Thursday, August 21, 2014

No Punches Pulled - What makes the outrageous, outspoken Bob Jones one of the most popular columnists in NZ?



For almost half a century Bob Jones has been writing regular newspaper and magazine columns. Each week he reaches from the pages of the NZ Herald to deliver an upper cut to the foibles, foolishness and outright fatuousness of contemporary life. 
No one is safe from his jabs: Jones has taken aim at women drivers, the obese, politicians from all sides, human organ sales, doctors of death, ladies of leisure, bludgers, the national anthem – his repertoire is extraordinary. 

It’s not his first stint as columnist for New Zealand’s largest daily newspaper. He was persuaded by current weekday editor Shayne Currie that his return would be a fine thing after a 10 year hiatus, and after Jones threatened to sue the paper for breach of copyright when they published his photos of chain-smoking mice (the original correspondence surrounding this fascinating tale has been reproduced in the appendix of No Punches Pulled).  Since his return in June 2012, Bob Jones has entertained, enraged and enlightened readers – in equal doses and often within the same 800 word column. 

According to an NZ Herald survey Bob Jones is also by far their most popular columnist.  On the Herald’s website his columns attract far more feedback, posts often numbering in the hundreds, many nodding in avid agreement, others barking their repugnance at Jones’ written word.
With such massive feedback online could Bob Jones inadvertently be picking up the role of a traditional radio talk-back host?  His columns appear to attract considerably more interaction than a morning radio show might. 

What is the secret to Bob Jones’ column-writing success?  

Is it because, in the words of one of his countless fans, ‘he speaks an undeniable truth which everyone is thinking but no one has the guts to say’? 

Harper Collins NZ - $34.99 

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