Very true. Most of the time I'm pretty much of this default value.
However, there are times when I either don't know much about a particular band or artist, read the thread, check them out, then am like "Ok, wow..." and would love to express an opinion about it. But most often I just relegate myself to silence and avoid agitating.

In the long run, it might save me time and grief, but I also wonder about how many opportunities I'm missing for some smart fellow to point out where I'm wrong and get me to look at things in a different light, which may not have been possible had I avoided the confrontation to begin with.

The problem with this, for me, is I'm a mod. I have to demonstrate at least a modicum of self-restraint, otherwise we're dealing with people up in arms about our abusive tactics. Believe me, there are people out there creating databases out of every time we say something remotely abrasive.

I just mean to say that, in the end, it's just easier to shut up and not have to deal with the fallout, even though it runs counter to what I actually want to do.

I really don't see a problem stating a negative opinion if it's constructive. I believe it's still contributing to the vision of the artist/s in question. A positive always comes out of a negative and vice versa. Are you talking about a problem because generally your opinions stated often turn out negative? You could view that as a thought-provoking way how musicians could better themselves which often gives a stronger emphasis of it. It's really how you look at it and what are the benefits of giving a negative opinion, if that's where you lead. People, when it comes down to it, take offence themselves and I don't really see that as being your problem. I guess that's what it comes down to, perspective, and if you're struggling with negativity perhaps questioning your attitude might help (not saying that in a negative sense).

No, you're right. I'm like 90 percent negative.
If I actually posted everything I thought on these forums, I would have been de-modded and banned a long time ago.
Do I think it's a problem? Well, not when I'm not posting negatively. But I do think some of my negativity could be constructive.
I just don't think most people are ready for it.

I am only here to meet women.

The problem is that you're talking about, and seeing it as, confrontation, and it doesn't have to be. It's surely all in how you approach and phrase things. Who could take offence, for instance, to "I thought this band really sucked but now I wonder if I was wrong. Could someone please enlighten me as to why you all think they're so great? What's a good album to start with?"

Then you're admitting the possibility that you may be open to having your mind changed on the subject. Even if you're not, I'd think that's a good way to break the ice and not step on anyone's toes, at least in the beginning?

Not sure if I'm understanding you very well but are you saying that it all should lead towards a positive direction? Negativity exposes flaws and that's important, because learning how to walk with it is about acceptance.

No, I'm saying you have to massage egos and tread carefully. If you come into a thread with all guns blazing no-one's going to give you much of a chance, whereas if you look like you're openminded, I would think you'd be received better.

Anyway, where's the percentage is just slagging off someone's favourite band or making that you know them better than they do? Default position for me: if I don't like the band don't contribute (unless constructively) and after that, adopt a softly-softly approach to see how the land lies.

That's just how I'd do it.

This.

I don't mind people saying they don't find an artist appealing, but it needs to be an intelligent post, not just 'that artist/band sucks'.

What if Janz, myself, or Batlord said "I like turtles"? Would you respond to them in the same manner? I know this is a bit off topic but it boomerangs back to how people should post on this board. I generally speak my mind on here and don't hold anything back unless it's a personal attack. That term should be defined by the way. Telling somebody that The Beatles are horrible and that they need to listen to better music may be brash but it is not a personal attack (I like the Beatles you serious music knights). However, if I told them that they're an idiot for liking The Beatles and that they probably poop in the bathtub, that would be a bit out of bound and grounds for deletion.

My point is that free speech should apply to this message board just like it should apply in real life. In order to maintain a clean and orderly message boards, mods such as yourselves need to decide what is trash and what is brash opinions. "I like turtles" while being brief and ultimately without much substance is still a post that he has every right to make. It didn't derail anything and I'm sure if Janz said it there would be a member who sucked his nuts over it, and deservedly so. Love you Janz.


Now Freebase, please go home because your music opinion sucks and you have no worth on this message board anymore.

I leave it up to you to decide whether I'm serious or not.




















I'm not.