The Cult of James Allen

[horse]

Will someone please tell me why James Allen is held in such high esteem here, please?

I mean, the man was a complete moron throughout the ITV F1 coverage years, borne out by the fact that he couldn't keep his job after the coverage moved back to the BBC. Unfortunately, the Beeb went and got Legard, who is, frankly, just as big a moron. But I digress.

Anyway, my point is, after listening to the inflated drivel coming out of James Allen's mouth for so many years, why does everybody seem to think the stuff he writes on his blog is gold dust?

EDIT: For spelling.

[feynman]

Just back from the boozers I take it?

[Giblet]

Cuz he writes good succinct articles that have relevance and meaning?

[gareth25]

I agree with the post above. JA makes a very good article, I think it proves that he was hopeless on off the cuff/instant remarks and comments that commentating requires. But given the time and resources, that writing an article will allow, he is succinct and interesting to read. He also has a good technical knowledge of F1, which someone as thick as me can appreciate. As a side note who is a good reporter for the world of F1?

[raymondu999]

I agree as well. And let's face it. Legard is a bumbling fool compared to this fellow.

[freedom_honda]

I would rather BBC bring James back to replace Jonathan. Legard is a bloody idiot. He likes to play "let's state the obvious" and get freaking excited over every freaking thing and yell at his microphone every two seconds. I can't bloody stand the guy. All he talks about is utter bulls**t, and he cuts Martin off a million times every race.

[raymondu999]

Legard in a nutshell:

Legard: AND LOOK THERE'S PETROV COMING UP AROUND THE OUTSIDE OF KOBAYASHI!!
Brundle: That was Kubica coming around the INSIDE of Dela Rosa actually.
Legard: *pretends nothing happens and goes on to commentating the next thing.

[Just_a_fan]

I'm glad Allen isn't commentating anymore. I used to refer to him as "The Prat" when listening to his drivel on ITV. The guy's a moron; he got it wrong so often it was embarrassing.

Sadly, Legard is as bad.

One thing they have in common - they gave their kids daft names...

[Confused_Andy]

Legard may be bad, but we're kinda the fans who activly follow F1, we pick up on his mistakes.

The general naive audience wont notice it and just listen to what he has to say and not really think about how much of a dick he his, you cant be too technical when broadcasting, you need to dumb things down to cater for the whole spectrum of the audience.

[raymondu999]

Yes, but then you have to remember that instead of learning of F1, these "naïve fans" would be learning less than they could!! :s

[Giblet]

When I want to be pandered to I watch Bob Varsha and the speed crew telling me very race that the engines rev to "18,000 RPMs!!!!". When I want to feel like I know something about the sport and occasionally learn something I watch BBC.

Well, actually, I never watch the SpeedTV broadcast anymore at all. Their 5 minute tape delay is dumb and renders live timing useless.

[raymondu999]

David Haas or whatever his name is who commentates on the pole laps has a great accent too

[horse]

For me, I would have chosen Crofty or Maurice Hamilton to commentate alongside Brundle. Crofty can get a bit overexcited at times, but he's usually accurate and honest.

Coz he writes good succinct articles that have relevance and meaning?

Yes, but then there was the "A3 paper sized" Ferarri diffuser that never happened and such like. It's just the taking on of his writing as gospel that urks me. It can be same with Scarbs as well. It's just an opinion built on the opinion of others. Its not infallible. I'm not trying to say that this sort of journalism is bad, by no means, but when I say "cult", it seems that some people are too willing to believe anything they read without thinking about it first.

Just back from the boozers I take it?

A long day at the office, actually, but I take your point. I apologise for the "untechnical" nature of this thread.

[tok-tokkie]

James Allen was pathetic but he improved over the years.
I was really pleased that BBC replaced ITV as it meant the end of Allen.
Only to meet Legard - he is equally bad.

Why not leave it to just Brundle. He is excellent.

James Allen website is not bad.

[Giblet]

David Haas or whatever his name is who commentates on the pole laps has a great accent too

David Hobbs, former F1 driver.

He is pleasant and funny, and I enjoy his banter and 'mEEowwwwww' car sound effects he likes to do.

I'd like to see him on the BBC crew