I'm so excited!

[frogman042]

About the "don't answer unless you're sure" request:

This is a New York City audience. I'm from New York.

There are people who, upon hearing that request, would deliberately pick a wrong answer.

I'm just sayin'.

So, based on what you said, you just gave me the wrong answer and I can rely on them to not mislead me? Or is it the door on the left that the liar would tell me leads to certain death? Oh well, Safty Last!

[earendel]

Oh, and there's no prohibition against using previous contestants as your PAF, as long as they haven't already been a PAF twice that season. We have some famous contesants among us here who have done so!

MarleysGh0st - it sounds like you've been in the Hot Seat - if so I would love to read the transcript - also is there an easy way to find the transcripts of those who are active on this board? It would be fun to be able get a sense of how their games went.

You know, that's something that someone should probably put together. The closest we have is a site run by MACRAE, but you'd have to know the real name of the person and when he or she appeared to find the transcript on his site.

[slam]

About the "don't answer unless you're sure" request:

This is a New York City audience. I'm from New York.

There are people who, upon hearing that request, would deliberately pick a wrong answer.

I'm just sayin'.

So, based on what you said, you just gave me the wrong answer and I can rely on them to not mislead me? Or is it the door on the left that the liar would tell me leads to certain death? Oh well, Safty Last!

Interestingly, Michael Davies has said that the ATA basically works in every country that airs a local version of WWTBAM except one. That is, the audience is trying to help the contestant. The one exception is Russia.

[ladysoleil]

Great info on the PAF - so they precheck the PAFs the day of the taping, if they can't reach them in the morning - then they are off the list? What happens if they reach them in the morning but fail to get through when you are in the hot-seat? Have you burned you PAF or can you use another one that they were able to reach as well?

I was at a taping where they could not reach the PAF. It went something like, contestant says, I'm going to call Cousin X, blah blah. Someone obviously not Cousin X answered the phone.

I don't remember exactly what the deal was, but after sorting it out and taking a minute to regroup, they re-did the setup and another PAF was called. This was a while back, so I don't remember the specifics, but I have the impression that X might have wandered away from the phone and an elderly relative answered the call and had no idea what was going on.

So yes, in that situation it seems like you can go down the list of still available PAF's.

(I don't know what would happen if someone else grabbed the phone on a PAF call and said, hey, PAF is in the bathroom, can you call back in 5? Does anyone know? I've always wondered about that kind of thing.)

Aside from my aside, in this situation it seems like you can go down the list of still available PAF's.

Congrats on getting the happy card!

[earendel]

Great info on the PAF - so they precheck the PAFs the day of the taping, if they can't reach them in the morning - then they are off the list? What happens if they reach them in the morning but fail to get through when you are in the hot-seat? Have you burned you PAF or can you use another one that they were able to reach as well?

I was at a taping where they could not reach the PAF. It went something like, contestant says, I'm going to call Cousin X, blah blah. Someone obviously not Cousin X answered the phone.

I don't remember exactly what the deal was, but after sorting it out and taking a minute to regroup, they re-did the setup and another PAF was called. This was a while back, so I don't remember the specifics, but I have the impression that X might have wandered away from the phone and an elderly relative answered the call and had no idea what was going on.

So yes, in that situation it seems like you can go down the list of still available PAF's.

(I don't know what would happen if someone else grabbed the phone on a PAF call and said, hey, PAF is in the bathroom, can you call back in 5? Does anyone know? I've always wondered about that kind of thing.)

Aside from my aside, in this situation it seems like you can go down the list of still available PAF's.

Congrats on getting the happy card!

One of the contestants on my show (Diane Witorski) said that she didn't have any PAFs because she couldn't get anyone to agree to do it for her. I always wondered what would have happened had she reached the HS - but looking at the FF results it wasn't going to happen (she didn't get any of them right).

[sunflower]

Great info on the PAF - so they precheck the PAFs the day of the taping, if they can't reach them in the morning - then they are off the list? What happens if they reach them in the morning but fail to get through when you are in the hot-seat? Have you burned you PAF or can you use another one that they were able to reach as well?

Based on what I read, I think using 1 or 2 PAFs from this board makes sense - since I live close to 2 thousand miles from NYC I'm assuming that if I do get the call that it should be at least a week in advance of the taping so I have the chance to make travel arrangements (I'm gussing that those who live in the NYC area can and sometimes do get last minute calls to fill out the roster) - Would that be enough time for me to solicite a PAF on this board as well as work in a practice session or two?

Another question, I get the impression that the new season starts taping in the fall and that the earliest I would expect a possible call to be on the show is sometimie in Augest - so I shouldn't be paranoid about missing the call at least till then? Is that a reasonable assumption? Also, does anyone know when they typically finish taping for the year so if I don't get a call by then, I know that this season has passed me by?

Thanks.

They call all of your PAF's around 11 am the day of the taping to confirm their availability. Your producer will then come see you at some point before the shows start taping to tell you PAF 1 is available all day, PAF 2 is unavailable between 2 - 4 so if you're on then you can't use them, PAF 3 didn't answer and is now off the list, etc. etc. It is critical that the PAF's answer this call.

They then call your eligible PAF's when you are in the hot seat (based on timing I think it's actually a few minutes before, they know the order...or maybe it's just because I started a new episode that they were able to call before we started). My producer also told me at that time who my eligible PAF's were. It was the same as it was after the morning call, but yes I think if they couldn't reach someone they are no longer eligible. At that point, you're in the hot seat for somewhere between 1 minute and up to an hour if you span a couple episodes. Your PAFs should NOT MOVE from their phone during that time!!! Or if they do, someone else should sit there and just pretend to be them upon answering. Prior to getting the "in the hot seat" call, yeah I would make sure the phone is attended but it's not going to matter if someone else answers, anyone can easily take that call.

If they tried to call when you were actually trying to use the PAF and there was no answer, what they told us was I believe they will try twice and if there is no answer you must go to the next person on the list. Hopefully you have one or you are SOL. They tell you all this in the briefings you get the morning of your taping.

My tape date was 3 weeks after my call, and I'm in CT. But I'm not sure there is any predictability to it. They know people have to travel and it's not like people typically call and cancel so I think they're probably working at least 2 - 3 weeks out anyway.

Just make sure you're on time when you get to the studio! They actually turned someone away for not being on time. How much would that suck??

[frogman042]

Great info - thanks Sunflower!

Knowing myself I would probably tell myself an earlier time and be early for that - I arrived about an hour early form my tryout and just walk-around a bit before getting in line while they were still processing the previous group.

Another question - I know that there is the relationship seat, but in addition to that, do they let you have more people attend your taping of your choosing - is there an upper limit - I heard that they must be over 18, but then saw on the message board a reference to a contestents 12 year child (I think that was the age) being in the taping as well.

BTW, how did you do? Is your transcript posted?

[ulysses5019]

Great info - thanks Sunflower!

Knowing myself I would probably tell myself an earlier time and be early for that - I arrived about an hour early form my tryout and just walk-around a bit before getting in line while they were still processing the previous group.

Another question - I know that there is the relationship seat, but in addition to that, do they let you have more people attend your taping of your choosing - is there an upper limit - I heard that they must be over 18, but then saw on the message board a reference to a contestents 12 year child (I think that was the age) being in the taping as well.

BTW, how did you do? Is your transcript posted?

I'm not sure there is an upper limit. I forget how many were at my taping but I think some of them requested tickets on their own. I know there quite a few at O'Neals for the after taping dinner. As far as children in the studio, they seem to say one thing and do another.

[MarleysGh0st]

I thought I'd give someone else a chance to answer this question, but nobody has, and all these long-debated topics have me so nostalgic today.

Does anyone also know if the TPTB monitor and/or post to this board - do they care if waders (those of use in the pool but have not yet gotten the call) are actively trying to get information - is that a plus or a minus as far as getting the call - or does that not have any known effect?

We know they would read the Bored back when it was on Go.com, starting from way back when it was an official WWTBAM message board. We don't know if they've followed us here to our new home, but you should presume they might be lurking, from time to time.

However, TPTB have never posted on any incarnation of the Bored, at least not under a publically recognized handle. (We have posting from _TPTB_, but he's just a Merry Man. We've also had rare, occasional posts from those claiming to be one of TPTB, who most likely were just pulling our leg.) Basically, TPTB never talk to anyone outside of official press releases and formal audition settings. And they never answer any of the questions we want answered, even then.

But all the questions you're asking here are quite legitimate ones about procedures and legal strategies for the game, which should be of no concern to TPTB.

Parinoid in Peroria (OK so know you know I'm not in Peoria... or do you???)

We don't know, but keep saying you're from Peoria until after you get The Call, just in case!

[MarleysGh0st]

BTW, how did you do? Is your transcript posted?

Here is sunflower's transcript:

viewtopic.php?t=5856

We generally indicate that contestants is a BB by placing their handles in parentheses, as you see there. When go.com shut down our old Bored last fall, I'm afraid we lost some of the old transcripts. Macrae has some of the transcripts archived on his web site, but that hasn't been updated lately.

[sunflower]

Great info - thanks Sunflower!

Knowing myself I would probably tell myself an earlier time and be early for that - I arrived about an hour early form my tryout and just walk-around a bit before getting in line while they were still processing the previous group.

Another question - I know that there is the relationship seat, but in addition to that, do they let you have more people attend your taping of your choosing - is there an upper limit - I heard that they must be over 18, but then saw on the message board a reference to a contestents 12 year child (I think that was the age) being in the taping as well.

BTW, how did you do? Is your transcript posted?

I got there super early. You have to call the night before to confirm that you are in NYC, so they know you're there. But you still have to be on time! And it's early so it sucks...but I stayed at the Lucerne (the hotel they recommend and give a discount at) and the doormen are quite friendly and had a car waiting for me when I got down there. It's a quick ride to the studio, especially at that time of day!

The good thing is they do feed you breakfast, and lunch. Well lunch 1 and lunch 2...lunch 1 is at some ridiculously early hour...I think it was around 10:30 or 10:45. I had to go back for a second tape date...both times this lunch was turkey and mashed potatoes! They are not on your side!!! Lunch 2 is between episodes 3 & 4, sometime in the 2 - 2:30 range usually. That's sandwiches, cookies, brownies, salad, etc. There is an unlimited supply of drinks all day long in the green room.

Your audience friends aren't so lucky though, they should be ready for a long, uncomfortable day! Bathroom breaks only at certain times, no food, no drinks. They should bring a bag with some food and water to hold them over.

What they told me last season was that you may have one person in the relationship seat (although they'll potentially show more than one on camera depending what the deal is; or not even show the one person) and up to 10 additional people. I didn't have 10 so I'm not sure what happens if you have more. You can ask when you get the call, or ask your producer before the taping, if you need more than that. Kids are definitely allowed since I saw some there, but I don't know if they have to be your kids, or if there are criteria around that. I can dig around and see if I can find my paperwork at home, but I make no promises!! I kept the stuff they made me sign but that other stuff might not have made it.

You can also have "lucky charms" but if you do you have to surrender them to producers and sign a waiver that they might get damaged. Then it's up to them if they actually bring it out or not.

My transcript is up there, May 9th...I won't spoil the surprise, you can go check it out for yourself!!

[MarleysGh0st]

I had to go back for a second tape date...both times this lunch was turkey and mashed potatoes! They are not on your side!!!

Aha! The ol' Tryptophan Conspiracy!

[sunflower]

I had to go back for a second tape date...both times this lunch was turkey and mashed potatoes! They are not on your side!!!

Aha! The ol' Tryptophan Conspiracy!

I'm telling you! Stick to the salad and caffeinated beverages!

[goongas]

Don't try and be cute with the ATA question. Just use the lifeline without patronizing the audience or playing games. People are going to vote whether or not you tell them not to if they don't know.

[fantine33]

About the "don't answer unless you're sure" request:

This is a New York City audience. I'm from New York.

There are people who, upon hearing that request, would deliberately pick a wrong answer.

I'm just sayin'.

I'm not even from New York and I would do the same thing. "You're telling me I'm too stupid to play? I'll show you, sucker!"

[TheGlowingPotato]

About the "don't answer unless you're sure" request:

This is a New York City audience. I'm from New York.

There are people who, upon hearing that request, would deliberately pick a wrong answer.

I'm just sayin'.

I'm not even from New York and I would do the same thing. "You're telling me I'm too stupid to play? I'll show you, sucker!"

Now don't be like LB's stupid dad who helped get Ed booted out of the Hot Seat....

[frogman042]

[quote="TheGlowingPotato
Now don't be like LB's stupid dad who helped get Ed booted out of the Hot Seat....[/quote]

What's the story about LB's dad - or can you point me to the thread that details it?

[Shade]

Sorry to make new thread but I'm so excited

Why are you apologizing? Good news like this deserves its own thread! Congratulations and good luck getting the Happy Card!

Yes, getting the second interview is a good sign; not a guarantee, but better than not getting one! And, yes, the videotaping is new this season. At least, they haven't been using it since the early primetime auditions in the spring of 2001.

Good, I like making threads for good news Thanks!

The taped interview threw me a bit, I knew it was coming but when the camera was on I wasn't sure how to act. I wasn't sure whether to talk to the man asking questions or the camera. So I basically pretended I was on Millionaire and looked at the questioner, I hope that's okay. I couldn't help but look at the camera a few times while I was talking, because I felt like I was being watched

Which session were you in?

6:30pm on Tuesday

Sorry to make new thread but I'm so excited, I just came back from auditioning for Millionaire, I audtioned twice before but I didn't pass the written test the last two times. I couldn't believe it when I heard I passed, I then got a short interview with someone, I didn't get his name but there were only three interviewers. One was a guy (the one who interviewed me) and the other two were girls. I was even more surprised to find that they wanted to do a taped interview with me. I'm not sure how I did on the taped interview I was a little nervous and I ran out of things to say.

The reason I make this thread is to ask all of you experienced people. Since I got a taped interview does this mean my chances are really good to be accepted in the the contestant pool or do they only accept one person into the contestant pool per group so I might not make it?

Thoughts? Opinons? Questions?

WTG, Shade! The only advice I have to offer is to start thinking about your PAF list now, rather than waiting until you get the card. Try to determine where your strengths and weaknesses are, and then look for PAFs who fill the gaps.

I already have 2 people in mind who will act as one, Susan (who I mentioned a long time ago. She audtioned but didn't get a second interview) is a genius and my brother Adam (also a genius) but also a good googler. Maybe I can find Ogi Ogas, he is my friend on Facebook!

If it is of any use and a possible data point for anyone tracking this - I also tried out recently (a little more then a month ago) and I passed the test and got the 2nd interview with the video tape - I too felt a little uneasy during the taping (not only did I try to make a good impression I also was trying not to look to wierd or close/roll my eyes too much - a habit I have) so that makes the video harder IMHO.

The good news was I got the card to be in the pool (yea!) so now the wait is on...

Does anyone have any sense of the chances from this point on? How likely is it to be on the show if you are in the pool? Is there a large number of people who get in the pool but don't get called?

I tried out twice for Jeopardy! in the past and passed the test both times - I believe with J! everyone who passes is 'in the pool' but during the inteview/mock playing session I'm sure they triage everyone - but never inform you where you stand - just that you have to wait a year before you can try again.

I'm hoping that with WWTBAM that by being told the results of the post-testing phase (in the pool or not) that if you are in the pool that your chances of being called are much better - but I would like to know if there are a lot of folks who made it to the pool but never got to swim...

Good luck again and let us know in a couple of weeks if you get your card!

I too am mildly curious about my chances of actually being picked to be on the show, that is, if I get into the contestant pool.

[frogman042]

Shade,

I hope you didn't mind me jumping in on you thread and hijacking it for my own greedy purposes (or at the very least, monopolizing it). Please let us know when you get your happy card (I hope).

I too felt a little wierd in front of the video tape, but I did try to ignore it and talk to the interviewer instead of to the camera, although I'm sure that a few times I talked directly to the camera.

I'm curious did they hold your poloriad up to the camera lens, they did that to me during my interview and I was wondering if that was SOP or something unique?

[Shade]

No, it's fine. I'm happy that you hijacked my thread, you are asking a lot of great questions that hadn't even crossed my mind. No my polaroid picture did not come up in the second interview.

Although when they took my picture the first time, the guy who interviewed me the first time retook it, his reasons were stated as "You didn't smile in your first one". It's curious because I could have sworn that I did smile, lol. I'm not complaing, he must have liked me because he sent me off to the second interview.

EDIT: When I was at the audtion I was wondering if anyone from this forum was there, did anyone else audition on Tuesday, June 10th at the 6:30 session.

[Hotseat Or Bust!]

The taped interview threw me a bit, I knew it was coming but when the camera was on I wasn't sure how to act. I wasn't sure whether to talk to the man asking questions or the camera. So I basically pretended I was on Millionaire and looked at the questioner, I hope that's okay.
I think that's exactly what they want. With the exception of the very beginning, where we were asked to look at the camera and state our names, and the very end where we were asked to look at the camera and wave good-bye, our interviewer instructed us to look at her for the duration.

[frogman042]

Congrats, Shade, and good luck with The Call!

gsabc, I see you are scheduled for your audition tomorrow - good luck! Let us know how it goes!