FOT Forum
The Best Show on WFMU => Dear Tom => Topic started by: JpHasson on September 06, 2012, 02:11:45 AM
-
Tom i've listened to at least 80% of the shows in the archive and i rate the show together with the uk office, Tim Hiedeckers stuff, Monthy Pythons hunt for the holy grail ,Frisky Dingo, Alan Partridge and the thick of it as the best comedy things that's been done. The last two years however there have been a trend that have troubled me, and that trend is that the quality and diversity of callers have been reduced. The show has also, to my ears, gone from being a polyphonic show, with many different voices talking, to just one voice and one point of view taking up too much space. Some reasons i think this is the case below:
- If one listens to shows that were made back in 2005, one things that stands out is that there were a lot more quirky callers. Sure a lot of them were stupid, some of them were annoying and a lot of them were offensive. With that said, bar the offensive ones, it's kind of funny to listen to stupid and annoying callers sometimes. I can't see how a person like Petey would get a chance to show his personality on the current show, he'd just get hung up on after 10 seconds. Would it be possible to sometimes just give the odd, slightly jarring personalities a bit more space?
- sychopants taking up way too much space on the show when they should be banned forever from calling. I get that it's draining to talk to a bunch of lunatics all the time, but as a listener it's not super funny to listen to guys who just wants to be on the radio and who doesn't seem to have their own personality either, they're just reflecting your opinions back at you. An example of this would be the torrent of people who called up regarding seeing Todd Barry and Ted Leo in concert in 2011. You eventually clamped down on this but there were several months where it seemed to be just talk about how great Todd Barry and Ted Leo are, zero friction and completely predicteable. Right now the trick these sychopants employ is to call up and ask you "what you think about something because they're unsure what they're supposed to think about that thing". So uh what do you think of the latest season of breaking bad? is it good should i watch it? Is it ok for me to like shoegazer music? They're not contributing anything, they don't have a voice of their own. Another problem are the gushing fan callers who don't have anything to say except that the show saved their lives. These callers should not get through the call screening process except on rare occasions, you deserve the praise but is the show really the right place for that? if they don't have anything funny or interesting to say, they are not contributing are they?
-The lack of the working man caller. The increase of comedy nerds and psychopant callers getting through to the show has made the topics discussed much more narrow. Going back a couple of years i seem to recall there being more "real life" people calling in about their job and their situation. There haven't been a new officer Tom since officer Tom, and that's a great shame because he is a great caller. He's got interesting things to say and he is more on an even footing with you, a real person with a distinct personality that isn't just reflection of your own. One of the calls i've heard lately that was interesting was a guy who worked at bar calling in, selling cigarrettes and alcohol in the middle of the night. What's the deal with that guy? He must have gone through some interesting stuff in that situation, unfortunately that call was quickly dispensed with. Officer Tom can easily be contrasted with Jason from Alabama or whatever that guy is called, he's on almost every show and he's basically just a watered down version of Tom Scharpling, he doesn't give anything to the show that's not already there.
I think the main problem here is the call screening process, when Mike was replaced a couple of months ago with another guy, the diversity of topics and interesting conversations just went through the roof. Tom your opinions and the topics you are knowledgeable about are all interesting and funny to listen to, but the trend for the last two years has been that those opinions and topics have completely suffocated everything else, mostly because of callers that are just mirrors, psychopantic reflections of you getting way too much space. The show is at its best, in my opinion of course, when there's a large variety of people with different opinions, personalities, interests and life situations calling in, when there's a balance between what's going on in Tom Scharplings head and the outside world and when there's a little bit of chaos creeping in at times. Latest Garry Shandling bashing episode was one of the best i've heard in terms of Tom talk, but the polyphonic aspect of the show is still missing, more voices needs to be part of the mix, stronger voices needs to be part of the mix, imo of course. Maybe get a call screener in that isn't such a wet blanket and with a better ear for caller diversity? Either way, it's still a great show but i can't help but feel it could be vastly improved by just some small changes.
-
I think the main problem here is the call screening process, when Mike was replaced a couple of months ago with another guy, the diversity of topics and interesting conversations just went through the roof.
Maybe get a call screener in that isn't such a wet blanket and with a better ear for caller diversity? Either way, it's still a great show but i can't help but feel it could be vastly improved by just some small changes.
What are "psychopants" and, more importantly, are they available at Haband's? Are you talking about when Steve replaced me? Yeah, he was great. We should bring him back. Also, screw you, buddy.
You obviously have no idea what goes on behind the scenes. Do you think I'm dumping hundreds of fascinating callers just so the "psychopants" can get through? What have you done to make the show more interesting in the past 2 years? Since you're obviously a fascinating guy, what's holding you back from calling in every week to lift the show up single-handedly?
-
I think the main problem here is the call screening process, when Mike was replaced a couple of months ago with another guy, the diversity of topics and interesting conversations just went through the roof.
Unfortunately, AP Steve passed away a couple weeks ago. You're stuck with Mike.
-
It seems like you're trying to be constructive, but how constructive is it to say "you've been great at what you do for twelve years, but here's where you let it all go wrong"? Why not simply call the show and tell a funny story or suggest a good topic?
Your theory makes sense I guess but the details don't add up, for example calling out Jason from Alabama specifically, since he's a funny guy and seems to bring out the best in Tom. And the fact that he's been a consistently good caller (and there are lots of others) seems to brighten Tom's mood just by hearing his voice since he knows something good is coming. I can imagine Jason (just to keep using your example) probably being like you a few years ago and finally calling up and bringing something to the party.
The show is free, it's three freakin' hours long, and it's one (or two) dudes doing all the work. The fact that it's this great after 12 years is pretty amazing. I've only been listening for the past three years (plus the archives) but I've never heard a bad show. Every show has something to offer.
Tom or Mike or anyone else can't exactly control who calls, that's kind of the nature of the game. I work a job where I answer phones all day. Believe me, talking to bozos can wear you out. A good caller is a good caller though, no matter how Everyman or Weird they might be.
Also, "wet blanket" is just mean.
-
The Gods provide, don't they? It's like Christmas morning on the FOT board!
-
I think the main problem here is the call screening process, when Mike was replaced a couple of months ago with another guy, the diversity of topics and interesting conversations just went through the roof.
Unfortunately, AP Steve passed away a couple weeks ago. You're stuck with Mike.
Knife wound to the back?
-
I think the main problem here is the call screening process, when Mike was replaced a couple of months ago with another guy, the diversity of topics and interesting conversations just went through the roof.
Unfortunately, AP Steve passed away a couple weeks ago. You're stuck with Mike.
Knife wound to the back?
Yeah. "Murderin' Mike" added another kill to his list. Should have worn a stab vest, AP Steve.
-
I'm going to start an Internet band called The Psychopant Callers .
PM me if you want in.
-
This guy clearly doesn't appreciate folksy, homespun humor.
-
Yeah, Tom, why don't you just get more interesting callers? This is a ridiculous comment. Can Tom and Mike affect who calls in? Not really, no.
-
Yeah, Tom, why don't you just get more interesting callers? This is a ridiculous comment. Can Tom and Mike affect who calls in? Not really, no.
Personally i heard a distinct change in the quality of callers when Steve was a call screener.
-
Yeah, Tom, why don't you just get more interesting callers? This is a ridiculous comment. Can Tom and Mike affect who calls in? Not really, no.
Mike immediately hangs up on the salt-of-the-earth callers.
-
JpHasson, you should know by now what Tom thinks of people telling him what to do!
The show is hugely popular so you're going to get a lot of sycophants. Yeah, they're boring, but that's why Tom did the big ban.
In case you haven't figured it out by now, Tom was kidding about call screener Steve. Mike's been at it the whole time.
-
Hey, FOTs, you been MitHamine'd! Wait, the Mit Hamine guy was at least good for a laugh or two.
-
JpHasson, if you're not having "super fun", I suggest you switch to the Smodcast. Those guys are whacking fresh, yo.
-
In case you haven't figured it out by now, Tom was kidding about call screener Steve. Mike's been at it the whole time.
Whaaaat? Mike doesn't have a moustache!
-
Tom was kidding about call screener Steve. Mike's been at it the whole time.
I don't buy it.
Steve sounded completely different from Mike.
He sounded like a scarecrow!
Mike does not.
-
I can't believe I fell for this. I'm so easy to troll.
-
Officer Tom can easily be contrasted with Jason from Alabama or whatever that guy is called, he's on almost every show and he's basically just a watered down version of Tom Scharpling, he doesn't give anything to the show that's not already there.
You're right. I just found a radio show that was already talking about monkeys on vans and trailers being dismantled and modeled my "Jason from Huntsville" character what was already going on. You got me.
Also, the greatest compliment one can pay a watered down version of Tom Scharpling is to call him a watered down version of Tom Scharpling. Thank you.
Tom was kidding about call screener Steve. Mike's been at it the whole time.
I don't buy it.
Steve sounded completely different from Mike.
He sounded like a scarecrow!
Mike does not.
I think the whole "Steve was Mike the whole time" thing was cooked up to cover up Steve's murder.
-
I look forward to Smirky's rendition of a "watered down Tom Scharpling."
-
two words: Ir Win
-
As obnoxious as the OP is, "Jason from Alabama or whatever that guy is called" made me laugh.
-
I've been listening to the show in two directions: the weekly podcast and the archives in reverse. I'm at September 2009.
The show _has_ changed from 2005 to 2012. How on earth would it not have? There's no point in going on and on to bash this guy - I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and say he's a True Believer in the Value of His Own Opinion rather than a troll.
I will point out two things, though:
I will hear no charges of watered-downedness against the writer, creator and actor of Y'allbegone Pond, and.
The development of AP Mike as a Best Show (and beyond!) character since 2009 is so much more important than the fall-off of any one (or ten) regular callers that it should make your head spin. Who knew that the source of that insane off-mike cackling would become such a major entertainment force?
-
As obnoxious as the OP is, "Jason from Alabama or whatever that guy is called" made me laugh.
Me, too.
-
I've been listening to the show in two directions: the weekly podcast and the archives in reverse. I'm at September 2009.
The show _has_ changed from 2005 to 2012.
That process is one of the ways I get over the disappointment of discovering the show late. Starting at the beginning of the archives and hearing the show and the callers evolve over the years. Unstoppable laughter when I hear the first appearance of some of the regular FOTs.
And I agree with buffcoat's timing of around 2005. When I went through the archives the first time, that was where I noticed the show evolving into what it is now. That's the beauty of the archives. Something for everyone!
-
Dear Tom, please don't ban me for this, but I think you should focus group the show from now on.
-
It's sad to say, but Tom really should bring in a hip 20-something to play the AP Mike character. TBS seems to do poorly with the 18-34 demographic.
-
hopefully the current mike and tom dynamic can grow even more into a ricky gervais/karl pilkington partnership.
-
Now you're just straight up trolling. Shame on you.
-
Also, screw you, buddy.
I think you already got your reply.
-
hopefully the current mike and tom dynamic can grow even more into a ricky gervais/karl pilkington partnership.
Is the board getting "Jamesed?"
-
A true Jamesing is much more humiliating.
-
What does toupee glue smell like?
-
What does toupee glue smell like?
Smells like...victory.
-
What does toupee glue smell like?
Smells like...victory.
Hey, Jason, I'm listening to the archives and I don't want to worry you, but a guy calling himself "Jason in Madison, Alabama" called in to the September 8, 2009 show. I gotta tell you, he was really ripping off your style.
-
What does toupee glue smell like?
Smells like...victory.
Hey, Jason, I'm listening to the archives and I don't want to worry you, but a guy calling himself "Jason in Madison, Alabama" called in to the September 8, 2009 show. I gotta tell you, he was really ripping off your style.
That's weird because in 2009 I lived in Madison, AL. It's funny that we never met.
And the nerve of the guy to rip me off before my first call.
-
If Podmass taught me anything, it's that Tom doesn't put any time or effort into the show - it just sorta happens. So I think he'd be all for the help that this friend is trying to provide.
-
meh
-
If Podmass taught me anything, it's that Tom doesn't put any time or effort into the show
Best comment ever.
-
it was the June 19, 2012 show that i thought had better callers, there was a call screener called spoony on that one and mike was allegedly on vacation or whatever. either way this week there was the same "what do u think about this Tom?" style callers so i guess i'll just have to hope for Tom to get as bored with these guys as i am.
TOM: Can we just admit now that Drive isn't such a great movie?
Caller: I was ACTUALLY one of the few people who didn't like it!
-
it was the June 19, 2012 show that i thought had better callers, there was a call screener called spoony on that one and mike was allegedly on vacation or whatever.
I'll stick to the assumption that you were referring to AP Steve.
-
it was the June 19, 2012 show that i thought had better callers, there was a call screener called spoony on that one and mike was allegedly on vacation or whatever. either way this week there was the same "what do u think about this Tom?" style callers so i guess i'll just have to hope for Tom to get as bored with these guys as i am.
TOM: Can we just admit now that Drive isn't such a great movie?
Caller: I was ACTUALLY one of the few people who didn't like it!
Are you serious dude? That was the topic that Tom introduced and you could clearly tell that Tom was having a good time with that.
-
it was the June 19, 2012 show that i thought had better callers, there was a call screener called spoony
Actually that wasn't spooney as he was at a dog show with Julie Klausner.
The name of the call screener was Spewey.
Here is an image:
(http://nsa29.casimages.com/img/2012/09/17/120917041125175982.jpg)
-
'Drive' was an OK movie. Not life-changing, but come on.
-
People should just lay off certain stuff. The movie features Ryan Gosling strutting around in a satin jacket with a scorpion emblazoned on the back of it. What's the problem?
Is Spewey a regular at Massa's? He seems familiar.
-
Is Spewey a regular at Massa's? He seems familiar.
Sure, he likes to hang out with other extraterrestrials.