I think it would have been gauche to call in to talk about this board. I mean, it exists entirely because of the show--does that nail need to be hammered? I also think that Tom exercises exquisite and sagelike discretion by not talking about it or us. Christ, we'd all end up like a bunch of squabbling siblings vying for Daddy's praise, and, let's face it, we're pathetic enough as it is. Besides, there are plenty of listeners who are not FOT and thus do not engage with this board. Devoting a lot of time to it on the show would be unfairly alienating, placing those listeners in the uncomfortable and rather dull position of the odd person out at a family gathering where everyone is exchanging private jokes and reminiscences. Remember what it was like when Tom used to refer to the chat? Terribly gratifying for the chatters; potentially off-putting to everyone else (though I'll admit it's what got me chatting in the first place: I wanted to be a guest at the party instead of the loser hearing about it secondhand).
Many lovely FOT are also ASTers. Let's not make them uncomfortable by continuing this stomping of totally unnecessary sour grapes.
In closing, the boxer is currently chewing away at an empty liter Coke bottle. That and a large coffee can are his new favorite toys. I find this charming.
