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The Best Show on WFMU => Show Discussion => Topic started by: Jason from Huntsville, AL on July 20, 2011, 02:25:21 PM

Title: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: Jason from Huntsville, AL on July 20, 2011, 02:25:21 PM
Tom has charged me with picking a new caller to take under my wing. I have one week in which to make this decision.

My request, dear FoTs and fellow forum members, is this: I need suggestions as to which caller or callers you think would be a good fit for me to Mentor.

Thank you.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: nowah on July 20, 2011, 03:32:34 PM
As the consummate power caller, give yourself a challenge: Matt from Nappanee, (in between Toronto and Montreal).
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: Wes on July 20, 2011, 03:46:45 PM
Tom has charged me with picking a new caller to take under my wing. I have one week in which to make this decision.

My request, dear FoTs and fellow forum members, is this: I need suggestions as to which caller or callers you think would be a good fit for me to Mentor.

Thank you.
I will again suggest that you choose James From Southeast PA, because a mentor relationship with him would be like getting to live out the plot of The Iron Giant. He just needs someone to teach him about these human emotions that confound him so.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: Derek (from Chicago) on July 20, 2011, 03:58:11 PM

I've never called in to the Best Show. Any interest in trying to groom and mold someone who is a total blank slate?

Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: Pregnant Pause on July 20, 2011, 04:04:32 PM
Maybe you could start a shady For Profit Caller College.  Defraud people and then fade into the Alabama night.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: JonFromMaplewood on July 20, 2011, 05:08:28 PM
Tom has charged me with picking a new caller to take under my wing. I have one week in which to make this decision.

My request, dear FoTs and fellow forum members, is this: I need suggestions as to which caller or callers you think would be a good fit for me to Mentor.

Thank you.
I will again suggest that you choose James From Southeast PA, because a mentor relationship with him would be like getting to live out the plot of The Iron Giant. He just needs someone to teach him about these human emotions that confound him so.

The logic is air-tight and I want to second it...but at the same time, I don't want James From Southeast PA to change one iota.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: Jason from Huntsville, AL on July 20, 2011, 07:00:04 PM
As the consummate power caller, give yourself a challenge: Matt from Nappanee, (in between Toronto and Montreal).

Just to set the record straight: I'm no Power Caller. I don't breathe that rarefied air. I'm a simple Quality Caller. I know my place.

Having said that, Matt is on my short list.

I will again suggest that you choose James From Southeast PA, because a mentor relationship with him would be like getting to live out the plot of The Iron Giant. He just needs someone to teach him about these human emotions that confound him so.

Hey, if Paulie can reprogram a robot, surely I could coach Bathroom Boy. I am concerned, though, (like John from Maplewood fears) that I might defrag much of what we love about him. I'll have to run a spreadsheet on it and mull it over.


I've never called in to the Best Show. Any interest in trying to groom and mold someone who is a total blank slate?

I feel like I kinda need an idea of what my raw materials are. This is a program for promising callers, not would-be callers. Call-in and you could be in the running.

Maybe you could start a shady For Profit Caller College.  Defraud people and then fade into the Alabama night.

I may be PMing you about a "business venture" in the near future.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: Stacey_C_ on July 20, 2011, 08:03:04 PM
Do I get a mentor, or should I schedule something for Fridays with Tom?
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: Eric Fishlegs on July 20, 2011, 08:21:28 PM
Tom has charged me with picking a new caller to take under my wing. I have one week in which to make this decision.

My request, dear FoTs and fellow forum members, is this: I need suggestions as to which caller or callers you think would be a good fit for me to Mentor.

Thank you.

I second James from Southeast PA. However if you want a challenge you should choose Spike. If you can mold Spike into a caller who doesn't annoy Tom every time he speaks... now that would be a challenge.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: patfromlansing on July 20, 2011, 08:55:55 PM
It would be interesting to see if I could be mentored.   I'd be up for the challenge if you are, Jason.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: Greggulator on July 20, 2011, 10:41:17 PM
I may need some help since I'm apparently the least favorite somewhat regular caller.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: Jason from Huntsville, AL on July 20, 2011, 11:12:01 PM
Do I get a mentor, or should I schedule something for Fridays with Tom?

That's up to Tom, Stacey. You could try asking for one. I think you're coming along just fine on your own myself, though.

However if you want a challenge you should choose Spike. If you can mold Spike into a caller who doesn't annoy Tom every time he speaks... now that would be a challenge.

Spike is uncoachable. Wonderfully uncoachable. I'd no more try to fix Spike than I'd put arms on the Venus De Milo.

It would be interesting to see if I could be mentored.   I'd be up for the challenge if you are, Jason.

You're on the list, Pat. I want to go back and re-listen to some of your calls. Could you point me to a couple? You may not need mentoring, either.

I may need some help since I'm apparently the least favorite somewhat regular caller.

I don't think I have anything to teach you, Greg. I think you're doing fine and Tom likes you. If I were you, I'd Heel it up Andy Kaufman in Memphis-style towards those who dislike you (real or imagined.)
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: amazingjourney on July 20, 2011, 11:44:42 PM
Not saying it's you Jason, but I want to see someone mentor a more grizzled vet like Michael K.

It would be kind of Tarantino-esque-- a career resuscitation along the lines of a Keitel/Travolta.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: Boogdish on July 21, 2011, 12:53:42 AM
I suggest Neil Mahoney, DC Pierson or some other such minor celebrity as a mentee.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: Jason from Huntsville, AL on July 21, 2011, 01:44:28 AM
Not saying it's you Jason, but I want to see someone mentor a more grizzled vet like Michael K.

Again, I wouldn't want to spoil what Michael K's got going on. Everyone plays their part in the Best Show Caller Ecosystem. You don't want to upset the balance too much.

I suggest Neil Mahoney, DC Pierson or some other such minor celebrity as a mentee.

Please. I should ask them to mentor me.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: buffcoat on July 21, 2011, 06:56:20 AM


I suggest Neil Mahoney, DC Pierson or some other such minor celebrity as a mentee.

Please. I should ask them to mentor me.



Stop making me rethink my blanket dismissal of Alabama with your politeness and gentility!  The only state I have left to feel uninterrupted contempt for now is Mississippi, and there's probably a kindly "Walter from Mississippi" out there waiting to take that from me.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: dave from knoxville on July 21, 2011, 07:01:37 AM
Jason is a Power Human Being.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: patfromlansing on July 21, 2011, 07:07:51 AM
Jason- I called on 10/26/2010, 11/2/2010, and 2/15/2011.     I would say my biggest obstacle toward becoming a power caller is not wanting to call if I can't think of something to contribute.    Not sure what kind of training would help with that.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: Greggulator on July 21, 2011, 08:32:11 AM
I may need some help since I'm apparently the least favorite somewhat regular caller.

I don't think I have anything to teach you, Greg. I think you're doing fine and Tom likes you. If I were you, I'd Heel it up Andy Kaufman in Memphis-style towards those who dislike you (real or imagined.)
[/quote]

You're right, Jason. I *AM* doing fine -- more than fine, in fact, and I've been pretty amazing if I say so myself.

I should have told these little "people" months ago to stick it. They're just incredibly jealous of the dulcet tones of my Shadow Stevens-esque voice, my natural leadership capabilities, and as well as the fact that I have the best ab muscles of any caller into The Best Show.

Outside of the confines of The Best Show, absolutely none of these so-called people would even dare look at me in the eye. Their fists would ball up as tears well up in their eyes as they realize that they'll never, ever measure up to my many victories in life, especially as they consider their glaring failures and weaknesses.

(Like that?)
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: Jason from Huntsville, AL on July 21, 2011, 09:24:42 AM
Stop making me rethink my blanket dismissal of Alabama with your politeness and gentility!  The only state I have left to feel uninterrupted contempt for now is Mississippi, and there's probably a kindly "Walter from Mississippi" out there waiting to take that from me.

That Walter would have to be pretty freaking charming to undo the damage of my past interaction with the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Thumbs down, Mississippi.

Jason is a Power Human Being.

Dad! My friends are here! You're embarrassing me!

You're right, Jason. I *AM* doing fine -- more than fine, in fact, and I've been pretty amazing if I say so myself....

(Like that?)

Dial that back like 1.5 notches, and it's perfect.

Jason- I called on 10/26/2010, 11/2/2010, and 2/15/2011.     I would say my biggest obstacle toward becoming a power caller is not wanting to call if I can't think of something to contribute.    Not sure what kind of training would help with that.

I'll try to give those calls a re-listen before next Tuesday. Thanks.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: Wes on July 21, 2011, 09:35:31 AM
Not saying it's you Jason, but I want to see someone mentor a more grizzled vet like Michael K.
"Michael K, what I want you to do is, every time you're thinking of calling, that you think you have something to contribute, just take a moment and pause - like we went over - pause for a moment, go over the mental checklist that we prepared and then smash your phone until you are sure it cannot complete any calls. And then smash that second phone that you had stocked away just in case."
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: Stacey_C_ on July 21, 2011, 10:01:51 AM

That's up to Tom, Stacey. You could try asking for one. I think you're coming along just fine on your own myself, though.



Aw, thanks Jason. I was just kidding about Tom helping me because he joked about it during your call this week. If a mentor is interested in helping a lady, since it seems like it's mostly guys on the list now, I'd be happy to take the advice of a seasoned veteran. 
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: buffcoat on July 21, 2011, 11:38:00 AM
Not saying it's you Jason, but I want to see someone mentor a more grizzled vet like Michael K.
"Michael K, what I want you to do is, every time you're thinking of calling, that you think you have something to contribute, just take a moment and pause - like we went over - pause for a moment, go over the mental checklist that we prepared and then smash your phone until you are sure it cannot complete any calls. And then smash that second phone that you had stocked away just in case."


And any other phones in the neighborhood, and uninstall Skype from your computer, which you should also smash.

I was listening to one of his calls in a Baja Fresh and it almost made me unable to eat their delicious Salsa of the Month (pineapple).
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: gravy boat on July 21, 2011, 12:08:24 PM
Clark.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: gravy boat on July 21, 2011, 12:11:57 PM
Not saying it's you Jason, but I want to see someone mentor a more grizzled vet like Michael K.
"Michael K, what I want you to do is, every time you're thinking of calling, that you think you have something to contribute, just take a moment and pause - like we went over - pause for a moment, go over the mental checklist that we prepared and then smash your phone until you are sure it cannot complete any calls. And then smash that second phone that you had stocked away just in case."

Again, it pains me that more people do not realize that Michael K is is one of top callers.  And for words per minute, no one is even in his ballpark.  I hope the Cynics throw their tour bus trash on your lawn.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: Jason from Huntsville, AL on July 21, 2011, 02:42:30 PM
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I think I've got my short list.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: buffcoat on July 21, 2011, 04:50:38 PM
Not saying it's you Jason, but I want to see someone mentor a more grizzled vet like Michael K.
"Michael K, what I want you to do is, every time you're thinking of calling, that you think you have something to contribute, just take a moment and pause - like we went over - pause for a moment, go over the mental checklist that we prepared and then smash your phone until you are sure it cannot complete any calls. And then smash that second phone that you had stocked away just in case."

Again, it pains me that more people do not realize that Michael K is is one of top callers.  And for words per minute, no one is even in his ballpark.  I hope the Cynics throw their tour bus trash on your lawn.


Sorry, Michael.  I didn't know you posted here.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: Jason from Huntsville, AL on July 21, 2011, 04:59:36 PM
Sorry, Michael.  I didn't know you posted here.

That post was under 50 words. I think that acquits this poster of any suspicion of sock puppetry.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: buffcoat on July 21, 2011, 05:49:28 PM
Sorry, Michael.  I didn't know you posted here.

That post was under 50 words. I think that acquits this poster of any suspicion of sock puppetry.

Who, me?
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: Jason from Huntsville, AL on July 21, 2011, 05:56:28 PM
Sorry, Michael.  I didn't know you posted here.

That post was under 50 words. I think that acquits this poster of any suspicion of sock puppetry.

Who, me?

I meant that I didn't think there was anyway gravy boat could be Michael K as they didn't write a novel-length post.

We all know what you really are, buffcoat: an AI simulation of Dale Peterson created by the liberal elite so they can know what he'll do before he does it.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: not that clay on July 21, 2011, 06:04:01 PM
Jason- I called on 10/26/2010, 11/2/2010, and 2/15/2011.     I would say my biggest obstacle toward becoming a power caller is not wanting to call if I can't think of something to contribute.    Not sure what kind of training would help with that.

You are now my favorite caller ever.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: Jason from Huntsville, AL on July 21, 2011, 06:16:20 PM
Jason- I called on 10/26/2010, 11/2/2010, and 2/15/2011.     I would say my biggest obstacle toward becoming a power caller is not wanting to call if I can't think of something to contribute.    Not sure what kind of training would help with that.

You are now my favorite caller ever.

I can't believe I missed this when you first posted it, Pat, but you said something worth remarking on (which is what I believe not that clay is reacting to above.)

You wrote of not wanting to call unless you have something to contribute as an obstacle to becoming a "power caller." You got it backwards: that's a huge asset when it comes to being a great caller.

I'm taking you off the list, Pat. You don't need me. You're on the right path.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: DavidSestrand on July 21, 2011, 10:12:24 PM
Please don't try to mentor or school Woodsy. I like him as-is.

DJ in Chi
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: buffcoat on July 21, 2011, 11:23:28 PM
Sorry, Michael.  I didn't know you posted here.

That post was under 50 words. I think that acquits this poster of any suspicion of sock puppetry.

Who, me?

I meant that I didn't think there was anyway gravy boat could be Michael K as they didn't write a novel-length post.

We all know what you really are, buffcoat: an AI simulation of Dale Peterson created by the liberal elite so they can know what he'll do before he does it.


My tears are melting my cybernetic heart.  I don't give a rrrrrrrrrrr system shutdown.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: fonpr on July 21, 2011, 11:34:24 PM
I guess there will be no more updates at Buff's website.

Check it while you can for classic comments like this one:

There were no hippies when I grew up, thank God! The clown sock girl things are walking all over town, just go downtown and you will understand.

http://filthyhippies.blogspot.com/2009/03/filthy-hippies-in-girl-scouts-of.html (http://filthyhippies.blogspot.com/2009/03/filthy-hippies-in-girl-scouts-of.html)
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: amazingjourney on July 22, 2011, 12:13:07 AM
Not saying it's you Jason, but I want to see someone mentor a more grizzled vet like Michael K.
"Michael K, what I want you to do is, every time you're thinking of calling, that you think you have something to contribute, just take a moment and pause - like we went over - pause for a moment, go over the mental checklist that we prepared and then smash your phone until you are sure it cannot complete any calls. And then smash that second phone that you had stocked away just in case."

Again, it pains me that more people do not realize that Michael K is is one of top callers.  And for words per minute, no one is even in his ballpark.  I hope the Cynics throw their tour bus trash on your lawn.

Gravyboat,

I want to be on the record as loving Michael K. Also as loving the Cynics. I like whenever he calls in and wish he would call more often.

But you have to admit that in recent years the enjoyment has come from Tom being at the end of his rope with him. What I'm trying to say is... it's a complicated thing, but I still love Michael K. for who he is.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: buffcoat on July 22, 2011, 09:25:38 AM
I guess there will be no more updates at Buff's website.

Check it while you can for classic comments like this one:

There were no hippies when I grew up, thank God! The clown sock girl things are walking all over town, just go downtown and you will understand.

http://filthyhippies.blogspot.com/2009/03/filthy-hippies-in-girl-scouts-of.html (http://filthyhippies.blogspot.com/2009/03/filthy-hippies-in-girl-scouts-of.html)


A little 10-in-1 and I was good as new.  How did you find my secret website?!?!?!?!
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: Alex_from_the_woods on July 25, 2011, 11:16:14 AM
How about Paydirt from Tasmania?
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: Jason from Huntsville, AL on July 26, 2011, 10:43:31 PM
And the Mentee is....MATT FROM AUBURN, ALABAMA.

He just contacted me via Facebook.

Get ready to see an Alabammy Phoenix rise from the "Heave, Ho" ashes.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: buffcoat on July 27, 2011, 11:28:39 AM
And the Mentee is....MATT FROM AUBURN, ALABAMA.

He just contacted me via Facebook.

Get ready to see an Alabammy Phoenix rise from the "Heave, Ho" ashes.


No tree poisoning, now, boys.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: Spalding on July 27, 2011, 01:30:05 PM
The only state I have left to feel uninterrupted contempt for now is Mississippi, and there's probably a kindly "Walter from Mississippi" out there waiting to take that from me.

Not from Miss, but live here. Maybe can't qualify as kindly, but I eagerly await the conclusion of your album-by-album dissection of the Knights in Satan's Service's "good" period.

Jason aka "Joe Clutch": my apologies for the MS Dept of Revenue. Not all of us in state govt are so bad. .
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: Jason from Huntsville, AL on July 27, 2011, 08:41:54 PM
No tree poisoning, now, boys.

Well, since he's an Auburn guy, I assume he wouldn't be down with that. I'm a mild Crimson Tide fan and I think that Toomer's Corner incident was the most classless moment in SEC fandom.

Jason aka "Joe Clutch": my apologies for the MS Dept of Revenue. Not all of us in state govt are so bad. .

I appreciate the hard work the state of Mississippi does to help Alabama not be DEAD LAST in everything. :)
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: buffcoat on July 27, 2011, 10:45:50 PM
I think that Toomer's Corner incident was the most classless moment in SEC fandom.




Now THAT is saying something, especially considering that Arkansas AND Kentucky are SEC schools. 


My alma mater played Mississippi State in the Peach Bowl in Atlanta one year and the, ahem, cowbells were quite a touch.  I believe they predate the vuvuzelas. 
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: Key Loser on July 28, 2011, 08:23:33 AM
I think that Toomer's Corner incident was the most classless moment in SEC fandom.




Now THAT is saying something, especially considering that Arkansas AND Kentucky are SEC schools. 



Come on now. We all know LSU fans are the most classless in the SEC.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: buffcoat on July 28, 2011, 09:22:59 AM
I think that Toomer's Corner incident was the most classless moment in SEC fandom.




Now THAT is saying something, especially considering that Arkansas AND Kentucky are SEC schools. 



Come on now. We all know LSU fans are the most classless in the SEC.



After yesterday, I have even less incentive to care what football schools do.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: betheboy on July 28, 2011, 07:08:51 PM
late to this thread but I need some of Jason's help here. I need to call more often but I never feel like it's the right time. How do I get back on the call train?
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: Jason from Huntsville, AL on July 28, 2011, 07:48:06 PM
late to this thread but I need some of Jason's help here. I need to call more often but I never feel like it's the right time. How do I get back on the call train?

Just listen. If you think you have something to add or have a new idea that you feel Tom could work with, call. It's gotten much harder to get through lately (a sign that the popularity of the show is rising, I 'm sure), so you have to keep hitting redial like a madman.

That's the only advice I have. If you feel like your call would be a + and something you'd like to hear if you were a listener: call. If not, wait.

You don't need a mentor, though, Will. You're a Full Grown Caller.
Title: Re: Caller Mentor Program (Help me to help somebody.)
Post by: dave from knoxville on July 28, 2011, 08:50:29 PM
This is starting to feel a little like comedy boot camp. Paging Jimmy Dore, Paging Jimmy Dore.