One suscriber's opinion of Dan Walsh's writings

To Whom It May Concern:

I have no desire to have my comments published, and I am not going to threaten to cancel my subscription, but I do want you to know how much I dislike Dan Walsh's writings.  I don't remember which motorcycle magazine it was a few years ago that published a series of articles by Hunter S. Thompson, but I was so glad when they ended.  I will be equally glad when the series written by Dan Walsh is history.  I read the first two written by Mr. Walsh and got half way through his February 2007 article but could go no further and had to put the magazine down so I could write this.  His writing style and the pictures of himself irritate the heck out of me.  I pray that he runs out of words soon and his camera malfunctions.  

Sincerely,
Doug Miller  

Yeah, Dan has been a lightning rod since we brought him on board, especially since we've run his columns uncensored. Most reades love him, however, and a TV producer called me this morning about doing a reality show with him, so he's not going away any time soon.

FYI, Cycle World ran one article by HST in the early '90s, so there was never a "series."

Thanks for reading,
Cat  

The picture of Dan Walsh in the Feb. issue says it all cigerette beer and a cocked pistol with his finger on the trigger.
Standing next to motorcycle  
Just what is he trying to say
. At least with his choice of sandels it will be easy to treat his foot after he shoots it.
I really can`t see anything positive for motorcyclist in this picture.
ken stewart  

I read Dan Walsh in Bike (UK) for quite a while before he landed at Motorcyclist.  I think that he may have even recycled some of his earlier work from Bike for Motorcyclist; I know that many of the pictures were familiar.

He is one of those writers who kind of grew on me after a while. I often found myself laughing out loud while reading his stuff, but it is uneven (for obvious reasons, as the picture shows).  He is the type many dream of becoming, at least in the abstract; someone who "chucks it all" and wanders the globe on a motorcycle. I hope he works out.

Greg Johnson  

I still haven't decided whether I like him or not. Parts of it are very good, parts juvenile and parts I wouldn't want my kids to read. The february issue is great however. Loved the coverage of the big adventure bikes.  

Don't cave, Catterson. I've already given my opinion on Walsh---it's nice to read non-PC, frickin' entertaining stuff in a US publication. In no way is Dan representative of the good, average, or safe motorcyclist--therein lies the appeal. Not to compare his writing abilities to Hemingway, but you could certainly pictures those two hanging out, riding bikes, drinking Mezcal, and generally terrorizing the locals. Preferably w/Steve McQueen in tow.  

Walsh is one of those writers that you either like or you don't like. Not much room in between. One thing is for sure... you know where he stands on smoking and drinking and other pleasures of the human condition. He also likes motorcycles which is what I like. I just got back from Mexico (no I did not have my bike and it sucked because the weather was great and yea I missed it more than a little) and man did I want to hit the Pan Am and head south. Keep him around Brian. I can't wait to read about the jail food in Venezuela and the circumstances surrounding his incarceration.  

No doubt about it, Walsh is about the most polarizing journo in  the (albeit pretty small) field. I for one am pleased that the editors haven't seen fit to censor his work - road bikes are an adult pleasure and in riding them through   dodgy countries is bound to involve some 'interesting' encounters. If not, why bother?

This is the first time I've subscribed to a mag because of one of its contributors. If by doing so I've offset one of the folks he provokes to apoplexy, it'll have been 10 bucks well spent.  

The cover of the January issue of Bike magazine says "Dan Walsh is back!" Does this mean Motorcyclist is losing him, or is he just reporting to both sides of the Atlantic?  

Dan Walsh is symbolic of a lot of what's wrong with motorcycling today.  He's much more concerned with posing and looking cool for the photos than actually telling his story.  In his effort to persuade everyone how cool he is, he does the opposite and seems utterly pathetic.  I don't mind the language he uses.  What I mind is that he has no concern for his craft and that makes his stories hard to read.  He uses gratuitous and forced metaphors equating female genitalia to geographical locations. Instead of being articulate, funny and interesting, he's just annoying.  As a tremendous fan of motorcycling, good writing(and female genitalia), I just want to say that I think the magazine could do MUCH better.  

Contrary to what others may think, it is my humble opinion that it is the folks who adopt the "biker lifestyle" for 2 hours @ a time during the weekend who repesent everything that is wrong with motorcycling today.

Dan Walsh is controversial BUT who cares? I find it refreshing to read someone who speaks their mind in these times of rampant political correctness/whishy washy/dont offend anybody/blah/blah/etc. times.

Keep up the good work 'cept you need to work on these pop up's on the website!! Now they *** me off to no end!  

Amen. Tell the brother he's no James Ellroy, so give it up already.  

His stuff is unique, and for that I am thankful. I just wonder if this is the right magazine for his talents. It seems a little too Maxim or FHM to me. And I'd hate to see Motorcyclist head toward that direction.  

Motorcyclist... Dan Walsh... Maxim/FHM orientation?  A problem?  Not if their Pretty Young Thing models get included in the mix.  I just hope that the pages of MC don't get inundated with "Cuervo" and "Dial 1-800-555-LOVE" ads.

Mr. Miller, I put out a short piece about Dan's writings (Quitch yur bitchin).  It's tongue in cheek and gives just a bit of perspective regarding him and his style when compared to the world-wide motojournalism industry and where it's going.  

Dan Walsh: Uneven writing. Irascible. Foreign. Vulgar and sometimes amusing.

Peter Egan: Consistant writing. Interesting stories about human nature, events and historical references.  Domestic, not vulgar. Stories are well researched. Cycle World.
There is a choice that can be made. Exercise it and quit the bitching.
sugoi