Blog Note: Upcoming 'Open Mike'

Just a warning.

For those few readers who still seem to be shocked or affronted that I occasionally take an interest in things non-photographic, I should probably mention again that on many Sundays I write a deliberately off-topic post. I call these little sorties the "Open Mike." Get it? My name is Mike, and open mike means anyone can step up to the microphone and say whatever they want to...oh, so clever.

Next Sunday, for my weekly "Open Mike," I'm going to be reviewing a terrific little high-fidelity music speaker. It's quite portable, and can serve as a stellar replacement for a soundbar for your flatscreen, as a desktop system for your computer, or as a bedroom, dorm-room, or cottage or cabin speaker. It's quite inexpensive, and its value for money is off the charts (thanks, China).

Also, a few comments about the ethics of reviewing. Probably also a few comments about buying speakers, because, well, I do go on.

So now you know. And if you're one of those who don't like my posts about anything other than photography, you can skip the post on Sunday. (Every time I write about anything else I get emails and comments saying some variant of "I thought this was supposed to be a photography site.") That's one of the reasons for the not-so-clever series name: to label those posts in order to make it easy for you to avoid them if you want to.

So that's that.

Mike

P.S. Also, I'm going to do my best to take Saturday off this week. I've been saying Saturday is my day off for a long time now, but I never actually seem to be able to not work on my day off. I typically spend Saturday doing what I do every other day, sometimes from the time I get up in the morning until eight or nine at night. I really do need to take a day off every week. Even if I have to force myself. I'm going to work on that.

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Original contents copyright 2012 by Michael C. Johnston and/or the bylined author. All Rights Reserved.

Featured Comment by Hugh Crawford: "'Open Mike' has me envisioning an invasive surgical procedure. Maybe that has something to do with my friend in college, Jeff Preiss, who complained that 'Prices Slashed' signs made him uncomfortable."

Comments

[Wayne]

Personally I like the off topic posts and wouldn't more of them.

[Mike Path]

I for one like your non photo blogs and yes please take a day off. Not too many jobs require a 7 day workweek. It keeps one fresh and prevents stagnation,even in WS.

[John C]

How timely! I'm in the market for a small pair of speakers. Thanks Mike!

[Rob Atkins]

It's your blog, therefore, a chacun son gout.

Personally, I enjoy your writing, on-or off-topic.

[Ray Rischpater]

I for one enjoy the "Open Mike" posts as much as I do the photography-related posts. Keep up the great work!

[Andrew]

We have to wait until Sunday?

[Chris]

Another vote of support for the off topic posts. They're most enjoyable for this particular reader!

[Ken James]

I enjoy everything you write about, keep it up. What!! a day off? Jeez! Well, Okay . . .

[Roger Bradbury]

Mike, do take a day off every week. To reduce temptation, turn the infernal machine off the night before your day off, and turn it on the morning after. Working all the time isn't good for anyone.

[HT]

"(Every time I write about anything else I get emails and comments saying some variant of "I thought this was supposed to be a photography site.")"

Perhaps these critics would be assuaged if you spent your Saturday composing a mission statement that reaffirms your passion for blogging about photography.

You're welcome.

[Carsten S]

That is such a teaser! I have a 'real' amp and real speakers in my office, but both are cheap ebay buys and really not got, and I would love to replace them.

Looking forward to Open Mike!

[Stephen S. Mack]

Keep the off-topic posts coming fast and furious, Mike! also, DO take off one day a week for yourself. If you need to work seven days a week, 8-10 -12 hours a day, maybe you need to hire some extra help...;<) just kidding!

With best regards.

Stephen

[Friedrich]

I'm looking forward to it. I trust you, and I trust your reviews much more than the usual HiFi magazines'. And I *like* that you don't restrict your site purely to photography - after all, life is so much more than just one hobby/profession/calling. Hopefully for everyone, even the complainers.

[paugie]

Did you somehow forget to say what pair of small speakers you were planning on reviewing?

Uh, and as a pentax user, I was looking forward to the K5 review. Or did I miss it.

[Jim Henry]

You can please all of the people some of the time... or maybe not.

I almost always read and enjoy your off- topic stuff.

My advice: Keep it up and don't worry much about the people who complain - unless the complaints exceed 30% or so. Then you might consider them - but still might decide to stay the course.

[Michel]

I love gear reviews (any sort of "gear" really), especially when they are geared toward usability rather than a whole bunch of charts and benchmarks. Look forward to the speaker review.

[Jack]

Not sure I understand folks who complain about the content of anything they read voluntarily. Read it, don't read it, but don't complain. Life's too short and there are many things more worthy of complaints.

[Joe B]

Mike, I like your off topic posts, keep them coming. They have opened my eyes to a number of good things over the time I have read your blog.

I would ask those who don't appreciate the off topic posts "and how much are you paying to read this blog".

And really, take a day off!

[Bill Rogers]

@Hugh Crawford - I'm wary when a sign tells me to "swipe" my credit card. I don't like to even think about my credit card getting swiped.

[Dan Gerth]

Kirk Tuck's recent posts come to mind (thanks for introducing me to him). One of the things I love about TOP is that you make me think. Funny thing is, I don't think anything you write is "off topic" . Have fun on your day off.

[Phil]

What Roger Bradbury says. Take extreme measures if you have to. I enjoy all your posts; I don't want you burning yourself out.

[Martin Doonan]

I, too, like the OT stuff. I think if this blog had maintained a 100% photo focus, I might have abandoned some time ago. Mixing in a pile of other interesting things, other intereting writers and a focus on good writing are what keep me coming back.

[A Facebook User]

Swan M10, Mike? :-)

BTW, your posts on Audioengine and tube amps a couple of years ago started my on audiophilia. :-) It has been great fun!! Looking forward to your article next Sunday.

[]s
Walfredo

[David]

I'm the same. Love your off-topic posts. keep them coming.

[Gabe Bandy]

Geez Mike, I thought this was a coffee roasting site. What's with the photography stuff? Try to hold it down to occasional .....please

Juan Valdez

[Roger Overall]

Mike - If bloggers don't go off topic in a while, it makes it hard for their audience to connect with them. After all, we all like to feel that we have a shared interest, ambition or quirk with those that we spend time with online.

More bloggers should feel free to show their home life and other interests. It makes the ride more interesting.

I have no interest in sound systems at all. But I very much enjoyed your foray into coffee.

By the way - I'm told balance is good. Lock up your Mac on Saturdays.

Roger

[Richard K]

Well now I'm going to be looking forward to Sunday's post even more :)

[Roger Botting]

I don't think speakers are off topic. I listened to the radio for years while I worked in the darkroom. It was just as valuable as the safelight. Sometimes on, sometimes off, but always available.
On topic comments are also valued.

[Michael Fink]

I really enjoy your musings on pretty much anything. Especially posts that remind me that I don't need to spend money I don't have to obtain quality that I'm usually incapable of perceiving.

[Dennis Allshouse]

Complaints about the off topic stuff are totally beyond the pale, and if not your cup of tea or coffee, then STOP reading the free content.

Audio Engine anyone?

If you were really rich the collecting thing wouldn't be a big deal, lol.

[David]

Mike PLEASE keep doing what you are doing. & I'd bet big $$ that's the sentiment of 90% or more of your readers.
Keep up the good work
Thank you
David

[Nature Lover]

I do not care about coffee or tea and audio may have been an issue for me in the past and autos, well, they are mostly for transport but I read most all posted. Birds are good and astronomy and dogs and science and insulting famous people and the lemmings.

As Roger above mentions I view a good blog as a way to connect with a person on line and all the facets of that person's personality can be explored at leisure. A good blog can be like a novel slowly revealing the person but perhaps without a narrative line. One might like to meet,agree, and argue with the blogger. I must have connected with you and it was not just the photography because I am a nature guy. Keep on.

As far as a day off-fuhggedaboudit, you owe me that for reading every day.
George

[Jim Hart]

Ummmm...Mike, I dunno how your website is programmed, but perhaps you could take a page out of B&H's.

Friday night at sundown TOP viewers would see a reminder that the site is closed for posts and comments until dawn Sunday, but orders can still be placed through the Portals.

Then you would no longer have to be concerned - the site would be on auto pilot on Saturdays.

I don't think any reader would begrudge a fixed day off for the site.

I'm just sayin'.

Regards,

Jim

[David Maxwell]

I enjoy the off topic posts, but a post telling me that an off topic post is coming is a bit much.

[Mike Johnston]

"I enjoy the off topic posts, but a post telling me that an off topic post is coming is a bit much."

And now I officially can't win.

Mike