In Memorandum: Good night, obnoxious, congenial salesman.

Eagle-eyed readers (yeah, like any of those exist) will note that, in 2007, I did indeed tell Billy Mays to stop shouting at me. And I stand by that assessment, but his Discovery show "PitchMen" was a revelation. It showed a side of him that was warm, congenial and almost gentle - yet when the camera lights turned on, he transformed into an old-timey carnival barker from another time who was as obnoxious as he was quaint. The dichotomy was amusing to observe.

And I grew to respect him the more I learned about him - a man who wasn't just a shill, but someone who honestly believed in what he was selling, which is really the first lesson in any sales job. I ragged on OxiClean in the post linked above, but hell, the guy kept the stuff in his home and used it religiously, as he did all the products he spoke for, so there's a disconnect somewhere. I must have been doing it wrong (my God, surely not!), or maybe our water's too hard. I don't know.

I think it would be entirely appropriate for Billy's eulogy to be shouted. With the hand motions and everything. "BILLY WAS A GOOD MAN (waving hands) WHO LOVED HIS FAMILY AND (extending arms out in front) BELIEVED IN WHAT HE SOLD (pulling arms back)." And it would be tasteful and respectful and everyone would say, "Yeah. That was Billy." And there'd be smiles and tears.

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