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--- In , "ipongrac" <ipongrac@g...> wrote:
>
>I have been increasingly getting a sense that his
> participation on this list has as much to do with self-promotion as
> being a part of the discussions, learning and sharing his knowledge
> with the others. I very much hope that this is not the case, and I
> would like to give him the benefit of the doubt. But I also
> understand how some members of the list are starting to react
> negatively to his posts in general. I believe Bruce could help the
> situation by just posting his opinion without elevating himself all
> the time (it's no problem sometime, we all do it), and by chilling
> out a bit before going on the offensive. (And BTW, believe me, I'm
> aware that many of us here want to promote our bands and projects,
> and in fact, most of us appreciate that info, but at some point it
> just becomes too much.)
This very well may be the case. I can't really know what his motives
are although I am one who took a hit from him when he thought I was
criticizing him when I wasn't.
> I've clearly also had my differences with Bill, and we've discussed
> them off-list. But I would like to defend Bill, at least somewhat.
> First, I don't think he should get the blame for all this bickering,
> cause in fact he joined in it quite late today. Second, I really
> doubt that Bill is interested in getting anywhere as a 'musician'.
I probably didn't use the right wording. I don't mean "musician" in
terms of becoming famous or rich or whatever. I mean from a learning
standpoint. Lord knows that I'm not going to go any farther than
where I've already been but I love music. I listen to just about
anything aside from (c)rap and like to think that I'm taking something
away from it musically.
>I don't think his comments about Bruce were
> caused by Bill's narrowmindedness, but rather by his frustration
> with Bruce's own certainty in espousing some controversial views and
> aggressiveness in his responses to the challenges of those views.
> And yes, Bill is arrogant - I believe there are more than a few of
> us around here with a very strong ego. But having recently got the
> Reluctant Aquanauts debut CD, I can say that I think the guy
> definitely does have the chops and the talent to back that ego. So,
> let's cut him a break.
You're probably right. I guess this has been an accumulation of
several threads over many months that finally made me burst.
> Thank you VERY much, Shawn, for your very kind words. I appreciate
> it greatly, though I'm honestly at a loss for words how to respond
> to it. I'm honored. Especially as I know you're a fine and
> imaginative musician, as well as a wonderful guy, yourself.
I don't know about all that, but I'm totally serious regarding your
playing. I'm also a huge Shads & Atlantics fan and what you and the
Cossacks did, even though there were only two released cds, is
probably in my top 10-20 surf cd list...especially Tsar Wars. Your
sense of melody is the type of stuff I hope to be able to write
eventually.
> As far
> as the respect part, I certainly agree that it would be very well
> and good for all of us to treat each other with respect. But I also
> believe that we must work to earn our respect in our posts, and one
> part of that is knowing when to turn-off the self-promotion push.
> (Believe me, I've learned that the hard way!)
>
> [I suspect this post may get me in some or even a lot of trouble. I
> hope that doesn't happen... If it does, I'll just say that I meant
> well.]
Trust me, this stuff has been childsplay compared to the flame wars of
usenet :-)
Shawn Martin
Life is short. Play for the music. Wear your heart on your sleeve.
So I wouldn't get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to
keep me in constant touch with my limitations
-Apostle Paul
