Eww. No thanks. I wouldn't sleep with you even if I was a trafficked sex worker from Russia at knife point.

^ Lol

Probably because you're like a rainbow. *BAD PUN*

That's pretty awesome though.

Yea that too, and responds in a short manner. *thumbs to you*

I'll throw in my 2 cents. Yeah, I'm a newbie, so take it as a first impression.

Blarobbarg- Blaro has been a very nice member to chat with and is one of the friendlies members I've come across. What I appreciate most about him is his honesty. He's genuine and likes to clear up any false information that pops up here and there; which has been great for me, since I have a bad habit of forgetting to check the facts before posting. His blog has really made an impact on me in the last little while, too. Even though there's a certain level of anonymity on the internet, it can still take guts and courage to share your personal story like he has. I appreciate that.

trollheart- I've had the pleasure of running into trollheart here a few times, and I think he's an overall great poster. Not only because of his ingenious blog (he already knows what I think of that), but because of how he treats other members. He never hesitates to be an encouragement to people, and offers his advice freely and respectfully. He has been a great mentor for new members here, and takes the time to talk to them and make them feel welcome. He kind of reminds me of a friendly shop clerk at a record store, the kind who obviously knows his stuff and whose opinion I respect.

Pedestrian- I see her as something of a role model. Pedestrian is certainly a very creative and engaging member; an insightful writer and an excellent thread starter. She seems to have a knack for understanding what kinds of topics people will respond well to, and her graphics make for an even more enjoyable experience for members. I actually like to stop for a minute and take a good look at all the decorations. It's been a pleasure so far to chat a bit with her on some of the more artsy subjects- i.e. "the art thread" and "to see music." To top it off, she has that perfect balance between level-headed maturity and a great sense of humour that make her such a great mod.

Cru Hoor.. or, ahem... Conchobhar- So much fun. He's the kind of guy that seems to bring with him a sense of camaraderie to every thread. His artistic ability is epic, and he's just so casual and friendly with everyone. Even though he apparently doesn't like being considered a hippie, I kind of see in his posts the embodiment of some of the best elements of a "hippie-" accepting, sociable and creative. His sense of humour is very different from mine, so I doubt we're often on the same page, but I enjoy his posts regardless.

Appleghost- I really enjoy appleghost's poetry, and I think he's got a lot of valuable and insightful things to offer this forum. He seems to be an all around nice guy, and I like his personal take on music and writing.

Mervi- Darned Finn syndrome! Mervi has a lot of great ideas, and has provided some very good points and ideas in several threads already. Another promising newbie as far as I'm concerned.

Derek- Kind of a silent figure among the forums, but a huge contributor to the euro/italo/new wave thread, which has introduced me to some new favorites. I'd love to know where he finds it all, since a lot of it is actually quite obscure.

Lisnaholic- I agree with what most people have been saying. Lisnaholic is a pleasure to talk to, and he runs the FAIR club very hospitably. Even though he's not necessarily an art expert (lol), I like his taste in music and his laid-back vibe. One of my favourite members.

Janszoon- I actually really like Janszoon. He's a really smooth member- has a way with words. His blog entries have been very interesting to read, even though I think our tastes are very different. But even though I don't like most of the music he does, he definitely has a good ear for quality. I also like how he has a knack for asking the right questions. He knows how to concisely cut to the chase when needed, clearing up confusion; and he has great comedic timing- a master of one liners. I can't even come up with one liners, let alone any of the other witty banter he brings to the table. It takes a certain kind of social intelligence to do what he does.

Anteater- One of my favourites so far. Great blogs. I actually also like his official blog off-site too. I like how his taste is generally quite unique, and in some ways has crossover with my own, which hasn't happened much so far. I've appreciated his recommendations and the feedback, too. Altogether a really nice guy and a pleasure to talk to.

FETCHING- Just a great personality all around. Seems like she's really established some solid friendships here over the years. I've never really crossed paths with her, but I just love reading her posts.

Ki- Cool guy. We're not really into the same stuff, but I like his straightforward posting style. He always came off to me as an overall good natured guy. I can relate to feeling of wanting to put myself out there. Coming from a place of isolation into an online community, you don't necessarily want to just lurk in the shadows. It's good to want to feel part of something.

Mr Dave- excellent, excellent blog. I really appreciate people who are as introspective and in-depth as he is, and yet I can still relate to many of his ponderings. This guy's a thinker and a true philosophical mind- a poster that I think adds a great dimension to this forum.

Franco Pepe Kalle- very outgoing and exuberant member. He doesn't annoy me as much as he does some other members. What I appreciate most about him is that he's introduced me to some great African music that I would never have even considered listening to otherwise.

Urban Hatemonger- He actually reminds me of one of my uncles. Says what he means, means what he says, and everyone in the family reacts differently- some more dramatically than others. I assume we're probably polar opposites, but I like him anyway. We probably won't end up interacting much (if at all), but he's an interesting character.

Howard the Duck- I actually like seeing his opinions on things popping up hither and thither. Gives me a lot to agree or disagree with, and keeps threads from dying. I'm sure there's a lot more to him than I've seen so far, so I hope I eventually get to know him a bit better.

bob.- Friendly and smart guy, and very open-minded about music, but I still haven't had many chances to run into him. I like his taste in music, though, so maybe that will change.

I haven't really interacted much with many of the members here, but so far I appreciate what most have had to offer :)

You're Canadian so I like you :)

Aww hey thanks for that. I always tend to try my best to fit in to whatever community i'm involved with, it's just the unfortunate side effect that it never really comes off that way. I like conversing with people and making friends, so it's good to hear that it's noticeable in a way.

I reckon Durradict and Geekoid are my favourite recent additions to the MB membership, quite opposite in nature really, the former being outgoing and making points of considerable value and often of which I find myself coerced into agreement with, the latter being pleasantly respectful and nice to have around.

Other than that, I'm surprised I've yet to bump into my local MB resident Goofle or whatever his internet name is, but when we meet he will be treated to a fine beverage of his choice bacause from the Englishman more wisdom is divined through drunkenness than when sober.
I find the contribution/moderation of Burning Down refreshing and constructive, likewise with Jess who's so much smarter than people give her credit for. What does make me cringe is seeing people try to chat them up or give them false compliments in the hope of winning affection - for god's sake they're sensible, intelligent people considerably beyond the clutches of lonely, inarticulate individuals on an internet discussion board.
Nice to see NSW is back because she is a warm hearted, maternal figure on these boards who's album sent BACK IN FEBRUARY still is played through my speakers every week.
Frownland is like an American, laid back, blond haired, charming version of me and I genuinely like the chap. A good friend if ever I saw one.

blastingas remains my oldest friend here, and I believe better than most members steers clear of the drama which frequently disturbs the murky waters of MB.

Unknown Soldier - as always one of my very favourite posters, the defender of civil rights, the destroyer of trolls, the purveyor of good music and the exposer of bad music.

Kay - can't remember what your name is these days, fetcher or something like that - anyway you know exactly how much we all love you but I mention you because how could I not?
And time to ask - where on earth is James and Hugo/ Unchained Ballad?

I have yet to meet a Canadian I did not really like. Sending love your way too Gekoid!

Pardon, blonde hair? Oh well, mistakes are mistakes. You're a fine chap as well Salami, glad to see that you've begun posting again. I, too would like to know where Hugo offed to, I was always a fan of his posts.

Whoops, I do apologise, as long as you aren't ginger then at least the difference in hair colour has been identified. It's been a long time since I've seen a pic of you but for some reason I thought you were blond...

I'm going to assume Conchobhar is the new name for Poor Old Po, isn't Gaelic wonderful? There was a time when I could just about string a few sentences together, now I think the only word I can recall is "spoonog"... anyway you're a fine gent there's no doubt about that!

I'm a true liberal in every sense.

But I love Pearl Jam

Well it's been awhile since I've done an update, so here goes.

As usual I'll start with the Mod Team because bros before hoes

Pedestrian

My favourite mod because despite being on the job for well over a year she exhibits no signs of burnout or apathy and still strives to make all the little events on this forum flow. From the weekly music projects to the fun holiday games like this year's Easter Egg hunt it's obvious she's committed to keeping things fresh. She's also almost always the first to greet new members.

She's also one of the more secretive members, actively choosing to distance their personal life from this forum, only giving the occasional hint as to their personality, which makes her very enigmatic. From what I've gathered we do share some parallels in the macabre, which is always a plus.

Freebase Dali

Another member who only ever offers us a small glimpse into his personal life, but despite that still has lots to say. He's definitely the go-to man with any technical question, and is instrumental in helping us connect the dots between spammers and troll accounts. His music is really cool, and it's helped me sort of map out what I suspect his favourite bands are. Overall he seems like the type of guy I could get on with because he doesn't seem overly verbose, and he seems more the type to sit and take in the situation, rather than make hasty decisions based on emotional outbursts.

Urban Hatemonger ?

The cool and grumpy Uncle to Right-Track's cool and grumpy father. Always has a quip ready and is not afraid to speak his mind, even at the expense of someone else. Always manages to break up the arguments before they get too out of hand, and never does so in a "go to your room and think about what you've done" kind of way. On the music side he's definitely the guy to go to for finding the second and third tier bands to your favourite first tier, which has helped me tremendously, and he always seems to have some opinion or tidbit of information to help further explain a band's history.

Burning Down

While we don't have a lot in common musically, we do share a love of everything Simpsons related, and I'm sure we could entertain each other for hours quoting episodes. Definitely doesn't seem to have had much personality change or tonal shift in her posts since becoming a mod, which is pretty cool and hard to do. I mean it's not like there's a big difference, but speaking for myself, I definitely find I carry myself in a slightly more conservative manner. Her stories are always fun to read and she seems like one of those people who would still smile at you even if she was having a bad day.

Duga

Dude's a friggin' scientist, how freaking awesome is that? His music tastes have definitely helped me ease back into the current alternative scene and have kept me up to date on what's hip and fresh. Doesn't seem to post as much anymore, but he's online at least once a day, but I suppose when you're perfecting a clone army of Freddie Mercuries (my theory on what he does in the lab), your time is precious.

Conan

Another mod who seems to be MIA lately, but after reading his last thread it's pretty obvious why. We've definitely had a more close connection over the last 3-years as we both tried to do various projects to help the forum out, like our zine that only lasted 1 issue. He's definitely one of the very talented members on the forum, and I do enjoy listening to his music. I hope that in his absence he's been working on an LP or something, because that would be pretty awesome.

Nonsubmissivewife

For whatever reason whenever I think of your username I want to add "House wife" despite the fact that you're not one. She seems to be enjoying her summer and spending less time on the forum, which is sad because her posts are always a fun read. I hope she starts posting more, because she is one of the few people that keeps the country forum alive.

Vanilla

I'm not sure why I was surprised to see her modded when I came back last summer, I mean she's one of the most senior members on the forum. She's another one who has been absent as of late, but I believe that's been computer related mishaps. I definitely see her as the heart of the mod team, a member whose actions are based more around sensing and gut instinct (not that she has a gut mind you). It's not a method I would see myself using because I think almost exclusively with my brain, but I definitely see the advantages of keeping a balance.

SATCHMO

I really hope he comes back, but I know he's had some personal problems and those definitely take priority. He's always been an interesting member, one whose anecdotes I would anxiously follow. His musical tastes don't always mirror my own, but I definitely think there's enough middle ground for us to carry a conversation, and even learn a thing or two from each other.

Mojopinuk

Another member who has been absent, which is sad because he's one of the remaining mods back from the day when it was almost exclusively British. I definitely like how he carries himself and doesn't get hung up on his musical preferences from defining his personality. I mean you take a look at him and you might think he's a throwback thrash metalhead, but you get to talking to him and you find out that he is that, but he can also talk your ear off about post-punk and other genres that betray his image, which I always find really cool.

Yac

I definitely like how he's sort of become a little more involved in the forum, posting in places other than the mod forum. I definitely think he's a cool guy and there's a lot more to him then meets the eye. He's the best conduit between the forum and the administrators we could ask for, because he's not all business, and he has time to put his feet up and just shoot the shit.

Janzoon

Last but certainly not least we have Janzoon, who has been one of the longest serving mods on this forum. Ever since Right-Track stepped down I've always thought of him stepping up and filling in the shoes of the Moderator father figure, and I really can't think of a better person honestly. He's firm, but not draconian, and he always has reason to backup his claims. He's never afraid to be the one to drop the hammer, but he does so in a way that you can't stay angry at. Nothing but respect and admiration for this man.


I'll do members tomorrow.

One reason I enjoy Burning Down is because she seems to really know how to bring your soft side out. I mean I brought mine by telling her about my experiences. I generally don't like speaking much on myself. I have always said that I like to remain mysterious. This is not to say I don't like anyone else but I feel BD has a special heart.

One thing I found surprising is that many of you guys know that I have a twitter account let alone a Facebook account. I am very surprised considering how barely have mentioned that. I have always wanted to a remain mysterious man but I am not so much. Sparky got me good. I got to admit.

I thank you Geekoid very much. I am very happy. I may go overboard with my love of African music but I am very geniue when I say I love African music especially FRANCO and PEPE KALLE.

I want to say sorry to anyone I may have hurted deeply. You guys got to believe that I don't intentionally hurt anyone. It is not my intention. It is just I can be very complicated.

I also know that many members want to know why I am FRANCO PEPE KALLE. Many of you guys want to know why? I understand. I will give many stories that led to the name. It is not easy to explain. There are several factors that led to the name. If you want to know why, PM me and I will give one component that led to that name.

Anyway, no hate to any moderator. All of you guys are special. Urban, Pedestrian, Vanilla, Burning Down, Janzoon, Pete, and others. I love you all. I wish you all a great life and blessings come in the near future.

^^^
Great post, Franco. I'm sure the longer you're here, the better we'll understand your true nature. Sometimes it just takes a while.

The feeling is mutual :) Us Canadians are giving our country a good name, it seems. I like that.

"Mysterious" and "boring" are interchangeable when used in conjuction with my name.

That said, thaaaanks guyyyyys! It's been a busy summer for me, but once I settle into my new routine I hope to have more time and energy to run new events, because I've felt pretty guilty about slacking off over the summer.

Actually, it's not just Freddie Mercury clones. I'm planning on an army of clones of all the big names of rock. Think about this...a supergroup consisting of Jimi Hendrix, Freddie Mercury, Keith Moon, and Cliff Burton at every birthday party in the country. I'll be rich.

Anyway, thanks for mentioning me! I feel weird if I don't log on at least once a day to see how things are going. People don't realize this, but I do see most of what's going down here. I also like to hear that my music recommendations are being noticed. My activity may go up or down, but I'll be here as long as MB is around.

Frownland - I got muchos love for this guy. Shared a few good Mumu sessions with him and others, which were always interesting, but he seems to genuinely take people's suggestions (well, mine at least) and makes the effort to give some feedback. Great taste in music and hopefully he continues his Hip Hop quest.

Thanks breh! I really appreciate it. I think you're pretty awesome too. Definitely one of my favorite new people! :)

Thanks Pete for your kind words. You have become one of the members here whose posts I will make sure I read in threads like Albums You're Digging and what not. I do often skim posts in there but I will read yours as I know it will be worth a read and often a recommendation from you is worth checking out.

As for my music tastes and identity, I quite like to know that someone sees me that way. I do love my metal, especially my thrash and my doom. I've been dabbling in more black metal over the last year or so as well. I really don't want to be identified as a metal fan though, at least not exclusively. I like what I like and to hell what my more narrower circles of "music fan" friends think of it. A lot of metal fans I know will take a dislike to something simply because it isnt metal enough for them, because they're hardcore like that, you know?

I have been absent. That probably will continue to happen. I will always come back and I have spells here where I will be here a lot and then a spell where I wont come here much at all. Life was easier when I had nothing to do all day, every day and could just listen to music. I was always looking for new music and so was here a lot. That isnt the case anymore and so I need to be in the mood to search for something new or to discuss what I've been listening to. For those of you who can work, live and still listen to 5+ new albums a week, i salute you.

It cant be difficult. You used the same username.

Ah...that was Rival Sons right? I'm so glad you're still enjoying it! It seemed perfect for you when I was looking for something to send. :) Thanks for your very kind words too.

Thanks Pete. I really should post more in the country forum since that and folk have been my main staples this summer. Every time I say I plan on being back on the forum more, I jinx myself and it doesn't happen. So I'm not going to say that again! I would like to be though. I often miss this place and notice that how much I post on here directly affects how much new music I find. Even though I have Spotify and satellite radio...it's just not the same as getting recommendations from people you "know" and trust. In fact, you've directly and indirectly affected a decent portion of my music collection Pete, and for that I thank you!

Thanks man, that's very kind of you to say. :)

Thanks for the mention, Pete! Ah, the e-zine. Those were the days. I still feel bad about going one issue and cancelling it without your input. It was just as much yours as mine and I was just too lazy. Maybe we can get that going again one of these days.

Or maybe not. First I want to revive my massive genre definition compilation thing. When I start working from home again you'll be seeing more of me. :yeah:

Hermione- Great sense of humor contrary to popular belief. Total smartass much like myself. Similar taste in music although she dislikes the Ramones.

Duce/Howard- This guy actually really has a varied discography and adds alot to the music threads. Kind of gets under peoples skin at times, but I like his contributions.

Fetching- Great personality, seems like one of the guys. Needs to go see a Dr though shes sick like 80 percent of the year.

Batlord- Has a similar taste for Metal and Punk as me. Good jokester and loves to derail the lounge as much as myself.

Bastard Of The Young- Great taste in music from my perspective. Seems to hearken back to the 80s alot like myself when it comes to what hardcore he deems as best. Probably has a more open ear then myself and tries out alot of things i probably wouldn't. Similar to Bob, people really seem to like him and it seems justified to me.

Jackhammer- Great reviews of movies, Great taste in reggae and Metal which i appreciate. Tshirt wearing guy like myself, seems to have great kids which is always indicative of great parenting. Solid guy.

Burning Down- Nice gal, REM fan like myself. Seems to be knowledgable in theory of music which I also strive to be. Great at being neutral when it comes to modding. Always seems calm and happy, good traits.

She's Scottish. She should just be happy that it isn't terminal.

Thanks! Yeah, I think I'm pretty knowledgeable in music theory. It's just something that I study in school ;)

I have not been too active here over the last few months but those I have been in contact with or conversed with recently:

bob - love this guy to bits. Great music tastes, introduced me to to a brilliant T shirt site (mate this site is awesome!) and has no hidden agendas. What you see is what you get. Has lived it, loved it and still wanting more.

Janszoon - His emotional control is superb and nothing seems to faze him. He can brush off the most antagonstic idiots on here with a witty aside I could swear he has English blood! If I ever get to the U.S, a night on the piss with bob and Janszoon would be an absolutely fantastic night. Unless he dances to a George Michael track that is.

Trollheart - I am so glad he has emerged from the shadowy cave of his journal to get involved in the whole site as he has a wicked sense of humour and is very knowledgeable about music even if it isn't to everyones tastes. It doesn't matter what sort of music you are into if you have passion for what you listen to then that is a true barometer of a music fan for me.

Canwll Corfe - I should really take notice more of the music he posts. He only seems to deal in select genres but he knows his stuff and it is almost always underground but decent too. He may not 'splash' himself all over the forum with a vast musical knowledge but what he is into regarding underground music more than makes up for it.

Howard The Duck or Il Duce - The place would not be the same without him and whatever his views he always contributes.

Burning Down - A blossoming flower and the sexual experience thread is a very entertaining with her posts and I am pleased she is 'enjoying' herself these days ;)

Stu (Sneer) - a bastard as he only appears every couple of months, drops a shedload of awesome albums on us and then ****s off! Post more!

Ki - there was some altercations on here with him a couple of months back that I am not au fait with but he is a very passionate music fan and when he talks about a band/album then it is worth listening to especially if you like his music tastes.

Pedestrian - One of the best mods MB have ever had. Full stop. (We don't say period here as it's a messy subject).

Hermione - I have been an ******* to her a few times in the SB and yet she still holds no grudges which shows good character. Definitely should contribute more in the music forums as she has more knowledge than is posted. Great tat's too.

The Metalheads - Batlord, Unknown Soldier, Almauro, Engine (not strictly a Metalhead) and Blarobbarg amongst others are those of a rare breed who are not blinkered enough to think that Metal is the only genre of music and they all know their stuff.

Many more to mention but it is late here :( Loathsome Pete, Satchmo etc.

I miss Gavin B :)

Fetching - have u provided your voice yet as I am dying to hear that Scottish Brogue ;)

Cru Hoor is a cool fella and Fred Hale too.

I really should slag someone off to balance it out!

Janszoon - Only recently started to "interact" with the great man, despite following his journal ever since I got here. I feel that he speaks his mind, even if it is in the form of a simple :laughing: icon. Either way, seems like a cool guy that respects all genres of music, and is willing to give anything a chance.

Haha, I will definitely take that as a compliment! And, yes, a drunken night with you and bob would be a blast. I'm the midway point by the way—you both need to come to Philly! :)


Thanks Goofle! That's very nice of you to say. And I'm glad to hear someone reads my journals. :laughing:

Thanks! I appreciate the mention.

Ah heck, thanks. It's an honour that you think so.

It appears that people are finally acknowledging my obvious greatness. You may kiss my ring. ;)

Like most of everything I do (or at least, write) this was much thought-out and planned, and run over many times in my confused brain before I committed anything to paper (yeah, you remember paper, don't you?) but now that I have a chance here are the votes from the Irish jury:

Oh, and thanks to those who have had such nice things to say about me in their posts here.

I should qualify this by saying I can only judge people on the basis of how I've interacted with them (obviously) or observed them doing so with others. I have never participated in the ShoutBox --- I have my own ShoutBox here: “I need some warm milk! Close my door! Where are my painkillers? What time is it? There's a bluebottle in my room!” and so on, which really leaves me little chance to carry on a realtime conversation, let alone update my journal as much as I like to --- and so am probably missing some of the deeper nuances and personality traits of most members, so don't be offended if I judge you incorrectly, as I can only go on my own impressions, which I've only recently experienced, having spent most of the last year, as Jackhammer says, in my cave and only recently emerged blinking into the light, to find there is a whole world out there in the forum.

By the way, this list is in no real order, other than the first member who now follows, for reasons which will be obvious.

JACKHAMMER --- My man! The very first, and at the time only, friend I had on Music Banter, back in my “first incarnation”, when I got a bit stroppy about musical elitism, which seemed to be rampant, and decided it was all directed against me personally. He helped me to see that was not the case, and was actually a large factor in my rejoining last year, a decision I have never regretted. I know he has had really hard times recently, but has still managed to both hold down a job and raise his kids, while at the same time dispensing both his wisdom and humour throughout this forum. He also is the human being with the single most diverse music taste I have ever met, or probably ever will. He's always ready to lend a hand, and he is (or was) one of the few people who commented in my journal near its inception, his first comment being to welcome me back. [Girly moment]That really touched me.[/Girly moment]

I can see he's highly respected on this board, and rightly so, and it continues to amaze me that no matter the genre, from light jazz to grindcore, punkabilly to prog rock, or classical to shoegaze, Lee always seems to know something about it, and yet he never comes across as a know-it-all, always ready to help people discover new music and to encourage moving beyond often pre-set boundaries. I honestly believe you could go around the world, stopping in every major and minor country, collect an ipod from each, and give them to him to listen to and he would know at least one artiste on every one of them. He also seems quite unflappable, a worthy talent here.

UNKNOWN SOLDIER: Always has to get a vote from me, and be near the top, as he was the only other person to post regularly in my journal (though not recently), working through it from the start and letting me know his thoughts on each section of interest. I miss those posts! He has a fairly similar music taste to mine in some respects, with metal, AOR and some prog rock, though he's vastly more knowledgeable about the first two, (I think I may have the edge on him with prog rock however) and is into a lot “heavier” heavy metal than I would be. His posts are always entertaining, always without exception intelligent and well thought out. I particularly enjoyed reading his views on Euro 2012 and the English team. He has introduced me to some great music, and I hope I've been able to return the favour.

KI: One of my new friends, another who posts regularly in my journals and introduces me to new music. He's also big into some of the prog rock I'm into. I don't know that much about him, though his original “Schizo” journal was a little worrying. Glad he's pushed past that to create a more music-based journal, and I hope his personal demons are gone now, or at worst, taking a well-deserved holiday. I also believe he lives in a basement, which is pretty cool: shouldn't all prog rockers live either in basements or attics (or hobbit holes)?

Geekoid: Perhaps the most analytical mind I have crossed paths with, Geekoid's grasp of the DNA if you will of music leaves me breathless. I'm often left with a sore brain, trying to follow his entries which sometimes come across as lectures (though in a good way) or school exercises, but he certainly knows his stuff. For one of the newer members here, he's quickly established himself and is well on the way to having one of the most unique and interesting journals on Music Banter.

Pedestrian: I can probably add little to what others have said of her: great mod, very fair, totally committed to her job here, yet always ready to share a joke or get involved in a topic that interests her. As someone else has said, she is generally the first to welcome newbies in the “introductions” thread, which just proves how effusive and I guess maternal in a way (hope that's not taken as an insult: nothing to do with age!) she is.

Blarobbarg: I miss the cute rabbit avatar! Seriously though, Blar is one of these rare people who are prepared to share their (often troubled) life story through their journal, and this I feel makes him more “real” than perhaps others who remain shrouded in privacy (who, me?) --- it's a very hard thing to do, expose yourself in a literary sense, and you invite all sorts of strange reactions in doing so, though generally I think the response to Blaro's life story has been positive. Another one always ready to hear/accept a point of view, a real jazz fanatic from what I read.

Janszoon: Ah, the mighty! Describing himself in his latest avatar as a “blockhead”, Jansz is nothing of the kind. Intelligent, compassionate, level-headed and able to arbitrate any argument, he's often the “damping rod” between two volatile and opposite views, with a rare talent for not taking sides. He's always ready to help, and responds to PMs quickly, in my experience. He too has a wide musical taste and is another for whom, unlike myself, jazz holds no terrors.

Howard the Duck: A quirky personality but next to impossible to take offence from him, Howard is always ready with a joke or witty retort, and I would like to point out here for the record that those three newbies he adopted could just as easily be visiting their relatives. Just because they haven't been seen for six weeks is no reason to throw suspicion on the guy. And so what if he happened to have a deep, soundproof cellar built just recently in his house? Really, people, if you'll insist on listening to rumour and innuendo...

Mr Dave: One of the most articulate writers on MB, it kind of doesn't really matter if you're into his music or not, as his journal is more a personal thing, something like Blarrobarg's (though Mr Dave was doing it before him), with wise and often bitingly satirical observations on music, family and just generally life. I've said before he should be a writer, or with his talent for description and his seemingly colourful past, a movie director. Some day, the story will be told. I look forward eagerly to each new chapter of his journal, and it's gratifying to see the hope he snatches from seeming despair at times.

Anteater: THE most articulate writer we have here, Ant's prose just knocks me over sometimes. I'm staggered at how knowledgeable he is about music, particularly my own favourite, prog rock. In fact, I'd call him the go-to guy for prog. If he doesn't know the band, they probably don't exist, or deserve to. His journal is updated sporadically, but always worth checking. His new light jazz one doesn't push my buttons but I read it for the wonderful flowing language and his almost hypnotic descriptions of the artistes he features.

Burning Down: Another mod who really knows her stuff. Have to keep reminding myself she's female, as her avatars have always seemed to be male, and the mind just clicks into that mode. Another mod who takes policing the forum seriously: cross her at your peril! But she's always ready to discuss music, and she plays a mean flute!

Mrd00d: I feel a real affinity with this guy, can't say why. He just seems the epitome of cool, and a real nice dude. That is all I have to say.

Salami: A great guy, one of my first guest reviewers, and one of the few people here who will stand up for Bon Jovi. Richie rules!

Conchobar: How could I not include a fellow Irishman? Though his music is generally not to my taste, and some of his drug-related references are lost on me, he's always thought-provoking, interesting and intelligent in just about everything he writes. He may only pop into a thread to deliver a short, one-or-two word comment, but it's always right on the money. A credit to us Irish.

Urban Hatemonger?: I think he harbours some sort of mysterious resentment of me, I don't know why. Maybe I'm wrong, but it just seems that way. I know he doesn't like my musical tastes, but really, kidnapping Stacey-Lynn and forcing her to undergo such sexual degradation was just taking it a little too far. I wanted to do that! We must sit down and have a serious talk sometime. His music isn't to my tastes either, but I like his writing, sadly not enough of it at the moment. I'm not sure why there's now a question mark in his name: is the hatred diminishing? Perish the thought!

Tore: I really miss him. He's another prog rock guru, and I've had some interesting conversations with him, though he hasn't been around recently, at least that I've seen. I miss talking to him.

This forum could be such a male-dominated one if it wasn't for the efforts of our resident ladies, and though I don't know them all as well as I might wish to, I would like to give an appreciative “shout out” to those whom I have not yet already mentioned, they who brighten up our lives by their very presence in this forum. Vanilla, Wolfwolveri – oh, you know her!, Hermione, and of course Nonsubmissivewife, even though she doesn't visit as often as she used to, young people these days, I dunno, never enough time grumble grumble zzzzzzz....

The Batlord: What can I say? He's evil (version 2.0 of course)!

Seriously though, what follows is just a list of names of people I've met/read on MB but with whom I've had little or no interaction, or not enough to say I know them well enough, so can't actually form a proper opinion, but I'm sure they're all great people. Perhaps I'll get to know them better as time goes on.

Anticipation, Bob, Goofle11, Loathsome Pete, Canwllcorfe, Stp (formerly fazstp) , Terrible Lizard, Flyingpig437 (can't actually believe 436 other people chose the name “flying pig”!), Frownland, Electrophonic Tonic, Cledussnow, Holerbot6000, Fred Hale Sr., Screen13, RVCA, The Big3, Freebase Dali, Conan, Eric generic, Plankton, Satchmo and if your name isn't included here or above it's simply that I didn't think you were worth mentioning.

Nah, seriously: I tried to fit everyone in but probably missed out some important people. Feel free to send a letter to our complaints dept...
https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/im...uTosCUr7hhbKoG

Your ring aint a metaphor for your dick is it?

I think we'd put it more towards the rear, wouldn't we? "Got a pain in my ring" and so on... :rofl:

Thanks! Yes, I do live in a basement at the moment with my girlfriend until we work up enough money to move into a nice apartment. I haven't really updated my Schizo journal mostly because I can't really remember a lot of what happens these days. When I get into bed, I just pass out until morning with no recollection of when I fall asleep. Somehow I feel like that's a good thing.

Those 'lesson-like' posts were kind of like scratching an itch for me. I'm used to analyzing psychological profiles; which kind of sparked my crossover to analyzing music (completely unscientifically, I might add). Journaling my ideas was just good motivation to complete my thoughts somehow, which I've been dying to do for ages :) It's not likely that anyone will ever be interested, but you never know unless you put it out there.

I find it very amusing that I am perceived as maternal, as I consider myself to be very much the last possible paradigm of motherhood. :laughing:

Not offended, just wryly amused.

Thanks for the kind words and by the way I know more about prog rock than you as well. Just because you know more about Phil Collins era Genesis, doesn't make you more knowledgeable than me:) But where you are far more knowledgeable than me, is on more modern stuff, I'm forever trying to get myself up-to-date. BTW I had last commented on your journal but you failed to respond (check back and you'll see) More and more you remind me of the mad professor who is dedicated to his work and experiments, hence you fail to notice some of trivial things in life. Here is the Trollheart in action.


Frankenstein "It's Alive" Scene - YouTube

Oi! Less of the mad please! Now, where DID I put that arm....? Honestly, I'd forget my own head if it wasn't .... BUMPP!! Dammit, I KNEW there was something I meant to do last night... :D:D

Well, I perceive you in that way, like, keeping the kids from fighting and giving one or the other (or both) a thick ear if they dont listen. Authority, ya can't have a forum like this without it, and someone has to lay down the law from time to time. I feel that person is yourself.

wow thank you so much Lee....and obviously ditto...also really glad you like that site.....seriously it is the absolute best for horror shirts :)

and think about man....if we can get him drunk enough to karaoke george micheal (personally i'm thinking careless whisper or one of the bouncy wham songs)....Lee this is why they invented phones that can records :)


i think it would be the thing legends are made of :)

and honestly my first thought was....shit we'd have to meet in Philly :D

and i totally would....so if you can hop the pond i'll be there :)