I'm neither offending nor defending anyone here, but the recent posts
have raised a few issues which I believe can be either extrapolated
upon or explained. Hopefully this will be in a manner which will not
raise any ire.
1. The lists are made up of persons of various levels of
competency/achievement. I don't see any evidence of ametures ever
getting upset with the professionals because they ARE professionals. If
an ameture were to post something derogatory about professionals (in
general) this would be just plain dumb, as there is a reason why these
people are professionals in the first place.
2. I DO see evidence of professionals complaining about ametures.
Namely, the point is that ametures don't play at the level which the
better players feel is sufficient to promote a good impression of the
harmonica. But for a professional to 'diss' ametures is hurtful, as we
really don't know how much time these people have put into trying to
play. Yes, some are merely horseing around, but others may have tried
for years and just don't have all the attributes necessary to climb
that next step.
3. There are a lot of players who don't aspire to fame, but merely
play up to a level that is either comfortable for them, or suits their
lifestyle. While some may look down on groups of older players or
belonging to a club and playing at shopping centers, nursing homes,
trailer parks, church gatherings, or even merely at home for their own
enjoyment, it should be remembered that these people have every right
to do it. Even if they aren't all that good.
If we were guitar players, we would ALSO have to put up with other
players having gone before us and having been relatively bad. The way
they handle it is to just get out there and show what they
(INDIVIDUALLY) can do.
4. Running a harmonica list is a tight-rope walk. On the one hand,
you would want interaction between the 'newbies' AND the 'oldbies', so
as to promote a learning atmosphere where all could benefit. It turns
out that even newer players have a lot to offer and while their playing
may be in it's beginnings, their enthusiasm is sincere and they ARE
advancing. Some of their questions and ideas are startlingly valuable.
5. It would also be beneficial for a list owner to keep things
relative to the subject at hand and try to keep things from straying
too far into the nether world of conflict(s). Taking sides is fine on
the surface, but we mustn't ever get so over-zealous as to hurt peoples
feelings. I am so sure that there are a lot of people who WOULD post
but are afraid of any (perceived or imagined) backlash.
6. Newer people don't want to be turned off by an atmosphere where
they are made to feel inferior. They AREN't inferior. In time, they
might just be superior. I can show you folks who never ever got any
better. I can also show you those who got up TO professional but stayed
right on the 'edge' and are still there. I can show you those who came
out of nowhere, flashed, and burned.
7. Having a big name doesn't mean the person can play. Having NO name
doesn't mean they can't.
8. I was sitting in the lobby at a SPAH. Two famous players were
talking. One said to the other "I can't wait for this convention to be
over. If I have to hear another one of those tired-ass, old-ass tunes,
I think I'm gonna puke." Just then a group down the lobby about 60'
away, broke into a rendition of Spanish Eyes. "See there (says mr. 1),
there they go again". Now mr other says "That's a shame you feel that
way, they're just trying to have a good time".
conclusion: Mr 1 was way out of line. The regular people (whom I like
to call the 'little people', and of which I happen to BE one), are the
FOUNDATION of our world. They buy more harmonica records than anyone
else, buy their own show tickets, buy their own motel rooms, buy their
own transportation. It's not the 'Stars" world, it's OUR world.
9. I have to agree with Larry (ice is nice). Things HAVE changed in
the last 15 years. There WAS a (shall we say) division, then things
got a little closer together and now they are getting farther apart
again. I think this goes in cycles. I don't believe this was simply a
diatonic vs chromatic thing. I think it was a 'Clique' thing. When I
first went to SPAH, I hadn't known too many other players and so I
kept my mouth shut and just observed. Not to mention that I had a
complex because of my job. I didn't want to make anyone uncomfortable.