Too Much Negativity on the Board

**doublestop** · Feb-10-2004, 7:02pm

Okay, it's been a long and horrible winter with no relief in sight, but what gives with all this negativity on the board lately? I am getting so sick of reading threads like" My mandolin is better than yours." This stuff can really get nasty! Geez, I am just trying to become proficient at my instrument and work very hard in doing so. It's a real downer coming home every night and reading some of the crap that is posted. I think the last great thread I read was one about crosspicking because it helped me. Thanks to all who posted there. I would love to see a technical questions section so I don't need to weed through all of the testosterone filled BS to get to the important stuff. It's really all about playing isn't it? Let me know your thoughts.

**jumpyroo** · Feb-10-2004, 7:52pm

I agree with you!!!!! It bugs me so much to read these conversations, or hear them around the bluegrass people. I never hear classical violinists talking about who's violin is better... hmm... isn't classical supposed to be the snobby music? Anyway, all the stuff about "My mando's better," and then insulting people who have different opinions sucks. Just talking about playing is SO much better. A technical question section is an excellent idea!

**jumpyroo** · Feb-10-2004, 7:54pm

I agree on the too much testosterone part as well. Especially since it's mostly men that play bluegrass...

creekwater · Feb-10-2004, 7:54pm

Doublestop, you're right. Do you find it difficult to use the little figer while picking lead? I find that to be the hardest thing to do while playing. On most tunes I cheat and use my third finger to do the work that the little figer is supposed to do. Mr. Monroe was the best at that in my opinion.

**mandobsessed** · Feb-10-2004, 7:55pm

I agree, more posts about the beauty and joy of the mandolin and less about the "brand"

**250sc** · Feb-11-2004, 6:59am

check out the posts in spiritual journey through building mandolins for a shot of inspiration. Even if you are'nt a builder the process of learning to play an instrument offers the same frustrations, rewards, and ultemately, growth as a person.

You have to let the negitive stuff go and concentrate on the personal rewards of learning. (I don't think it matters what you learn, so long as your learning.)

PS. Creekwater, you will be rewarded by working with that stuborn little finger.

**AlanN** · Feb-11-2004, 7:16am

Work fingers 3 and 4 so you can do both or either, at will. Grisman's Dawg's Rag is a good tune for this, particularly the opening bars. I try to do it both ways - frets 0,3,8/0,3,7 on the D string with fingers 1 and 3, then with fingers 2 and 4. Once you get it cooking, it rocks!

**vedauwoorocks** · Feb-11-2004, 7:28am

I thought we were all playing well with each other, but I've been asleep at the wheel (pardon the pun!).
Seriously, this is still the source for all that is good about mandolins. Unfortunately, the advice comes with opinions and those opinions always come with passion. Actually, I think there are some geetar discussion lists that really let things fly and get kind of nasty.
--Fred

**mandolooter** · Feb-11-2004, 8:23am

Yesterday, while experiencing a bad dose of this threads title, I found myself joining in, in a hasty fit of frustration...my apologies for adding to the problem!
Jeff

**mad dawg** · Feb-11-2004, 11:29am

Ironically, isn't this a bit of a negative thread?

**John Zimm** · Feb-11-2004, 11:38am

Yeah, I will freely admit my guilt on the negativity front. My apologies to all. I need to keep my opinions about "The Gibson" to myself.

Originally Posted by

Doublestop, you're right. Do you find it difficult to use the little figer while picking lead? I find that to be the hardest thing to do while playing. On most tunes I cheat and use my third finger to do the work that the little figer is supposed to do. Mr. Monroe was the best at that in my opinion.

When I played the classical guitar, the book Pumping Nylon had a fine exercise for left hand strength called "horizontal character builders." Basically, hold down a note with your ring finger, pick the note, fret the next note up with your pinky, play said note, lift your pinky, play the note fretted by your ring finger, play the note two frets up with your pinky while keeping your third finger planted, pick the note. If you start to feel any pain, stop and walk away for a while. It has really helped my left hand strength.

-John.

**Moose** · Feb-11-2004, 12:46pm

Ditto to ALL the above. Music - in general - is a VERY subjective subject in/for discussion. I've probably done my share of "flaming", but have tried of late, to keep it under control. If one cannot contribute a/any constructive or informational post..., then I suggest just "lurking" till one can contribute in like manner. Now funny stories and/or "anecdotes" (and of course "politically-correct ones ..hee, hee..) I feel can "lighten" one's already stressful(!?#) daze.. Just my .02. All factors considered, I usually enjoy this Mando Forum and the new friends I have gained therefrom. Moose.

**John Flynn** · Feb-11-2004, 4:31pm

There is something I hope we can all learn in this still fairly new year, and I am including myself here: It is to respond to opinions with opinions only, not to respond with flames or personal attacks. Let's argue our ideas and argue them agressively to our heart's content, but let's also respect that everyone has an opinion and has a right to that opinion, and that people with different opinions than ours aren't bad pepople and aren't attacking us personally because they express those opinions.

And anyone who doesn't agree with that is spoiling for a fight! #