I think I'd have to jump onto the A.D.D. wagon as well. I would definately like to see more shows, but of shorter duration during the working week. On the weekends, I think the format can be a little longer. But at that, I'd like to see a two hour limit.
3 hours - It's too much time to fill with one subject and too many different subjects must be used to fill up the time. I live by the old entertainment adage of "Leave them wanting more." (and 'keep it simple..." doesn't fall far from that same tree).
4 hours - Gags is a four hour marathon of which a very low percentage of folks listen to on it's original broadcast night. Those that come into shout about then usually roll their virual eyes. Now out of that 4 hours, approximatley only 3 hours of it are music. The rest are promotions for New Jersey and other places and events that AM listeners have little to no interest in (or they've heard them so many times....). Do we really want promos and commercials on our airwaves?
The show just is not working as well anymore, for me. What that show was prior to the RIAA uproad has not seemed to return. Now, I have to admit I'm new to Tom's shows. I have only been listening to him about 1.5 years - not a very long time. Most of the time I can't understand the dialogue or monologue. I hardly ever know what's playing unless I recognize it. As Lamour said before, that takes a lot of the interest and enjoyment out of the program.
What I'd like to see from Tom is a version of his show that he does just for us. Not a rebroadcast of their Saturday night show, but a separate, individually programmed show just for AM listeners. Or perhaps just an interview show led by him that mixes Prog Music news and live or recorded interviews with parties of interest to our genre. Tom's musical knowledge is tantamout to the Prog scene on the East coast. He is a major force to be utilized to support and promote the growth and sustainment of Progressive Rock in the United States and abroad. I don't have issues with his talent, knowledge or artistic creativity. But I'd like to see it used more creatively and specifically to OUR end. I don't think we are here to promote 88.9FM. Not to mention that they too broadcast on the internet and anyone can get the same feed (if not a slightly better one at that as it is direct and not mirrored {or whatever you call it} thus reducing the quality of the sound). I find that redundant and not in character of the Flagship of the Prog Radio world (which is what we are IMHO).
Okay, enough about the present system, except to say, I miss the shows that have fallen by the wayside of late. I would like to seem those spots return or be replaced in a short format. I'll write more in another post about some of the types of shows I'd like to see.
And lastly, please everyone, understand I respect everyone's efforts towards making AM the best internet radio station. The time, dedication, knowledge, talent and BS&T it takes to do what each of you do is greatly appreciated. Do not think I don't understand or appreciate what you do. I know what it takes and I do appreciate you!!! But I do think we can fine tune everyone's talents and efforts into something better for everyone.