Don’t forget… on the day you made your $250 in air conditioned comfort, the average CEO made a few hundred thousand in air conditioned comfort, and thinks YOU are the chump for your life’s direction.

Perspective…

l have read the constant debate over pro musician, entertainer or the at home player with interest for a while. The one thing that in my opinion seems to be overlooked is the most important point of all. And that is no matter what category we fall into, pro amateur etc, that we actually personally enjoy playing our music.

After all, isn't that why we play these wonderful instruments in the first place?

Kinds regards,

Russ

Ditto!88

I fully agree with both Larry Hawk & gambler.
We are here because we love playing our arrangers and enjoy talking to like minded folk.
Some of us have spent many years entertaining and enjoyed the appreciation of many audiences.
In my case, this enjoyment and appreciation would have made it worth while anyway but, the extra income has also helped to make life easier or helped pay for a new board.
My mind doesn't complicate itself with the salary of the guy who pays me and I also don't worry about playing well enough to play the Albert Hall.
It's great to talk to guys who think the same as I do and enjoy the same things I do and that makes Forums like this a joy to be a member of.
I most certainly do not come here to be educated, advised (unless I ask for that advice) or to be told what I should be playing instead of my favourite board.
It's all good clean fun and I hope it can stay that way.

Well said Anthony..............

Well Anthony, I agree with you on some points but not all. In my opinion, you don't learn much by only talking to and/or associating with "like minded folk". Sounds like an unwillingness to even consider alternate points of view. As far as unsolicited advice, you can always choose to ignore it.

The other thing that I don't PERSONALLY agree with concerns 'coming here to be educated'. That is usually 90% of my purpose for participating in ANY forum. Digital socializing is nice but if it has no educational value, I'm going to quickly lose interest. To me, the acquisition of knowledge is pretty much the whole purpose of existing. It's how we evolve. It's how we progress. As I said before, take those parts of the forum that you like and ignore the rest. Although it may not be for you, there are others here who may enjoy the information and yes, even the advice, presented here. Hey, "different strokes for different folks". Be well.

chas

Hi chas,
I need to start by going to the end of your post and quote "different strokes".
That's exactly what caused the mini disagreement we had.
It seems coming here to be educated is 90% of your purpose in coming onto the forum whereas,
in my case, I'm here simply to discuss anything which arouses my interest.
The educational value of the forum is not significant to me unless there is something in particular that I need
to know and, if that was the case, I would ask for advice from other forum members.
Education is a great thing in it's place but life is also about having fun and experimenting with the unknown.
Another couple of points about education is -
Does the teacher really know more than the pupil and / or, is the teacher merely passing on their own predjudices?
Is the pupil really up for being educated by a self appointed teacher because we don't all think in the same way?
I fully accept that others may enjoy the offered information and agree wholeheartedly that that is their right.
In my younger days, I learnt much by befriending organists and pianists I came across and almost all my friends
were in the music business in one way or another and I enjoyed being a small part of the local entertainment scene.
After 60 years, I play mainly for my own enjoyment now although I would probably answer the call again if it arose.
At 82, with more than one serious health concern, I feel like Gary and just want to quietly enjoy whats left
in the best and easiest way possible for as long as I can despite it all getting more difficult.
I certainly don't want to be falling out with members of the forums I use after many years of friendly contact.
The forum is already, not quite what it was due to the sad demise of many members and Nigel of course but,
I sincerely hope it carries on and that everyone enjoys it's benefits whether they want to improve their knowledge,
or just pass the time of day with like minded people.
Very best wishes to all the members even if you are just a reader (don't like the name "lurker")
Anthony

Wow, I am enjoying the posts here on SZ.

I read the posts with one thought in mind; they are opinions, and that’s good.

My second thought; these are all my friends – no matter what.

John C.

John C., I appreciate and applaud your post.

chas

Hi John C,
Nice to read the sentiments you expressed in your post and you are quite correct, we are just expressing our own opinions and, being human, we do sometimes, have different opinions.
I notice the forum is now getting much busier and more interesting and hope this interaction between friends carries on.