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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