Empty Chairing

[The I Spy Book Of Billies]

I don’t know if anyone listened to The Message concerning this issue, but the website states:

It's a common device used by broadcasters when certain parties refuse to take part in a discussion, especially one of public interest. But whose ends does it serve to empty chair people when they decline to participate.

Do broadcasters do it for dramatic effect, or does it have real relevance to the audience?

Well, in view of the fact that Ms. Murray interviewed Mr. Kevin Marsh, I would have liked to have heard an explanation as to why he ignored the two public appeals that Mr Roger Bolton broadcast on Feedback, requesting an interview on the programme about 18 months ago.

The same applied when listeners had waited for over two years for an interview on Feedback with the former R4 controller, Ms. Helen Boaden. The final excuse given was her change of job. I think this was one of the weakest excuses that I’ve ever heard in my life – and totally unacceptable.

So it appears to be unacceptable for politicians to ‘empty chair’, but it’s O.K. for BBC presenters, editors and programme controllers!

[Captain Nudnick]

whose ends does it serve to empty chair people when they decline to participate

Is it me, or does this make no sense whatever?

[Billy The Bra Designer]

captainnudnick said:

Is it me, or does this make no sense whatever?

It's you Captain, Ms. Murray's book isn't entitled:'Is it me, or does this make no sense whatever', the correct title is: Is It Me or Is It Hot In Here: A Modern Woman's Guide to the Menopause

I think we all make mistakes on message boards. One of my major MB fears is placing a posting about one of my latest bra designs and mistakenly using the plural - bras. Pheweeee, I'm getting terribly hot. Is it me or can I hear a load of wise women on this island going hee-hee-hee-hee.