September 26:
I'd like to tip my hat to my counter-part for an official mention in his latest blog. I, like him, agree with the "any publicity is good publicity" rule. Now, I'm going to try my best to write something that is not in 'direct response' to his site. (I thought I had already done that, but I guess not??!) As I'm sure everyone knows, I visit both message boards from time to time. I enjoy reading, and maybe even posting there sometimes. With that, I give you a 'small' list of some of my favorite posters. This list does not mean these are posters that I always agree with, but more importantly, I enjoy reading their posts the most. These are in no specific order.
Gri5th: Is this guy funny or what? I really enjoy his sense of humor, in a sometimes 'too serious' world. He is not all fun and games mind you, which makes me respect him even more. I remember on particular topic on the SoGospelNews board that was "pre-religion, pre-political" threads. I can't remember the specific topic, but I do recall it was evidently a serious one (to some). Gri5th chimed in with a joke or two, of which I figured was an effort to 'lighten the mood', He was quickly asked to cease the silliness, or take it to another thread. I guess in a way, he eventually did just that!
Ben Harris: I enjoy reading all of Mr. Harris' posts. He has no grey area. He is either speaking of the greatest singer of all time, or the greatest era of SG history, or he is complaining about the worst possible singing he's ever heard, or the demise of SG music as we know it. He has spent a lot of time recently on the political threads, of which can bring out the non-grey area in everyone. When you get a chance, read some of Mr. Harris' posts. Very entertaining.
Susan Unthank: Moderator or not, agree with her or not, Susan's posts are some of my favorites. I'm talking about he normal 'topic of discussion' posts, not when she is reminding someone of the board rules. From reading her posts, I think one of her pet-peeves is when anyone tries passing their opinion off as fact. It is especially entertaining when someone writes 8 paragraphs on why they think the way they do, and why you should too. Susan will normally answer with some 2 or 3 sentence answer like "And you are entitled to your opinion, as is everyone. But that does not make it fact. The funny thing is, she is right.
Tony Rush: At the risk of being accused of stealing the idea, I enjoy Mr. Rush's posts too. He, like Susan, understands the message board 'game' and plays it to it's fullest. While other's seems to get all tied up in knots over topics and disagreements, Mr Rush states his opinion, states why he has that opinion, and doesn't get all worked up if someone actually disagrees.
PamelaFurr: I enjoy her posts, not so much for what she posts, but more for how many people she can tick off in the process. Anytime I see her name on a post, I'm sure to click to see what type of response she gets. While at times I think she is a little close-minded and hard-headed, that's what makes it interesting. She walks that fine line of attacking someone personally if they don't agree with her. It makes for interesting reading to say the least.
until next time... e-mail me
My First Blog: September 24
I know, I know..who needs another blogger site to keep up with? But, has a blogger site ever hurt anyone? (Dan Rather excluded...sheesh, poor guy)
But seriously, this site will be nothing more than that, blogs. While I don't claim to be a Professional Blogger, I will answer (within reason) any question(s) sent in by readers. And, post the questions and answers on here.
Probably the first thing painfully aparent is the 'lackluster' design of this site. Notice the disclaimer above.
Ok, so on to the 'blogs'.. A lot of buzz has been going around the message boards and the pro blogger's site about everything from each other, stacks, Wilburn's Adam & Steve comment, and your general post-NQC hooplah. Let's tackle a couple, shall we?
Message boards: I've been to both boards, I enjoy visiting both of them. The biggest differences between the two (or at least the one most talked about) is the way the two boards are moderated. SogospelNews seems to take more of the iron fist approach, especially in regards to rumors and the like. Sogospellovers is a more open form of discussion, where rumor can be discussed, and in general a little more tolerant of such discussions. But, on the other hand, SoGospelNews has a little more at stake when it comes to rumors flying around. I don't think any of the 'moderators' from Sogospellovers could pick up the phone and call Gerald Crabb, or Daywind records, or any one of a long list of "SG" industry professionals. Let me rephrase that, they could call anyone they like, but I don't know how much of a conversation they would get on the other end. Is this a slam towards them? No not at all. We need that rumor vent, and 'freedom of speech' thread sometimes. Christians are the biggest gossips around. Sorry, but we are for a good reason, I believe. Non-Christians, for the most part, don't consider half of the stuff we 'gossip' about to be that big of a deal to them. So, in a strange way, take it as a compliment that we gossip!
Prefessional bloggers: Ok, I'll give this person credit where credit is due. When you find it let me know. Honestly, I can't take anyone seriously that can say with a straight face: "I still get that giddy feeling each time I pack up and head south for the NQC". (I'm also not convinced about the 'south' reference, but who am I?) I think the biggest issue here is once again, what is at stake, or more importantly, what is NOT at stake for this guy. By remaining unnamed, and in hiding, he can question everyone in the industry with no consequences. Seems like a pretty fair game doesn't it? You're saying to yourself right now.."You're doing the same thing"...well, not exactly. I have no idea who he is, nor anything about him, other than he gets "Giddy" over NQC (sorry, but that one still kills me). It's a free country, and an even more free internet. But, where I do tend to draw the line is when it stoops to personal attacks of those who actually choose "not" to remain anonymous. Maybe anonymous attacks make him "giddy" too?
Stacks: Ok, this one will be short. Stacks are here, get over it. I love SG, but as a whole industry, we are the most bass-ackwards, behind genre in Christian music because of attitudes like that. (I used genre especially for Chuck P.)
Adam & Steve?: Ok, this one will be short too. I few years ago, I went to a friends church (Independent Baptist) and the preacher was preaching a "sermon". He got to chasing a rabbit about things, and he said...and I quote.."We need to stop burning flags, and start burning FAGS". I will never forget that, and the one thing that stuck in my mind about it, and sticks in my mind with the Wilburn comment is this. I'd like to see either one of them go to the streets of San Francisco for instance, and repeat their comments. Wilburn should have held up a fist and shouted "Quartets Rule!!!"...would have accomplished the same thing.
Questions, comments? e-mail me