TRM inmates still ask, what happened to TRM blogs?
TRM just had another inmate commenting on how sad it was that we had slowed down our daily production line on what used to be called “TRM Daily Reports”. He used to enjoy them but has noticed they are posted only a few times each month now. Obviously, he did not “do Facebook”.
The explanation is that about seven years ago TRM reports switched over to the “Facebook” format. That was not available back in 2004 when the first daily TRM blogs were posted. Now it is far more flexible purpose-designed blog for our particular style of fishing reports and provides readers with the ability to comment back and contribute to any discussion. Then when there might be too many photo images or the blog is too long for Facebook, readers refer back to LINKS and the blog you are reading right now.
Also many more Facebook comments are pinched from other tackle shops and fishing guides who do a far better job at reporting on trout fishing. It is often updated several times a day. So if you are looking for more regular info to feed your fishy addiction, then dial-up TRM Facebook on google.
It used to take considerable time to compose each blog and try to promote Tongariro River trout fishing. It was much easier to burgle contributions from other fishos. Most importantly, it allowed me more fishing time…
Similarly, many others post real classy photo images – see below by Sandy Bulmer – which somehow look far better compared to my iPhone pics. Her swing bridge photo was pinched for the back cover in the Tongariro Skulduggery book. It captures the moody spirit and focuses the spooky light over the Tongariro so well for the mischievous plot.
Many readers have also commented on the front cover. The “characterisation images” were from a guest who came to TRM for her Christmas holiday about 15 years ago. We had never met but she surprised us with a gift cartoon portrait she had copied from website photos. Thank you again to Byrony Walters from London. (Her father was “JAK” who was the cartoonist for the Evening Standard for over 40 years.) Similarly most of the book contents are from others as well.
Where this is gently leading is to emphasise again that the book is entirely a work of fiction.
The introduction described the conceptual basis as a “mockumentary” in order to satirize some issues in Turangi. Usually, licence is tolerated with comedy; anglers understand, but some of the objectors seem to have lost their sense of humour entirely… Apparently, they claim, I did not understand one can no longer take photos of anything belonging to them, such as the lake or rivers or land in the photos, without their permission…
i.e. About a month ago they discovered a photo (from Page 17) that stirred up a lot of confusion on Facebook and attracted over 3,000 hits, over 50 critical comments, etc. Now, a month later, we are still receiving threats! I am terrified. Sadly, some more upset objectors appeared to believe the plot was factual and the controversial storyline about the pre-maori settlement upset their sensitivities. The introduction, if they had bothered to read it, was very clear that it is all true, except where I lied.
TRM has learned something too. Contrived controversy is a wonderful technique to increase sales. I had to order another printing run – the fifth! We could not have planned better promotional publicity. So we owe a big thank you to all the objections. The increased book sales are all for a good cause.
Any profits from book sales will be directed to little pet projects to enhance or protect our local Tongariro River environment. Warning – more contentious controversy will inevitably follow and may disturb… but it is all for such a good cause.
