FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Hello once again, Fannation.

You may click the following links for previous interviews with rstowe, porkins, NCshvDavid, and Goodell.

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Today, we're happy to introduce long-time member, T-fo.

What made you want to join NMI?

The competition factor.  It's always great to butt heads
with guys more interested in a good argument than their won-lost record.


What do you like best about FN?

It's a site where the average Joe can show they know as much (often more) as the so-called experts who actually get paid for what we do for free.

What do you like least about FN?

Most days I find myself ticked off by the headlines in the Truth and Rumors section.  I think FN really should drop the Truth part from the title.

Any members of Fannation help get you where you are today?

Yes, it was Ram, primarily.  As a rookie with a penchant for TD's that usually trumpeted my beloved Steelers, I found myself quickly in about a 1 and 12 hole record-wise.  Ram liked my arguments, but advised me to stop being a homer if I ever wanted to get any points across.  Lesson well taken.


What drew you to join FanNation?

It is a great opportunity to talk sports with other real
fans.


What do you (plan to) do for a living?

I'm in media and public relations.

What are your goals in life?

Retire early, finally get my Steeler season tickets (been on waiting list since 1986 - seriously), and keep my two daughters away from the stripper pole.

If you could go to one sporting event before you die, what would that be
and why?

The Masters.  Anything else you can pretty much go if you can afford the ticket.  That one is the Holy Grail.


When did you first become a sports fan and what drew you in?

In the 1970's.  As a kid in Pittsburgh in that era the only thing I can equate it to is what it must be like for a youngster in Boston these days.  For a city known only to the country as a place that made steel, it was cool being the center of the sports world.


What was/is your favorite subject in school and why?

Ugh.  Guess I'd have to say Journalism.  I was the weird hybrid of geek and jock, played three sports, but was editor of the school paper.

Who is your greatest sports idol?

Jack Lambert, without question.  When you lined up to play football after school, every kid wanted to be middle linebacker and be Jack.


Who is your greatest non-sports idol?

Bruce Springsteen.  If he's on tour, I always catch five or six shows.  Other than entertainment, it's a former President of the U.S. who shall remain nameless, as one of my beefs with some on FN are those who mix politics or religion into the sports talk.


What was the first live sporting event you attended?

Was either the Pirates in their last year at Forbes field, or the Penguins in their very early days.  I was too young to remember which came first.

What is your fondest sports memory?

Easy.  My trip to Detroit for Super Bowl XL.  Cost me a small fortune, but after waiting my entire adult life for another Super Bowl win, it was very, very sweet.


What do you do in your free time away from FanNation?

Golf, yardwork, assistant coach for the local high school football team, watch Backyardigans with my kids.

What are your favorite teams and why?

Steelers, Penguins, and yes still the Pirates.  See above for reasons.  Have adopted Maryland Terps in my new home state.


What are your favorite aspects of/ activities on FN?

I like TD'ing against the Commish.  For whatever reason, we seem to square off more than usual and they are usually pretty good ones.

What have you've learned since joining FN?

Keep your homer flag at half mast.

What would you like people to know about NMI?

Yes, we are elitists.


What has FN taught you?

1. I don't know as much as I thought I did.  
2. Never use Wikipedia as your source.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?

Be ten years younger and keep the wisdom I've gained.  I'd like a do-over on my 30's.

What is your biggest regret?

You only truly regret the things you don't do.  I was advised to buy Apple stock when it was about $15 a share and declined. I would be typing from a beach in the islands right now if I had only listened.


If you could have done one thing differently in your time on FanNation, what would it be?

Not taken four months off.  Stupid job!

Favorite movie, band, food?

Movie- The Hollywood Knights - it's a stupid, stupid choice, but I just can't help it.  
Band - Springsteen.  
Food - tapas.


What advice would you give to a new FN user?

Watch and learn before diving in.  Once you get a bad rep, it's hard to recover any cred.

Thanks to T-fo for the 411.  And thanks to you for tuning in.