posted 11-12-2009 04:15 PM            

I know that the anonymous nature of the web is responsible for some of this foolishness, but I think that there are other reasons (out comes the communications prof attitude):

* I have observed that most of the problems involve working musicians/entertainers. Competitiveness and egos come with the territory.

* The problem is usually from two distinct camps....individuals who place most emphasis on entertainment and will do whatever they think is effective to entertain, vs. individuals who think that the music is the primary thing and that it "drives the ship".

* There are hardcore members one each side.
Chas, Diki and I are on one side and Donny, Fran and Uncle Dave, for instance are on the other. Each of us thinks that we are doing things right and those on the other side aren't.

* The even-tempered, reasonable ones are in the middle...those who see the need for skills on both the entertainment AND musicianship side...guys like the "Country Gentleman" Don Mason, Rory Hoffman and others. Their talent and credentials place them above all the foolishness.

* The nature of this business is competitive. If we all lived in the same area, we'd be competing for the same entertainment budget dollar.

* There is a significant testosterone facter in play.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT...!

* Get to know the "other guy" as an individual. I didn't like Uncle Dave at first, but he came down for a visit, and I got to really appreciate his musicianship, his ability to entertain (I'm a little jealous, actually) and his commitment to family, friends and his students. He's welcome at my home and on my bandstand anytime and is one of my very favorite members (wish we heard more from him). Chas came across as a little caustic at first, but all it takes is a five minute visit to really apprecaiate him as a musician, intellect and friend with a really great sense of humor and admirable ethics.

There are people from the "other side" that I'm never going to "synch" with. There are people on the "other side" who are never going to particularly like or agree with my approach to music and my dedication to jazz.

You know what? That's fine, as long as we agree that we don't agree or even like the "other way" of doing things, but are civil and respectful to each other.

Frankly, I have listened to some arranger postings from some long-time members and thought that they were embarrasing.

But saying something hurtful would not accomplish anything.

I have my opinion about arrangers, playing in nursing homes, "chicken hats", Mp3 or other backing tracks, laptops on the bandstand, country music, Buffet music, Bose sound systems and lots of other stuff (one of the few good things about getting old is, you can be as obnoxious as you want and no one can do a damn thing about it). I'm grateful that people understand that these are my opinions and that these opinions are for me only and not intended to imply that other approaches are wrong or not suitable for others.

For those here I will never be "in synch" with, I'll guarantee that I will respond to courteous communications with the same. And, if my less than supportive response to a post, whether it be a piece of music, an opinion....whatever, can't shed light on the subject or balance the elements of the topic, I'm going to continue to KEEP MY MOUTH SHUT out of respect for the poster (and, believe me, that happens often).

I think we, as a very diverse (and often pretentious) group are above all the foolishness, or should be, at least.

Why not agree right now to be able to disagree but not be hurtful or to belittle each other? After all, this (Synthzone) is the media that made it possible for me to meet an amaising group of GOOD FRIENDS as diverse as Taike from the other side of the
world to Jim (Zuki) from just up the road, and lots of great folks in betweeen.

I get really sad when the flare-ups happen, regardless of the issues or individuals involved. I want them to STOP!

Don't you think we owe each other that much?

Russ

posted 11-12-2009 09:13 PM         

I don't care what brand one plays or how much it weighs. These are such trivial issues yet draw the most heat. Go figure!

All I can say is that I prefer to hear what a player can do with the instrument he plays. The technical stuff leaves me cold plus it's usually way over my head.

Ray, always good to hear from you, mate.

Regards

Taike

posted 11-12-2009 11:18 PM            

I just wish people could control their behavior or simply ignore postings that they can't trust themselves to respond to in a civil manner. In other words simply act like mature adults.

These forums just aren't the place to make obnoxious statements that end up offending and upsetting a large number of people here, not just those they were aimed at. Plus it results in other valid discussion being overwhelmed by vitriolic tirades.

Having said that let me buy you all a virtual drink and toast to a great future on the forums together.

posted 11-13-2009 05:59 AM         

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Saint:
......Following on. shouldn't we all take a deep breath, read the posts on Chas's topic, and think more often of our fellow man, and be thankful for the graces we all receive.
Ray
P.S. Taike,on a lighter note, you are supposed to start with "G'Day", if you wish to be considered for honorary Aussie status.
See ya !!!

---

G'Day, mate. Always nice having a chin-way with ya. By the way, have I ever told you that my aunt and uncle are Banana-Benders? They immigrated to the Lucky Country around the time I was born. Guess I must've scared them off.

Ray, that honor has been bestowed upon me several years back by a True Blue from the Top End. We did a lot of camping together. Strine...nothing like it!

Taike

posted 11-13-2009 10:32 PM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Saint:
you are supposed to start with "G'Day", if you wish to be considered for honorary Aussie status.
See ya !!!

---

posted 11-14-2009 02:42 PM            

That's the way it should be!

posted 11-17-2009 11:10 AM            

Russ (the ultimate Mason wannabe) Lay

posted 11-17-2009 02:42 PM         

Tay

------------------
Bo pen nyang.

posted 11-18-2009 02:54 PM         

quote:

---

Originally posted by FAEbGBD:
but, can you speak pig latin in Chinese? Mind, I wouldn't know the difference, but it sure would be crazy to listen to.

---

Wo mei you shen ma li hai!

I am not that smart!
http://www.chinese-tools.com/jdd/public/documents/cc/labarik/20080904-wim-delvoye-pigs-07.jpg

Taike

posted 11-23-2009 06:04 AM            

Subtle digs, smart-ass responses, overt taunts all take us to the same place. Aliases are also a thing I think totally and completely detrimental to the well being of the SZ.

I've been away from the SZ for a while, current topics just aren't real pertinent to me. That's cool, it comes and goes. Plus my schedule is heavy right now. Honestly, I'm not even sure what prompted you to write what you did, lol...

Over time, we tend to see the same names involved in many of these dust-ups. At some point, I do lose respect for some of these guys. Their musical skill or knowledge have very little to do with it. If you have a high experience level but behave like a jackass much of the time...Take a hike...If you have a great technical expertise but drop the gloves every time, then likewise...

Many of us express strong, firm opinions here without getting into the real negative threads. A little bit of maturity and security goes a long way.

Hope everyone has a safe, profitable and enjoyable Holiday season!

posted 12-10-2009 11:13 AM            

Thanks to all!

posted 01-21-2010 12:20 PM         

My rule is simple: If I wouldn't say it to the persons face, or say it through a microphone to 14,000 people then I wont type it on my computer screen either.

posted 01-22-2010 07:43 AM            

Long live the B-3!

Welcome, "Dude"!

Russ

posted 01-22-2010 11:46 AM         

TWD