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Thread: New Bluegrass Music Forum Is Excellent!!

  1. #1

    Default New Bluegrass Music Forum Is Excellent!!

    I visited a new bluegrass music forum this past week and have been VERY impressed. For those of you who are bluegrass musicians or fans there is something for everyone on The Bluegrass Hangout. There are sub-forums relevant to all BG instruments and the others cover just about anything BG including festivals, appearances, bands, and a sub-forum regarding classifieds. The perfect all around BG forum. And it's dedicated exclusively to bluegrass music. Check it out below:

    https://www.bluegrasshangout.org/
    Gibson F-5G (Harvey signed, Oct. 14, 2014)

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  3. #2
    Gummy Bears and Scotch BrianWilliam's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Bluegrass Music Forum Is Excellent!!

    New? Yes, there is one mandolin sub-forum topic (that you started). Excellent? Time will tell I suppose.

  4. #3
    Registered User Timbofood's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Bluegrass Music Forum Is Excellent!!

    I wish the site owner luck, it's a tough row the hoe.
    Timothy F. Lewis
    "If brains was lard, that boy couldn't grease a very big skillet" J.D. Clampett

  5. #4

    Default Re: New Bluegrass Music Forum Is Excellent!!

    Quote Originally Posted by BrianWilliam View Post
    New? Yes, there is one mandolin sub-forum topic (that you started). Excellent? Time will tell I suppose.
    I mean no disrespect, Brian, but this is exactly why forums fail before they even begin. It's up to you (if you're a BG fan) and I and anyone else interested in BG music to make a BG forum successful. I really think many people (not necessarily you) just kind of expect it to appear on their computers with thousands of users, up and running and busy. That's not the way it works.

    A forum is made up of people like all of us. People that are interested in a particular subject. Interested enough to form a group by regularly participating in the forum and making it succeed. It's "we" not just "you". We make it succeed.

    I sense a lot of skepticism and cynicism in your post. My apologies if I'm wrong. Yes, I do think it's excellent. It's very well set up and Jeff has worked very hard to make it a great forum. The only things it needs right now are participants. If you're a BG fan or musician here's your chance to help make The Bluegrass Hangout forum a success. If you're not a BG fan then you probably couldn't care less. And if that's the case, then why post?

    I have nothing to do with the forum other than being a participant. I'm excited that Jeff has found and fulfilled a need. The need for a general bluegrass forum. I've been wanting a well done BG forum for years. The Bluegrass Hangout is a forum that welcomes both fans and musicians of all levels. As far as having "one mandolin sub-forum topic", The Bluegrass Hangout isn't meant to compete with Mandolin Cafe. It's an apples to oranges comparison. The Bluegrass Hangout is a general forum while Mandolin Cafe is a "specialist's" forum...mandolin based instruments only. I think Jeff did very well to have a sub-forum for each BG instrument.

    Anyway, I'm very proud of Jeff and what he's accomplished. It's been a huge task. If you visit the website you'll notice under "Latest Topics" the forum has been pretty busy since opening just 24 days ago. So, it's off to a decent start. But it will need a steady flow of participants to be successful. So, jump in. The water's fine.

    You're absolutely correct, Timbofood...it'll be a tough row to hoe. But with the help of BG musicians and fans it will be a success. Speaking for myself, I can already say I've learned some things from fellow forumites and I've been told they've learned some things from me. That's really what successful forums are all about...the exchange of information and common interests. If you're a BG musician or fan, go visit the forum. I think you'll be glad you did.
    Gibson F-5G (Harvey signed, Oct. 14, 2014)

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  7. #5
    Gummy Bears and Scotch BrianWilliam's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Bluegrass Music Forum Is Excellent!!

    I can be cynical. It's even worse when I'm on the internet.

  8. #6

    Default Re: New Bluegrass Music Forum Is Excellent!!

    Quote Originally Posted by BrianWilliam View Post
    I can be cynical. It's even worse when I'm on the internet.

    LOL!!! I get bit by the same bug occasionally.
    Gibson F-5G (Harvey signed, Oct. 14, 2014)

  9. #7
    Registered User Ivan Kelsall's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Bluegrass Music Forum Is Excellent!!

    I suppose that the idea behind such a forum is sound - but !. We have the Banjo Hangout (of which i'm a lapsed memebr),The Mandolin Cafe & The Flatpicker Hangout. Bluegrass Music is a strong enough topic within those 3 existing websites as to almost eliminate the need for a 'specialist' website - & i don't mean that in a negative manner - simply,just how much discussion can take place on the subject of the music alone ?. I supose that if the members start throwing in discussions of the instrumentation thereof,it'll end up being another Hangout / Cafe clone. Not a bad thing in itself,but hardly revolutionary.

    As for the Mandolin Cafe being a 'specialist' forum,so are the other 2 forums that i mentioned,but as i also said,Bluegrass Music, (& a whole boat load of other subjects - building / equipment etc.), is a big topic.

    I wish them luck - sincerely !,
    Ivan
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  11. #8
    Registered User Timbofood's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Bluegrass Music Forum Is Excellent!!

    Ivan, you're always so tactful!
    Nicely stated, as always.
    Timothy F. Lewis
    "If brains was lard, that boy couldn't grease a very big skillet" J.D. Clampett

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  13. #9
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    Default Re: New Bluegrass Music Forum Is Excellent!!

    I don't play bluegrass, but I enjoy listening to it, and to be frank I get enough bluegrass related threads here on the Café. I wish them good luck with their endeavor, but it is not for me.

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    Default Re: New Bluegrass Music Forum Is Excellent!!

    Ivan I don't think bluegrass is too large a topic, put me with other grassers and I can talk for hours. At one time we had 2 mandolin pickers in our band, done some twinning but mostly switching from one to the other with one,playing guitar. On traveling to gigs the other members claimed to learning more about mandolins than they needed to know. My point is put 2mandolin players together and they'll talk mandolins, but if it wasn't for the other mandolinist I would be talking BG. In talking BG I've learned about bands, songs, styles, etc I wouldn't have on my own. One of the things I love about MC is reading of different players and the genre they play. Had no idea anyone was still much into classical and never dreamed of a rock mandolin. A good well run BG form could expand my appreciation of BG. Living in the mountains of SW Va. I am close to where it all started and it hasn't progressed as much as in other places. The folks I know that play are very traditional.

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  16. #11

    Default Re: New Bluegrass Music Forum Is Excellent!!

    I too have recently just joined The Bluegrass Hangout. I agree with you all that there is a need for such a forum to discuss all bluegrass related topics as there is a lot talk about, bluegrass related. The Mandolin Cafe, Banjo Hangout, Banjo Holler, Martin Guitar Forum, etc. all are great sites which I'm a member of also but the bluegrass topics there only relate to that particular instrument, which is fine, as there is more detailed info and discussion provided in relation, and I'll continue to participate on these forums also.

    For myself I'm interested in all things bluegrass. Not just one particular instrument.

    Bluegrass needs a venue to discuss not only instruments and playing techniques, but topics about performing, bands, jamming, singing, sound gear, history, collecting, recordings, festivals, song writing, lyrics, etc. and etc. Like one stop shopping!

    Please visit the new forum and check it out. He is doing a very good job with it IMO. If you're so inclined, then join up and get in on the discussion. It's a small group as of now but a good group of folks.

    thank you, Todd

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  18. #12

    Default Re: New Bluegrass Music Forum Is Excellent!!

    I am the creator of the Bluegrass hangout. It came about by accident. I was looking for Bluegrass jam sessions in my area. I found the "folkjam," website. Then, I was looking for BG festivals and I found a website for that, (I can't remember the name of the site right now). Then, I was looking for information about BG instruments and had to look at another website. So I thought, "I know I am not the only one who loves and is passionate about everything Bluegrass. It would be nice to find everything about BG in one place. And it would be nice to meet others who love BG like I do."
    So I decided to create Bluegrass hangout, not as a clone to this, or any other site, but as complimentary to other sites, and, as a stand alone site for Bluegrass fanatics like myself. I, like most, check multiple sites regularly. (I love banjo hangout as well as this site and others.) I know Bluegrass hangout is new and will need a lot of hard work and participation, but, I must say the response has been great for such a short time. I didn't start the site trying copy others, compete or be revolutionary. I started it so Bluegrass enthusiasts can get together and share their passion for Bluegrass. I know the site is not for everyone, but I have been astounded at how wonderful, kind and supportive the Bluegrass music community has been. I think if you love BG as I do, it is a great site, with a lot of great people.
    Last edited by Riveremember; Sep-29-2017 at 11:25pm.

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  20. #13
    Registered User Ivan Kelsall's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Bluegrass Music Forum Is Excellent!!

    Well - I will sincerley congratulate you on your new website & i hope that it becomes as successful as you wish it to - but,the fact remains that on the Banjo Hangout & here on the Cafe,there's as much discussion about Bluegrass as you'll find anywhere.

    As i said,i'm a lapsed Banjo Hangout member,mainly due to the fact that discussions re.banjos & their associated 'things' almost ran out of subject matter. As for being a 'Bluegrass fanatic' - i'll join those guys - i've been playing Bluegrass over here in the UK snce 1963 & i'm still at it. I just hope that the ''subject'' of Bluegrass Music on it's own,doesn't run out of steam. I'd be as disappointed as yourself. I love to see people succeed & as i said before,i wish you luck & i will take a peek,
    Ivan

    PS - I had more than a peek - There were a few topics to which i thought that i could contribute ,so i signed up,added my 'bits' & then logged out. However when i came to log back in (just to try it out) i was confronted with ''Log in using Facebook'' - NO WAY !!!. Having had a Facebook account hacked a few years back i have a MASSIVE aversion to FB.

    Can i log in any other way ??.
    Last edited by Ivan Kelsall; Sep-30-2017 at 5:01am.
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    Default Re: New Bluegrass Music Forum Is Excellent!!


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  23. #15

    Default Re: New Bluegrass Music Forum Is Excellent!!

    Yes you can absolutely sign up the other way. Just don't click on the blue facebook button. Just put your username that you set up in the "username" window and put your password in the password window. It will not log you in through Facebook unless you click the blue facebook button.
    Thanks for giving it a try and thank you for contributing, and for the well wishing. If I can help in anyway, please let me know.


    Jeff

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  25. #16
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Bluegrass Music Forum Is Excellent!!

    Oh great another site that takes up way too much pickin time!!! Sorry but I'll stick with the best site there is MMMMMM I wonder what that is? Oh I know this site! What else could a mando nut want besides our beloved café? Where we walk, talk, think, discuss, breath, learn, well live mandolins and such. To me this is THE site sure it's fun to check out other sites but there is only so much time in the day for me at least so I prioritize and this IS my site of preference! None better for us mandolin freaks. I look forward everyday to see whats new on the forum for sale or trade. OK I know I'm a rambling but I don't have much time for other sites but this one, its been a part of me since I found this café so many years ago. It's simply the best for me anyway, its fair to say I love it, what Scott has done and what he lets us say and do is the greatest. Kudos to all the moderators also who keep us in line. To all you members with great insight/knowledge. Everyday can be a learning experience if you read and listen. OK there's my plug take it as you will.

  26. #17
    Registered User Ivan Kelsall's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Bluegrass Music Forum Is Excellent!!

    Hi Jeff - Many thanks. You wouldn't believe the trouble i had after my FB account was hacked (along with 45,000 other Brits.) It took me 3 solid days with the help of the AVG Anti-virus folks to sort it out,
    Ivan
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  27. #18
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Bluegrass Music Forum Is Excellent!!

    Jeff, it's an interesting concept site, wish you luck with it. If I were a die hard grasser, I might be tempted to sign up. Like some folk, I am pretty opinionated, and like most, my opinion doesn't count for much but I just love to share it anyway

    First thought is that there is room for everyone. Your site could not possibly compete with this one, since the Mandolin Cafe is the best forum on the internet, and the only one I have any time for. But the point is that you are not in competition, you are in a creative rather than a competitive mode, and providing a service in an area that you perceive as lacking. I hope you're able to provide a better service to the strictly bluegrass community in one place than they are currently able to find.

    Second thought is that I really despise the look of sites that appear to be patched together with wood grain backgrounds. I know, it's just a personal preference, the look maybe shouldn't matter, since the content is king ... but IMHO, a nice, clean-looking site only enhances the experience of focusing on the content. I think you can personalize a site very well, from a web design standpoint, without smearing a distracting background all over the page. Actually, this cafe site is a great example.

    I mean my comments in a constructive way, so remember this is only my opinion, and no offense intended. I think you actually should consider emulating the other more successful sites more than just a little, while keeping to the rule that you are not competing with them but rather creating a new forum to fill the needs of others who are like minded. With a lot of hard work and creativity, and continual positive development of the site and its offerings, you may be starting a long-lived, successful endeavor.

    So again, and finally, all the best in your endeavors.
    WWW.THEAMATEURMANDOLINIST.COM
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  28. #19

    Default Re: New Bluegrass Music Forum Is Excellent!!

    Nice and I wish you well. I will wait to see what type of discussions there will be over there. One reason I like the Cafe is there is lots of bluegrass discussed but tolerance is the way over here so even when discussions get spirited they are still respectful or the admins step in and get it back on track. I’m not a hardcore bluegrasser and not interested in my thoughts being deemed no part of nothin’...again, best wishes...I was involved in a forum start up years ago, it was hard work and very time consuming but it’s become a success and I hope yours is a success as well.
    Northfield F5M #268, AT02 #7

  29. #20

    Default Re: New Bluegrass Music Forum Is Excellent!!

    I really appreciate the feedback. I only want to address a couple of things mentioned and I will be quiet, because you all have stated some very good points. As far as Mandolin Café, I love it too. It is a great forum, one of my favorites, now. I only recently signed up because, I don't play mandolin, and I thought it was only about mandolins. ( So much for assuming something without checking it out)
    I also, as I have previously stated, love banjo hangout, because I play banjo.
    Secondly, to address your statement Mark. I struggled over the theme,(the wood plank background) I liked it and I didn't like it. I agree it is a matter of opinion, but, of course I want to appeal to the majority. I put it together that way, knowing I can change it at anytime, which I almost did about a week ago. But so far you are the only one who has mentioned it being a negative, that I know of. I may change it or I may not. I really haven't decided yet. I may do a poll, or I may change it temporarily to get a pulse on what the members want. Because, ultimately it is all about the members. They make the site and community, I can only provide the platform. One thing I did think of is, will members who are used to the format and have learned to navigate it be resistant to the change. I don't know the answer to this, so I will weigh the will of the members and do what I think will be best.

  30. #21

    Default Re: New Bluegrass Music Forum Is Excellent!!

    Quote Originally Posted by drbluegrass View Post
    I visited a new bluegrass music forum this past week and have been VERY impressed. For those of you who are bluegrass musicians or fans there is something for everyone on The Bluegrass Hangout. There are sub-forums relevant to all BG instruments and the others cover just about anything BG including festivals, appearances, bands, and a sub-forum regarding classifieds. The perfect all around BG forum. And it's dedicated exclusively to bluegrass music. Check it out below:

    https://www.bluegrasshangout.org/
    I checked it out. I think it's a great idea and I wish it all the success in the world.
    Only thing is though... I noticed a few of the posts weren't really bluegrass.

  31. #22
    Orrig Onion HonketyHank's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Bluegrass Music Forum Is Excellent!!

    Hey Jeff -- welcome to MC. Just goes to show - "Oh the banjoers and the mandolinners can be friends".

    All the best with the new site.
    New to mando? Click this link -->Newbies to join us at the Newbies Social Group.

    Just send an email to rob.meldrum@gmail.com with "mandolin setup" in the subject line and he will email you a copy of his ebook for free (free to all mandolincafe members).

    My website and blog: honketyhank.com

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  33. #23

    Default Re: New Bluegrass Music Forum Is Excellent!!

    LOL. Yes Hank I guess banjoers and mandolinners can "play" well together after all. I know, that was terrible.
    And yes flatrock, there will always be some posts not about Bluegrass, but, the ones who post are passionate about Bluegrass and that is point I imagine. It really is a place for Bluegrass folk to meet and converse. You meet some good people, just like here. And I appreciate the encouragement. BTW I do love mandolins and I love the sound, I just can't play. Actually, I really can't play a banjo either, but I practice everyday.

  34. #24
    Registered User Ivan Kelsall's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Bluegrass Music Forum Is Excellent!!

    From Flatrock Hill - " I noticed a few of the posts weren't really bluegrass. ". Much the same as here at times then ?.I've found the Mandolin Cafe, as is the Banjo Hangout, very 'subject tolerant',i suppose that the Bluegrass Hangout will become very much the same,just as long as it's not continually hi-jacked by non-Bluegrass stuff.

    I registered as a member & instead of looking at it as an 'outsider',i'll look inwards to see how it evolves - hopefully very well,
    Ivan
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  35. #25
    Registered User Timbofood's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Bluegrass Music Forum Is Excellent!!

    Aren't all forums (fora?) really designed to be catalysts for communication? This one sure has been for me, all the left turns, right turns and time spent in my corner have provided me so much food for thought I will digesting for years after my demise. I think there is always room for one more chair at the dinner table of musical discussion.
    Timothy F. Lewis
    "If brains was lard, that boy couldn't grease a very big skillet" J.D. Clampett

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