Brian wrote:

I also find it really strange KK that you have been very absent from here for a long time, and all of a sudden you re-emerge to say how crappy this place is.

Brian, I’m really sorry my comments come across so negative. First of all, I AM strange! Secondly, I stopped posting here for a number of reasons, and these are not unique to this forum. I stopped Tiki Central and Offset Guitars as well. But I think the problems can be tackled, which is why I find this thread constructive enough to contribute.

If I had a solution to break up the ego minefields and in-circle-like behaviour I would type it now.

The Exotic Guitar of Kahuna Kawentzmann

You can get the boy out of the Keynes era, but you can’t get the Keynes era out of the boy.

KK, I'm really glad you are here and want to help.

Site dude - S3 Agent #202
Need help with the site? SG101 FAQ - Send me a private message - Email me

"It starts... when it begins" -- Ralf Kilauea

Las_Barracudas wrote:

• Newbies that visit are often cut-off and essentially shown the door when posting a topic about certain gear like REVERB effects / pedals. Let them have at it I say. Jumping right in and suggesting they use the "search" feature is off-putting to a new visitor.
  

I get it, but I see the same thing on near every forum I'm on. Someone's gonna be that guy that brings it up. Usually, there's a few others that will jump in and answer the question.

• A more mobile / tablet friendly platform is a must imho. It's just the way many view web content now-a-days.
  

I don't have a problem reading it on an iPhone 4. Not sure what everyone means by this.

• There's a vibe here that SoCal is the center of the Surf universe and everybody else is well,... outlanders. As I'm sure many realize and have noticed the various regional factions have sprung up across the web universe that now represent pretty much every Surf community from every neck of the woods. (Southern States, Mexico, Europe, etc.). It's a small world and getting smaller.

I've never seen this. The Tomorrowmen are NorCal, aren't they? (dunno how y'all classify each other in California) The Penetrators and Daikaiju are from Alabama. The Mystery Men?, the Surge, KBK......a number of other bands are from the Atlanta area. The Atomic Mosquitos are in the DC area. Don't get me started on the Euro bands that are popping up. I see a lot of discussion about them.

I really think SG101 kind of pooped the bed and how you correct that I don't know? SG101 3.0 with a more all inclusive and welcoming attitude via a humble campaign to regain members and new folk maybe??

Again, seems pretty welcoming to me.

Fact is many many folks / bands have checked out because of the nonsense which is apparent or should be.

But isn't to a number of us who have responded. To be honest, I'm pretty much of the opinion that thin-skinned people have no business being on the internet. It's a forum made up of a whole bunch of people. It isn't all going to be rainbows and unicorn farts. Sometimes, as in life, people are just going to rub you the wrong way. Rub back.

• There's also some rather high-profile musicians that are aware of the site but will not participate. To all I say be careful when being snarky or ill-mannered or posting something derogatory about a band, like "that's not real Surf", etc.; you never know who is behind a handle or just reading posts on the page .

See the above.

• Certain posters here are given a pass and are continually allowed to be rude and snarky. It seems many are above suspension / banning. While others are essentially web smacked for daring to question or rebut. You've got certain bands that the "establishment" fawns all over while other equally as good bands are dismissed or ignored. Too many other options to hang out and participate where you're not welcome or appreciated. SG101's community model is lacking imo. Bad attitudes and rude behavior drive off good folk. It seems to me it's quickly becoming a group for only the cool kids and I see the same 10 +/- people posting much of the time.
  

Yay!!!! I'm finally one of the kool kids, 'cause I've never seen any of it.

This page has been my homepage since 2009. I flew to California to see some of the bands that I fell in love with, and meet a bunch of the people I met on here. I've PM'd artists to ask questions about songs.....I've had folks from bands go out of their way to do nice stuff for me......this is the only website I've ever donated money to for operating costs (yeah, I know Brian....not very much. lol ). Brian has built a community here, the likes of which I haven't come across before. It's not going to meet everyone's (or, to be fair, anyone's) definition of perfect, but it's pretty gosh darn good.

Will

"You're done, once you're a surfer you're done. You're in. It's like the mob or something. You're not getting out." - Kelly Slater

The Luau Cinders

WaimeaBay wrote:

I also feel this place has failed to attract a younger demographic that can carry the surf music torch. At times, I figured I'd never come back, but something always draws me back. Here is my humble input. I sure don't want to offend anyone.

I don't know how to bring younger people in. If they're listening and playing the music, you'd think they'd find their way here.

1. I have spoken to former members via pm or on the phone who think a portion of the members come across as snark and snobby. Surf Music is almost exclusive to upper middle class people and it seems like these people don't always like opening the door for working class/blue collar people. This is my opinion and it is a great shame. I am not sure how this can be changed. But it is something to consider.
   

I'm sure as hell blue collar, and I've never felt anything but welcome. To be honest, other than figuring out how much someone's gear is worth, I don't know how you figure out what socioeconomic class someone is unless they tell you. I know what a handful of members do for a living, and I wouldn't consider them to be the upper crust. Folks are working for a living.

1. I agree with above posters. People should be able to ask anything and get answers without feeling like a burden. Old threads can be sited, but the questions should be answered on the same thread. Why are these things still not open for discussion?
   

Agreed, but I understand the frustration when someone asks a question, and there's a 45 page discussion about it pinned to the top of the forum. This isn't unique to here, either. Every music forum I'm on has the same thing happen.

1. Tabs. When I first joined I used to create tabs. They might not have been perfect, but they didn't take long either. I thought it would be an amazing idea if every member would tab 3 or 4 of their favorite surf songs and create a database of surf music for new members to explore. I recommended that idea years ago and the crickets chirped. If you want people to get people interested in the genre, it helps if they can play along with their favorite songs! We could even do video lessons or something to that effect. Their are too many great players on this site to let all this knowledge go to waste. Some things you can give away for free.
   

Agreed. I think I tabbed one or two out a long time back. Maybe I need to tab out some of the bass lines I'm playing. We had talked about some lessons, but everyone has day jobs. I'd love to see a long thread where someone writes a song, and describes the process as they do it.

1. The gear section. Always been my favorite. If it was not here, I'd not be here. I'd like to see more reviews of gear and products. Maybe even video links comparing gear. It would be a great way for people to show off their stuff instead of posting boring pictures.
   

Surf is probably the most minimalistic genre I know of. I've seen acoustic guitarists with more pedals and gear.

1. The classified section. It has been awesome. I have bought and sold using it and never had a problem.
   

Agreed. I don't sweat buying stuff here.

1. California. Yeah those members seem like a club, but I am jealous because I wish there was a scene like that in my state. Many of the California members have been awesome teachers to me over the years like Ryan Ruiz and DP. Let them have their clique, we should try building our own!
   

Me too. DC used to have a small one, but there isn't much here now. Trying to build it back up, though.

Will

"You're done, once you're a surfer you're done. You're in. It's like the mob or something. You're not getting out." - Kelly Slater

The Luau Cinders

If anyone has seen what they think me as being rude to someone on here,
It's probably me trying to be funny, and not coming across thru the net.

Jeff(bigtikidude)

I look forward to 3.0. Jeff, you're not rude. Might we consider a Facebook SG101 that (1) provides to folks that which FB does best and makes them happy (2) treat the FB page as a portal into the extensive library of deep subject matter that this page does best - for those who gravitate toward that?

As a side issue, maybe in the forum a section for Surf 5.0? New and interesting stuff, the future, blended stuff etc. In other words, embrace or even incubate and generate the future while still respecting and protecting all things since the Belairs?

OK. I'll shut up now.

mj

mj
bent playing for benter results
Do not attempt to adjust your TV set.
https://www.facebook.com/Bass-VI-Explorers-Club-179437279151035/
https://www.facebook.com/Lost-Planet-Shamen-366987463657230/

My gateway was Los Straightjackets on Little Steven's Underground Garage via XM. Thank you Little Steven!

All I wish I knew what they were talking about

Brief awakening after driving back from The Madeira/Revomatics show last night...

Brian, the foregoing reminds me of something I wanted to add to my 'list' of inclusions for upgrade of the website. If possible, a background such that a font color can be used (not an emoticon) to indicate a passage that is offered "tongue in cheek" or with a touch of good-natured sarcasm. A darker background can facilitate that easily; I've seen it work well at other fora.

Wes
SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel

DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices.

Badger wrote:

Brief awakening after driving back from The Madeira/Revomatics show last night...

Brian, the foregoing reminds me of something I wanted to add to my 'list' of inclusions for upgrade of the website. If possible, a background such that a font color can be used (not an emoticon) to indicate a passage that is offered "tongue in cheek" or with a touch of good-natured sarcasm. A darker background can facilitate that easily; I've seen it work well at other fora.

… and a printable pdf with explanations of the color codes ;)

The Exotic Guitar of Kahuna Kawentzmann

You can get the boy out of the Keynes era, but you can’t get the Keynes era out of the boy.

In the immortal words of JFK... "Ask not what this forum can do for you, ask what you can do for this forum"!

All Brian can do is set up the canvas. It's up to YOU to make it interesting.

Brian, one thing that would be cool is if a band could create a permanent profile that they set up and maintain themselves that was clearly seen on the main page with perhaps with a map to locate the group by region.

I feel it's up to the band to promote themselves and no one should expect to have someone do it for them!

BOSS FINK "R.P.M." available now from DOUBLE CROWN RECORDS!
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