I Hate The Clip Shows

It has been well established, through the various modes of correspondence that are received in connection with "Paintbox", that there is a general feeling of negativity towards television's current obsession with 'nostalgia' shows, involving fleeting and unrepresentative clips commented on by minor celebrities who have little or nothing of note to say, apart from sneering and gleefully repeating urban myths that are well known to be untrue. One of the recurring opinions expressed in the discussions that have ensued is that it's ridiculous that celebrities should get to comment on subjects that they clearly know nothing about just because they are celebrities, while people with a genuine passion for and interest in the subject in question never get the chance to have their say.

Well, it's time we did something about it. In this section of the site, people - and that means you! - are invited to contribute their thoughts and opinions on a variety of topics, which will then be compiled into what will hopefully be very interesting and readable pieces. Reminiscences, facts, opinions and even well-observed jokes are all welcome, so please start contributing now. What's wanted here are genuine memories of or observations on the subjects in question, rather than the lazy cursory mentions that the nostalgia crowd might prefer to give. If you genuinely think that Del Boy falling through the bar is the greatest comedy moment of all time, then that's fair enough (although some of us may beg to differ!), but why not explain why you think this, or what you thought when you first saw it? It's always a lot more interesting to hear someone's honest and personal thoughts about a subject.

You'll find links to all of the topics that are currently under discussion on the left - the current list includes:

Bagpuss, Hardwicke House, Film Versions Of Television Comedy Shows, Danny Baker, The Mary Whitehouse Experience, Screamadelica, Oasis

If you have anything to contribute about any of the above - or indeed have a topic of your own to suggest - then please get in touch at paintbox(a)bluejam20.freeserve.co.uk.