[Dixielandjazz] The State of The DJML

[Steve Barbone]

Jerry Gordon wrote:

>As a rare (and rarely serious) contributor, but a very long-time member,
>of this list, here's what I think:

>1. There is indeed an awful lot pf pedantry, not only of the sort listed
>above, but also of the "best lubricant for a trombone slide" variety. I
>find it fascinating that there are people who know about such things, and
>it's obviously of interest to many on the list, so it should certainly
>stay. But I do exercise my delete key a lot.

>2. I think there is also considerable discussion about "...the state of
>OKOM delivery and appreciation today." Barbone & Wiggins are frequent
>contributors in this area, but there are many others as well. Maybe
>that's all that Mr Anonymous is interested, but that's not all this list
>is about. There's a lot of good stuff on this topic, and Mr. A will have
>to learn to use his delete key to separate HKOT from OKOT, but apparently
>he's already mastered that. (HKOT = His Kind of Topic; OKOT = Others'
>Kinds of Topics)

>3. Finally, Mr. A's dissatisfaction with the list is exactly the reason
>why he SHOULD become a regular contributor. If you want to see something
>discussed, then by golly, start the discussion! If you've got something
>to say, then say it, for the benefit of all of us. If there's something
>you want to learn, then ask a question. Believe me, there are others on
>the list who want the same answers, whatever the question.

>Jerry Gordon, Troy, NY - Webmaster for
>http://APlaceForJazz.org

Yeah Jerry, IMO you nailed it shut. At last count we had over 600 members on
this list. And so, some will be interested in trombone slide lubricant, some
in current players, some in past players, some in music as sex . . . etc.

Each of us is different and each of us gets something different from this
list. Current players, how to do business? Seems to me we've had plenty of
discussion on  that subject to the point where self appointed List Police
came after those of us who were discussing the topic. And some of it got
nasty.

And now, look at where "Mr. A" is being taken by others, not Jerry Gordon.
Already we have folks trying to tell him how to frame his posts (or not)
whether his approach is OK or not, etc. More about the person, and less
about his opinion. How unproductive is that?

Hey, Mr. A, ignore those who wonder about YOU instead of about what you are
saying. Like Jerry says, get involved and say what you want. Fifty percent
will agree and fifty percent will disagree, give or take a few percent
either way. No different than anywhere else ideas are expressed.

But one thing we might all learn, is not to start calling others pedantic,
and / or accuse them of saying things that are uninteresting, and/or other
personal nonsense, just because WE don't like it.  It is the opinion that
counts and when we start all the personal bullshit, we only reveal our own
insecurity. And if we individually don't like what someone else says, then
debate the point, not the personality, and/or use your delete key.

Or like Jerry says, start a conversation. If it is interesting, someone will
respond.

Funny, from a personal observation of the list over these past few years.
When it is quiet, not much posting, people ask "Hey, why no messages". Then
it gets active and people say "Hey, too many messages."

Man it is so easy to get the digest form and just delete what YOU don't
like. Takes 5 minutes of YOUR precious time at most.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone