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Rating: 
Summary: Alternative Uses
Review: A more appropriate title for this book would have been "Charmin."Unfortunately the pages are only one-ply.
Rating: 
Summary: A Woman's Perspective
Review: As a professional and very successful woman (baby boomer) and fan of Tony Robbins, I found the book to be inspiring and fun. Here in NYC we have mnn public access tv--which he has mentioned(thank you). I have been doing a community based show for years and found Mr. Darby's information very helpful and inspiring. I encourage other women out there to read it, get inspired and do your own show. How about talking about breast cancer? Or work discrimination? There are issues we need to talk about, and Mr. Darby is correct in the power of public access tv. We can make a difference. Thank you. As Tony Robbins says, "Live with Passion!"
Rating:
Summary: Fabulous and a wealth of information
Review: HOW TO STAR IN YOUR OWN TV SHOW is one of the best, most accurately researched books of its kind and I have found it very helpful in my own work (as a freelance music video producer n Oregon). A buddy of mine let me know about the book and I have been very greatful to him. In the book Mr. Darby shows us all how to start from scratch and produce a high-quality TV program to be proud of. He not only talks about the overall concerns of TV production (in a very delightful way), but the very nuts and bolts of how to get the best buy on tape stock, how to contact people who will help with the production and how to find interesting people to interview, etc. I bet I'll use this as a reference book for years to come. The information is solid and Mr. Darby has a charming and witty style (not dry like some people). I also love his website, which has to be seen and heard to be believed! Great!
Rating:
Summary: A Woman's Perspective
Review: I have long loved the oddballs and cranks who peopled our local access channels, so I found this book a delight from beginning to end. I actually bought it for my son who wants to promote his rock band via public access, but couldn't resist reading Mr. Darby's cheery insights myself first. This just gives you the nuts and bolts while making it fun most of all. I really liked the loose friendly attitude along with the cute antecdotes.
Rating:
Summary: Alternative Uses
Review: I'm currently in film school, concentrating on TV production, and came across this book while doing some initial research on technical aspects related television production. I was disappointed to find this self-produced paperback provided nothing more than an amateur's perspective on shows the writer produced at a local access station. The title itself, claiming people can be a "star," precisely demonstrates the problem with the book's content - or lack thereof - in ignoring the fact that people should be concerned with talent and professionalism, not wanting to be a "star." In addition to various typos and incorrect statements, the author seems more concerned with trying to convince people they can get a free haircut or limo ride by doing their own show rather than stressing they learn the craft of production, writing, performing, etc. to become successful. Such bad advice is what separates those who succeed and those who fail not only in TV and film, but in life in general. Cable access is great for those who genuinely want to do a community service in bringing people information, however it serves as nothing more than a breeding ground for mediocrity for those who want to be "stars."
Rating: 
Summary: Delightful and Fresh
Review: There is a funky, homegrown quality about this book which I found very refreshing; perfectly in keeping with the subject matter of public access televison. In a way it reminds me of the Foxfire books, only for homegrown TV instead of log cabins. Handmade with love and not too slick. I'm thinking about doing my own show and picked this little number up to get acquainted with the subject. I would highly recommend it as an overview and introduction. Don't know if I'll do a show or not. But still nice to see a book so simple and accessible for common folk like me.
Rating:
Summary: Delightful and Fresh
Review: There is a funky, homegrown quality about this book which I found very refreshing; perfectly in keeping with the subject matter of public access televison. In a way it reminds me of the Foxfire books, only for homegrown TV instead of log cabins. Handmade with love and not too slick. I'm thinking about doing my own show and picked this little number up to get acquainted with the subject. I would highly recommend it as an overview and introduction. Don't know if I'll do a show or not. But still nice to see a book so simple and accessible for common folk like me.
Rating:
Summary: Nothing personal
Review: This unusual book came to my attention via a friend who used to do shows on Public Access Television. She told me that she knew the person who wrote it and wanted to know my opinion, since I work in the television industry. I have never personally heard of nor have watched anything that Mr. Darby has produced, so I went to the bookstore to "take a look." Unfortunately, like so many others who attempt to educate the masses on the ins-and-outs of the business, this book is not a well-produced effort. I came across some typos while reading the back cover quotes, and I couldn't imagine how that could have happened. Yes, we all make mistakes, but there are more to be found inside. Not just typos, but there are several technical aspects that have been stated incorrectly. I am not putting down public access, because I have watched it myself and have found some rare gems (mostly years ago before they moved it down the dial in Los Angeles). None of those programs was even mentioned in this book, so maybe it was just my taste, or Mr. Darby never worked with those individuals. In any case, there are so many books on the market that I believe it is very important that they be accurate and not give the public at large a false idea of how to produce a television show.
Rating:
Summary: Great book...for the 90s
Review: Who cares about public access anymore? The days of "Wayne & Garth" have long passed. Although the style of writing in this book certainly has a feel for a prior era, that doesn't mean that the overall effort is worth spending money on. Besides, all of this information is available free of charge at your local cable station. As I've said, public access is dead in Los Angeles, so I can't imagine it being such an enthralling subject in the obscure places that the other "reviewers" on this site are allegedly from. If any of you are serious about appearing on television, develop your talent and pursue it in a professional manner...this route is strictly for amateurs.
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