Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2001 14:11:09 -0400 From: "Douglas C Ponte" Subject: Uncalled for (Re: A bit rough - from Michael
i've been swamped with email lately, so this post is the first in a while...while i'm sure that Mike will respond as he is a big boy and needs no assistance with these matters, i felt the need to ring in my opinion due to the recent posts by Carol
here's a correction: Mike does NOT lower the value of the list...he may be, or may seem to be, argumentative (due to people who give him such a profile and can't accept certain aspects)...so what?...his insight and experience as a musican and a person are important either way you look at it...i have quite a few friends that are just like Mike, very intelligent and argumentative when they feel it's important to be...the people i like are the those that are argumentative for a reason and not to save face or over irrelevant issues (which can be 90% of the issues that people talk about everyday in the grand scheme of things)
i've learned quite a bit from Mike and i'm sure that many have...he doesn't ever claim to be the MASTER, as i also know him from another list...Ironman seeks the truth and asks "why?" until he's satisfied with the answer, however that happens...I do the same...always have...and i'm sure that many people do this as well...that's how you aquire knowledge and that's how you test your own knowledge...he may have a blunt way of doing it sometimes...so what?...it's not like he called you a goat or posted a PRIVATE note to the entire list...i think that he restrained himself as long as possible in that case...irk and expect to be irked...didn't we learn this in kindergarten?
things should be out in the open...and it's bull otherwise...attacking the person doesn't change them...it provides a forum for sterotypes and erroneous information about people and it changes our profile of you as well...he IS a professional and he is VERY good at the harmonica, other instruments (at the same time no less) and music in general...i respect his opinion...
...until i find reason to challenge it that is ;)...it's hard to read all the emails and respond timely, although, when i read his emails on the perfect-pitch list or harp lists i either challenge it, add to it (if possible) or agree with it...i could read into his personality too much and overlook his knowledge, like many do with other people on this list as well...there's always a target...unfortuneately it's Mike's bluntness of things...personally, I don't get offended much at all (as they are trival in the grand scheme...once again) or feel insecure due to having professionals on this list...they are invaluable resources of musical knowledge...and we have quite a variety of perspectives and styles here, let's learn from them
Doug Ponte dpon~s.ibm.com
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Actually, no, I don't think it was the 'tiniest bit mean'. Many people have decided not to participate with Harp-L because of the content. IRONMAN, if you have spent anytime on the list, consistently lowers the value of the list. I have sent multiple responses to him requesting he relax a little but to no avail.
I have left the list (unsubscribed) several times. When I have returned to see if it has become more of an educational tool, I find the same thing, IRONMAN trying to convince us all that he is the MASTER. Frankly, I'm pretty tried of it. This list could have great value to harmonica players, but his involvement certainly lowers the value.
I agree that we all have the right to our opinions as well as the right to post them on the list, but.....
It's no wonder that the real professionals pay this list no mind. I have searched for names like Piazza, Estrin, Buffalo, Hummel, Musselwhite, Bell, Branch, Cotton ETC but to no avail.
IRONMAN should get the message but he doesn't. Pretty soon he will be posting to no one but himself.
- ----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael Polesky" To: "Carroll J Tipper" Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2001 12:20 PM Subject: Re: A bit rough - from Michael
> Howdy, > > Now wasn't that just the tiniest bit "mean"? Don't let the Ironman > wear you down. He has iron fingers ;-). I know it is hard not to say > something sometimes, but I really want to get everybody back on track > and away from these little spats. I certainly spoke with Ironman > about some of his posts and let him know it was a bit much for us. > He'll adjust (I hope). In the meantime we should all try to be more > accepting. Please don't post anything that is so personally directed. > It just makes everyone a bit uncomfortable. And, hang in there! > Things will improve. > > Michael > Owner-Harp-L > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Carroll J Tipper" > To: > Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2001 8:21 PM > > > I'm sure IRONMAN has plenty of time to argue about it, what with his > multiple careers. > >
