Build OR Bust
May 31, 2006
Hey,
I subjected myself to an hour of a horror show called Build Or Bust.The show is supposed to be about different people who are given thirty days to build a motorcycle.The people are chosen by audition.I have to be objective and say that Russell has very little to do with the show these days.That’s Russell Mitchell of Exile Cycles.The show takes place mostly at Russells shop in California.
Here’s the deal.The first year was just the worst,crudest,most demeaning show that I had ever seen.There was a winner or two but most people failed and were subjected to harrassment,ridicule,put downs and insults.I hated the show. I thought I would give it another try this year and in the beginning it was better.Russell was not really involved,there was a new guy in charge who wasn’t the sadist who ran the build last year and yes,people got to keep the bike more often and sometimes it was exciting.The problem is that there is this obnoxious,asshole who is the producer I think.He is an elitist,self-possesed jerk who is constantly harrassing,ridiculing,putting down and tormenting the poor people who are trying to build a motorcycle,make it run,do a burnout and fulfill a fantasy.If they make it,they keep the motorcycle.Well,not only is this guy a schmuck,he doesn’t know what he is talking about.I hate this guy and if he talked to me the way he does to the contestants he would need a lot of dental work and I assure you,he wouldn’t do it again.They need to trash this guy real soon.It is painful to witness the abuse.
You might say well,why the hell do you watch this show?Well,like a lot of enthusiasts I am always looking for information on the motorcycle lifestyle.I am interested in everything from who is out there,what they are doing,what events happened and what they were like,new ideas in fabrication,design,engineering and paint.I mean if it has to do with “the life” I am into it.So,I read the magazines,watch the shows,go to events when I can and write this blog.My favorite thing however,is to get on my steed and just ride.I have also met a couple of really good people doing this so,I consider myself blessed.Thank you to all our readers who read this,look at photo’s,comment,and inspire myself and Andrea to continue.This site will get better and better as we get better and better.Thank you for allowing us to experience our passion in yet another form. Ride Safe -Beach
Beach the show does have it’s points. I just don’t like bickering or any of that negative crap. I like to encourage all around me. Even any new tradesmen we hire. Now as far as the Speed channel, I liked Strokers. It was no more than any sitcom. Except it was biker (geared). And I do tend to have a thing for bikes, beers, and babes. Well have a good day, Knuck
I liked the Fairless show as well.Andrea liked it too.It was funny most of the time and unique in it’s format.Yeah,it was bubble gum but,what’s wrong with that?I don’t know knuck.I just really dislike nasty people who seem to get their yuks hurting people.I especially dislike some of the “people” on this show as they really seem to like to do it.
You have a good day too Knuck.Good to see you.
Beach
Hey Beach / Knuck,
Ok, I hear what you’re saying and I agree with some points, but not with others. Imagine that! I absolutely hate bickering, badgering, and bitching by anyone, especially on the television. I tend to think alot of what appears to be drama is produced sensationalism. Scott, the producer, has made some changes this year based on suggestions discussed on the Built By Thugs forum and some common sense, etc. I hate to say it, but OCC is a prime example of the crap that the masses consider entertainment and many other shows use a similar formula. I honestly think that it takes a certain “crash and burn” mentality to enjoy these so called reality shows and not just the ones featuring motorcycles. Don’t you think that it makes a large group of the audience feel better about themselves by watching someone else fail? I certainly do. It’s also similar to BBO in the fact that what “we” see, isn’t always accurate. The contestant doesn’t actually get 30 days to build the bike, I think they actually get about 16 days. Similar to Soap Operas, I think in some bizarre way, it makes people see a lot less dysfunction in their own lives when others blow it. I’ve said in the past, at least the show is based on a challenge. Some make it, some don’t. But if everyone completed a bike and did a burnout, it would become pretty redundant.
I personally don’t watch Build or Bust every week and you guys know I’m not fanatical about anything, especially any T.V.
shows. I understand your dislike of the producer, or his behavior, and some have previously suggested that he take a hike, or at least stay off camera, but the fact is, it’s his show and he can run it the way he wants. If you dislike the show as much as you say, you wouldn’t believe the way he belittles people on the show forum. I honestly have to say, I’ve never and I mean never, observed an educated person, in a professional position, write / say the things he does on “his” forum. It’s actually so “over the top” that it seems fabricated. Here’s a couple of examples that I’ve seen, supposedly written by Scott, “the producer”. He has called dozens of forum members dumb asses, he has also used the normally unspeakable “_unt” word when directly referring to someone, he even told one guy he was an “F”ing waste of sperm, and followed that up with calling him a Dumb M.F., etc. See what I’m saying?
I think it would be much better to focus on the fact that the show you referenced was part two of the Johnny Chop Show. “Chop” actually died during the filming of the first show and it was pretty heavy for the contestant to be told the next morning that his “builder” / advisor had died the previous night. I agree that Johnny went out in an admirable way, he evidently knew his time was limited, but he showed up each day to help the contestant out and didn’t complain at all.
I say, R.I.P Johnny!
Have a good one Beach!
All right Bone,
A little passion and an educated opinion are always welcome here.Yeah,I agree that people enjoy watching others fail and some love to put down and ridicule and we both have experienced that on another forum.You less than me because of your innate diplomatic skills.The type of person you mention is the only explanation why this show is still on the air.
I gotta be honest with you.I was not a big fan of Johnny Chop and his art but it seems that he did have a lot of friends and fans.Roland Sands was supposedly very close to Johnny V.I remeber when he worked for Chica and although I am a fan of Chica the man,his style is not mine.That’s o.k.,I still respect his skill and art.Johnny and his career were just taking off and he seemed happy.I am sorry for his passing and I too hope that he is at peace with his maker.
Now,in so far as the producer of Build or Bust goes,there’s no way I can make an excuse for him.He is having his 15 minutes of fame and sooner rather than later he will disappear.I hope it is sooner.It would not surprise me if he goes in a violent way.Someone will punch his clock when he comes up against the “wrong “person.
I think a lot of this last episode was phoney.I believe this guy met Johnny but I do not believe he was his mentor.He seemed like a very nervous,weepy guy all throught the show way before he knew about Johnny.I think those clowns were teasing him about that from the get go.He didn’t seem too broken up when he won.
I have never gone to the forum you mention and never will.It doesn’t surprise me about his language and attitude.He is the poster boy for a “low life” and schmuck who is lucky no one has “ended” him yet.
I watch the show only because I watch most everything I can and read most everything I can and go to the events I can because of my passion and now,because Andrea and I are committed to doing a good job on thebeachcruiser.com.
Peace Bone,I am always glad to see you write and share on here.You are one of the good guys and I respect you.
Beach
Thanks Beach.
I appreciate the fact that although we don’t always agree, we can typically discuss issues and do so without offending each other. Sure I’ve learned to be diplomatic, but sometimes you write with such passion and drive,… you just tell it like you see it / feel it. Some may not care for that, but I think it’s great, because you’ve proven in the past that you can look beyond the initial difference in opinion and show respect to someone when it’s due. Thanks!
As far as the BorB show, I’m not sure about the “mentor” title. I didn’t really think that “Chop” had been around long enough, or was well known enough for that type of credibility. However, what I got out of it was the contestant met Johnny, liked him / respected him, and Johnny shared a few things with the guy in his waning moments. I agree the guy seemed to be nervous and appeared as a bit of a wanker, but I felt the first show was genuine and he was noticeably shaken with the news. Regarding J.C.’s work, it’s not exactly my style either and I’ve only seen about four bikes that he’s completely built, but he was liked within the industry and mostly for being genuine. No posing with “Chop”, like him or not.
Later, peace to you my friend.
Bone
Hey Bone,
I think you are dead on now.Johnny wasn’t a “Guru” like Ness.or Hotch,or Perewitz,or Martin etc.He was mostly a talented apprentice.
It’s hard for me to give my opinion on his builds because,like you,I
only saw a couple of bikes that he built.Some people on Discovery compared him to Larry(rip) and I just don’t think he was on the same playing field.That’s not to say he wouldn’t have grown and gotten better and better.Unfortunately,we will never know.I mean no disrespect to Johnny as I have no reason.Just a matter of taste.As I said before and as you have pointed out he did have a lot of friends in the industry.It seems he was all around well liked.I was surprised that I haven’t seen a comment by Chica.They were together for quite awhile.I haven’t gone to Chica’s website so,perhaps he did say something.I’m dog tired so,it will be awhile.
I also think you were spot on about Johnny V’s relationship with the guy on Bust your balls.I think they hardly knew each other but Johnny tried to give him some tips.It doesn’t matter really.The guy did the build,did the burnout and got his bike.He was a “nebish” but so what.He not only built the bike,he durvived “hell week” with those jerks.
You are right Bone,I am passionate about everything.Ask “train”.I would like to think that I do think and listen and try to hear what someone is saying.Diplomacy is a good thing Bone.I admire that about you.Knowledge and diplomacy is a superior thing and you have both.I have seen you riled more than once so you can get your tail in a knot too.That’s what’s so great.I really think that you are a fair,knowledgeable,intelligent person.As my Grandma used to say”what’s not to like?”.You da man Bone and a good friend.
Vegas in the fall
Beach