Quote: chipolata @ July 8 2009, 4:48 PM BSTNo. We'll forget about the entirely subjective issue of whether you're funny at all. I was just wondering if you are funny and amusing to talk to, or whether you're a right dull bastard but you can be funny on the page. For example, Charlie Kaufman is undoubtedly a great and funny writer, but I'm not sure I'd want to go out for a drink with him.
I try to be funny and amusing to talk, though probably I come across like a twat*
*Shock horror, etc.
I hate to interrupt with something relevant but I'm just that sort of guy 
but there has been no better interviewer than Parkinson ever! He might have softened up in the latter years but lets face it Wogan, Russell Harty and Graham Norton are/were as insightful as a carrot. As for Jonathan Ross. Fawning rubbish most of the time and he's got a 'look at me, look at me' problem which interviewers should never have.
I only watched Parkinson to see his guests. The only episode I really enjoyed BECAUSE Parkinson was on, was when Emu/Rod Hull wrestled the stuck-up, self-opinionated prick to the floor!
And I'm not sure there's anybody that interesting nowadays. We've seen all the same old faces and personalities on every chatshow going, flaunting their tired old wares. We know what they're going to say even before they say it.
Quote: roscoff @ July 8 2009, 4:59 PM BSTAs for Jonathan Ross. Fawning rubbish most of the time and he's got a 'look at me, look at me' problem which interviewers should never have.
Disagree with this. I'll never understand people's problem with fawning. Plus, I notice you don't like JR fawning but what about when Parky used to do it? His interview with Lauren Bacall springs to mind + many others.
Yeah, MP was a tough, no-nonsense interviewer, not afraid to ask non-fawning questions such as, "What do you say to people who accuse you of being marvellous?" and "Does it upset you when people suggest that you're wonderfully talented?".
Quote: Jacob Loves Comedy @ July 8 2009, 10:34 PM BSTI notice you don't like JR fawning.
Aren't you getting confused with JR Hartley or JK Rowling?
Quote: Seefacts @ July 8 2009, 4:53 PM BSTI try to be funny and amusing to talk, though probably I come across like a twat*
*Shock horror, etc.
I can atest to the fact that Seefacts is a genial and witty chap. So much so that I very often allow him a word in edgeways during our delightfully ribald and insightful conversations.
I've never liked Parkinson. Since it's mainly old ladies who like him I can only assume that he was great in the 70s but later turned rubbish.
I'm sure when he was young the ever so slight sleazy edge he has now when talking to young women looked natural and perfectly charming. But now he's just a drunken inappropriate grandad at Christmas.
He's always creeped me out.
Quote: zooo @ July 8 2009, 10:46 PM BSTBut now he's just a drunken inappropriate grandad at Christmas.
More about this, please?
Um, he feels up the teenage girls behind the volovants?
You sounded like you spoke from rueful (or zooo-ful!! 
) experience?
Nah, I've never been near a volovant!
Quote: chipolata @ July 8 2009, 5:29 PM BSTAnd I'm not sure there's anybody that interesting nowadays. We've seen all the same old faces and personalities on every chatshow going, flaunting their tired old wares. We know what they're going to say even before they say it.
It surprises me to say it but good point Chip.
I will say this for hin, he did give early support for Billy Connolly. That's the best thing I can say about him.