by Joe Jeffrey
Your comments following Ray Mears’ appearance on Room 101 have managed to travel further than you might think
Last week’s news surrounding Ray Mears’ appearance on Room 101 and the disparaging remarks made about caravans, ahead of his appearance at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015, certainly managed to make the headlines – and for good reason.
Mears not only assaulted our eardrums with his ill-founded opinions, including describing caravans as “hideous” and likening them to “mobile bread bins”, but also insulted the caravan community’s intelligence if he thought you – our readers – would take it on the chin and welcome him with open arms upon his appearance at the NEC next month.
A barrage of comments ensued off the back of the news story featured first here, with many members of CaravanTimes allowing their feelings to be known by way of our comments sections, forums and social media channels on Facebook and Twitter. But your comments didn’t just stay there. Oh no.
Various newspapers picked up on many comments made on CaravanTimes, including The Telegraph which linked to our story by way of a retweet from Inspired Camping. The Singapore News even weighed in on the action, featuring the story along with your comments too.
It didn’t stop there though, with The Mirror referencing CaravanTimes members’ comments too, including Mary Jones’ proclamation that “Justice has been served”, as well as member Chris Wright’s opinion that “We as caravanners don’t need to hear from him any more.”
Absolute Radio also weighed in on the issue, with Breakfast Show host Christian O’Connell offering to step in as Mears’ replacement following being fired from his position as guest speaker whilst also mentioning comments made from CaravanTimes members.
It really is no surprise Mears was stripped of his duties at next month’s Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show following the publicity the story and your comments garnered. It just goes to show how important your comments are. So next time you read something that you feel like commenting on, make sure you do. Oh, and make sure it’s a good one – you never now where it might end up!
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