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Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.flatpickerhangout.com/archive/8942/3

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slowhand - Posted - 09/10/2010:  13:36:58


quote:
Originally posted by Laurence Diehl
One good thing though - this topic is getting some good discussion going!
C'mon LET'S DO IT!!



I'll give you credit, Laurence, that you seem sincere, not just a spoiler. And you're a pretty good flatpicker too, not just some disgruntled non-flatpicking troll upset that no one is paying attention to your non-flatpicking recordings. So I'll ask you sincerely, if this site is not what you'd like it to be, why should it become what others DON'T want it to be in order for it to be what YOU want it to be? Especially when there are a zillion other guitar sites out there?

As I've said numerous times, I'm here because the site is devoted to flatpicking. It's not the other way around, nor do I think it should be. But's that's exactly how people who want to change this site feel.

I gave up on FLATPICK-L long ago, because it's 90% general, non-flatpicking-related chatter, mostly from the same dozen or so list members. It just wasn't my cup of tea, so I left. I didn't post complaints every few weeks about all of the off-topic posts. After all, the people in that little community seemed happy with it the way it is, so why should they change it for me?

brokepick - Posted - 09/10/2010:  13:38:02


I voted to keep it the way it is, because there are plenty of acoustic guitar forums out there, but this is the ONLY flatpicker forum worth mentioning. Seems that the population here is a lot more divided on the subject than I would have thought tho.

Seeing that there a lot of people who would like the change, there might be compromises that would alienate the fewest members.

Okay, if the Flatpicker Hangout were to become the Acoustic Guitar Hangout, would there be room for separate sub-forums for flatpickers, fingerpickers, nosepickers, etc.?

slowhand - Posted - 09/10/2010:  13:47:17


quote:
Originally posted by slowhand

I gave up on FLATPICK-L long ago, because it's 90% general, non-flatpicking-related chatter, mostly from the same dozen or so list members. It just wasn't my cup of tea, so I left. I didn't post complaints every few weeks about all of the off-topic posts. After all, the people in that little community seemed happy with it the way it is, so why should they change it for me?



Oh, and on the subject of FLATPICK-L, it's an extremely high traffic list, probably between 100 and 200 posts a day. But what good is that, to someone who finds almost none of it interesting?

steve j. - Posted - 09/10/2010:  13:48:10


I will over look again,, your name calling of me or the other Steve
Its 91 to 82 your favor on the poll. Which seems to show a BUNCH of people want a more open forum.
Have you ever looked at BHO, I used to go there and bypass the Scruggs style forum , and go straight to the clawhammer /old time. I actually like some BG banjo, but prefer claw
Nobody over there seems to care what you play. This is also a lot of friendly talk between folks in the off topic section.
what I do not like about internet stuff , is a lot of folks say stuff they would never say to someones face. I dont do that. That is not right .
Steve

Laurence Diehl - Posted - 09/10/2010:  13:50:33


quote:
Originally posted by slowhand

quote:
Originally posted by Laurence Diehl
One good thing though - this topic is getting some good discussion going!
C'mon LET'S DO IT!!



I'll give you credit, Laurence, that you seem sincere, not just a spoiler. And you're a pretty good flatpicker too, not just some disgruntled non-flatpicking troll upset that no one is paying attention to your non-flatpicking recordings. So I'll ask you sincerely, if this site is not what you'd like it to be, why should it become what others DON'T want it to be in order for it to be what YOU want it to be? Especially when there are a zillion other guitar sites out there?

As I've said numerous times, I'm here because the site is devoted to flatpicking. It's not the other way around, nor do I think it should be. But's that's exactly how people who want to change this site feel.

I gave up on FLATPICK-L long ago, because it's 90% general, non-flatpicking-related chatter, mostly from the same dozen or so list members. It just wasn't my cup of tea, so I left. I didn't post complaints every few weeks about all of the off-topic posts. After all, the people in that little community seemed happy with it the way it is, so why should they change it for me?


Yeah Dave, I listened to your music too and you are a picker!
Maybe I am coming at this from the BHO model (which is very successful, and by successful I mean vibrant) Over there, you've got maybe 60% bluegrassers, 30% old-timey, and the rest jazzers or tenor players or whatever. Most of the time they just ignore each other, and are happy to just stay out of each others way. But every now and then, you get a few who like to "reach across the aisle" - I am happy to say I'm one of them. I think that finger pickers can learn something from flatpickers and I dare say the reverse is true. My feeling is that as long as you keep it acoustic, you can set the agenda (keep the riff-raf out) I bet that after the dust settles, you would end up with a similar mix - 60% flatpickers, 30% fingerpickers, 10% other. Again, most of the time staying out of each others way but still making a contribution to the site.
Naive - maybe.
Laurence

steve j. - Posted - 09/10/2010:  14:05:56


At least nobodys asking for this LOL
youtube.com/watch?v=gs8TwjRQCLY

steve j. - Posted - 09/10/2010:  14:09:46


All yall have a nice wknd.
Steve

slowhand - Posted - 09/10/2010:  14:10:41


quote:
Originally posted by steve j.

You have dogged out Krell,



You don't know Steve as good as you think you do. He'll be back, I guarantee it. He must be away from his computer at the moment.
quote:

You even went and did a bunch of negative comments on his stuff.



I never posted any comments on any of his stuff, to my recollection. I don't even listen to it, because I'm here to listen to flatpicking (of which there's a ton) and that's not his thing.

schlange - Posted - 09/10/2010:  14:35:36


Thanks for (most of) your comments. Keep them coming!

To a couple of you flatpicking stalwarts: You might as well stop asking people "why come here and try to change the site" since this whole discussion is happening as a result of my asking whether they want it changed or not. So they're not doing anything wrong by putting in their two cents. I want to hear if people want it changed or not, and why... asking "Why try to change the site" is not a good reason.

I'm open to doing what needs to be done to make this a vibrant guitar community. Whether it centers on flatpicking or not isn't of huge importance to me--what is most important is building an online community of guitarists. Now, whether that is best done by focusing on a particular style of playing or not--well, that's the big question! I used to think that was the case...but given the low traffic this site continues to see, I'm beginning to wonder.

I like Lawrence's line of thinking (except the part about me not making money--ha!). The only reason I created this poll was to see what the current membership thought of changing. I'm still undecided about what should happen, but I'll tell you this--if changing it to the acoustic guitar forum would increase site participation by even 25% I would do it.

Don't get me wrong--I love flatpicking as much as the next guy. But I play other styles of acoustic guitar more than I flatpick, and I don't have any special allegiance to flatpicking. I think a flatpicking-specific forum could co-exist with other acoustic guitar styles quite nicely, much like the Banjo Hangout.

So, feel free to continue the discussion, make sure you vote in the poll flatpickerhangout.com/myhangou...lls/?id=1 (you can always change your vote) and we'll see what happens!

Jack T - Posted - 09/10/2010:  17:37:07


I have stated my main reason not to change the name in an earlier post, but I would like to ask if players like Jamey Pittman, Tim May, Ron Block and who knows who else of their caliber of skill that have and do post here would have ever posted here if it were not directed at flatpickin'. I would not have.

Earlier someone mentioned the Martin Guitar Forum and the different sections, you must remember that forum is mostly about Martin guitars not playing styles.

I have been playing for almost 50 years. I not only flat pick, but I also play classical, finger pick, play country in a band on electric and I play rock & roll, every thing from classic 50's rock & roll to modern heavy metal. I truly enjoy them all, but I don't need the name changed to accommodate all my playing styles. I don't think changing the name of this forum is a good idea because it will get lost in the list of all the other acoustic guitar forums and will eventually be gone completely. Flatpicker Hanout is unique in its own special way.

I you want an acoustic guitar forum that cover most everything go to The Acoustic Guitar Forum.

I wonder if the name stays the same will that be it or will some one just fire up this whole mess again.

I have truly enjoyed this forum, but I am seriously considering just saying to H with it all and moving on to greener, quieter pastures and leave this place to those who think they know what everybody else wants and needs.

I want to wish you good luck Eric and thank you for this forum. I have truly enjoyed it. I just hope changing the name will not let it get lost in the Internet clutter.

Jack


Edited by - Jack T on 09/11/2010 01:36:31

talespinner - Posted - 09/10/2010:  21:12:01


My preference would be to leave the site as the Flatpicker Hangout. After more than 40 years of almost exclusively fingerpicking (especially in performance), I decided to get serious about flatpicking - more than just basic strums and runs. I have found this site to be unendingly helpful. There are plenty of other places to learn about and discuss other styles of guitar, so I'd leave it as it is. I know there could be all kinds of sub-topics - but let's leave the site less complex for our own sake and for Eric.
Michael

talespinner - Posted - 09/10/2010:  21:18:38


One more comment - I just looked at the Member Homepages screen. This site has more than 3300 members and more are joining - and they're joining the "Flatpicker" Hangout. Maybe that's because this site is focused on something they/we really want.

forksken - Posted - 09/11/2010:  21:01:25


Ok time to chime in with my 2 cents worth. I like the status qou yet can see the desire and possible need to change. It seems the site would work well set up like BHO as that would broaden the appeal. Already there seems to be different opinions and likes and dislikes as there always will be. Acoustic ,oldtime, fingerpick,jazz,folk,bluegrass,...... Insert your favorite here____ I learn from them all and they borrow from each other freely so why can't we. Ebony and Ivory live together... you get my point. Love ya all even when you get to snipeing at each other.

flash of the gap - Posted - 09/12/2010:  07:42:31


hey gary i like the song a month thing i could do that , cause i plan to go to kamp next year so should have bout 30 tunes by then, that would be so cool, wheather i play em good enough is another thing, i think the site has a lot too loose by changing the name, like ye say all the good guy.,s will disapear and then it just falls apart so i hope it stays the way it is, one thing for sure flatpickin sure is a fun way to play guitar i feel as if i cant say too much on the subject as i,m kind of a newbie / blow in and dont have enough know how on the technique, but i know what i like,an it,s flatpickin so i,m around here as long as it,s a flatpickin site call it what ye like a click / lickin ass whatever but thats just the way i feel about it

un5trung - Posted - 09/12/2010:  07:57:37


quote:
like ye say all the good guy.,s will disapear and then it just falls apart


How does that follow?! We have some great banjo players of all styles onf the BHO. Some satymwithin the forums that cater to their style, some move around to different forums -- it's entirely their choice. For could essentially remain flat picker site for those people who choose to interact only within the flat picker forums. Finger style players wouldn't haiunt the flatpicker forums because they have their own forums within which to interact.

There is a wildly successful model for the accommodation of different styles, the Banjo Hangout. It works for fie stringer and there is no reason it wouldn't work for 6/12 stringers. Thie "good guys" should feel right at home!

musekatcher - Posted - 09/12/2010:  09:40:45


I think the BHO succeeds, because its compartmentalized by instrument. Each style, primarily bluegrass and old-time, essentially exploits a different instrument - resonator versus openback, versus tenor/plectrum and so on. So there's no challenge or threat, because the instruments are not interchangeable. Earl Scruggs himself would marvel at a skilled person rap on a 14" fretless skin tackhead because he couldn't play the instrument, much less replicate anything like that sound. The two players would have equal admiration. But here, we seem to debate the relative merit of a song versus a fiddle tune, a familiar rock ballad versus a thumbpicked tune, or an orginal composition versus a prestissimo melodic performance, because we've seen all these performed impressively on the same instrument.

Another observation, is the different expectations associated with the URL Flatpickerhangout.com. Flatpicking is really not using a flatpick and a six string guitar alone. Its a particular way, fortified by a pedigree, of playing a six string guitar with a flatpick. There are national championships, recording artists, workshops and gatherings, Wiki entries, international recognition, and congressional decrees to help those interested in learning about it. I've learned and shared good things about Flatpicking on this site. I'm not suggesting Flatpicking is superior to any others' choice or preference for acoustic guitar music, but its only fair to recognize Flatpicking for what it is, distinguished as a different style, as practiced by those who love it. Perhaps the origins and expectations of the site setup some for dissappointment?

I suppose a name change accompanied with a dedicated forum for "Flatpicking" might be worth considering, given the current poll standings. But I think expectations for a massive influx of acoustic guitar lovers [from the hundreds of other sites] should be tempered.

ccravens - Posted - 09/12/2010:  11:26:26


quote:
Originally posted by musekatcher

But I think expectations for a massive influx of acoustic guitar lovers [from the hundreds of other sites] should be tempered.



I agree. A name change might make some people who've been agitating it for a long time happy, but will probably not bring in a flood of people from the MANY other guitar sites out there.

But it will undoubtedly drive away many of the flatpickers who have been here for some time.

brokepick - Posted - 09/12/2010:  13:19:17


If we keep calling the forum the flatpicker hangout, then some people are not gonna be happy.
If we change the forum to the acoustic guitar hangout, then some people are not gonna be happy.

And the vote is split almost fifty/fifty.

Looks like some people are not gonna be happy.

Tom Smith - Posted - 09/13/2010:  03:09:15


I think it's more about quality than quantity.
I would rather have access to a few good flatpickers than a hundred assorted guitar players.
I realize you can learn from other styles, and I do listen to other instruments and styles, but that's on my own time and my own choice. For the purpose of learning flatpicked guitar, I prefer to learn from flatpickers.

un5trung - Posted - 09/13/2010:  06:25:56


quote:
For the purpose of learning flatpicked guitar, I prefer to learn from flatpickers.


And because flatpickers would have their own discussion forum, you'd be able to!

Assuming that the organization of the new entity would be anything like that of the Banjo Hangout, flatpickers would have a forum all to their own, finger style players would. etc. One =could= go back and forth between the various styles, or could choose to visit the flatpicker forum and only the flatpicker forum.

SLKmartin - Posted - 09/13/2010:  11:18:24


When the site sweetens up , Many will return, Eric is on to the situation as it is . Trust the Webmaster as I have been amazed by the clearity of Erics Vision. I will Abide by the poll results and by the Web masters decisions. I will be a Member of the Flatpickers Hang out no matter what the Growing pains may be............

flash of the gap - Posted - 09/13/2010:  11:25:50


quote:
Originally posted by Tom Smith

I think it's more about quality than quantity.
I would rather have access to a few good flatpickers than a hundred assorted guitar players.
I realize you can learn from other styles, and I do listen to other instruments and styles, but that's on my own time and my own choice. For the purpose of learning flatpicked guitar, I prefer to learn from flatpickers.



hey good to hear ye tom, glad yer back

Reedseed - Posted - 09/13/2010:  20:27:43


Why Change it. If you don't flatpick why are you posting on a forum about flatpicking? Why not find a site that better fits your playing interests.

Jack T - Posted - 09/13/2010:  21:02:19


[

quote:
For the purpose of learning flatpicked guitar, I prefer to learn from flatpickers.


And because flatpickers would have their own discussion forum, you'd be able to!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If it is called Acoustic Guitar Hangout, most flat pickers are going to pass it by thinking it is just another hum drum guitar site.


Edited by - Jack T on 09/13/2010 21:07:22

Laurence Diehl - Posted - 09/14/2010:  08:38:56


Well, since it is still called Flatpicker hangout - are flatpickers flocking here in droves? We may have 3000+ members, but how many of them are active members ? - when I look to see how many are online it is usually about 6.
The first page of sound off goes back to April - there's been like 3 posts a month, and very few comments. Does anyone think this is a problem
Laurence

steve j. - Posted - 09/14/2010:  08:52:00


Well Lawrence , If you dont like it then just leave LOL LOL
I agree , there is no reason to throw the baby out with the bathwater, there should be a section to all flatipicking guitar 24/7
a section for fingerpickin, and why not a section for folks who enjoy strumming while singing their fav. tune.
I even think there could be a Misc. Inst. section , for folks who use a flatpick or finger to play other instruments.
These things will NOT detract from the flatpicking guitar part.
It would be like a strip Mall, {no ,not that kind} where you walk into the shop you are interested . Whether its Barnes & Noble , or Bath & Beyond.
Forgive the weird example , but Im thinking af a strip mall nearby.
Steve

slowhand - Posted - 09/14/2010:  09:08:00


quote:
Originally posted by Laurence Diehl
The first page of sound off goes back to April - there's been like 3 posts a month, and very few comments. Does anyone think this is a problem
Laurence



No. Most people choose not to announce their MP3 uploads on that page, for reasons of their own. Personally, I think that forum is kind of a dumb idea, since people can comment on an audio posting right on the posting's page. I think Eric should add a list of the 3 or 4 most recently posted MP3s to the front page, as well as the 3 or 4 most recent blog postings by members. A recent comments list is good for stimulating forum traffic too.

Laurence Diehl - Posted - 09/14/2010:  09:48:12


quote:
Originally posted by steve j.

Well Lawrence , If you dont like it then just leave LOL LOL
I agree , there is no reason to throw the baby out with the bathwater, there should be a section to all flatipicking guitar 24/7
a section for fingerpickin, and why not a section for folks who enjoy strumming while singing their fav. tune.
I even think there could be a Misc. Inst. section , for folks who use a flatpick or finger to play other instruments.
These things will NOT detract from the flatpicking guitar part.
It would be like a strip Mall, {no ,not that kind} where you walk into the shop you are interested . Whether its Barnes & Noble , or Bath & Beyond.
Forgive the weird example , but Im thinking af a strip mall nearby.
Steve


Steve - I know you are kidding, but you are right - I could pick up my marbles and go home funny thing is - nobody would even notice
so then we could leave it to those same 3 guys to do all the talking.
Then a little while later...Eric will start thinking...this site's not worth maintaining
The End

DaddyJ - Posted - 09/14/2010:  09:56:18


quote:
Originally posted by steve j.

...there should be a section to all flatipicking guitar 24/7
a section for fingerpickin, and why not a section for folks who enjoy strumming while singing their fav. tune.
I even think there could be a Misc. Inst. section , for folks who use a flatpick or finger to play other instruments.

Why not just leave the url alone and create these new sections?

ccravens - Posted - 09/14/2010:  11:57:12


quote:
Originally posted by montanaokie

[quote]
Sure, that's fine if you like strip malls. That's like comparing Guitar Center to some old brick and mortar music store that still has a cat or a dog snoozing in the corner and a jam session springing up almost any time there are more than a few folks in the store. I'd like to see the FHO more like the old music store than Guitar Center, even if that is a little "idealistic". They both have their place, but every time I try to flatpick a tune at the GC, I'm drowned out by some Guitar Hero playing the riff to Crazy Train over and over. I go to GC when I need something specific, but I can't say that I hang out.



I've been trying to think of a good analogy; I like and agree with yours.

It's QUALITY, not QUANTITY that counts more for me.

steve j. - Posted - 09/14/2010:  11:57:36


quote:
Originally posted by DaddyJ

quote:
Originally posted by steve j.

...there should be a section to all flatipicking guitar 24/7
a section for fingerpickin, and why not a section for folks who enjoy strumming while singing their fav. tune.
I even think there could be a Misc. Inst. section , for folks who use a flatpick or finger to play other instruments.

Why not just leave the url alone and create these new sections?



That may just be the perfect idea. Since the Flatpicking Hangout title seems to be really important to 1/2 of the folk here.
Keep the name & add the diffeent subjects ,, just as BHO.
It may turn away a few fingerpickers , who think its only flat,, But if they open up the site & lookmand find a place to go , post ,learn etc, all would be good.
Im sure that there are some guys out there who strum only , but if you asked them if they were a flatpicker,,, they would look at the triangular object in their hands and say ,yeah, I am. Not every body knows that Flatpicking refers to a pretty specific style.
A good style , a great style. I have a Orrin Starr inst dvd, 2 from Kaufman , Im not a great flatpicker , but I do really enjoy it. even if the opinion is otherwise.
I can play " When I grow to old to dream" ,& Star of County Down,, off the Kaufman dvd, Ooopick waltz , and try to hit most Orrins licks on Joe Clark, to me the stuff I just mentioned is HARD, but great.

so your right , the name doesnt matter as much as the content.
I am not against Flatpickin or the name , I only would like to open this place up a bit , so more could come in and either hang around the flatpickin table,,, or stroll on over to the fingerpickin table ,,, or even the flatpicked mando table.
I just cant see how that would hurt anything about the flatpicking part.
Steve

steve j. - Posted - 09/14/2010:  12:02:38


Theres a old saying , im sure you know, SOME FOLKS WOULDNT BE HAPPY IF YOU HUNG THEM WITH A GOLD ROPE

I think that could apply here, some here will not be happy , no matter what happens ,,, unless it stays EXACTLY the same as it has been. Kinda like a dog guarding a bone with no meat left on it
Steve

un5trung - Posted - 09/14/2010:  12:26:17



quote:
not just leave the url alone and create these new sections?


Because the existing URL would not begin to describe a site that features pan-acoustic styles.


Laurence Diehl - Posted - 09/14/2010:  12:47:30


quote:
Originally posted by montanaokie

quote:
Originally posted by steve j.

Theres a old saying , im sure you know, SOME FOLKS WOULDNT BE HAPPY IF YOU HUNG THEM WITH A GOLD ROPE

I think that could apply here, some here will not be happy , no matter what happens ,,, unless it stays EXACTLY the same as it has been. Kinda like a dog guarding a bone with no meat left on it
Steve



I, for one, would not be happy if the site stayed the same. I would be much happier if a lot of the folks who come here would leave!


montanaokie -
I think that statement's a bit harsh, or at least unrealistic. I should say that I think you are one of the best pickers on this site and I have really enjoyed your sound posts!
I came here for some flatpicker interaction too, but I still appreciate other styles.
Maybe people think that if you change the name of the site it is going to get overrun with "undesirables". I think you get the same percentage of these no matter what, and it certainly aint gonna kill me to have some fingerpickers or whatever over in their own forum discussing whatever they want to.
Laurence

steve j. - Posted - 09/14/2010:  12:53:50


quote:
Originally posted by montanaokie

quote:
Originally posted by steve j.

Theres a old saying , im sure you know, SOME FOLKS WOULDNT BE HAPPY IF YOU HUNG THEM WITH A GOLD ROPE

I think that could apply here, some here will not be happy , no matter what happens ,,, unless it stays EXACTLY the same as it has been. Kinda like a dog guarding a bone with no meat left on it
Steve



I, for one, would not be happy if the site stayed the same. I would be much happier if a lot of the folks who come here would leave!



I guess that means I cant count on your vote come November

DaddyJ - Posted - 09/14/2010:  12:57:39


quote:
Originally posted by un5trung


quote:
not just leave the url alone and create these new sections?


Because the existing URL would not begin to describe a site that features pan-acoustic styles.

The site features flatpicking. That’s why it’s called the Flatpicker Hangout. By adding the above mentioned sections for other styles, it would be much more welcoming to other styles than it currently is. Isn’t that what you guys are after, or am I misunderstanding your intentions?

Are you saying NO, that’s NOT acceptable, you’ll only be happy if the identity of the site is shifted away from flatpicking? What do you have against flatpicking? And if you hate it that much, what are you doing here? I have yet to hear a good explanation as to why a non-flatpicker would come here and feel entitled to demand a name change.

I’ll ask it again since a lot of you seemed to ignore me the first time: do you go into a chinese restaurant and complain that all they serve is chinese food? And let’s say they were somehow gracious enough to hear your obnoxious demands and add hamburgers, pizza, and chicken nuggets to the menu, would you then demand they change the name of the restaurant from “China Palace” to “Joe’s Bar & Grill”? Am I the only one who sees the disrespect there?

Flatpicking is a relatively new guitar style in terms of popularity. Quick, name the 50 most influential flatpickers of all time! You can’t do it. In fact, I consider myself a pretty good scholar of music and I’d be hard pressed to name 10 without getting obscure. Look at virtually any other guitar style, and you couldn’t stop at 50. You guys are trying to crush one of the few champions this music has. You should be ashamed of yourselves. Unless your goal was to create a schism in this community and put flatpicking back down in the basement of subcategories where it belongs, in which case I guess you should be proud because I believe you’re very close to accomplishing that.

Brian T - Posted - 09/14/2010:  13:00:07


Acoustic Guitar Hangout for me. Suggests to me that it's not plugged in.

It came as no surprise to read the forum headings in the BHO that reveal sections for major styles and interests.
Not having any teachers in this region, I owe quite a lot to the more accomplished members of the BHO for Scruggs style.
I'd like to see more evidence here of a broader willingness to help out
but comments to tell me that my guitars have features that they do not is less than no help.

schlange - Posted - 09/14/2010:  13:11:53


DaddyJ--once again, no sense in getting angry over people saying they support a name/mission change, since that was the question I asked. If you want to get mad at somebody, get mad at me, I guess!

slowhand - Posted - 09/14/2010:  13:33:40


quote:
Originally posted by schlange

DaddyJ--once again, no sense in getting angry over people saying they support a name/mission change, since that was the question I asked. If you want to get mad at somebody, get mad at me, I guess!



It seems that changing the name/mission is the only alternative you're considering. Why not just put up an acoustic guitar hangout, and leave this one alone. That way the people agitating for the change will go away and leave us in peace, and if this site can't support itself, shut it down.

All the acrimony stems from the fact that in order to give one group what they want, you have to take away what I and others want, which is a site devoted to flatpicking. And if you had both, this one could be more tightly moderated, while the other one could be a catch-all for all of the wannabe country crooners and singer songwriters.

DaddyJ - Posted - 09/14/2010:  13:37:15


quote:
Originally posted by schlange

DaddyJ--once again, no sense in getting angry over people saying they support a name/mission change, since that was the question I asked. If you want to get mad at somebody, get mad at me, I guess!

Eric,

I’m not mad at anyone but I am passionate about flatpicking and what’s coming across is me defending something I’m passionate about. I guess I will admit to being a little frustrated that even on a flatpicking site there’s a huge element that thinks flatpicking doesn’t deserve its own site. I’ve become very attached to this place in the short time I’ve been here and, while I will never say anything’s perfect or can’t be improved, the idea of a complete, fundamental identity change is going way overboard.

What do you think about just adding more subforums for different styles? I have no problem including other styles and would even participate in the other forums because I like a lot of different kinds of music, I just think this site should remain primarily focused on flatpicking because there aren’t any other sites out there (that I know of) that meet that need. That seems to me like an acceptable compromise between the two camps and one way to avoid the major schism that seems to be building.

ccravens - Posted - 09/14/2010:  13:42:56


quote:
Originally posted by DaddyJ

[quote] I guess I will admit to being a little frustrated that even on a flatpicking site there’s a huge element that thinks flatpicking doesn’t deserve its own site.



Yup. Very ironic.

Tom Smith - Posted - 09/14/2010:  14:26:58


<<Not every body knows that Flatpicking refers to a pretty specific style. >>

Count me in that group. I think the term "Flatpicking" is a little broad.
To many (most) people, it's what a guitar player in a BG band does. And they're right; but to me that's more like playing lead on an acoustic.
I believe Mr. Blake once described flatpicking as an old timey style of playing designed to get the most from a single guitar, suitable for a single performer or perhaps duets.
Chords with a base line thrown in can also be flatpicking.

I think I've heard Russ Barenberg refer to his playing as "Plectrum Style." If we were to try draw a family tree of guitar styles, I think that would be the first entry, encompassing everything from Rock and Roll lead guitar to BG Flatpicking (and Folk strumming). I wish that "family tree of guitar styles" existed, because then I'd know what I'm talking about.

I also believe that an overabundance of information can be counterproductive. Like that Google search that starts with one thing and ends up miles away on a completely unrelated topic, never having found the initial answer. And most of what fell in between is just a blur of wasted time.

(Hey, Tony! Good to be back.)

brokepick - Posted - 09/14/2010:  19:23:01


Maybe we need to develop a proper definition of flatpicking, for purposes of determining how to organize this forum.

BTW, if you think you have to use a flat pick to play bluegrass, look at what Lester Flatt did.

SLKmartin - Posted - 09/15/2010:  07:31:40


Montanaokie has a really good personal Flatpicking site. I have been there and it is really good. I would not post the url without his permission


Edited by - SLKmartin on 09/15/2010 09:50:29

steve j. - Posted - 09/15/2010:  08:28:17


Here's my opinion: I would like to see the site be about Flatpicking, and if someone posts a video or an MP3 that does not in some way express flatpicking subject matter I think it should be removed from the site

I have to admit , I think that is kinda narrow..
I have NEVER been on a site that has one topic only.
Ive been a harminica forums, they discussed other inst and watched peoples vids of other instruments
Been on Chiff & Fipple, which although mostly tinwhistle , they have stringed instruments , harmonica , bagpipes etc
been on Ukulele Underground , ukulele, guitar , bari uke, etc.
My point is . I have never seen a site where they had 1, and 1 subject only.
I dont think there is enough interest , to be able to keep a site open , with that narrow a focus.
I am sure te site owner isnt doing this site just for fun,,, he like all want / need to make money.

I think we on the change side are speaking from the mind ,, and some of you others anre speaking solely from feelings.
Steve


guitdawg - Posted - 09/15/2010:  10:31:55


quote:
Originally posted by slowhand

quote:
Originally posted by DaddyJ

OOOOOOMMMMMMGGGGGGGG. Do you people go to a Chinese restaurant and complain that all they serve is Chinese food? That’s what you’re doing here. Stop making a scene, go to another restaurant, and let me enjoy my Kung Pao.



Well put.



Kinda like starting a Flat Picking guitar jam at an Old Time Fiddler Festival....

slowhand - Posted - 09/15/2010:  10:40:42


quote:
Originally posted by steve j.

I have NEVER been on a site that has one topic only.




If only that were true. Then you wouldn't be here. That would so nice.........

Just kiddin'!!!!

'cause I'm a banjo daaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwggggggggggggg!!!!!!!

steve j. - Posted - 09/15/2010:  11:03:55


quote:
Originally posted by slowhand

quote:
Originally posted by steve j.

I have NEVER been on a site that has one topic only.




If only that were true. Then you wouldn't be here. That would so nice.........

Just kiddin'!!!!

'cause I'm a banjo daaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwggggggggggggg!!!!!!!





I understand ,,, we are never going to take long sunny afternoon walks together but hopefully we can learn to peacefully co exist
Steve

slowhand - Posted - 09/15/2010:  12:13:54


quote:
Originally posted by montanaokie
Here's my opinion: I would like to see the site be about Flatpicking, and if someone posts a video or an MP3 that does not in some way express flatpicking subject matter I think it should be removed from the site - pronto. If that had happened from the beginning, there wouldn't be any discussion going on now about what the site should be. It would still be what it was originally stated to be.




In the two years I've been here, I've seen some hot flatpickers drift in, and then drift away. Some of them were Winfield champs, some were professionals devoting their career to flatpicking, and others were just plain damn good. I wonder if it would have been different had the site been more tightly controlled as you describe. After all, you don't see these guys showing up on any of the "general acoustic" sites, so I doubt it was the site's supposed narrow focus that made them lose interest. Maybe they lost interest after the tenth time their video posting was bumped off the front page after a few hours by a video of someone strumming and singing some lame top 40 song off-key, or when they realized their MP3 postings would be lost in a flood of horrible amateur singer-songwriter offerings.

You got me to thinking. I've been arguing to keep the site the way it is, but I doubt it will work the way it is, with all the crybabies who have no interest in flatpicking constantly haranguing to change the site, and posting all of the non-flatpicking garbage. I really wouldn't care at this point if Eric just decided to give into them and change the site. And even though voting in the poll has dried up to a trickle over the last 3 or 4 days, it looks like he's going to hold it open until those voting for the change pull ahead. I think a successful, thriving online community of flatpickers can be built, but I don't think Eric will be the one to do it, to be honest. But I believe someone will, eventually. And it will be someone who has the the special allegiance to flatpicking that Eric has explicitly said he does not have.

steve j. - Posted - 09/15/2010:  12:32:20


All your name calling , and negative statement , just really show what you are all about.
You are probably right , this site should become one , where people can post their "lame" songs. Where folk can share what they are doing, and how they are progressing, w/o fear of ridicule. Flatpicking or not.

seems to me this could be more a campfire setting , rather than a snob hill setting.
You guys dont seem like happy people , happy people dont act & say the thing yall do.

adios
Steve

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