Billy Mays, is this really national news?

[Stuart G]

I don't watch much TV. Is this guy really worth the coverage he is getting?
Seems kinda stupid to me. But I have never seen him. Was he that important?

[stopbush]

1. Wel, I've seen more of Billy Mays than I ever saw of Michael Jackson.

[The River]

2. In a Normal Society

No.
But of course we live in a media hologram that
thrives on anything distracting*.

*to avoid real news

[El Supremo]

3. Sure

It affects millions of people who have to use the volume control or mute button when he comes on TV.

[elocs]

4. Well, please post who you believe gets to determine what is "national news".

It is entirely possible that what is important to you may seem stupid to others. I am guessing that most people who have watched tv with any regularity know who he is. Importance has nothing to do with it. Recognition does.

[cherokeeprogressive]

5. Important enough to have threads started in his name at DU

wondering if coverage of his death is important.

If you don't watch TV, why in the world do you care?

[Stuart G]

8. This story seems to be odd. that is all. He pitches long commercials, that

I switch off. He is getting a lot of coverage.

[cherokeeprogressive]

11. In your OP you state that you've never seen him.

:wtf: :shrug:

[anigbrowl]

12. (pretty much) Everyone knows who he is/was.

So it's newsworthy when someone famous dies, even if they're a TV salesman. Plus, he was the last of a generation of old-fashioned 'step right up, ladies and gentlemen' sales types, who mixed up their personality with their pitches; which made him both the subject of many jokes, but also kind of quaint.

[TheCowsCameHome]

6. How do you possibly live without his gadgets?

It's inhuman to be without them.

:rofl:

[hugo_from_TN]

7. Questioning a news item you don't like, is this really a worthy post?

Think of all the bytes you just wasted.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

9. Pop culture is still culture

Ron Popeil: Pop Culture



Toni Morrison: Culture

Ain't that America, for you and me?

Ain't that America, somethin' to see, baby?

:patriot:

R.I.P. Billy.

[pipi_k]

17. Ron Popeil...wasn't he famous for the Ronco Nose Hair Trimmer?

That alone should make him eligible for Sainthood...

[damntexdem]

10. Yes -- now we know we won't be subjected to his loud voice in the middle of watching programs.

Too bad he had to die for it to happen, but I'm glad we won't be assaulted by his commercials anymore.

[rucky]

13. He's on TV as much as he always is.

it seems.

[Fire1]

14. Yeah, if you're really 'into' laundry detergent. n/t

[ecstatic]

15. I just went to CNN.com. I thought Billy Mays was the kickboxing infomercial guy

:crazy: I've never seen this Billy Mays before.

[Canuckistanian]

16. I'd never heard of him before

But then again, I never watch American TV.

[Stinky The Clown]

18. He was a well known actor in commercials

People love him.

People love to hate him.

He was the subject of a national cable show.

He was very good at what he does.

He died early, suddenly, and unexpectedly.

Some people are interested in the story.

Some are not.

Some wish to make disdainful comments about him or the news media or whatever.

It will all be over in a day or three.



I suspect you'll survive it.

[kenny blankenship]

19. He gave us sooooo muuuuchhh !!!!

What did YOU ever do?

[cagesoulman]

20. It's the most important news story of the year

if your life is built around Oxyclean.