TalkBass is unique. Over the years, I've probably joined a dozen forums on all sorts of various topics and hobbies. NONE...I'll repeat that, NONE of them are like TalkBass.
Why? Because the TYPE of people who have common interests in things are different. TalkBass appeals to good humored bassists and musicians of many kinds who are serious about LEARNING but can still joke around.
A guitar sub-section of TB would only attract the same type of people who have FAILED to make the already existing guitar forums a good place to be. All it would do would be to attract those people over here so they can turn TB into a petty, child-infested, flame-war like all those other forums are.
I'm totally against trying to add a guitar (or drums or the kazoo or anything else) section on TB. I really don't think that it's the TB forum that makes this place a great place to be...I think it's the PEOPLE who are here. Bring in the "other" kinds of people and the neighborhood goes to hell. The forum doesn't make the people cool; the people make the forum cool.
TB is FULL of VERY experienced, knowlegable musicians who are more than willing to share experiences and advice to those who want it. Sure, there's a little banter and light-weight flamming now and again--but it's all in fun and when someone starts getting too upset about stuff, TB'ers know when to cool off, back away, and leave a guy alone (or apologize). In the end, the motive is helpfulness. In almost 2 years on the guitar forums, I NEVER saw that kind of "brotherhood" or courtesty! I think it's a dominant personality trait that goes along with the kind of people who actually ENJOY playing a SUPPORTING instrument--NOT the lead instrument. You can't just try to create, force, or demand a helpful/supportive personality in someone who doesn't already have it. If they had it, they'd have picked up supportive role instrument.
Is anyone getting my point? Can you track this or am I confusing someone.
Is da guitarman da debil? NO
Are ALL guitarists pompous, wankmiesters? Not by a long shot!
However, there are enough of them on the internet to ruin a forum in a short time. That's why nearly all the guitar forums out there suck! They were all started with good intentions...but the PEOPLE make the neighborhood. You have to start with the TYPE of people how are naturally ready to help and support. The egocentric "rock stars" of the world are NOT that type of people.
TB is a brotherhood (and sisterhood for our lady bassists here). The other places are NOT.
Sorry if I offended anyone but that's my view on it.
P.S. I'm sure a guitarist who comes on here and posts a question or comment from a legitimate angle of trying to understanding music, band dynamics, or the music biz will be received with the same respect that we pay the bassists around here. Sorry guitarists, stereotypes exist for a reason and unfortunately you have a slight uphill climb to earn your stripes around here. TB is a place for musicians so even a guitarist can have a brotherhood here with us. It's all in your presentation.
