Kyzer Sosa
907 posts
Dec 16, 2010
11:41 AM
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If you type something, anything into the forum search field on this site, barring any NEW developments, one can find information about anything ever related to harmonica and harmonica playing. There must be hundreds of pages with dozens of posts from beginners and professionals alike. id wager that anything you find of use on the first page of posts, you could also find by digging around in what has already been said here. (for sale page and current gig/equipment/OT posts exempt)
When I first came to this site over a year ago, the creed was two to three sentences. Now it is a whole paragraph. And ive been here long enough to see why the creed has grown, and have even been involved with the threads that caused it to do so.
I'm not sure how much longer this site will proliferate in it's current state. The reason (and this is my opinion of course) is that the difficulties in keeping ANY topic strictly harmonica related is just plain hard to do. We come here seeking answers to questions, or to provide input to others who we can help with our own experiences. Those experiences often turn into a story. Those stories often involve other people, other beliefs, other theories, other perspectives, other opinions.
I dont know a single musician who is not a creative individual on some level. To be highly creative comes with a catch. We often are philosophical, outspoken, brutally honest, and never afraid to show that our hearts are on our sleeves.
There is so much more to being a long term member here than the creed will ever encompass. Some of us have shaken hands, some have become friends off forum, some have done business together, taught one another, and even played music together while in a white lightning fueled moment of pure bliss, surrounded by many of the legends of today.
You cannot have a gathering of so many members without there being a positive and negative charge between two people. Thats the way it is, the way it will always be. Even if the creed is four feet long.
Ugh, i know this is long winded...but those of us who have been here, and care about the environment that flourishes, the brotherhood of MBH, ought to find ways to keep the administration of this forum happy, but still find a way to be able to express ourselves in matters not related to harmonica.
I, for one, would be happy to donate to Adam, any sum of money that's required for there to be a chat room for members of this forum. i would hope that there may be others here who would also support such a venture. Im not going anywhere because I will not break Adam's trust in his writings of the creed, however, to limit discussions altogether, when so many of us have the ability to help each other grow in so many other ways, seems like a crime.
Adam, when you get back from overseas, contact me, and let me know what it would take to get something like that going. I know it is extra work for you, but if enough of us bear the brunt of the financial burden, it would relieve so many of the smacks on the wrist and bans you undoubtedly hate to do. The forum would be consistently cleaner, especially to those who are knocking on your door for admittance. And the powers that be could satiate their desire to express themselves on something that would disappear once they hit the X button.
Anyone else with me on the chat room idea or am I wrong?
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Kyzer's Travels
Kyzer's Artwork
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Tuckster
789 posts
Dec 16, 2010
12:15 PM
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We had Skype going for a while,but the time differences were a killer. I make my e-mail available if you click on my user name. I think everyone should do that. It makes you think twice about posting something if your e-mail's available. Also,you can have a discussion off forum about things that might violate forum creed.
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chromaticblues
407 posts
Dec 16, 2010
12:18 PM
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Very well put Kyzer!
People need to be a liitle more respectfull of other people's ideas and beliefs. Its OK to speak your mind, but do so in a manner that isn't so (I'm right your wrong)! I know it isn't easy! This forum is starting to get away from Adam a bit. We now have (and have had) people that think they are bigger than the forum! Those are the cancers to the forum! Nacoran I know being a baby sitter can't be fun, but when people are obviously not tring to be constructive in any way, but for there own good. You need to cut them down for the good of the forum! I know that may sound harsh to some people. I've been playing the harp for a long time and this forum is the best thing sence the American Harmonica Newsletter! When someone is tring to take over and/or direct forum members elsewhere. That is not trying to be helpful to anybody but themselves. There are alot of people in the world like Todd Parrot. Talented, helpful good people! I have talked to people that don't like to share there ideas here because they know they will have to defend themselves in a way that isn't a part of there day to day life. That isn't right!
I don't know thats just how I feel about the current state of the forum. This can be a great thing, but it isn't going to be easy!
Last Edited by on Dec 16, 2010 12:27 PM
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jim
565 posts
Dec 16, 2010
12:21 PM
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I have set a one-click chat room a while ago but almost no one seemed to notice:
INSTANT HARMONICA CHAT
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www.truechromatic.com
Last Edited by on Dec 16, 2010 12:22 PM
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Honkin On Bobo
530 posts
Dec 16, 2010
12:28 PM
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I share the sentiment Kyzer, but i don't agree that setting up a chat room solves the problem. I think we'd then see arguments developing over what belongs in the chat room vs. what's OK to be posted on the forum.
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Kyzer Sosa
908 posts
Dec 16, 2010
12:34 PM
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that's the beauty of it Bobo, theres never any holds barred in a chat room. you say what your opinions drive you to say and keep that off of the forum. There can be no discussion on what belongs in a chat room v.s. what we know doesnt belong here.
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Kyzer's Travels
Kyzer's Artwork
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Honkin On Bobo
531 posts
Dec 16, 2010
12:53 PM
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Well, my point was that somebody will post something on the MBH forum....which will be greeted with a "hey, that belongs in the chatroom".....which will be responded to with a....."no it doesn't"...and then the Flame war/argument is on.
A cynical view? Perhaps, but I honestly think that's how it will evolve.
I don't think the establishment of a chatroom solves anything.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobo
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nacoran
3417 posts
Dec 16, 2010
1:14 PM
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Time zones are always the killer, but there are other good things and bad things about chat rooms. They allow a lot of fluidity, but you also lose some of the archival information that a forum gives you. If someone explains something in a chat as soon as the chat is over the information isn't there anymore (except for for the people who were in the chat.) If you keep the transcripts then you lose some of the spontaneity and free nature of the exchange.
Time zones really are killer though. I could say that another five times and not be stressing it enough. Chats at least don't require a host, but they do involve some oversight. Skype was requiring 4-6 hour time blocks for the host. Chats don't eat up as much time, but they still require approving people, and you need a people to kick spammers and perverts out (well, you know, perverts who aren't also harmonica players.) And then you have to let people know that it's there and get enough traffic so you aren't sitting in the room all alone.
That said, try Jim's chat room! See if you can get the traffic up. Facebook also has an IM. You can create groups of friends there. (There is an official unofficial MBH FB page out there. I don't know how active it is.)
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Nate
Facebook
Thread Organizer (A list of all sorts of useful threads)
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phogi
468 posts
Dec 16, 2010
2:06 PM
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I think of it this way: When you feel like being an asshole, don't. Simple rule that keeps things civil.
As for the evolution of MBH harmonica content, I feel there is ALOT more to be covered. Licks, for one. Not alot here on licks, what makes one modern, traditional. Philosophizing, yes, but actual analysis...we have more room for that.
Also, lots of rhythm concepts to be discussed. Also, every true answer creates more questions. I've never felt that you could simply use up the available information in a given field. The more expert you are, the more there is to be discussed.
SO, never fear, MBH is here...as long as Adam still likes us.
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earlounge
236 posts
Dec 16, 2010
2:16 PM
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This might be out in left field, but I'm seeing a lot of harp action on Facebook. It is really cool to hear from Jason Ricci and others.
Realistically all OT topics can be avoided if you make a connection with all your friends on Facebook. If you friend me on Facebook then you will get all my opinionated banter, my deep thoughts about whatever topic, and my internet findings. I don't feel the need to post that stuff in public forums, and anyone can share that part of me if they add me on Facebook. If I want that part of you then I will do the same.
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steve j.
106 posts
Dec 16, 2010
2:22 PM
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Maybe if folks approached this harmonica playing as the FUN thing it is ,, rather than the be-all, end all, there would be a more laid back attitude. More friend , not foe.
Just a thought
My YT
http://www.youtube.com/user/sjeter61?feature=mhum
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eharp
1011 posts
Dec 16, 2010
4:30 PM
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i think the fights would get even worse in a chatroom.
it will be easier to call folks names.
what i noticed about this forum over the last year is that many folks here, though claiming to not want the controversy, continue posting. sometimes in an effort to calm things down, sometimes to try to clarify another's position or reinforce one.
every one here can see when a thread is going bad! hell. many of us make remarks: thread lock in 3...2...., gonna buy lock stock, looks like monkeys _______ a football.
if folks would just walk away, it would be no problem. the harpgear thread would have slid off the 1st page in a day. same with the karma thread.
the astrology thread...? that one would have hung for a while. some folks found amusement in it. the problem came, imo, when buddha was called on it by a member or two who took issue with it. that is when the thread turned bad, things got said. and that is exactly when every one, whether you liked it or not, should have walked away.
it's like going drinking with your friends when you were young. sometimes it was fun at first. then there was, on occasions when some excitement happened. an argument started, maybe. or some "good natured" mischief was talked about. perhaps something more illegal or malicious was being planned. that happens.
IT IS THE NEXT STEP THAT IS IMPORTANT! do you carry thru or do you back off?
just walk away, harpers. just walk away.
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kudzurunner
2132 posts
Dec 16, 2010
5:55 PM
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I'm going to meet GermanHarpist tomorrow and I'll start the conversation about ways of evolving the forum. Good suggestion, Kyser. You and I both know, from having experienced HCH 2010, that things don't need to be the way they've too often ended up here. Civility is a virtue. Basic friendliness is a virtue. The ability to calm things down and be helpful is a huge virtue. I thank all those who have manifested those virtues.
New people are constantly banging on the door, asking to become members here, and I'm delighted to let them in. Please welcome them, when you get a chance.
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LeonStagg
200 posts
Dec 16, 2010
6:39 PM
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Great post Kyser,
Some good and timely insight.
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RyanMortos
916 posts
Dec 17, 2010
6:33 AM
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Possibly OT,
I don't get it. Only explanation is an unfair truth beyond our control, harmonica players + forum = occassional rough spots & other nonsense. Im on a bunch of other forums including topics like film, classical music, web development, other software development, piano, & video games and I still think this one gets more rough then any Im on.
I think this is truely a shame because every harmonica player Ive met in real life has truely been really well met & good to spend time with to the point where I feel like I can trust anyone who plays harmonica like an old friend you hadnt seen for a long time. That doesnt translate well onto a forum somehow. Im striving to get better & learn as much as possible but I realize that wont happen from a forum & dont think that should be taken out on anyone on forum.
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~Ryan
"I play the harmonica. The only way I can play is if I get my car going really fast, and stick it out the window." - Stephen Wright
Pennsylvania - H.A.R.P. (Harmonica Association 'Round Philly)
Contact:
My youtube account
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chromaticblues
410 posts
Dec 17, 2010
8:21 AM
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I understand your point of view ryan, but if we walk away and just say the hell with it. Then things HCH will fail! I couldn't go to the first one because of my job. My job prohits me from traveling to far in the warm months of the year. So I don't see how I can go to next one either, but everyone else MAN that has got to be a COOL weekend! I wish there was something like that 10-15 years ago! I would of played my harp untill I passed out. Then got up and did it again! There's alot of good that comes from this. There is also bad. Nothing is perfect, but things only get better when people make it better.
MODERN BLUES HARMONICA
It is a great concept!
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shanester
304 posts
Dec 17, 2010
8:31 AM
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I think this is a great idea Kyzer.
I actually think a chat room would reduce fights, I think it is easier to be a jerk posting on a thread than it is interacting with someone directly in real time.
The harp community is pretty far flung, and some of us might be an island of one in our small town...,
It would be nice to have a vehicle for something akin to realtime cameraderie for those who chose it,
I hope we can get something going!
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Shane
1shanester
"Keep it coming now, keep it coming now,
Don't stop it no don't stop it no no don't stop it no don't stop it no no..."
- KC and the Sunshine Band
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jonlaing
147 posts
Dec 17, 2010
8:45 AM
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I think the biggest problem is that drama is just too much darn fun. I'm one of those people who is guilty of reading through all the drama filled threads. Never posting, but enjoying the sh*tstorm.
I frequent a forum about graphic arts, and it never has that problem. What few altercations occur quickly dissipate and are forgotten.
I think the fundamental difference is that the other forum has different sections with categories, and the threads exist within those categories. So if we could organize this forum like that, I think that would keep all of us focused, and also keep relevant information more organized.
So we could have the following sections, for instance: Events, Blues, Technique, Gear, and Customizing. Without an appropriate place for people to post threads like "TNFrank and other observations" they theoretically would drop off.
I think that might be an appropriate solution to keeping people focused. It also solves the problem of really useful and relevant threads getting buried.
As always, if the MBH crew would like my help as a professional web developer, I'd be more than willing to help gratis for good of the MBH community.
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captainbliss
329 posts
Dec 17, 2010
8:58 AM
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@jonlaing:
/I think the fundamental difference is that the other forum has different sections with categories, and the threads exist within those categories. So if we could organize this forum like that, I think that would keep all of us focused, and also keep relevant information more organized./
I think you're right. I wonder whether an unmoderated, "enter-at-your-own-risk" section - to which moderators can simply move threads // EDIT, sorry, meant "posts," not "threads" // without having to police them further - might be a good idea?
xxx
Last Edited by on Dec 17, 2010 8:59 AM
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jonlaing
148 posts
Dec 17, 2010
9:15 AM
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@captainbliss
Most forums do have the "Gab Session" sections where people can post their off topic stuff with out disrupting the relevant stuff.
Maybe without threads getting locked and a scolding from Dr. Gussow and with people not getting banned, the stupid dramatic stuff would stop being so entertaining. It's a thought. It would certainly make the jobs of the mods easier.
In the other forum I frequent, the off topic section rarely gets any attention, so maybe it'd be a good place for people to do their business without drawing attention away from the real purpose of the forum.
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chromaticblues
412 posts
Dec 17, 2010
9:21 AM
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Captbliss and jonlaing
You guys are onto something there! Those are good ideas!
I hope Nacoran and Germen Harpist read that.
Good stuff!
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captainbliss
331 posts
Dec 17, 2010
9:47 AM
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@chromaticblues:
Thank you. (jonlaing deserves most of the credit, though.)
@jonlaing:
/the off topic section rarely gets any attention, so maybe it'd be a good place for people to do their business without drawing attention away from the real purpose of the forum./
I think having an OT, unmoderated section has (at least) three obvious benefits:
1. No-one can claim their right to freedom of speech is curtailed,
2. Mods can move OT posts there without having to engage in an awkard "is it or isn't it against the rules" (much more taxing than "is it or isn't it on topic") debate,
3. Users whose interest is purely on-topic need never go there.
And, once a topic is in the unmodded section, Mods (I hope) will find policing the forum less challenging.
I'd add that, IMHO, the IT infrastructure underpinning a forum as busy / with as many users as this is barely (if at all) fit for purpose. There are several EXCELLENT and FREE platforms available (my preference being phpBB). Several forum members have, on several occasions, freely offered their know-how to improve the forum. Bodes well, I hope...
xxx
EDITED to tidy up and clarify
Last Edited by on Dec 17, 2010 9:54 AM
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jonlaing
149 posts
Dec 17, 2010
10:39 AM
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@captainbliss
I agree entirely. I have heard good things about phpBB. I haven't implemented it myself yet, though.
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Arnoud73
28 posts
Dec 18, 2010
1:48 AM
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Hello Kyzer,
I'm one off the moderators of e Dutch-bluesharpforum.
This forum is working very well.
We devided the forum in differend subjects like:
'The Harmonica academie'
"teachers"
'Tabs'
'events'
etcetera...
Every part off the forum has its one moderator, and together we have a place on the forum where we discuss 'problems' simulair like the problems here: people who are disrespectfull ore people who always are trying to find the boundary between acceptable and not-acceptable communication.
We are with seven moderators, and together we have a lot of fun 'moderating' this little dutch bluesharp forum...
If you like to see the structure of the forum, check http://www.bluesharp.nl/harmonica/
I don't expect you can actually read it, but if you have questions about it , I would be happy to help !
Arnoud
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http://www.myspace.com/arnoudbluesharp
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captainbliss
333 posts
Dec 18, 2010
5:27 AM
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@Arnoud73:
Heel goed! I'll have a look, thank you for the pointer.
xxx
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eharp
1014 posts
Dec 18, 2010
7:42 AM
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i think what is being overlooked is that most of the problems that occur are on harp related threads.
it is more than sad that folks cant express their disagreements, or be a minority on a subject, without the thread turning more into attacks.
we have to remember that much of what is said here is opinion or feelings.
those cannot be "wrong" and usually cannot be changed by strangers, no matter how it is expressed or how many are trying.
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nacoran
3430 posts
Dec 18, 2010
12:08 PM
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eharp, I'm not sure I agree that most of the problems occur on harp threads, at least not if you include how often we had problems on certain threads before they were banned. (And I think cooler heads finally prevailed in TB v. Pucker.) A long time ago there was a thread where we discussed breaking the threads out into topics. The concern I had was that some of the best information comes when you have cross pollination. I was worried that the different sections would discourage some of that. A tagging system might accomplish the same thing while helping to keep things from breaking off just into specialties. Even if you had a short list of possible tags it could help sort stuff: amplification, tone, overblows, etc.
A lot of that comes down to the software.
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Nate
Facebook
Thread Organizer (A list of all sorts of useful threads)
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eharp
1015 posts
Dec 18, 2010
1:51 PM
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by harp threads, i mean all threads that are not OT.
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captainbliss
335 posts
Dec 18, 2010
2:03 PM
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@eharp:
IIRC (someone correct me if I'm wrong), some forum platforms give moderators the ability to move individual posts. That - coupled with different forum areas, including an unmoderated, anything goes, enter at your own risk, bring your thickest skin, don't cry "foul" if you're offended or insulted - should make for a fairer, safer and happier forum. In principle, anyway.
EDIT: as has been mentioned earlier, with sections such as "playing technique," "customisation," "mics + amps," discussions would (hopefully) be more focused. If, for example, there were both a "no contentious issues" chit-chat area and the kind of "anything goes" area I describe above, then it shouuld be relatively easy for there to be (a) a policy of no deviation, (b) a policy of "if it seems at all contentious, it goes to the unmoderated area" and (c) the technology for mods to move - without question - any posts they feel they ought to move.
xxx
Last Edited by on Dec 18, 2010 2:12 PM
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oldwailer
1440 posts
Dec 18, 2010
2:35 PM
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There used to be a chat room on harmonicaspace.com--but I just went over there and found it has been taken down.
The chat was fun for a couple of times--then petered out pretty rapidly.
One thing that never really got off the ground much was an attempt to get a harp guru to have a discussion group on chat. Once they had Richard Sleigh. It got kind of crazy--but still good and there were things to be learned there. They tried to set up so members could donate a few bucks and get the celebrity to be paid something for his time.
Something like that on chat could be interesting if it could be worked out without all the technical problems--but the problems are huge--that pesky time line difference kicks a lot of things like this right in the ass--just because there are so many of us spread so far apart.
I think a better solution to getting together is if eharp was to donate enough money to fly us all down to Adam's front lawn for one week a year for a gigantic jam/brawl/fistfight. I think we would all come home bloody and grinning--except for maybe eharp--but--WTF!
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eharp
1016 posts
Dec 18, 2010
2:37 PM
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capt.-what does IIRC mean? it's a new one to me.
do you think adam will go for an area which could potentially be an argument zone?
a very interesting concept.
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pharpo
473 posts
Dec 18, 2010
2:40 PM
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I just cant see how a "format change" is going to encourage to make folks act nicely to one another. Personally I like this format. Changing it won't stop the people who want to flame and insult.
peace..........
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Procrastinator Emeritus
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eharp
1018 posts
Dec 18, 2010
3:08 PM
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sounds like you want to go to the fights, oldwailer.
sorry. i aint got the money and i dont believe in violence.
maybe you could box your way down there.
btw- your post seems a bit like a threat.
niiice. especially on this thread.
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jonlaing
150 posts
Dec 18, 2010
4:56 PM
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I was contesting that a format change in which the topics were more specific would keep people on track more, and also keep relevant information from getting buried under petty arguments.
Maybe also having a function where normal users can flag a post they think is inappropriate (or spam), to bring it to the attention of the mods quicker.
With all due respect, eharp, I feel like most of the nasty threads start only loosely related to harmonica topics, if at all. Also, the TNFrank fiasco would easily be avoided if we could have easily directed him to a list of harmonicas and prices, and a past discussion about whether a better harp helps progress etc etc etc.
I'm racking my brain trying to figure out what makes this little family dysfunctional, where other forums don't seem to have the same problem. At the moment, it is the only major difference. I just refuse to believe that we can't be civil, that for some reason this forum attracts only the most pugnacious of the harmonica community.
I also feel like most of the fights start from a small misunderstanding that inflames. I'm not saying that a format change will eradicate that, but it might ameliorate.
Just my thoughts.
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jonlaing
151 posts
Dec 18, 2010
5:01 PM
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Additionally, I like idea of somehow setting up a video-conference/instant-chat where there could be a virtual Q/A with a harp giant for a nominal fee. I would be willing to support that if people want to seriously talk about organizing it.
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MrVerylongusername
1417 posts
Dec 18, 2010
5:03 PM
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I like the forum just how it is and most of the big arguments I recall have been on harp/blues related threads... comb material, embouchure, overblows, paying your dues to the old guys etc...
I'd be sad to lose the wealth of knowledge contained in the forum as it is.
If things are really going to change, would it be possible to preserve an archive of the current MBH?
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jonlaing
153 posts
Dec 18, 2010
5:07 PM
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@MVLUN If the new software doesn't have the resources to migrate the current threads, then I will personally reformat them to make the move. I'm assuming it's based off of a MySQL database, as most forums are, so it'd probably just require a reformatting script to make the move.
I agree that there's a wealth of knowledge that'd be a shame to loose. I think the reformatting will do nothing but benefit that wealth.
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MrVerylongusername
1418 posts
Dec 18, 2010
5:17 PM
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What's worrying me about all this is that Harmonicaspace offered all that, chatroom, categorised forums, big name users. As others have said above, it was great for a while, active, new and exciting. Now it's a ghost-town.
MBH is the most lively forum I'm on. If it ain't broke, I don't understand why we need to fix it.
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chromaticblues
418 posts
Dec 18, 2010
5:39 PM
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@captbliss and jonlaing
Excelent ideas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OLDWAILER WTF!
Flying us all down to Adam's front yard.
That is the perfect example of a bad example.
People are brainstorming here, and from what I have read seem to be doing a very good job! These people (like most of us) would like it to be more pleasent here! That is a good thing.
I absolutly love the idea of moving posts that are obviously provocing bad behavior. There are people that like being that way so give them a section to do there thing! I'd like to see a section for "riffs, runs and techniques". We could acually talk about playing the harmonica then. Ryan posted that he has finally just given up on the idea of learning anything from the forum. That is totally against the reason why I came here in the first place. I want to learn and teach! I don't have time in my life for bullshit! Maybe some people do, but I'm not interested in reading people flexing thier egos on a daily basis! Music is fun! Its fun learning how to play and its fun playing well and having people enjoy the music we make. I think the forum needs to be revamped so that it can be more of educational tool.
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KingoBad
536 posts
Dec 18, 2010
9:07 PM
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Kyzer,
I think the chat is a great idea. This forum has more than enough critical mass to have someone on there almost 24/7. The Harmonicaspace one was great until it lost steam because Jason was no longer involved with it. Some of those guys I still miss chatting with a lot.
I hated not being able to continue to keep in direct touch after HCH1. So many cool folks, and so many I just barely got to meet and wanted to sit down and hang out with. The follow up from that was surely missed, and a chat room would have helped.
I think the clarity of arguments would make the bickering much less likely with a chat. When you can restate your point and people can ask questions, you can come to an understanding. With the not so carefully written posts of a forum, lack of tone and odd timing - a misunderstanding can become huge in no time - especially when there is a pile on of everyone who is ready to be offended.
At least a chat holds people accountable. Of course, there will probably be bullies there too, but I think people ought to show respect when the come to sit on Adam's front porch as it were.
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Kingley
1385 posts
Dec 18, 2010
9:40 PM
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"gh, i know this is long winded...but those of us who have been here, and care about the environment that flourishes, the brotherhood of MBH, ought to find ways to keep the administration of this forum happy, but still find a way to be able to express ourselves in matters not related to harmonica."
Why?
My opinion is as follows. This is a forum for discussing harmonica and all things related to it. Nothing else! That is how it should stay. All "off topic" subject threads should be banned plain and simple. If you want to discuss something not harmonica related then you should join a forum that allows you to do so.
To change this forum or to add a chat area, etc, would almost certainly be the death of MBH.
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jim
577 posts
Dec 18, 2010
11:41 PM
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Since it is a free hosting - I hihgly doubt anyone will even let you close to the mysql db.
I dont think migrating the threads to a new forum is possible too.
Just tech thoughts
As for the chat - I've made one, 24/7. Please use it.
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www.truechromatic.com
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Kyzer Sosa
914 posts
Dec 19, 2010
1:41 AM
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Kingley, it's simple...not every harmonica related post ends up being strictly harmonica related. There are just as many off topic posts here as there are harp related ones. The point I was making is that some of us are far more integrated with one another than strangers just asking a question about reed work. Why should MichaelAndrewLo and I join a different forum should he and I decide to bicker with one another about talent? Especially when it evolved from a thread that started by talking about harmonica!?!?
Your opinion is glaring proof of the whole basis behind my idea, whether it be a chat room or whatever else...if you don't like it you wouldn't have to join in on it. It most definitely would not be the death of MBH. Not taking ANY action would lead to it's demise.
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Kyzer's Travels
Kyzer's Artwork
"Music in the soul can be heard by the universe." - Lao Tzu
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Arnoud73
29 posts
Dec 19, 2010
1:51 AM
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Just check out our Dutch bluesharpforum and see how that structure works very well.
We are with seven moderators, each for differend topics, and we have a part on the forum which only the moderators can see/use. There we discus problems and improvements.
It's very readable, there is space for non-harmonica subjects, and people who don't behave will be warned and if needed banned...
Because of the structure all the information and knowledge don't disappear in this endless line off subjects. So you don't see the same question over and over again...
Here is our adress:
www.bluesharp.nl
Greetz Arnoud
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www.sweetportblues.nl
http://www.myspace.com/arnoudbluesharp
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MP
1154 posts
Dec 19, 2010
2:08 AM
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i don't think things are really all that bad.
like i've said before, 'every time you post on a thread you don't like you boost it to the top'. you give the negative post power. others see it and post and a posting frenzy starts. it's like putting out a fire with gasoline. you give it power even if you are trying to defuse a situation.
sometimes, i have to admit, i'm damn entertained. sometimes bored shitless with off topic stuff like that astrology thread.
oh well gentlemen. it's life.
by the way, which harp is the best and cheapest?
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MP
hibachi cook for the yakuza
doctor of semiotics
superhero emeritus
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kudzurunner
2135 posts
Dec 19, 2010
2:30 AM
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I'm finally catching my breath in Copenhagen after four clinic/gigs in four days in three different countries, but I'll chime in to say: I had a long talk with GermanHarpist in Munster and I told him that at this point, I'm entirely open to various suggestions about how to upgrade/modify this forum. Nothing is off the table. But there's one proviso:
At this point, about two-thirds of the traffic on the entire MBH website comes from the forum. Slowly, over the past two years, that percentage has risen. I'm sure everybody here can appreciate that, IF POSSIBLE, I'd like to find a solution that doesn't simply throw that web traffic away.
The problem in the past has been that my web platform, macwebsitebuilder.com, has a very limited functionality for forums. Basically, what we've got at the MBH forum right now is all that they enable. It's very primitive. I've like that up until now, because I like the idea of p. 1 here giving you an immediate read on "the street" in the blues harmonica world. What's on your mind? What are people talking about? Go to p. 1. That's how the forum at letsrun.com is set up, and I like it.
But at this point, we need more moderator action, and the moderators need more power. And p. 1 has such a proliferation of topics that I think we're at a tipping point where SOME division of threads into different sub-areas (gear, concerts, news, OT, for example) might be a good idea. Maybe just four areas, like that.
I do NOT want an entire redesign of my website. That's a separate issue. But I'm quite open to the idea of giving a few trusted members of this forum--people with the necessary knowledge and skills and interest--free reign, and full responsibility for, the redesigning of the MBH forum. My one proviso: please find a way of installing the forum, or linking it, so that my overall web traffic isn't decimated. I don't know if that's possible. I do know that Oda and several others have contacted me over the past 18 months with suggestions.
Somebody, please start another thread and share ideas, open-source style, about how a forum redesign that achieves these goals. Is there a pre-fab forum, for example, that might be somehow shoehorned into this website. Or is there a way of requiring that everybody who wants to participate in a "new" forum get there via a link on my website? I don't know. But at this point I know I need help, and I agree that a transition to something larger and newer is required.
New thread, please! Call it: MBH forum redesign.
--Adam
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Kingley
1386 posts
Dec 19, 2010
3:29 AM
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Kyser -My opinion is simple. The whole point of a harmonica forum is to discuss harmonica! My whole reason for being here is to discuss harmonica and not anything else. MBH should NEVER be a portal for other subjects. That is why it's called "Modern Blues Harmonica" and not "Modern Meandering Forum". I can honestly state that if this forum continues to de-evolve in the way it has, then I shall no longer be reading/posting here.
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pharpo
475 posts
Dec 19, 2010
6:55 AM
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my 2 pence....
Adam....I really like the forum the way it is....maybe a link to a chat room would work. We all need to take what we read and digest it.....people with dry humor are at times mis-understood. That misunderstanding oft times leads to barps and arrows being tossed as words.
@MP - Try a Huang Star Perfomer - Best OOTB harp in the galaxy.....LOL / HO HO HO / Joke - everyone !!
Peace
Paul
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Procrastinator Emeritus
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groyster1
588 posts
Dec 19, 2010
10:36 AM
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@Kyzer
great thread I believe we can all coexist without dissing each other just learn to agree to disagree and I was @HCH 2010 and yes everyone got along great with no clashing of egos and no condascending comments
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MP
1157 posts
Dec 19, 2010
10:46 AM
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--pharpo,
should i sell my HUANG SILVERTONES and upgrade to STAR PERFORMERS?--------
MP
hibachi cook for the yakuza
doctor of semiotics
superhero emeritus
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