Don't taunt the alligator until after you've crossed the creek.
What I like about sceptics is that in good science you need critics that make you think: 'Crumbs have I made a mistake here?' If you don't have that continuously you really are up the creek. The good sceptics have done a good service but some of the mad ones I think have not done anyone any favours.
If you make any money the government shoves you in the creek once a year with it in your pockets and all that don't get wet you can keep.
And then I went to 'Dawson's Creek ' which is a show that was for better or for worse all about the language. It was a word-perfect show which I'd never had any experience with. And it was really shocking for me. I felt really hemmed in. At the time it wasn't my favorite working experience.
So for twelve miles I rode with Sherman and we became fast friends. He asked me all manner of questions on the way and I found that he knew my father well and remembered his tragic death in Salt Creek Valley.
After 'Freaks and Geeks ' I dealt with several producers who wanted to cover up all my beauty marks every single mole on my body. They tried to cover them on my first two episodes of 'Dawson's Creek ' and it just looked ridiculous so I had to put my foot down. But it's not something I'm insecure about.
I had a huge advantage when I started 50 years ago - my job was secure. I didn't have to promote myself. These days there's far more pressure to make a mark so the temptation is to make adventure television or personality shows. I hope the more didactic approach won't be lost.