Boy, am I hesitant to step into this landmine. I feel like a kid whose parents are breaking up and he loves them both. As for the thread that initiated this, it appears to me that those that had problems with it fell into two categories: those who were offended by the use of the F word and those who perceived a racist attitude towards Chinese people. As for the first, I wasn't offended at all. I find most of American society's attitudes about curse words to be highly hypocritical and puritanical - we almost all say them everyday, and we all hear them everyday, yet, in our media, we try to pretend they don't exist. Yet, I also understand that some people do find such words offensive and discretion should be followed in their use. Like I told my boy from a very young age, it's one thing to use such language with your friends, but if an adult hears it you're going to get into trouble.
As for the second category, I didn't find it to be racist, but I could see how some people might. 21st century America has an element of political correctness that can react against any use of any term that can be applied to any particular group. It can really get to an absurd place (like some people will look at you sideways if you use black instead of African-American).
Either way, I found the complaints about the thread to be perhaps a little over stated and unnecessary.
Flax, you're my friend and (I hope) will continue to be so even if you make good on your exit. And I can understand how you can be upset about having your post deleted. I have watched over the years as Dave has dealt with similar situations on this board. He has a difficult task for which he receives no financial compensation but rather performs it graciously for all our benefit. While I might not perform it 100% the same as he does, I am certainly happy enough with his efforts that I'd much prefer to let him keep doing so than to offer to take over myself. Yes, his lengthy explanations can border on the touchy feelly, and I understand that some people just don't care for touchy feelly, but it works for others, including me, and really shouldn't offend anyone else.
There are always going to be posts and threads that rub some members the wrong way. There is one member whose posts drive me nuts, but I try to ignore it and avoid responding. I suspect there are some who find my often twisted sense of humor less funny that I intend. Such is life. In that case it is best for all of us to just move on rather than take it as a personnel affront.
Both Flax and Dave are long term denizens of this site, both have a lot of my respect, and I consider both my friends. I've hung out with Flax on both coasts (he, I, and my son went to the Baseball Hall of Fame together a few years back), and while I was disappointed that Dave couldn't make it to Chicago, I look forward to meeting him personally at some point in the future. Aside from the Alembic/Dead/music similarities you both share that have already been mentioned, I perceive you both as also sharing an altruistic attitude towards your fellow humans. I remember the effort Flax put in to help raise funds for research into an illness that his step-daughter suffers from, as well as the generous support he received from the Alembic community.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I really hope you guys can kiss and make up, or at least shake hands. This site will be less than it was without the Flaxman and his wonderful basses in attendance. And it wouldn't be the same without Modder Dave. If Paul, tbo was here, I suspect he's be suggesting that we all just laugh this off, bang some beer bottles on the table, plug in and make some music. Sounds like a good idea to me.
Bill, tgo
