Over the years, it is interesting to see how different guests respond to the questioning on Face-Off, the television show I co-host with Larry Levy of Newsday. For any of you who have watched the show, Larry and I go after each other quite vigorously over philosophical differences. But, after the show, we are always able to shake hands, discuss the next show and even go out during the week for a Sushi luncheon.

That does not always apply to the guests. Preparing guests for the show is not a big deal. That always happens in the prep room which has conversation peppered with personal stories and reminiscences which can generate laughter. At some point Larry and I go over a few points for the guests in terms of the format and what we need for a smooth running half hour. First, we admonish everyone that Face-Off is not Cross Fire. Everyone gets the chance to finish a thought, and we hope there will be limited amounts of time in which everyone is talking over everyone else on the set. We want entertainment and information for the viewers - and not necessarily in that order.

Another point which we make is that monologues are not permitted. When someone drones on and on, the channel flippers go into play. Guests have to realize that short and direct answers work the best for most viewers. That keeps the show moving and keeps up interest.

One particular annoyance to me is a guest, generally from the political arena, who will not answer questions directly. And I always make a point to remind guests that the purpose of the show is to better inform our audience. Guests who are so scripted, in their responses, that they dodge questions really do a disservice to their own cause and annoy viewers - not to speak of me as one of the hosts.

The other day, after taping a show, I could not help but reflect on how politics for some has become so mean spirited. In the "old days," I can remember honest differences of opinion in a conversation resulting in a continuance of the discussions over a late night snack at a local diner. Today, people walk off in a huff.

Perhaps, because of television, the rules have changed. I suspect, however, that societal changes have had a greater impact than TV news and opinion shows. If you would like to see firsthand what this column is about, tune into WLIW-21 on Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at noon. In most cases, we will not bore you, particularly if the guests will really answer the questions which have been posed.