Great Read from Pat Cullen

Yeah lol I'm holding on. I like stories of 4x4 driving before gps and other contraptions, interesting one is a Jardine crossing on a home made raft. We have friends that did the crossing many moons ago, one walked with a shot gun in their hands. Oh the way it was.

Shaun, between Pat and Bear, I reckon you're watching too much tele lol.

There's been plenty of posts on Pat and his programs which has given me the opportunity to lift some text from my last response in POST 82379 (this is the link).

I suppose peoples opinions (including mine) are often driven by their current position within the 4x4 lifecycle/lifestyle they are in. I think I explain it below. If you enjoy it. Good on you.

"There's been quite a few posts on "Mr 4x4's" television series, mostly expressing disappointment at the content and the blatant infomercial style of the program. You have to remember that he is a journo and this is how he makes his living. Everything he drives, tows or uses is provided under commercial contract and the advertising that is implicit with such partnerships drives the content of the show. In a sense you could say that he is actually providing a service much like this site in that he is providing information to the public and it is targeted to an audience, namely the less experienced outback traveler. For example, my step dad loves it but then he drives a Disco and his idea of 4x4 is engaging the diff locks to get her up on the bark garden so mum can wash it for him. The show does give him opportunity to view products related to the 4x4 industry that he wouldn’t ordinarily be exposed to and on the rare occasion, he gets some brief glimpses of the great Australian outback (between the info spots for ARB products and the Nissan). Personally I would rather watch repeats of “Neighbours” than Pats efforts which is akin to having your eyes put out with red hot knitting needles. It keeps Pat and his kids in big hats and custom drizabones though."


Actually, I'm probably jealous that he's turned my passion into an income stream.

My 2 cents worth only. Cheers Mick

"Actually, I'm probably jealous that he's turned my passion into an income stream."

I know I am.

Take his shows for what they are, light entertainment.
The video production is quite good and he does get to some spectacular country.
Yes its infomercial but he does let the target audience know whats available and has some useful travelling and 4x4 tips as well.

Plus he gets to travel all over the country with his family and get paid for it, who wouldnt do this if they could?

Good luck to him.

Hey Mick,
Love reading your blogs, find them very informative too.
IMHO you seem to be quite a dab hand with a camera and a not too shabby journalistic streak .So why shouldn't you make a few bucks out of these talents.


ob

All I mentioned was the enews .

I did tell you to hold onto your seat? He he

yep

Hi Mick O I watched Pat Callinan for the first time last night on One HD, I have been watching the pictures for the last 6 weeks on a big screen in the office but it has no sound. I will have to agree with you after sitting down and watching it un interrupted by work? I can not believe the amount of advertising. He talked about a trip into Kakadu which we have done this year so I was very interested, he would have spent no more than 5 – 10 min on Kakadu he did not do it justice. When he does a product talk he only quickly brushes over it.

I think he is trying to cover too much in one show, I suppose he has to satisfy all of the sponsors?

There you go Shaun. As I said mate, it's horses for courses. He'll appeal to a certain audience who won't mind being exposed to all that advertsing. For others, theres nothing much in it. It's purely infomercial stuff.

Cheers Mick

Norm Needham is an absolute Gentleman I have the pleasure of spending a few good weeks in the bush with!