Mark, we must have posted about the same time.

I would like to clear up a few things that may be misrepresented in some of the previous posts. For instance:
1. I defy anyone to find a single post of mine that negatively criticized an individual performance or said someone's performance "sounded like crap". Go back as far as you like. Donny is the reighning king of 'dumpster diving', maybe he can find something.

2. I have posted positive comments on a number of performances, including those by Russ (video medley), Rory Hoffman (amazing musician), 124 (a very good and authentic version of Jamblaya), Beachbum (really like his voice), Donny (was pleasantly supprised by the quality of his voice and vocal style), one of our Latin members (can't remember his name) who did an absolutely beautiful guitar simulation on the tune 'Masquerade', The Wolf (his truly hilarious AND musical, presentations), Diki (for doing a very credible job on a very difficult jazz tune - Giant Steps, I believe), Randy the sax guy (a beautiful performance of Autum Leaves), and the guy who used to produce all those lovely soundscapes on the Tyros 4, and probably a few others who I can't immediately recall. In fact, it is performances like these, along with the opportunity to get to know and interact with, people like Russ and a few others with whom I share many other musical and non-musical interests, that I participate in this forum----which brings me to....

3. FOX NEWS - "This is an Arranger forum; if you don't like arrangers why are you here?

FACTS: Aside from the fact that I currently own 4 arrangers (and have owned 7 in all) and will probably buy another sometime in the future (just not for professional use - as is my choice), I would submit that this is more of (or at least as much of) a SINGER'S forum as it is an Arranger forum. I don't think that I'm exaggerating when I say that 90% of the performances posted FEATURE VOCALS with the accompaniment being (more often than not) a very bland, plain vanilla backing triggered by very basic chords........or a SMF. And while this is okay, it hardly shows off the capabilities of a very expensive and feature-laden instrument. Very few SZ performances would convince me to buy one brand of Arranger over another (but I might pick one SINGER over another ). Oh, and BTW, I guess an Arranger forum is the perfect place for 16 pages of posts on THE WEATHER.

4. FOX NEWS: 'I love how this place is so peaceful and welcoming now.' Translation - 'we no longer accept any dissenting opinions, especially if they come from certain people.'

FACTS: Some of our current 'peaceniks' have been some of the biggest agitators and rabble-rousers in the not-so-distant past. How soon we forget.

5. My posts in this thread were in support of the original poster's comments (which, oddly, no one seems to have a problem with). Does make one wonder if it might just be the messenger.

6. As to my 'reprimand', I responded to a PERSONAL attact by a finger-wagging member demanding 'what did I have to say for myself' as though he had some God-given authority over me. Being FAR removed from kindergarden and not having engaged in any PERSONAL attacks myself, I naturally resented this. I'm sorry that Nigel didn't see it that way, but then, that's his perogative. As far as feeling comfortable posting music here, that really is an individual thing and a matter of how you see yourself as a musician. Since I have never negatively commented on ANYONE'S performance, I don't see how you can blame ME for feeling uncomfortable posting. If you see a GENERAL negative comment and decide to apply it to yourself, well then I guess it fits into the "if the shoe fits....." category.

Feel free to point out anything in this post that you find offensive or untrue.

Peace,

chas