Lets all take a deeeeep breath and think about Rockpage....

ToonaRockGuy · Post by **ToonaRockGuy** » Friday May 29, 2009

Even though it's supposed to be a "music" site, if you look at the overall execution of Rockpage, not by Ron (the founder) but by us, the users...

Rockpage really is a microcosm of life in general.

I'm one of the more senior members of Rockpage, joined back in 2002. Rockpage has given me more friends than I can imagine, a chance to play with some top-notch musicians, play in and with some unbelievable bands, and live some of the most incredible life experiences ever. (Rock For The Troops and the Prison Tour with The Hurricanes come to mind.)

Good and bad, Rockpage is as life is, positive and negative. Although free speech doesn't exist on the internet as you think it does, we are pretty much free to express ourselves here, to a point, as we see fit. Ron has a career, and Rockpage may be his baby, but the man can't be here 24/7 playing policeman for all of us.

Hell, I've been pissed off reading stuff here, and I'm sure that I've pissed people off with stuff that I've posted. But, like Dragon said, my opinions are mine, you don't have to like them. But one thing that I've always tried to do is present my opinion as simply and straight-forward as I can. I try not to anger folks, but hey, no matter what you do in life, you're gonna piss someone off.

But that in itself lends Rockpage it's "spice". It's why I am addicted to this site. I know that I can log on and go through the forums and find Undercoverjoe and Hawk battling it out in political cage matches. I know that I can find spirited (if useless) debates on covers vs. originals, original metal vs. original non-metal, scene bands vs. everyone else, and on and on. Without all that, Rockpage just goes vanilla and boring. Disagreement is really the spice that flavors our lives, and I, for one, think that Ron and JP are doing just fine with Rockpage the way it is.

Besides, think of life without nosurrender. (You had to be here.)

Dragan Kalasa · Post by **Dragan Kalasa** » Friday May 29, 2009

Killjingle wrote:
because I'm more than happy to play for free, to an empty chair, out in the middle of bumfXck Egypt. It's not because I set my bar for success low. It's because I'm grateful for any and every opportunity
Dude; I cant agree with that part of your post. You are not wrong; and I am not right; but the idea of just being happy to be alive has to be more meaningful than that to me. If the time comes and the seats are empty; there is no cumulative reward to the band... I think its time to rethink what I am doing.

Its not necessarily an opportunity if there is nothing to gain.

No, I agree with you on that note. I may have not explained myself quite as clear. I just know someone that was throwing a fit because they had to drop their rates a couple hundred bucks to be more competitive. I understand exactly what they were doing though, and I'm not bashing them for what they had to do. I'm just saying I never had to worry about something like that. I've never made a lot of money with the genre I am in. Simply because what I do isn't umm...highly regarded as singing...lol, but you know that. My point was I wasn't going to compromise my character and my passion for what I like to do to make money. Most people will give you something for your efforts though, I'm just not going to demand it as a stipulation (unless I have a long travel then maybe gas money).

I know that some cover bands and local originals are doing well and making money, and more power to them. They earned it. Like I said, I never made a lot of money, so maybe I don't know what I'm missing. But when I see people wondering how much they should charge people or people taking money and running...well I'm not questioning their moral character or anything but when is it not about money but instead about fun and comradery (possibly spelled wrong).

As far as empty seats...ok I was being a little over the top with that. Nobody wants to play to empty seats. But I'm not going to deny people a show whether 10 people or 200 people. If someone said, "Oh yeah, there will be like 100 people here." And there's like 15 or 20 I'm not going to be pissed or anything...sad maybe a little, but not mad.

As far as being happy to be alive...I actually meant that I rarely turn down a show no matter where, for who, what time. I'm just happy for the opportunity to play. You can't get your name out there if you're sitting at home.

Sorry for any confusion, I tried to type fast and it was done right in my head, but not on the thread. So sorry...and yes you are right.

Banned · Post by **Banned** » Saturday May 30, 2009

Hey Steve, I will use Rockpage to ask you a question about musicians. How are Noah and Aeb (spelling?), your former band members, doing in their music quest out in California?

Hawk · Post by **Hawk** » Saturday May 30, 2009

undercoverjoe wrote:Hey Steve, I will use Rockpage to ask you a question about musicians. How are Noah and Aeb (spelling?), your former band members, doing in their music quest out in California?

Ditto...What's the scoop ?

songsmith · Post by **songsmith** » Sunday May 31, 2009

Hi Steve, and welcome back. It's always good to hear from someone who's "been there."
Back when Rockpage first went multi-thread, I jealously guarded it against "fans." In my mind, I wanted it to be musicians dealing with musicians, and the fans could go discuss things somewhere else. To wit, much trouble has been caused on this site by people who have never trod a stage. That's not to say I don't respect our audience, I find them humbling and inspiring, but I wanted a place where newbies could learn from veterans, and we could all converse about the situations we face as performing musicians.
What I realized is that not everybody has the desire or capacity to work at the same level. Therein lies the rub. Where one might strive to play flawlessly and consistently, another seeks openness and abandon, and yet another wants to deconstruct and rebuild. Each thinks his approach is the correct way. I personally love the idea that my advice as a long-time musician has helped someone, but I try to keep it narrowed to tech stuff, and how to navigate the perilous seas of bar-band careers. I can't and won't tell someone how to play their music. Some people don't see it that way.
Many of us are passionate about literally EVERYTHING. The same quality that helps us recognize "good" in a piece of music also forms our opinions of other non-musical endeavors and concepts. Musicians are largely who we are because of what we are. We aren't musicians because we have strong opinions, we have strong opinions because we're musicians. Add to that the outright necessity of having a robust ego, and sparks will occasionally fly.
I love Rockpage. That's not ass-kissing, it's just how it is. I think if you locked us all in a large room for any length of time, we'd all act exactly the same as what goes on here online. That's real, and that's what I like about local musicians. I truly believe this is the best musician forum on the internet for that reason, and I've hardly missed a day in 10 years.--->JMS

Hawk · Post by **Hawk** » Sunday May 31, 2009

songsmith wrote:Hi Steve, and welcome back. It's always good to hear from someone who's "been there."
Back when Rockpage first went multi-thread, I jealously guarded it against "fans." In my mind, I wanted it to be musicians dealing with musicians, and the fans could go discuss things somewhere else. To wit, much trouble has been caused on this site by people who have never trod a stage. That's not to say I don't respect our audience, I find them humbling and inspiring, but I wanted a place where newbies could learn from veterans, and we could all converse about the situations we face as performing musicians.
What I realized is that not everybody has the desire or capacity to work at the same level. Therein lies the rub. Where one might strive to play flawlessly and consistently, another seeks openness and abandon, and yet another wants to deconstruct and rebuild. Each thinks his approach is the correct way. I personally love the idea that my advice as a long-time musician has helped someone, but I try to keep it narrowed to tech stuff, and how to navigate the perilous seas of bar-band careers. I can't and won't tell someone how to play their music. Some people don't see it that way.
Many of us are passionate about literally EVERYTHING. The same quality that helps us recognize "good" in a piece of music also forms our opinions of other non-musical endeavors and concepts. Musicians are largely who we are because of what we are. We aren't musicians because we have strong opinions, we have strong opinions because we're musicians. Add to that the outright necessity of having a robust ego, and sparks will occasionally fly.
I love Rockpage. That's not ass-kissing, it's just how it is. I think if you locked us all in a large room for any length of time, we'd all act exactly the same as what goes on here online. That's real, and that's what I like about local musicians. I truly believe this is the best musician forum on the internet for that reason, and I've hardly missed a day in 10 years.--->JMS

Extraordinary post John !

whitedevilone · Post by **whitedevilone** » Sunday May 31, 2009

Hawk wrote:
songsmith wrote:Hi Steve, and welcome back. It's always good to hear from someone who's "been there."
Back when Rockpage first went multi-thread, I jealously guarded it against "fans." In my mind, I wanted it to be musicians dealing with musicians, and the fans could go discuss things somewhere else. To wit, much trouble has been caused on this site by people who have never trod a stage. That's not to say I don't respect our audience, I find them humbling and inspiring, but I wanted a place where newbies could learn from veterans, and we could all converse about the situations we face as performing musicians.
What I realized is that not everybody has the desire or capacity to work at the same level. Therein lies the rub. Where one might strive to play flawlessly and consistently, another seeks openness and abandon, and yet another wants to deconstruct and rebuild. Each thinks his approach is the correct way. I personally love the idea that my advice as a long-time musician has helped someone, but I try to keep it narrowed to tech stuff, and how to navigate the perilous seas of bar-band careers. I can't and won't tell someone how to play their music. Some people don't see it that way.
Many of us are passionate about literally EVERYTHING. The same quality that helps us recognize "good" in a piece of music also forms our opinions of other non-musical endeavors and concepts. Musicians are largely who we are because of what we are. We aren't musicians because we have strong opinions, we have strong opinions because we're musicians. Add to that the outright necessity of having a robust ego, and sparks will occasionally fly.
I love Rockpage. That's not ass-kissing, it's just how it is. I think if you locked us all in a large room for any length of time, we'd all act exactly the same as what goes on here online. That's real, and that's what I like about local musicians. I truly believe this is the best musician forum on the internet for that reason, and I've hardly missed a day in 10 years.--->JMS
Extraordinary post John !

Holy smoke head for the hills, you,me and Bill agree on something

.Seriously i love RP for all these reasons warts and all.Great post man.Bravo.

slackin@dabass · Post by **slackin@dabass** » Sunday May 31, 2009

the big problem with rockpage is that the trolls and flamers are getting their way. they just get on here and start shit. i like to think most people on this site are extremely smart. you want rockpage to be better? quit letting the trolls have their way with it.

i love rockpage. i think alot of people on here are smart, talented, and just downright cool people. i like the political discussion, i like the way most of the older guys and gals on here share their experiences, i like the way that most people on this board interact.

everyone in this world has their own opinion. and people express theirs on here. i've learned alot about alot of things.

although i am tired of seeing posts like this. i have to agree, sanchez. every month another one of these pops up.

would i change anything on rockpage? fuck no

(edited for spelling)

BDR · Post by **BDR** » Sunday May 31, 2009

whitedevilone wrote:
Hawk wrote:
songsmith wrote:Hi Steve, and welcome back. It's always good to hear from someone who's "been there."
Back when Rockpage first went multi-thread, I jealously guarded it against "fans." In my mind, I wanted it to be musicians dealing with musicians, and the fans could go discuss things somewhere else. To wit, much trouble has been caused on this site by people who have never trod a stage. That's not to say I don't respect our audience, I find them humbling and inspiring, but I wanted a place where newbies could learn from veterans, and we could all converse about the situations we face as performing musicians.
What I realized is that not everybody has the desire or capacity to work at the same level. Therein lies the rub. Where one might strive to play flawlessly and consistently, another seeks openness and abandon, and yet another wants to deconstruct and rebuild. Each thinks his approach is the correct way. I personally love the idea that my advice as a long-time musician has helped someone, but I try to keep it narrowed to tech stuff, and how to navigate the perilous seas of bar-band careers. I can't and won't tell someone how to play their music. Some people don't see it that way.
Many of us are passionate about literally EVERYTHING. The same quality that helps us recognize "good" in a piece of music also forms our opinions of other non-musical endeavors and concepts. Musicians are largely who we are because of what we are. We aren't musicians because we have strong opinions, we have strong opinions because we're musicians. Add to that the outright necessity of having a robust ego, and sparks will occasionally fly.
I love Rockpage. That's not ass-kissing, it's just how it is. I think if you locked us all in a large room for any length of time, we'd all act exactly the same as what goes on here online. That's real, and that's what I like about local musicians. I truly believe this is the best musician forum on the internet for that reason, and I've hardly missed a day in 10 years.--->JMS
Extraordinary post John !
Holy smoke head for the hills, you,me and Bill agree on something .Seriously i love RP for all these reasons warts and all.Great post man.Bravo.

Dare I jump on this band wagon?

r:>)

PStl · Post by **PStl** » Sunday May 31, 2009

4_the_pocket wrote: So I’m asking the board, "what is the purpose of Rockpage and how do you see it benefiting the area scene"?"

Rockpage reminds me of the music school lounge. There's the bulletin board to post Buy/Sell ads, and on the walls are posters of upcoming concerts, etc. If you have a technical question, hopefully the right person wanders in. The practice rooms are close by; "listen to that dude shred!", or an occasional, "ouch! careful with that ax, Eugene!" may be heard.
Mostly everyone wanders in, from time to time, maybe just for a cup of coffee. They may not speak, but they are listening to what you're saying. Mostly the talk is of everyday life, pretty boring to most. But for a place to sit and relax with fellow musicians, it can be a nice little escape. Friendships, sometimes musical adventures may form.
Now, I don’t think rock page needs to be a conservatory of advanced studies in gigging, or rock page bar & lounge. But wouldn’t it be great if we had a physical place to come and go as we like, without having to pay a cover? Or talk over a dj, or jukebox? Has anyone ever gone to the Church in the Middle of the Block? Would you pay a membership fee to belong to such a club? Would you pay a cover knowing most would go to the bands? Would you go see younger acts perform, and let them sit in? Or you with them?
The most worthwhile projects that have come from rock pagers seem to be the benefits, and jam nights.
Music! That’s what it’s all about. Has an original “Best Of Rockpage, 2009” ever been attempted? Or a Christmas CD for charity? How about a cover songs, or live setting CD of various artists?
I think about the young people getting their feet wet, and how they could benefit from the experience from the wealth of knowledge you people have obtained. More emphasis on the music!
Search “Songwriting” on rock page. Five pages. I’m afraid to search some of the more infamous subjects worn out in the General Discussion board. Maybe “Music” needs it’s own board.
Sorry, I hope you kept with me for such a long read. Trying to think outside the box!

bfoust · Post by **bfoust** » Sunday May 31, 2009

I'd totally buy a Rockpage "Best of" CD.. with one song from every band.. well, then it'd have to be a compilation

whitedevilone · Post by **whitedevilone** » Monday Jun 01, 2009

BadDazeRob wrote:
whitedevilone wrote:
Hawk wrote: Extraordinary post John !
Holy smoke head for the hills, you,me and Bill agree on something .Seriously i love RP for all these reasons warts and all.Great post man.Bravo.
Dare I jump on this band wagon? r:>)

Would this be considered a "group hug"?

Ronnyd · Post by **Ronnyd** » Monday Jun 01, 2009

One suggestion from me if I may.

I try to stay out of the arguements politics etc...
Having said that I totally OPPOSE Censorship in any form!

I use my real name ,number ,web-site etc... so I have to say only what I know I'M accountable for.

I wish Rockpage would hold others to this.

Then you would know where all the comments were coming from.
I say what I mean !I mean What I say!

I won't hide behind a nickname and torch some-one,Though it usually is Friggin' Funny when some-one does.

Having said this I know who most people on here are and I love you all!
I just wish there was more time in the day to read all the stuff.

Let's be accountable.
Let's not delate something just because you don't agree.

That is just sooooo wrong.
Thanks Ron ,For Rockpage.

Just remember Opions are like assholes!
Every-one has one ,and they all Stink !

Amen. Ron D.

bassist_25 · Post by **bassist_25** » Monday Jun 01, 2009

Two honest question here - If you're no longer interested in posting on Rockpage, why do you want your account deleted? There are a ton of Internet forums I use to frequent, but for some reason, possibly boredom or lack of time, I don't read anymore. I just simply left. Does getting the account deactivated create some sort of finality?

As far as smart people not spending their time here - Is there some sort of cognitive metric with good construct and content validity out there to measure forum smartness? I'd like to know, because I need to submit it for IRB approval.

hicksjd9 · Post by **hicksjd9** » Monday Jun 01, 2009

Right on, Paul. When I'm done with a forum/site, I just don't come back.

I have to say, though, that I really like this site. I like to hear from my friends and people I know from the music scene. I don't always agree with how things go down, but I respect what my fellow musicians have to say. No matter what, I wouldn't want to be deleted or stop coming around. This site has a lot of usefulness.

BDR · Post by **BDR** » Monday Jun 01, 2009

whitedevilone wrote:
BadDazeRob wrote:
whitedevilone wrote: Holy smoke head for the hills, you,me and Bill agree on something .Seriously i love RP for all these reasons warts and all.Great post man.Bravo.
Dare I jump on this band wagon? r:>)
Would this be considered a "group hug"?

I'm feelin' it ... and it's long overdue.

r:>)

whitedevilone · Post by **whitedevilone** » Monday Jun 01, 2009

BadDazeRob wrote:
whitedevilone wrote:
BadDazeRob wrote: Dare I jump on this band wagon? r:>)
Would this be considered a "group hug"?
I'm feelin' it ... and it's long overdue. r:>)

I guess it doesn't feel that bad.

peace brother.

Plastered Bastards · Post by **Plastered Bastards** » Monday Jun 01, 2009

I have been a member of Rockpage for a loooong time. I started when I lived in Altoona and when I moved, I just kept coming back.
I like to keep tabs on some of my friends on here.
And plus I like the fighting on here, AM I NOT ENTERTAINED!!!!
Yes I am.

BDR · Post by **BDR** » Monday Jun 01, 2009

whitedevilone wrote:
BadDazeRob wrote:
whitedevilone wrote: Would this be considered a "group hug"?
I'm feelin' it ... and it's long overdue. r:>)
I guess it doesn't feel that bad. peace brother.

Back at you, Scott. Another great thing about Rockpage that's a reflection of real life is that you can have disagreements and even get pissed but at the end of the day, most people can shake hands and move on out of mutual respect for our peers. To expect a utopian environment here is as unrealistic as to expect it in everyday life. r:>)

Hawk · Post by **Hawk** » Tuesday Jun 02, 2009

Without the formality of another long "quote - quote - quote", I always thought there was mutual respect among us, even friendship. Even when we were ripping into each other with political tirades.

On a personal level, the guys I argued with the most are some of the coolest people on Rockpage. I just thought it was a given and didn't need to be said.

4_the_pocket · Post by **4_the_pocket** » Tuesday Jun 02, 2009

Ahhhhhhh back from a nice long weekend. This was a good read. Nice a lot of people chimed in.

Thanks for the welcome backs on the board and the PMs. It IS good to be back. I needed a self imposed break from it I guess. Paul, I asked for my account to be deleted for my own reasons. Fair question though

A lot of people have asked how Noah and Aeb are doing. They are both doing well and are living in L.A. Both are doing some gigs here and there, but nothing solid. Noah is writing again. I think its fair to say LA is not Central PA and they have found it difficult playing music out there.

A few have mentioned the topic of this thread keeps coming up every month or so. Not sure. Perhaps there are a few like myself who get tired of the pettiness and disrespect?

Utopia on rockpage? Ha ha....hardly

It would be boring if we all agreed on everything. But, it would be nice if this were a place where "more" people could feel comfortable posting without fear of getting flamed and all. As far as I know, this is the only internet forum we have for our area outside of Vocal Youth.

Whats wrong with setting a higher standard for this place if it attracts more people and makes Rockpage a more valuable resource for the area? Im just asking the question...not saying this is how it should be. It is a music forum is it not?

I think its possible to have more balance so ALL can be pleased. Create a MUSIC ONLY category. Its not difficult. Then the folks who enjoy the shenanigans of the GENERAL DISCUSSION area are happy. Hell, it may or may not work, but why not give it a shot. Shake things up a bit....make it a tiny bit more musician and newbie friendly

As much as I am complaining, Ive also BENEFITED from Rockpage over the years in several ways. Ive made some friends, met some cool people in person, got a few gigs, shared and learned info and have had a lot of laughs. Guess thats why I decided to join back up

At this very moment in my music career I have never been more busy and content. I dont "need" Rockpage, but there may come a time when I do. Id like to support a local music community and try to make it the best it can be. We all know the landscape for the local gigging musician has changed a lot over the last decade and it hasnt been for the better, sadly.

This is just input from 1/3200 of the Rockpage community. A lot of people are perfectly happy with the way it is. I guess I will always be one of us who promotes this sort of an idea. United we stand, divided we fall.

Killjingle · Post by **Killjingle** » Tuesday Jun 02, 2009

its cool u came back

bassist_25 · Post by **bassist_25** » Tuesday Jun 02, 2009

Killjingle wrote:its cool u came back

I'm still awaiting the return of Punkinhead.

witchhunt · Post by **witchhunt** » Tuesday Jun 02, 2009

bassist_25 wrote:
Killjingle wrote:its cool u came back
I'm still awaiting the return of Punkinhead.

He was buried back in his "stump" till Haggis summons him once again.

My take on RP is this...Every thread has a title. If it looks interesting, check it out. If not, leave it alone or beware.

Did BDR get that necklace from Wilma Flintstone? I thought maybe you'd know.

whitedevilone · Post by **whitedevilone** » Tuesday Jun 02, 2009

Old Ed Hartly rules!!