Best Callers of 2008

[Sarah]

I think you mean just "J," DfK.

[Shaggy 2 Grote]

Well, retroactively, then: welcome back to the boards, DFK.

I can actually do about 4 funny (or, more accurately, "funny") accents but I'm rusty, as I quit acting years ago.  And also I have this thing called dignity that I'm oddly attached to for some reason.

[dave from knoxville]

I think you mean just "J," DfK.

See how Aprils destroy my minds?

[Dorvid Barnas]

I can actually do about 4 funny (or, more accurately, "funny") accents but I'm rusty, as I quit acting years ago.  And also I have this thing called dignity that I'm oddly attached to for some reason.

That's why I quit acting, too!

[Shaggy 2 Grote]

I can actually do about 4 funny (or, more accurately, "funny") accents but I'm rusty, as I quit acting years ago.  And also I have this thing called dignity that I'm oddly attached to for some reason.

That's why I quit acting, too!

That hurts my heart a little, Dorvid.

[John Junk 2.0]

I try and follow the suggestion of Ollie Farunahken(sp??) 

"Don't call unless you've got something to say."

"Getting to Know You" and games of that ilk are good chances to keep in the habit of calling without having to really bring anything to the table. 

[Dorvid Barnas]

When I call I try to get to my point across as soon as possible and then stop talking, hoping that Tom will enjoy my response enough to riff on it. Some of the newer regular callers are forgetting that when you're on Tom's court, it's his ball.  Remember that he is funnier than you, so the more he's talking during your call, the better you're doing.

[masterofsparks]

I'm pretty much on the same page as Dorvid. I always want to make sure whatever it is I have to say is relatively brief, because there's nothing worse for the show than someone who calls in with a lengthy story that never seems to end. Even if the story is interesting and something I'd probably laugh at were I hearing it at a party or something, it rarely works over the radio.

[Sarah]

I agree.  I haven't called much, but each time I've said what I have to say as quickly as possible and then sat back and hoped that I wouldn't embarrass myself when I reacted to Tom's response. 

[Shaggy 2 Grote]

That wasn't a shot at you, buddy.  You did me a major solid by getting me that audition and I'll always be grateful.

For those who are interested, I came VERY close to getting the lead in a Jason Grote premiere at DC's best theater company.  VERY close.  But then I didn't get it, for reasons so obvious that I couldn't help but feel helpless and angry - you know, like all actors.

Not my best anecdote but there you go.  That's what Jason and I had been speaking about in code for the last couple months.  Of course I bear him no ill will at all, and you DC FOT should definitely go see the play in September.  It's really amazing.

Thanks, Dorvid, you are sweet.  In case anyone is wondering, he is an awesome actor, and it came down to experience.  It was great to meet him, too, but compared to the other ways I've met FOT - at the WFMU record fair or at the station, over a $25 dessert, or at a Big Dipper concert - meeting for the first time over that audition table was probably the weirdest.

Also, in case you were wondering, Dorvid and I are that couple in FOTchan that didn't work out!  But we'll always be friends.

Now, back to the topic.

EDIT: waitasec, Dorvid, did you edit your post?  Anyway, good advice.  I will keep that in mind if/when I call again.

[John Junk 2.0]

I'm pretty much on the same page as Dorvid. I always want to make sure whatever it is I have to say is relatively brief, because there's nothing worse for the show than someone who calls in with a lengthy story that never seems to end. Even if the story is interesting and something I'd probably laugh at were I hearing it at a party or something, it rarely works over the radio.

Yeah, when I called with that Madonna Inn/Motel 6 thing I was trying to make it as fast as humanly possible and it still came off as interminably long!  Lesson learned.  I learned this: If you're sitting around thinking "I gotta call the Best Show with this story!" you're probably wrong.

[Julie]

I think it's best to call when you've got nothing to say. Tom should be able to bring out your best. If you've got something to say when you call up, then you are obstructing the good work he can do.

[erika]

I think it's best to call when you've got nothing to say. Tom should be able to bring out your best. If you've got something to say when you call up, then you are obstructing the good work he can do.

hmmm what if you're calling for the topic? Wouldn't you need something to say then?

[John Junk 2.0]

I think it's best to call when you've got nothing to say. Tom should be able to bring out your best. If you've got something to say when you call up, then you are obstructing the good work he can do.

Yeah, I gathered that was your approach.  Can't say I agree with it.

[masterofsparks]

I only ever call when there's a topic and I have a response. I just don't think I'm entertaining enough to carry an off-topic call and I have no wish to derail the show.