Interviewing Bassists Stories Pt. 3

[NWB]

Originally Posted by bongomania

FWIW the special person in the other thread has been in my "ignore list" for years. He showed his colors promptly upon joining this forum, so this latest episode is nothing new for that individual, and is not specific to Tom.

Here some good insight from a very highly-respected TB member.

[Fretless1!]

Originally Posted by bongomania

FWIW the special person in the other thread has been in my "ignore list" for years. He showed his colors promptly upon joining this forum, so this latest episode is nothing new for that individual, and is not specific to Tom.

I'd love to know who your "special friend" is. I'm betting that he's mine, too.

I missed the original thread. Oh, well.

[tekdiver500ft]

Why is it that when something fun happens, I'm always out for a short beer???

[Arthritic_Tom]

Originally Posted by Stumbo

I suggest creating a keeping a personal "ignore" list that you can refer to thus keeping the retired fox calm and comfortable and the urge to bolt at bay.

Good advice that I plan to heed.

[rockinrayduke]

Just did the pre-order. Anything to help a budding new author. LOL

And a brother.

[Arthritic_Tom]

Originally Posted by NWB

Question: How do you prove to someone that the Earth is round when that person will not give consideration to any factual evidence whatsoever?

You can't. You just walk away shaking your head.

And I already know this! That's why I had to apologize. I already knew it, but I plowed ahead anyway.

One of my favorite Stephen Crane poems:

I saw a man pursuing the horizon;
Round and round they sped.
I was disturbed at this;
I accosted the man.
It is futile," I said,
"You can never--"

"You lie," he cried,
And ran on.

[Arthritic_Tom]

Originally Posted by Fretless1!

I'd love to know who your "special friend" is. I'm betting that he's mine, too.

I missed the original thread. Oh, well.

Read from here on out and see how I screwed up.

Interviewing Bassists Stories part 2

See, what happened was he claimed that by posting the original video of a guy slapping a 12-string bass, I was saying that this guy was superior to four-string players. Instead of stopping with, "Okay. If that's what you take from my post, fine," I first tried to reach him and when that failed and he started insulted others, I insulted him back.

I gave him exactly what he wanted, which was my attention. It's an example of my lack of judgment, but it illustrates in just a few pages how my career at Bass Player went down the drain:

a. I always responded in kind.

b. I didn't know when to shut up and walk away.

c. I was obsessed with "making people see," when it was clear that they weren't interested.

I'm glad this happened, because it shows that I've still got tons of work to do.

[cthomas5200]

Subscribed (again). I was trying to figure out what happened on the old thread, so I appreciate this new one. Keep it coming, Tom. I read through both old threads as they happened and loved every minute. Can't wait for the book!

[Arthritic_Tom]

Originally Posted by tekdiver500ft

Why is it that when something fun happens, I'm always out for a short beer???

It's instructive to see what I did wrong, so here:

Interviewing Bassists Stories part 2

This is what cost me my career in music journalism: my refusal to walk away. I won't let it cost me my second chance at a writing career. The more people who see it, the less likely I am to do it.

It was all my fault for keeping it going.

[Big Brother]

Many modern behavioral scientists have done extensive clinical research on the concept that you can't reason with primal emotions. Especially 'big butt-hurt.'

He went on the rampage out of jealousy, take it as his repressed respect for your work versus his inability to do the same. That is what drives it.

[Arthritic_Tom]

Originally Posted by rockinrayduke

Just did the pre-order. Anything to help a budding new author. LOL

And a brother.

Thanks so much!

We are brothers and sisters. This is my favorite forum on the whole 'Net. I closed my accounts on other forums and even went back and deleted hundreds of comments that I regretted making.

As I said at the beginning of this whole schmigeggy, I have a chronic anger problem. I'll never completely conquer it, but I need to do more to rein it in, especially when people are deliberately trying to provoke me.

[Arthritic_Tom]

Originally Posted by cthomas5200

Subscribed (again). I was trying to figure out what happened on the old thread, so I appreciate this new one. Keep it coming, Tom. I read through both old threads as they happened and loved every minute. Can't wait for the book!

It's coming soon.

Judging by your signatures, you'll be interested in the metaphysical aspects of the book, the exploration of destiny versus free will.

As someone who's studied religion for decades, I was never really able to reconcile the two concepts, but now I have. After you read the book, drop me a PM and tell me what you think about my conclusions.

[dbd1963]

Well you know what, you weren't wrong though. Your ability to observe: "Never seen very many people slap a 12-string bass or use a pick on it with such precision and clarity" and to bring it to our attention is how you are awesome.

[NWB]

Originally Posted by Arthritic_Tom

And I already know this! That's why I had to apologize. I already knew it, but I plowed ahead anyway.

One of my favorite Stephen Crane poems:

I saw a man pursuing the horizon;
Round and round they sped.
I was disturbed at this;
I accosted the man.
It is futile," I said,
"You can never--"

"You lie," he cried,
And ran on.

Love it Tom!

Thanks for sharing that wonderful poem.

[Arthritic_Tom]

Originally Posted by Big Brother

Many modern behavioral scientists have done extensive clinical research on the concept that you can't reason with primal emotions. Especially 'big butt-hurt.'

He went on the rampage out of jealousy, take it as his repressed respect for your work versus his inability to do the same. That is what drives it.

If he knew the costs of the life I've had, the life that molded me into the person who was able to write this book, he wouldn't be jealous.

I wouldn't wish my life on anyone. It isn't anything I'll ever discuss publicly, but it's relevant to the story. I have to allude to it in order to provide context. If he ever wants to know the details, he can ask one of the three people I've told everything. Two are anonymous, but one is named in the book.

In all seriousness, I'd pay him $10,000 to ask that person about my life. The only caveat is that it be videotaped so I can watch what happens. Over and over and over again.

[Arthritic_Tom]

Originally Posted by dbd1963

Well you know what, you weren't wrong though. Your ability to observe: "Never seen very many people slap a 12-string bass or use a pick on it with such precision and clarity" and to bring it to our attention is how you are awesome.

Thank you! I just wanted to share something I found inspiring. I admire artistry, and I spend a couple hours every day exploring the Internet, looking for great artists.

I didn't consider that clip "wanking." I don't really want to post anything I think of as wanking, because I don't want to hurt the feelings of the person who took all the time and effort into perfecting the performance.

A lot people hate this guy, but I don't consider him a "wanker" because he plays great with bands. This video was made with a specific context, to showcase a specific skill set that he doesn't apply in all situations.

Also, the style he's demonstrating is supposed to be over the top. Within that narrow focus, he's showing great taste and artistic skill. So I like him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUwgCYF7ULs

[dbd1963]

Originally Posted by Arthritic_Tom

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUwgCYF7ULs

That.. is one of the most impressive things I have ever seen.

[Arthritic_Tom]

Originally Posted by dbd1963

That.. is one of the most impressive things I have ever seen.

I think so, too. Others think he's a show-off.

Well, he is a show-off, but so what? I've seen him play with bands, and he's a great conventional bassist, too. This is a video he made to showcase his amazing technique, and others will be inspired by it.

Plenty of people hate him, but how is that supposed to impact my opinions? My taste is my taste.

I also love this bass line. It's perfect:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKOyZjk-R2w

Tim Drummond was literally pulled of the street in Nashville to record that. He's a master. That bass line packs so much emotion into it, and the tone is incredible.

Viaceslav Svedov is a master bassist, and Tim Drummond is a master bassist. Both are masters in completely different ways, and I love their work equally.

[secretsound5]

Originally Posted by JumboJack

IMHO Tom you have nothing to apologize for....

i second that. some people need attention and the only way to get it is by attacking others. from the conversations we've had tom, i do know that you have one specific foible which may make you an easy mark. and that is you are 'human'. and aren't we all.

[testing1two]

After reading the other thread I just ignored someone on TB for the first time ever.