FOT Forum
The Best Show on WFMU => Show Discussion => Topic started by: erika on August 01, 2007, 09:28:32 AM
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Hey guys,
This is in no way an indictment, but why don't more FOT's call into the show? You know what a good call sounds like, in my experience you're all very interesting and intelligent people (who could probably come up with something creative to say for a topic, etc.) and you support the show, so why not call??
I realize I call too much, and I'm not saying everyone should follow my example to the tee, but I feel like there's a big gap between the number of FOT's and the number of FOT callers... even on desperate nights like the past few shows.
I'm really interested in people's answers.
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two reasons
1. Got nothing to really say. i mean who wants to listen to someone go ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
2. The last few times I did call Tom just picks on me calling me someone who ruins things.
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perfectly formed shame spirals :-[
I've never called the show because it's usually a week and a half before I think of something I could have called in with.
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I think most people are just shy and feel like they have nothing to offer. As I said to Petey last night, a hallmark of intelligence/interestingness, in my view, anyway, is severe doubt that anything one says is intelligent or interesting. And it may even be a little harder for FOT to call because we feel more of a duty to perform well, both for the show's sake and in order not to feel humiliated in front of our brethren and sistren. not to mention our noble leader (no Leader jokes, please).
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You know what a good call sounds like,
this is why i don't call.
if i ever feel like i might be able to do more good than harm, i will call.
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Aw all i meant by that is that you know a bad caller has no energy. With as much enthusiasm as the FOT's put into BEING FOT's, I'd think that would translate onto the calls.
And I can certainly understand being shy. For 2/3 of my life I was painfully shy... to the point where it was my greatest handicap. it has since gone away but I can still relate.
That said, I still choose to believe the FOT's have a lot more to offer than what's being put on the table in terms of contributing to the show. Just my opinion, which might be an ignorant one at best. I've only been here a few months.
Again, I'm not pointing fingers or trying to make anyone feel bad so please don't take this the wrong way. I guess I just don't understand the dynamic.
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What Sarah said. (We need to get over ourselves.)
Also, for me there's the language barrier - minor issue, but still.
I usually just send Tom a lot of annoying emails during the show.
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Also, after a few calls goes badly (shame on me), I'd guess a lot of FOTs, modest as they are, feel like they don't want to risk making things go worse.
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The topics, too, can be a problem. Sometimes I think I might have something mildly entertaining to say, but it's not on topic, so I have to wait till Tom relaxes the phone rules again, by which time my courage has flagged.
Besides, now that MainiacFOT has horned in on my territory, one of my biggest selling points has diminished in value. Damn you, MainiacFOT! Windham, indeed--a place where only 4.4% of families and 5.4% of the population were below the poverty line in 2000, compared to Lubec's 20.3% and 28.8%.
(Note to MainiacFOT: You know this is a joke, right?)
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Besides, now that MainiacFOT has horned in on my territory, one of my biggest selling points has diminished in value. Damn you, MainiacFOT! Windham, indeed--a place where only 4.4% of families and 5.4% of the population were below the poverty line in 2000, compared to Lubec's 20.3% and 28.8%.
I propose an on-air Eastern Maine/Western Maine feud. Maniac FOT = Tupac and Sarah = Biggie Smalls. Or you can also fight over that if you want.
(Note to MainiacFOT: You know this is WAR, right?)
Oh snap, it's on!
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I don't like that topic, Sarah.
I LOVE IT!
So many areas for comparison: puffins, lobster rolls, whoopie pies and obesity all come to mind.
Speaking of which, Sarah, is it our (collective FOT) place to maybe throw some topic ideas to Tom?
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I'm too dumb not to call.
That Maine thing's not going to work all that well for me, unless you want me to call and start describing the ongoing feud between the Mechanicsville community, where all the drug-dealing takes place, and Vestal, where all the serial killers live. Regional doesn't really work that well outside of the region under discussion.
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Consider this: Hesh used to post on this board and hang out in chat. You just got Hesh'd!
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It is my opinion that active participation by the FOTs can only help the show. Non-participation allows the haters to get through and drag the show down. Don't worry what anyone else will think. Regular callers help keep the haters (not to mention the monsters) at bay.
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The topics, too, can be a problem.
I usually wait for a topic and then think of something to say within those boundries. I'm definitely a little scared to call in sans-topic, and the topics are so general, I can't see how they would create a big obstacle.
But maybe I've been too dumb not to call either, considering I call almost every show. Either way, I'm to dumb to stop now, so I'll just keep it up till I have an L call. And then I'll probably call some more :) (I'm a blockhead)
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I only get to listen on the podcast, but I'll feud with anyone.
I've had a couple small feuds in the history of the show, one tiny one on air with some FWD.
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Oh snap, it's on!
If the contest is to do with isolation, poverty, and its accompanying ills, the battle's won before it's even begun: Washington Country (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_County,_Maine) beats Cumberland (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cumberland_County,_Maine) hands down in every respect. To quote Wikipedia, "Cumberland County is the most populous of the sixteen Maine counties, as well as the most affluent." Concede, flatlander!
Besides, Windham isn't really in western Maine.
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I used to call all of the time back in the days of '02 and '03. Then I had some tough times and laid off. Then I came back and it was awesome. Then I got GOMP'd and I was forshamed of myself. Then I came back again and had a second Smash or Trash and a rap battle with M.C. Steinberg. Now I just try and chime in on the topics. I think everyone should heed what B.Buster/A.P.Mike says about FOT's helping to keep the monsters at bay. I try and call in even if what I have to say isn't that good. The fact that I'm not a mutant is good enough. We can't all be Teddy Rockstars and Daves from Knoxvilles. Just throw your two cents in and leave with dignity. And use a landline if you can (I suffered from crappy phone last night...). It's been good hearing more from Erika, Laurie, and Sarah lately. Is 2K7 Best Show Ladies Year?
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BOTTOM LINE: FOT's really should call more... quit overanalyzing and pick up the phone.
Maybe this was an indictment after all.
PS. I'm not sayin call in and talk about the message board or chat or anything because that could be polarizing for non-web listeners, but just participate. or sumthin.
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I love Erica from Baltimore. I have also thought the same thing about the FOT's. They should call in more. I have called in a couple of times but I go as Tim from Sparks. But from now on I will call in as Lostin reno to show the support for the FOT's. Go Erica!!!!!!!!!
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I Almost called last night for the first time, but then I heard that ghoul from Toronto with his death list and his creepy laugh and I could just hear spirit of the show being crushed. Sorry I panicked, I resolve to participate!
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Scared.
He would just yell at me.
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I'm definitely not at the top of my game in terms of wittiness on Tuesday nights at, say, 9:30. And at those times, I'm better as a listener and chatter than as a caller. I think I have only called The Best Show twice, and one of those times was due to the fact that I was fueled with a good strong scotch on the rocks, which I don't do too often on a Tuesday night. But it did the trick that time. Probably I just need to splash cold water on my face and go for it. Which I will try.
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It took me nearly two years of listening to the show (religiously) to start posting on the message board. It will take me at least another two to call up the show. Yeah, I'm meek. So what? But it's also just the way I do things. It's kind of like taking a really long time to get into a pool all the way. A pool of nightmarish GOMPs and humiliation.
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My first regular call (meaning the first call where I wasn't calling to talk to Zach Galifianakis) I got GOMPED. I thought it was funny.
To each his own I guess. I just hate to hear all these terrible individuals calling up when theres a sea of niceness going on in the FOT chat.
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I got too much of a toilet mouth.
Although I have a topic I've had in mind since I first heard the show.
I'm going to workshop it and see if it can live as a post.
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I couldn't call yesterday because I don't have anything to be ashamed about.
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I finally got the nerve several weeks ago to call, and I wanted to keep it going, but my work schedule has prevented it. I work at a rock club, and there have been a lot of Tuesday night shows lately, which has relegated me to archive and podcast listener. While the Smoking Popes and You Am I rocked it last night, the whole time I was itching to clock out, get home, and fire up the archive. Which I did.
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I usually don't get to listen live!
Also, I don't have a tongue!
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I don't understand the fear of the GOMP. Think of it as a badge of honor. Plus, it's funny.
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I think it's not so much fear of the GOMP as fear of making a lousy call--two very different things. It would be one thing if I were GOMPed in the service of mirth, music, but knowing that my call actually deserved GOMPage would probably distress me greatly.
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The only thing FOTs have to fear, is fear itself.
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Yeah, Richard's right. Does FOT stand for Fear Of Tom? Know, it stands for FRIENDS of Tom! Give your friend a call!!!
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The only thing FOTs have to fear, is fearing the fear of fear.
Exactly. I got GOMP'd for the first time this week, and initially I felt bad about it, not the least of which because it sounded like Tom GOMP'd me 'cause he was getting irritated about my questions about his uncle. And I was bringing things down a bit. But rather than fearing the fear of fear, I'll just try to be better next time, and not blather on to try and keep the call going.
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Yeah, Richard's right. Does FOT stand for Fear Of Tom? Know, it stands for FRIENDS of Tom! Give your friend a call!!!
AMEN! The Junk is wise!!
Go team!
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Thanks for calling me wise! I appreciate you giving me that designation even though I spelled "No" k-n-o-w.
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After this thread, I bet it will be hard to get on this Tues.
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Yeah, Richard's right. Does FOT stand for Fear Of Tom? Know, it stands for FRIENDS of Tom! Give your friend a call!!!
But also be aware that thousands of people are listening and judging your every misstep.
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I'm afraid to even taint the chat with my boringness, much less the show itself. That's why I only am in there for 20 min or so per show. If my mind freezes in the chat, there's no limit to how awkward I could be calling in. Somehow, I usually am all psyched up to call the weekend before a show takes places, but inevitably change my mind once the time comes.
This thread is pretty inspiring tho, maybe I can get up the nerve. I'm already slightly ashamed of 90% of my posts on this board, so I can probably take the shame of a bad call.
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Come on, Eric--you can chat, at the least! And acro. Jeez.
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BOO TO THIS THREAD! BOO!
I listen to The Best Show to hear Tom yell at jerks and dump on stupid kids. To be fair, you all seem like nice people, but when you call in it's time for all the listeners to get up and make a cheese sandwich or take the dog out. I recognize that I'm not a Paycheck, or a Dave from Knoxville, or a Petey. Look into your hearts. Think about the listeners.
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I listen to The Best Show to hear Tom yell at jerks and dump on stupid kids. To be fair, you all seem like nice people, but when you call in it's time for all the listeners to get up and make a cheese sandwich or take the dog out. Think about the listeners.
I argue that the best part of the Best Show is not always Tom yelling at those "stupid" people. Often, that bums me out because it bums Tom out. Granted, there are tons of times that this dynamic has been funny, but I've caught myself skipping through those calls on the podcast because Tom becomes that bully-character who is just plain mean. That's doesn't always make it the BEST show.
Just one man's opinion.
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Tom isn't just a bully, he's our bully. There's a difference.
Let me put it to you this way: Why do you hate The Best Show so much?
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But look at it this way, J.W.: calls from good-mannered FOT give Tom the equivalent of making that cheese sandwich/walking that dog. A show entirely composed of polite calls would indeed be dull, but a few unobnoxious ones offer Tom an important respite so that he can have the strength to execute all those hilarious put-downs and GOMPings--which are bloody hard work, when you come right down to it.
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It seems to me that the show is popular enough now to have plenty of callers to choose from: good ones to pal around with and bad ones to annihilate.
It's up to Tom to decide which kind are better for the show, and I imagine it's best when there's a healthy mix of buddies and haters. In a sense, he needs both in order to define who he is as a radio personality.
The show's going great. I say let's all dial this focus group stuff down a notch and let him Do His Thing.
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I thought the June 19 show was a recent example of a show that had consistently good callers. The topic got a good response and there was a steady flow of non-crank callers that Tom could work with. The stupid callers (Mr. T, pre-Spike Spike) drag the show down because Tom can't make the funny with them. They get on, do their unfunny bit, and waste everyone's time. And just because Tom is having a conversation with you doesn't mean there will be a significant drop in GOMPs (witness what happened to Evan this week, a regular caller who we learned has a ghoulish streak).
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I thought the June 19 show was a recent example of a show that had consistently good callers. The topic got a good response and there was a steady flow of non-crank callers that Tom could work with. The stupid callers (Mr. T, pre-Spike Spike) drag the show down because Tom can't make the funny with them. They get on, do their unfunny bit, and waste everyone's time. And just because Tom is having a conversation with you doesn't mean there will be a significant drop in GOMPs (witness what happened to Evan this week, a regular caller who we learned has a ghoulish streak).
I have to say that when Tom feels the show is going badly, and it's in the final minutes, and he's pulling, against all odds, for a W, and he opens the lines up and hopes, beyond hope, that the basic human goodness of the last-stand callers will save the day for the good guys, and he takes the call and... and... and...
It's Mr. T...
Pitying the fool...
I laugh. I laugh hard, despite myself. I laugh not at Tom, not at the show, not even at Mr. T, but at how Pure Evil knows just when and how and where to manifest.
I swear Pazazu is pushing the buttons on that Mr. T soundboard.
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/51/121061270_8353a3bd0e_m.jpg)
(http://www.historyaddict.com/mrt.jpg)
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True, Grimlocktopus. There is something to be said for a well-timed Mr. T call. I was talking about the weekly Mr. T calls that used to plague the show.
I also agree that Tom can be extremely funny when he's battling the forces of evil. Unlike John from Cincinnati, he suffers so that we can laugh (I'd like to see that parrot-talking idiot savant do a radio show with kidney stones punching his guts).
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I miss Kid Kansas.
I think the Best Show should do more topics on the WORSE or BEST things again. Sure they are throwaway topics but it's something everyone can call in. The worse band and the worse song episodes were a smash and so was the Best Movie Quotes.
I remember seeing this ridiculous list of best movie characters which lacked Judge Smails but had Randall Graves in the Top 5! ridiculous!
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I am still holding out for worst cover version.
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I miss Kid Kansas.
In some sick sick way so do I.
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Although the recent return of the leader was quite shocking.
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My intention with this thread was NOT to get FOT's to call in as only FOT's. Hearing people call in and say how much they like the show isn't as entertaining as when people participate on-topic. I wouldn't want to listen to it either.
But I still don't understand why there are so few callers from the chat when a topic is put on the table. The topics are a great way to be creative. I listen, come up with a good response to the topic (do you guys REALLY have nothing funny to be ashamed of, for instance?), and call in. It was my intention this week to call in on-topic, but it ended up being somewhat of a pep-talk. I didn't mean for it to end up that way.
And I don't see this as a "focus group." and I'm not sure where that came from. I was asking a very honest question of the people on this board. I am, in every way, letting Tom "do his thing" but I just find it funny that so many people can be so incredibly involved in the chat, be enthusiastic and funny, and yet I'm sitting here listening to these drones and monsters call into the show.
I feel like I may have done more harm than good by raising the question. Regrets.......
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Nonsense, erika. What harm have you done? Sure, as a fearful caller, I get a little defensive (stupidly) when people talk so blithely about setting aside one's nervousness, which just isn't so easy for a lot of people (chatting is a far cry from being on air). But no damage has been done.
I don't see how this thread constitutes a focus group, either. We're not dissecting the show but rather discussing what makes it so hard for some of us to contribute to it, which is a different-colored horse altogether.
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I have nothing against this thread, Erika, and I'm glad that you call in every week -you're a lovely person and a great caller.
I just don't buy the premise that ____ is what a good call is and _____ is what a good show is.
That's all I meant by "focus group". It might've come out harsher than I intended; please don't take it personally, POB. You know I'm a fan of yours.
It just sort of feels like you're taking it upon yourself to fix a problem that I think doesn't exist.
You've done no harm, of course. This is a board for talking about the show, so please do. I'm just disagreeing with some finer points because that's how I roll.
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(http://www.big13.net/Achorman%20photos/Burgandy.jpeg)
"That's how I roll"
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I've called in a few times before and it was a lot of fun talking to Tom. However:
1. It was a bit scary
2. From my view, Tom is so consistently right on, and more deeply knowledgeable when it comes to pop culture and, to a slightly lesser extent, morality that I just don't think I have anything to bring to the table. Much of the show thrives on the light and heat that can only come from two opposing views. Whether it is Tom vs. the Abercrombie and Fitch CEO via a magazine article, Tom versus gov't bureaucracy, doo-wop and S&M all wrapped up as "Spike," Tom versus pre-teens in years 2001 to 2003, or Tom versus Maurice Kern.
I did have a well documented pro-Tommert stance http://www.friendsoftom.com/newboard/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=asktom;action=viewprofile;username=jp (http://www.friendsoftom.com/newboard/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=asktom;action=viewprofile;username=jp)- I probably could have called up in support.
Now "Jamesing" as it is now known, could be an opposing view, but the problem is that the Jameses leave cowardly little weak James bombs and then run away like criminals. I'm sure if the Jameses would face Tom that it could be entertaining.
3. Some callers are legitimately funny on their own, like Petey and Paul F. Tompkins. I like those too. But I'm not going to be able to come on with my own material.
If I could listen live I'd try to call more often, but it's probably good that I don't because I'm not going to be funny (3.) and I'm not going to be interesting (2.)
That said, I'd bet if more of you could or would call it would be great. Either way I've never heard an episode I didn't enjoy.
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That said, I'd bet if more of you could or would call it would be great. Either way I've never heard an episode I didn't enjoy.
This encapsulates my point. No good call vs bad call (I shouldn't have said that in my first post) or anything like that.
Thanks for posting some of the reasons why you don't call, though. I really was curious.
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I try to call when I listen live. The only downer about calling is that if your timing is bad and there is a super caller (ala Teddy Rockstar) you either have to ride out the hold or call back and if you were commenting on a topic it often has faded by the time you get through but c'mon guys what doesn't kill you makes you stornger. What's the worst that could happen, someone gives you a bit of a hard time in good fun? I bet that happens on a daily basis.
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I'm a long time listener (since, like, '03 or something) but I never call because I have a shitty cell that breaks up constantly, and I know I would get totally and swiftly GOMPed if I even tried it.
BUT I LOVE YOU ALL THE SAME, TOM.
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i used to call a bit more often, but i just stopped for a while. i called a few times this summer tho. i dont have all that much to add, and plus tom always makes fun of my radio show. but i do plan on calling again in the future...... i just need stuff to say first.
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i used to call a bit more often, but i just stopped for a while. i called a few times this summer tho. i dont have all that much to add, and plus tom always makes fun of my radio show. but i do plan on calling again in the future...... i just need stuff to say first.
Is this the guy who should get rid of his partner?
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i used to call a bit more often, but i just stopped for a while. i called a few times this summer tho. i dont have all that much to add, and plus tom always makes fun of my radio show. but i do plan on calling again in the future...... i just need stuff to say first.
Is this the guy who should get rid of his partner?
No, that would be Jesse Thorn, America's Radio Sweetheart.
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i used to call a bit more often, but i just stopped for a while. i called a few times this summer tho. i dont have all that much to add, and plus tom always makes fun of my radio show. but i do plan on calling again in the future...... i just need stuff to say first.
Is this the guy who should get rid of his partner?
No LiR, the guy who should get rid of his partner is Jesse from The Sound of Young America. Paul is, well, Paul from the Volcano Worshipers Hour on WRSU long time FoT and guy who used to call.
Holy fuck I need some coffee.
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I'm not sure I qualify since I've barely posted here at all*, but I will say this: there's a big part of me that wants to call but the part of me that's too scared to call is even bigger. As a girl who recently got shot a dirty look from one of her favorite bass players and promptly died all over the place, I'm not sure I could cope with a GOMP. Besides, I am B-O-R-I-N-G. Likely it is better that I just sit quietly and listen.
But Erika, this thread is encouraging! I likes it. Maybe one day...
*But I've got a card! That counts, right? Huh?
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I always thought it was funny when I got Gomped. I think its funny when others get gomped
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tom is awesome. i got the GOMP and i'm OK with it. so far i've had fun calling in.
but it's not always easy.. the fear of humiliation is intimidating.
plus.. you never know who is listening. i've heard people i know call the show who didn't know i listened. i'm sure the same could happen in reverse. and what if the call went horribly wrong and some person out there was recognizing MY voice and telling our friends about it the next day? would that be the equivilant of forgetting all my lines in the 7th grade school play and being frozen on stage?! oh man.. i dont know if i can ever call in again...
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I have called a handfull of times. But the only ones that were "memorable" or fun were when Tom either GOMP'd me or the threat was there.
There IS something weirdly hysterical about getting GOMP'd out of the blue unexpectedly.
You find yourself holding the phone, grinning.... "NO WAY!!!"
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There IS something weirdly hysterical about getting GOMP'd out of the blue unexpectedly.
You find yourself holding the phone, grinning.... "NO WAY!!!"
I find myself holding the phone and continuing to speak into it for a good 45 seconds longer than I should. Does Tom always dump the call before he says those four magic words?
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It is my opinion that active participation by the FOTs can only help the show. Non-participation allows the haters to get through and drag the show down. Don't worry what anyone else will think. Regular callers help keep the haters (not to mention the monsters) at bay.
Warning: this topic has not been posted in for at least 120 days.
Unless you're sure you want to reply, please consider starting a new topic.
Who the hell's this guy?
This made me feel good... even about mediocre calls.
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I don't want to get yelled at. But it's fun listening to it happen to others.
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also, Tom's had so many amazing guests this year that it raises the bar even further. i almost called in during the Martin Short show, because I'm totally obsessed with the Ed Grimley Saturday morning cartoon of my youth, but then a couple of really bad calls came in, and I chickened out. I still regret it.
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also, Tom's had so many amazing guests this year that it raises the bar even further. i almost called in during the Martin Short show, because I'm totally obsessed with the Ed Grimley Saturday morning cartoon of my youth, but then a couple of really bad calls came inSpike called, and I chickened out. I still regret it.
f'ed