Mancow's Ten Commandments for Radio Personalities (+1)

Wow!

There is a lot of great writing lately about radio programming.

Mancow, who is one of the most talented US air personalities of all time, has just "published" his Ten Commandments for Radio Personalities:

1. Thou shalt never endanger listeners.
2. Racism is always a dumb idea.
3. Complacency on the inside loses listeners from the outside. Work at your art.
4. Contests must always be straight forward. (Being too cute with contests can be costly.)
5. Advertisers pay you. They are your friends.
6. Have a delay button (preferably 20 seconds or more) and when in doubt use it.
7. Don’t dis someone’s religion.
8. Don’t let anyone curse in your studio ever. Get them out of that habit. If they are comfortable with cursing, it can someday accidentally get on the radio.
9. Instruct guests on your radio standards so they don’t get you in trouble.
10. Do good. (We’re not on earth to mark time. We’re here to make a difference).

I'd add only 1 more (which would blow the whole "ten commandments" theme, but still...):

11. Take care of your personal life in a completely healthy and professional way. Then, you'll be prepared to participate in the game at 100%.

As somebody who has worked with a lot of talented personalities over the years, some of whom have been more than a little self-destructive, these words ring true. Heed them, and your creativity will not be diminished. And your career won't be cut short or held back by something incredibly stupid.