skaters. The only reason he isn't rude to the skaters is he doesn't do interviews. He's constantly says rude things in his commentary.

The thing that gets to me about Button is that he is SO knowledgeable and combined with being SO blunt, I find myself thinking, "explain why you are saying this." I would and I wouldn't want my kid to skate when Button is announcing, so what can you say.

 

[Pixie Cut]

The thing that gets to me about Button is that he is SO knowledgeable and combined with being SO blunt, I find myself thinking, "explain why you are saying this." I would and I wouldn't want my kid to skate when Button is announcing, so what can you say.

I think you have to distinguish between the Dick Button of 15 years ago and the Button of today. He was blunt, but he was analytical. I think most people, even skaters, can accept criticism that comes with a clear point. But just to diss without purpose is painful.

 

[JonnyCoop]

re. Dick Button: Well, he's rather the Simon Cowell of figure skating, isn't he? Or, given their relative times in the spotlight, I guess it might be more accurate to say that Simon Cowell is the Dick Button of singing talent assesment... What both Mr. Button and Mr. Cowell share is the ability to be unafraid to speak what they perceive as the truth. Tho I have to agree with those who feel that Mr. Button has become just a little more mean-spirited over the last few years. Sometimes the insight behind the nasty comment isn't even included anymore, it's just the nasty comment.

re. Tracy Wilson: I Ms. Wilson and wish we could get more of her commentary on this side of the border. I have actually learned much more about skating through her commentary (especially about Dance) than I've ever learned from Dick Button. Plus she's just such a great lady.

re. Peter Carrathurs: Bottom line is, there's a way to ask a question, ANY question, and a way NOT to ask it. You want to ask deep, probing, even uncomfortable questions? Fine. Just watch your tone when you do. It's called BASIC MANNERS 101. I realize in this day and age it's not considered a very important thing anymore, but for some of us it still matters. I'm not objecting to his "style", if you want to call it that, because I think that these athletes are hothouse flowers or too delicate to handle it, I am objecting because it's flat out RUDE the way the questions are asked. And there is no call for THAT.

 

[attyfan]

But Dick is extremely rude about the skaters. The only reason he isn't rude to the skaters is he doesn't do interviews. He's constantly says rude things in his commentary.

IIRC, Dick Button often is not at the competitions; his commentary is added later. Therefore, the skaters don't have to listen to him until or unless they decide to watch the televised version of their competion. Peter, OTOH, is rude in their faces -- secure in the knowledge that there isn't anything they can do in return. Furthermore, when he is slamming a skater for making mistakes, he is doing it when the skater is already feeling bad about a bad skate -- and kicking people when they are down is not good commentary or asking tough questions, but is only cruel. (IMO, at least)