Dover underscores need to favorably manage failure (cont'd)

The ratings game

Ratings for NASCAR television broadcasts continue to trend downward, and everybody has a theory as to why. Some blame later starting times. Others say too many events are on cable. There's the theory that Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s struggles have fans of the sport's most popular driver clicking off the TV.

But it's important to realize that NASCAR does not exist in a vacuum. Television ratings for virtually all sports have dropped, a likely casualty of more channels and more choices. Some like the NHL and NBA have tanked, exposing serious flaws in the way those leagues are marketed or presented. The lone exception has been the NFL, the bedrock of American sports television, as much a lock as Kenseth's pit crew late in a close race.

Not anymore. According to Mediaweek, ratings for Sunday and Monday prime-time telecasts are down from last year. They're wondering if the matchups haven't been as compelling, or if close baseball races are taking their toll. But the bottom line is that what NASCAR is suffering through is not unique. "It's not just an NFL or a sports-related issue," one analyst told the magazine. "It's an overall TV issue."

Missed metaphors

The metaphor, a literary device that uses one thing to represent something else, is a tool writers have relied on for ages. Ernest Hemingway was a master of the technique; virtually everything in his novella The Old Man and the Sea is a metaphor, from an ocean that represents life to the sought-after marlin that represents the title character's fragile emotional state. We're not comparing ourselves to Papa or anything, but we here at NASCAR.COM's mustard-based barbecue bureau try to learn from the best.

This past Saturday's column on Earnhardt being the houseguest who wouldn't leave was one extended metaphor, with the driver kicking back on the couch and asking for a Bud representative of the story that's dominated this season. The whole thing was written with tongue planted firmly in cheek. To those of you who got it, kudos. To those of you who didn't -- well, there wasn't exactly any need for something like this:

"If you and your wife [who appears from your article is even less understanding about your job than you are] don't like what you do, go back to the local radio station or newspaper and cover the comings and goings of Barney and Opie," wrote Pete from California. "Stop whining about having to do your job. Which is exactly how your recent article read, although I suspect that you were trying to make a joke."

Or this: "You are an a------!," wrote Monica. "So Junior's move to [Hendrick Motorsports], while I hate it, interfered with your summer. Boo hoo. You're supposed to be a sports writer, and these things happen. If it's such an inconvenience you may want to rethink your career choice. Perhaps a new career at McDonald's, greeter at Wal-Mart, another yes-man for Teresa [Earnhardt] at TEI. Maybe those wouldn't interfere with your life. I know I certainly wouldn't miss your opinions."

Or this: "You should be glad your BlackBerry buzzes at all," wrote an anonymous e-mailer. "If it weren't for Junior and the likes of the popular crowd, you wouldn't have a job! Stop busting on the guy. Drink the AMP, ditch the cute little designer glasses and comb your hair, or fire the person that 'styles' it."

Or this: "Your analogy of Jr. is disgusting," wrote Rich. "Sounds like something that you would find in Oprah Magazine, not NASCAR. But that seems to be the way NASCAR is headed, pity. Many journalists or fans would give their right arm to have a gig following NASCAR. Not you, too much of a burden on you. Just remember, you would not have anything to poorly write about without those driver announcements. With all said, the whole article sounded like a bad attempt at a freshman high school English assignment. I think Oprah is hiring. Ughh."

Sorry to disappoint, folks, but the 24/7 nature of this job is one reason we do it. It beats sitting behind a desk. And if you'll read again more closely, you'll discover that Junior was painted as a pretty good guy, which he is. We were poking fun not at him, but at the news cycle that surrounds him, while at the same time trying to say thanks to one person who's suffered patiently through it all. Now, may I suggest picking up a copy of The Sun Also Rises at your local library?

The opinions expressed are solely of the writer.