Maintaining the themes of forum threads
Tue, May 15 2012, 11:59AM
Hi all,
I have now created this thread as a place for forum users to discuss the points I raised in this thread about regarding forum etiquette. You can see the discussion here.
If any of you would like to take the discussion of the points I have raised further then please post them here.
I will return to this discussion over the next few days and I apologise in advance if I do not respond to points raised immediately but work continues here at the Gramophone office on the July issue.
Wed, May 16 2012, 9:43AM
#2
RE: Maintaining the themes of forum threads
Yup, fair point Vic. I guess my intevention yesterday was in response to seeing what was a legitimate forum question asking for others to join in being derailed and turned into a debate over the validity of the exercise in the first place. There is no problem with that debate taking place but I think it should happen in a new thread so that the original discussion can continue. Does that seem reasonable?
I set this thread up so that if forum members wanted to carry on the debate over this issue they could do so here. The last thing I wanted to do was intervene on Ian's thread and be guilty of the exact thing I was trying to avoid.
I guess my suggestion is this: Where possible please try and stay on topic in threads. Debates obviously develop naturally over time but if you want to take a debate off in a different direction or debate the validity of the entire exercise that is the perfect time to create a new thread.
I hope that my getting involved is not seen as an attempt to censor or stifle debate - that is in fact the opposite of what I was hoping to achieve. By making this request I hope everyone will be able to have the discussions they would like.
Luca Da Re
Thu, May 17 2012, 2:40PM
#3
RE: Maintaining the themes of forum threads
Hi Luca!
I've been thinking about this for a couple of days on and off. I think it is an entirely reasonable point you are making that some threads quickly go off topic, and I guess we're probably all guilty there!
Sometimes the off-shoots can be very productive. It 's a bit like a learning situation say like a seminar or class, where an interesting point can take us off in a different direction. Looking back through all 30 pages yesterday of the monster debate on underrated and forgotten, I think it has been worthwhile, and I am often astonished at how knowledgeable forum members are, not just on music.
On the other hand some debates too quickly become derailed as you say through cynicism about the initial topic itself that has been posted up for discussion.
So I think there are two types of basic situation, if you see what I mean.
Perhaps, and it's the only thing I can think of at the moment, we should have an unspoken rule that whoever initiates the thread has the right to act as chairperson, and come in and say...'We're going off-topic guys'?
Regards
Mark
Thu, May 17 2012, 5:04PM
#4
RE: Maintaining the themes of forum threads
Not a bad or unreasonable idea, Mark, but allow me to have my doubts about the benefit(s) of the derail of threads like the "most underrated, neglected and forgotten", which has degenerated to a monstrous intellectual mess with no apparent resolution whatsoever.
As for your second suggestion, which makes some more sense, I have my doubts about the ability of all, those who initiate the threads, to play the role of chairperson or even moderator of a discussion that is going astray.
Parla
Thu, May 17 2012, 5:11PM
#5
RE: Maintaining the themes of forum threads
Parla:
Yes sir. It was only my humble suggestion sir. Do beg pardon!
Mark
Fri, May 18 2012, 8:09PM
#6
RE: Maintaining the themes of forum threads
Parla:
Yes sir. It was only my humble suggestion sir. Do beg pardon!
Mark
Mark, you missed your cue. You were supposed to say, "I agree Parla, therefore I would humbly ask you to step forward and fulfill the role of forum chairman since you alone have the qualifications and you've already assumed it unofficially." At which point the thread would be flooded with posters clamouring to second that proposal, the heavens would open and celestial choirs would descend to accompany Parla to his throne, composers would vie for a commission to write a piece celebrating the occasion etc., etc..
Sat, May 19 2012, 9:39AM
#7
RE: Maintaining the themes of forum threads
Brilliant humour, Tagalie, even when you go over the top (or when you over-egg the pudding, as you would say in Britain).
Parla
Sun, May 20 2012, 7:29PM
#8
RE: Maintaining the themes of forum threads
Tagalie - is that you? I thought I could hear you only there was a sudden blinding flash of light!
While on this official thread, as it were, but not exactly maintaining the theme - did you see Tagalie the feature on the site on the Rubbra documents? Like you, I am a fan of his. I hope the Bodleian decide to put on an exhibition because apart from interest in Rubbra I might find something about composers' methods in the exhibits of scores etc...It would be worth a train ride to Oxford that's for sure.
And did you see the recent feature on ENO next season? No, not Brian Eno! There's a revival of Peter Grimes and Julietta, the Martinu opera you also recommended to me. For me and OH trips to London aren't as difficult obviously as they are for you - 2 hrs.15 minutes does it on the train (can't stand long drives!)
I appreciate though that I'm going off topic!
PS I am a happy bun because next Saturday evening it's Harry Christopher and the Sixteen in my local cathedral! Here's hoping they do one or two 'hits' from their new Renaissance album!
Mark
Sun, May 20 2012, 10:17PM
#9
RE: Maintaining the themes of forum threads
Tagalie - is that you? I thought I could hear you only there was a sudden blinding flash of light!
While on this official thread, as it were, but not exactly maintaining the theme - did you see Tagalie the feature on the site on the Rubbra documents? Like you, I am a fan of his. I hope the Bodleian decide to put on an exhibition because apart from interest in Rubbra I might find something about composers' methods in the exhibits of scores etc...It would be worth a train ride to Oxford that's for sure.
And did you see the recent feature on ENO next season? No, not Brian Eno! There's a revival of Peter Grimes and Julietta, the Martinu opera you also recommended to me. For me and OH trips to London aren't as difficult obviously as they are for you - 2 hrs.15 minutes does it on the train (can't stand long drives!)
I appreciate though that I'm going off topic!
PS I am a happy bun because next Saturday evening it's Harry Christopher and the Sixteen in my local cathedral! Here's hoping they do one or two 'hits' from their new Renaissance album!
Mark
Mark, always happy to see you taking a thread off-topic, especially for this rather bitter-sweet update on what's happening in the UK. If you could help me out, where exactly is the Rubbra article? We just ended almost 2 weeks of glorious sunny weather here, during which I spent as little time as possible on the computer, so I'm way behind. Julietta in performance! I'm overdue a trip back to the UK, haven't done it since 1998, and this might be the spur. Tagalia is always the wild card. She won't go anywhere that promises 'iffy' weather.
I was a fan of Christophers until I heard something about him rubbishing the VW Mass. But Renaissance music in a cathedral setting ................. Ever since you posted your hints on listening to this period of music, I've been playing Josquin every Sunday morning, and loving it. It's amazing how often, over a life, you find a piece that has eluded you suddenly clicks.
Sun, May 20 2012, 10:32PM
#10
RE: Maintaining the themes of forum threads
I was a fan of Christophers until I heard something about him rubbishing the VW Mass. But Renaissance music in a cathedral setting ................. Ever since you posted your hints on listening to this period of music, I've been playing Josquin every Sunday morning, and loving it. It's amazing how often, over a life, you find a piece that has eluded you suddenly clicks.
Eek! Regarding your first point. :-( Oh, dear (as I do quite enjoy him and his group). But lucky you Mark for your upcoming concert!
And I wish that we had the ability to PM one another as I'm very curious as to the Josquin recording. Perhaps on a Sunday (oh, today is one), since you have listened to this piece today you might be able to tell me more about it on the "so what have you been listening to thread"? Thank you!
And perhaps it might be possible for management to move all of the recent Chopin discussion to its own thread? Surely there's one under the composers area? Or perhaps too confusing since there are so many threads on this site already?
I realize that the folks at "G" are busy, but it's kind of hard to find various topics since there are so many threads and people go off topic rather easily and there isn't a regular manager of the forum to consolidate things (and to also remind people of where to post things).
Best wishes to all,
Petra
Sun, May 20 2012, 11:47PM
#11
RE: Maintaining the themes of forum threads
Hi Tagalie!
The Rubbra article should come up on the front page of the site. If you just scroll down the left-hand side past the blog list, it should hopefully be there under gallery. There's a picture of a Rubbra manuscript!
Now that's very kind of you to mention your Sunday morning listening. I doubt if it's all down to my suggestions. You've got hooked on 'Sunday morning sanctity'! It's a bit like, if you've ever had a REALLY late one with a dinner party for family or friends, or find yourself out in the back graden/terrace at 5 am or thereabouts having in my case a cuppa/cig, and the birds start and the dawn does too...you can't help but thinking that Messiaen knew what he was about!
Regards
Mark
Sun, May 20 2012, 11:51PM
#12
RE: Maintaining the themes of forum threads
Petra, it's the Tallis Scholars recording of Missa Pange lingua and Missa La sol fa re mi on Gimell. Won Gramophone Record of the Year back in 86 or 87 I believe.
As for threads and topics, they tend to go all over the place and in all honesty I can't say I'm bothered that they do so. Some of the detours are more interesting than the original topic. Anyway, I'm sure most of us tend to follow posters rather than threads. Many of the regulars have much to offer and even the one who usually drives me round the bend has his moments.
Mon, May 21 2012, 12:46PM
#13
RE: Maintaining the themes of forum threads
Luca, they are called threads because they weave in and out of different topics, like a thread. Most of the posts removed were removed because you thought they went 'off topic'. Some were returned, they have probably gone again. If I post a thread or a topic I have no problem whatsoever with anyone commenting anything they like. However if it upsets you then feel free to use your power however you see fit and how excessively you feel the need calls for. Just don't start another thread appearing as the victim.
Mon, May 21 2012, 1:24PM
#14
RE: Maintaining the themes of forum threads
Petra, it's the Tallis Scholars recording of Missa Pange lingua and Missa La sol fa re mi on Gimell. Won Gramophone Record of the Year back in 86 or 87 I believe.
Thanks, T! He's one of those composers that's been on my list of "want-to-explore-more-at-some-point-in-the-future".
Best, P.
Tue, May 22 2012, 3:28PM
#15
RE: Maintaining the themes of forum threads
Hi T and Petra: the concert on Saturday by The Sixteen is amost sold out, so we're lucky to have tickets. The programme is Josquin, Lassus and Bummel.
Hugh - though I agree with you that threads do weave in and out, I thought posts removed were usually done so because they were offensive in some way - e.g. bad language, racism etc...
Luca - on reflection I don't know if the idea of chairing a debate would work in practice. As I say, there are in my view two types and I understand where you're coming from. It was just a thought!
Mark
Hi all,
I have now created this thread as a place for forum users to discuss the points I raised in this thread about regarding forum etiquette.
I'm trying hard, but not getting very far, at reading between the lines of your intervention, Luca.
Friend Brodsky intimated he has had a post deleted, and you suggest there is an issue with threads highjacked and deflected, and ask for opinions to be posted here.
Are you asking how we feel about posts which stray from the point of the thread being deleted or moved by moderators? Or does your "forum etiquette" refer to issues around what constitutes abuse or the offensive when debate becomes heated?
I'm sure most of us have an open mind on these issues but some clarification of what is up for discussion would be useful.
Vic.