This week's interview is with Barry Enoch Newsdesk
who writes the blog Barry Newsdesk .
Thank you for the interview, Barry
A very warm welcome to you and your followers
who writes the blog Barry Newsdesk .
Thank you for the interview, Barry
A very warm welcome to you and your followers
Here's the first of the standard questions. Why do you blog?
I blog for a whole host of reasons, chief among which is my innate generosity. I have always been generous, even as a nipper back in Lincoln. Mum, for whom my feelings of love are stronger than the magnetic forces that enshroud and retain the globe in atmosphere, always used to say ‘Barry, you’ve got a generous spirit, but sometimes you’ve got to look after number one’. I feel the world would be a poorer place without the words of Barry Newsdesk.
I blog for a whole host of reasons, chief among which is my innate generosity. I have always been generous, even as a nipper back in Lincoln. Mum, for whom my feelings of love are stronger than the magnetic forces that enshroud and retain the globe in atmosphere, always used to say ‘Barry, you’ve got a generous spirit, but sometimes you’ve got to look after number one’. I feel the world would be a poorer place without the words of Barry Newsdesk.
(That's what I like - a touch of modesty! - a man after my own heart!)
What's the story behind your blog name?
When I started out on the road to blog superstardom back at the start of 2009 with my first post, Hello Blogosphere, I was at a crossroads in my life. The recession was kicking in and I had been forced out of my fulltime sales job. In truth, this was the best thing that could ever have happened to me. I was coasting through life really, I wanted a new challenge. I thought that there was something noble in the dying art of journalism, so I decided that I would become the voice of News. Citizen Journalism is the future of the newsdesk – and my name is Barry.
(Both interesting and a touch sad about the redundancy which brings back painful memories to me - I think your first post deserves more than zero comments! I suggest we all read it and make a comment now . . . . after your comment on this roast! I've just done it)
What is the best thing about being a blogger?
There are so many great things about being a blogger. The hours, the enormous salary lol ;-) In all seriousness though, the best thing for me about being a blogger is receiving the adulation of my followers. I sometimes think that I know how it must felt to be Jesus Christ having people hang on my every word.
(Hm! Not sure if any of us really know how He felt, but a good answer)
What key advice would you give to a newbie blogger?
It won’t surprise you to learn that I’m regularly asked for advice from would-be Blogstars. One of my most loyal and favourite followers, Mess (a French Chelsea fan, but I don’t hold it against him), was so inspired by Barry Newsdesk that he took it upon himself to create a blog. I remember telling Mess early doors that it didn’t matter than no one appeared to be reading his words or indeed that no one appeared to really care about his views – he just needed to keep on blogging and as sure as night follows day, people would start following his blog. I was wrong, it turns out, no one bothered and in the end he gave up. So, I think the advice that I’d give a newbie blogger now is to take some time out to evaluate whether you’ve got what it takes to storm Castle Blogodron – and if you’ve not got it, cut your losses and set up a Twitter account.
(LOL - It does take a long time to storm Castle Blogbodron. The best way is to visit and to comment on other's blogs. Alas I cannot devote sufficient time to this these days.)
What is the most significant blog post you've ever read?
I assume that you mean the most significant post I ever read that was not by me? If I had to pick one then I suppose it would be one by my most significant blogging advocate Mr London Street . Getting a name check on his blog results in a guaranteed hit rate boost, an increased number of followers, and for me I also ended up getting a spot on The Sunday Roast.
The most significant thing that he has written was the second time Breaking the news. That was the week that Blogged, in as many weeks that he awarded yours truly a gong on his brilliant series That Was The Week That Blogged.
What is the most significant blog post you've ever written?
There are so many contenders for the crown that it is impossible for me to judge on a purely qualitative basis. However, on quantitative basis the most significant post I wrote was when I blew the lid on the impending separation of Cheryl and Ashley Cole, entitled Cheryl Cole Dumps Ashley. I beat all of Fleet Street’s finest to the scoop, and the story went viral across a number of celebrity and Chelsea football club forums generating thousands of hits and an unprecedented number of comments. Ironically, it was one of the fastest posts I’ve ever written, but then they say it only took Michael Jackson five minutes to write Billie Jean.
If you were to suggest two blogs for roasting who would you pick, and why?
The first blog I would pick is From Little Acorns by Donna. She’s a long time blogger, although I have to note she’s not been very active since January 2010 – so maybe a roasting would do her good. That’s not why I’m picking her though, I’m picking her because she was the first fellow blogger to follow Barry Newsdesk way back in January 2009. See my post, Another Follower.
What's the story behind your blog name?
When I started out on the road to blog superstardom back at the start of 2009 with my first post, Hello Blogosphere, I was at a crossroads in my life. The recession was kicking in and I had been forced out of my fulltime sales job. In truth, this was the best thing that could ever have happened to me. I was coasting through life really, I wanted a new challenge. I thought that there was something noble in the dying art of journalism, so I decided that I would become the voice of News. Citizen Journalism is the future of the newsdesk – and my name is Barry.
(Both interesting and a touch sad about the redundancy which brings back painful memories to me - I think your first post deserves more than zero comments! I suggest we all read it and make a comment now . . . . after your comment on this roast! I've just done it)
What is the best thing about being a blogger?
There are so many great things about being a blogger. The hours, the enormous salary lol ;-) In all seriousness though, the best thing for me about being a blogger is receiving the adulation of my followers. I sometimes think that I know how it must felt to be Jesus Christ having people hang on my every word.
(Hm! Not sure if any of us really know how He felt, but a good answer)
What key advice would you give to a newbie blogger?
It won’t surprise you to learn that I’m regularly asked for advice from would-be Blogstars. One of my most loyal and favourite followers, Mess (a French Chelsea fan, but I don’t hold it against him), was so inspired by Barry Newsdesk that he took it upon himself to create a blog. I remember telling Mess early doors that it didn’t matter than no one appeared to be reading his words or indeed that no one appeared to really care about his views – he just needed to keep on blogging and as sure as night follows day, people would start following his blog. I was wrong, it turns out, no one bothered and in the end he gave up. So, I think the advice that I’d give a newbie blogger now is to take some time out to evaluate whether you’ve got what it takes to storm Castle Blogodron – and if you’ve not got it, cut your losses and set up a Twitter account.
(LOL - It does take a long time to storm Castle Blogbodron. The best way is to visit and to comment on other's blogs. Alas I cannot devote sufficient time to this these days.)
What is the most significant blog post you've ever read?
I assume that you mean the most significant post I ever read that was not by me? If I had to pick one then I suppose it would be one by my most significant blogging advocate Mr London Street . Getting a name check on his blog results in a guaranteed hit rate boost, an increased number of followers, and for me I also ended up getting a spot on The Sunday Roast.
The most significant thing that he has written was the second time Breaking the news. That was the week that Blogged, in as many weeks that he awarded yours truly a gong on his brilliant series That Was The Week That Blogged.
What is the most significant blog post you've ever written?
There are so many contenders for the crown that it is impossible for me to judge on a purely qualitative basis. However, on quantitative basis the most significant post I wrote was when I blew the lid on the impending separation of Cheryl and Ashley Cole, entitled Cheryl Cole Dumps Ashley. I beat all of Fleet Street’s finest to the scoop, and the story went viral across a number of celebrity and Chelsea football club forums generating thousands of hits and an unprecedented number of comments. Ironically, it was one of the fastest posts I’ve ever written, but then they say it only took Michael Jackson five minutes to write Billie Jean.
If you were to suggest two blogs for roasting who would you pick, and why?
The first blog I would pick is From Little Acorns by Donna. She’s a long time blogger, although I have to note she’s not been very active since January 2010 – so maybe a roasting would do her good. That’s not why I’m picking her though, I’m picking her because she was the first fellow blogger to follow Barry Newsdesk way back in January 2009. See my post, Another Follower.
(I've just checked on Donna's From Little Acorns and she has moved her blog to a Wordpress address, knitsamadworld.)
I’d also like to give an honourable mention to Jennifer Walker . She does not have a blog that I know of, but she was my first follower – and everyone remembers their first don't they? I was inspired to write a post to celebrate my first follower, entitled A Follower.
The second blog I’d like to mention is Mr Baldy’s Lymphoma Fun . Created in 2008 by an old school friend of mine Richard Wildman. It chronicles Rich’s battle against cancer. Sadly, it was a battle that Richard did not win. But his blog stands the test of time. For anyone interested in finding out more about non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and reading Rich’s often hilarious take on the world – get yourself over to the site. Clearly, Rich isn’t really in a position to respond to the questions posed on The Sunday Roast but his lovely wife Sam is keeping the blog and Rich’s memory alive.
(Thanks Barry for your recommendations . . . . and I will visit Sam as well.)
Pick three things you can't live without (no you cannot have ice cubes to cool you down)
My Mum – for whom my feelings of love are well documented on the pages of Barry Newsdesk.
Cobra Beer – it’s not gassy, that’s the secret.
Blogging – without which there is little point.
If we were to make a movie about blogland, what would it be and who would you cast in the leading roles?
It’s be a remake of Citizen Kane called Citizen Journalist. Written, directed and starring Barry Newsdesk.
(WHAT! No part for ME!)
If you could live your life again who would you be, and why?
I’m not sure I understand this question. Are you asking me which famous person from history I would like to be or whether, given another bite at the cherry, I would change my approach in order to be a different person?
If it’s the former then that’s easy, I’d be Brian Clough, if it’s the latter, well, that’s easy too – I wouldn’t change a thing!
(I really liked Brian Clough. He should have been the England Foorball Manager of that era.)
You have been given a wonderful talent from above. This causes you to make your mark on humanity and be world famous. In which area would prefer: a best selling novelist, a brilliant artist, a gifted musician, a fantastic singer, a charismatic leader, anything you choose, and why?
When I started reading this question I assumed that it was going to be statement of fact since I believe that I really do have a wonderful talent and am making my mark on humanity ;-)
The second blog I’d like to mention is Mr Baldy’s Lymphoma Fun . Created in 2008 by an old school friend of mine Richard Wildman. It chronicles Rich’s battle against cancer. Sadly, it was a battle that Richard did not win. But his blog stands the test of time. For anyone interested in finding out more about non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and reading Rich’s often hilarious take on the world – get yourself over to the site. Clearly, Rich isn’t really in a position to respond to the questions posed on The Sunday Roast but his lovely wife Sam is keeping the blog and Rich’s memory alive.
(Thanks Barry for your recommendations . . . . and I will visit Sam as well.)
Pick three things you can't live without (no you cannot have ice cubes to cool you down)
My Mum – for whom my feelings of love are well documented on the pages of Barry Newsdesk.
Cobra Beer – it’s not gassy, that’s the secret.
Blogging – without which there is little point.
If we were to make a movie about blogland, what would it be and who would you cast in the leading roles?
It’s be a remake of Citizen Kane called Citizen Journalist. Written, directed and starring Barry Newsdesk.
(WHAT! No part for ME!)
If you could live your life again who would you be, and why?
I’m not sure I understand this question. Are you asking me which famous person from history I would like to be or whether, given another bite at the cherry, I would change my approach in order to be a different person?
If it’s the former then that’s easy, I’d be Brian Clough, if it’s the latter, well, that’s easy too – I wouldn’t change a thing!
(I really liked Brian Clough. He should have been the England Foorball Manager of that era.)
You have been given a wonderful talent from above. This causes you to make your mark on humanity and be world famous. In which area would prefer: a best selling novelist, a brilliant artist, a gifted musician, a fantastic singer, a charismatic leader, anything you choose, and why?
When I started reading this question I assumed that it was going to be statement of fact since I believe that I really do have a wonderful talent and am making my mark on humanity ;-)
(Love it!)
Actually, I’d like to be a world-class footballer since it would enable me to make millions of pounds doing something I love and have sex with an almost limitless supply of beautiful women. Or, maybe I’d be a pornstar, which would enable me to have sex with an almost limitless supply of beautiful women without having to not drink heavily on a Friday night.
Actually, I’d like to be a world-class footballer since it would enable me to make millions of pounds doing something I love and have sex with an almost limitless supply of beautiful women. Or, maybe I’d be a pornstar, which would enable me to have sex with an almost limitless supply of beautiful women without having to not drink heavily on a Friday night.
(Pity I played Rugby!" LOL)
If you were an ice cream cone, which flavour would you prefer and who would you most want to lick you?
Cones are not normally flavoured – but putting my pedantry aside, I’d say raspberry ripple and Maria Whittaker circa 1985.
Describe in one sentence your perfect day.
Being woken up naked by Jo Guest and Maria Whittaker pouring champagne over each other’s naked bodies after a night out at Crazy Larry’s at 2:00pm in The Premier Inn near Wembley Stadium with Notts Forest and Derby County due to slug it out in the Cup Final.
If you were an ice cream cone, which flavour would you prefer and who would you most want to lick you?
Cones are not normally flavoured – but putting my pedantry aside, I’d say raspberry ripple and Maria Whittaker circa 1985.
Describe in one sentence your perfect day.
Being woken up naked by Jo Guest and Maria Whittaker pouring champagne over each other’s naked bodies after a night out at Crazy Larry’s at 2:00pm in The Premier Inn near Wembley Stadium with Notts Forest and Derby County due to slug it out in the Cup Final.
(Now Barry, this is a family show - you'll get me shot and besides I doubt if my 'ticker' would stand seeing the Maria Whittaker URL you gave me. Even my computer would not let me see it! LOL)
If you were a fictional writer which one would you be and why?
Adrian Mole since he was a simple lad from the East Midlands who gained fame, fortune and popularity by pouring his heart out to the world.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
I soiled myself on a date with Fat Alice. Double whammy.
If you were a fictional writer which one would you be and why?
Adrian Mole since he was a simple lad from the East Midlands who gained fame, fortune and popularity by pouring his heart out to the world.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
I soiled myself on a date with Fat Alice. Double whammy.
(You're joking! LOL. What did she say?)
And finally if you have answered all these questions I invite you to ask me one in return - it's the least I can do. OK fire away!
What is your fav type of crisp?
(Great question and very discerning of you to ESP that I like crisps!! . . . . . and I still don't know after eating zillions of bags, or should I say contents of crisp bags. I eat them so fast I ask myself, "What flavour was that? Cheese and Onion? Salt and Vinegar? Plain? Oh well I'd better have another one and before I know it bang goes another 26 bags! Actually I think Salt and Vinegar! Forgive me I must pop downstairs to get a bag of crisps . . or two . . . . . or ten!)
And finally if you have answered all these questions I invite you to ask me one in return - it's the least I can do. OK fire away!
What is your fav type of crisp?
(Great question and very discerning of you to ESP that I like crisps!! . . . . . and I still don't know after eating zillions of bags, or should I say contents of crisp bags. I eat them so fast I ask myself, "What flavour was that? Cheese and Onion? Salt and Vinegar? Plain? Oh well I'd better have another one and before I know it bang goes another 26 bags! Actually I think Salt and Vinegar! Forgive me I must pop downstairs to get a bag of crisps . . or two . . . . . or ten!)
Thank you Barry for your interview - now a quick look at your blogsite screen. I see you have not posted for a while.
What is your fav type of crisp? Where did that come from? We've dealt with it! Salt and Vinegar of course! . . . . computers!!! . . why don't they listen?
__________________________________________________
Today's Sunday Roast with Barry Newsdesk is the 124th in a
weekly series of interviews with bloggers from around the world. __________________________________________________
This interview will feature in The Roll of Honour
for all published Roasts. To view press HERE
________________________________________________
Today's Sunday Roast with Barry Newsdesk is the 124th in a
weekly series of interviews with bloggers from around the world. __________________________________________________
This interview will feature in The Roll of Honour
for all published Roasts. To view press HERE
________________________________________________
That was a fun read, Barry and Eddie! Thank you for that!
ReplyDeleteAlways good to know new people that I haven't come across before. Must go over to Barry's to introduce myself!
Maggie X
Nuts in May
Hey Barry Newdesk! I have missed him for a while. Thank you for bringing him back! I enjoyed his posts but somehow he had dropped off from my radar.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. Enjoyed every bit of it and looking forward to continue my subscription!
Barry is readable on pretty much any subject and this captures him at his very best. I love how Eddie's questioning has teased out Barry's innate modesty... quite brilliant.
ReplyDeleteSomething weird happened yesterday. Barry's Roast was posted on Friday and I did not notice it until a couple of hours later. Now Friday is a little early for a Sunday Roast so I whipped it off PDQ (Pretty Damned Quick. Now Blogger cannot cope with this sort of thing - it has a severe dose of tunnel vision because the roast post remained on our side bars even though it was changed to a draft again.
ReplyDeleteThis caused great confusion because some people clicked to see Barry's Roast and it was not there!!
I apologise that the culprit was non other than me because I schelued the post with the wrong date. Another senior moment!
Hope you come back to read it!
Eddie
I LOVED this Roast!!! What a crack up and enjoyable read. I didn't know Barry before this. Thanks for the intro. I'm off to read more.
ReplyDeleteHope you're feeling great Eddie. Happy weekend,
jj
Has anyone seen Barry?
ReplyDelete"Barry! come out of hiding! your roast is live." LOL
You've uncovered a gem here, Eddie. I visited his place, read a few, and enjoyed them greatly. Good job!
ReplyDeleteI wondered if this roast would be in true Barry form. He didn't disappoint!
ReplyDelete