I'm a WFMU listener and not a comedy nerd, and I discovered Maron through the Best Show. Now I love WTF. Both Tom and Marc have provided me with weeks' worth of free entertainment, comfort, and solace, and in very different ways have exerted an influence on my own writing.
David, I don't know if you consider us to be friends, but we have corresponded and met in person and I got you an audition at one of the major DC theaters, which was no huge deal, but did require me to expend some capital -- I haven't been around so long that I have clout to spare. I don't take any of your comments personally, but remember that there are a lot of people in this community, not all of whom (or even most of whom) have crossed you. And -- not that Tom needs defending -- but in addition to providing us all with hours upon hours of some of the best radio comedy in the history of the medium for no compensation to himself, he is far more generous with his time and attention than he has to be. I know for a fact that he has helped both of us out in the past. Remember, also, that the guy has thousands of fans. It's unfair for any one of us to expect a lot of special attention when he's already more generous than most normal people would be in his circumstances.
I say this with compassion and in the spirit of friendship. If you choose to take it as an attack, there's nothing I can do about that, but I say this as someone who has met and liked you and tried to help you out in the past: this is the third time I've seen you freak out on the internet about something related to the show. Obviously it's not my place to say how significant something is or should be to you, but I really think that all this rage is not good for you or anyone else. Please consider stepping back from the computer the next time you're feeling this angry, and asking yourself where it's coming from. And -- this is particularly delicate -- but I have also had issues with rage and depression and have sought help for them. I won't presume whether or not you've done the same, but there's no shame in it and even though I still have a lot of problems I need to work on, it's done a world of good for me.
