Outside Days » Facebook

Sporting Agent Gunned Down By Freak Virus

Howard — Wed, 11 May 2011 21:17:40 +0000

I consider myself a bit of a social media baron on the quiet, as those of you reading this on Facebook or Twitter or Linkedin can attest. And I am a fully paid up subscriber to Norton’s products in addition to an external hard drive as prophylactic belts and braces. So imagine my horror when my screen went black on Sunday May 1st. A week of watching a major computer sales outfitter play doctor with my hard drive left me with the diagnosis of a software problem, a factory reset, no accounts, no emails and no invoices.

Fortunately, the technicians in shining armour at SC Consultants came riding to my rescue. In short order (over the phone) the whizz kid on the other end of the line informed me I had a virus that had appeared on the 23rd of March. Twenty four hours later I had my mended machine back. Okay, its taken me another day to sort out all the software entanglements. Considering at one point Microsoft kindly informed me I’d be restoring information for the next 9,606 days and 5 hours. I can only anticipate that HMCR and my shoots will be less understanding when I tell them my accounts and their cheques will be ready sometime after Will and Kate’s silver wedding anniversary.

If you had the feeling I was ignoring you, if I haven’t been as rapid in response as you have come to expect, or if I have otherwise appeared to neglect you, I apologise. If you haven’t been in contact to book shooting or fishing or stalking…why not? Better get a move on as this is shaping up to be a busy year. In fact, if I seem distant this coming weekend, it’s because I am abandoning No.2, the trout mid-mayfly, and planning for the season to pursue barbel on the dry fly in sunny Spain.

Cartoonist’s Pen Shoots Down Sporting Agent

Howard — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:29:37 +0000

Well, its finally happened. After years of leg-pulling, stick-giving, and micky-taking at my beloved clients’ expense, one of you has finally gotten your own back. And oh so publicly, too. Talented satirical cartoonist Andy Sipson got his revenge with an image on his Facebook page.

Andy, his father, and the coffee table with legs he swears is a springer spaniel joined me for a walked up day this past season. I can’t honestly remember being that insulting (aside from a few choice comments when hunting for his lost ‘dog’). No. 2 observes I must have made an impression as 5 months later he posted this incredibly accurate (if a bit pointed) cartoon of me on Facebook. After howling with laughter and sending the cartoon to everyone we know, No. 2′s scheming to redecorate with placemats, notecards, and wallpaper featuring what she describes as Andy’s art. My ego hasn’t recovered enough to be objective.

There’s no doubting the man’s talent. If you can think of a good use to which to put his talents, the commissioning process is a dawdle. All Andy needs is a photo of the victim and a character sketch of their personality traits and he’s away. Alternatively, he’ll join you on a shoot day and produce a series of cartoons to capture the characters and misadventures. Just beware. That quiet exterior belies a wicked sense of humour readily released on the unsuspecting sporting agent.

Where are you reading this? Facebook? Outsidedays.com? Twitter?

Howard — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:02:18 +0000

It’s official, Outside Days is social networking in the internet ether as well as in the field. We’ve launched a Facebook Fan Page complete with reminders of seasons, top tips and albums of images. We’ll be using this space to share our kit recommendations and get yours. Or maybe you have fantastic images from days out and want to share. Grow with us as we discover the promise of Facebook Field Sports.