I'll respond as well. A forum, by definition, is "a place for discussion". There is no requirement that everyone be in total agreement with each other. I believe that I can be intrigued with high performance motorcycles and areobatic airplanes (to the point of wanting to discuss them on a forum) but I still don't want my son or grandkids to ride or fly one. Even forums where EVERYONE is an enthusiast, conflicting opinions will still arise. Fact is, it really makes for a more interesting forum. In the end, everything said is still just an opinion and as long as it's not targeting an individual person, what's the harm. We have to acknowledge that there IS a reason why arrangers are not that popular with the younger generation. If we're honest, we have to acknowledge that the reason a club owner will hire a OMB or DJ over a three piece band is ECONOMICS, as in most cases, the patrons would rather hear a live band. I don't think pointing out these things is necessarily 'arranger bashing', it's just reality. As for the built-in speaker thing, I'm 100% in the Bill Lewis camp, just doesn't look professional to me (that's just a personal thing).

I admit that as I've gotten older and less intrigued with 'gadgetry', my attraction to arrangers has diminished considerably but after 15+ years on the forum I still enjoy the forum and most of the people on it. The fact is, only about 50% of the forum posts involve arrangers anyway . Besides, who wants to live a cookie-cutter life.

chas