We used to love to play lawn darts. And we were responsible enough to make sure that the people who were too stupid* to be around lawn darts moved to a different part of the yard. So no one got hurt when we used them.
Anywho, a lot of this seems to be about people looking for positive reinforcement on their choices, be it gear, music, whatever. I think I actually get a kick out of the bonus of using or liking things some people don't like... because I don't care, I like them and that's what should be important for anyone.
It's always fun to have that uncomfortable moment in a music store when someone asks me what I think about something and I give them my honest opinion. It's frequently followed by surprise that I don't like something they do. Whoa, what a mystery
. Then the question: Well, why don't you like "xyz". I then tell them methodically why I came to my conclusions. At this point some of them actually wonder aloud if they should even like it anymore. I tell them that they liked it before they started talking to me so... duh.I don't dwell on what I don't like, it leaves me more time to dwell on the stuff I do like. I try to give honest assessments when asked, warts and all. People sometimes assume because they think they know me they know what I think. That's usually fun. A guy asked me a question about a particular brand of bass and before I even got a chance to respond he told he already knew what I'd say, that I played Brubakers so I wouldn't like the bass he mentioned. When he finally stopped talking I told him: "Not only do I think they are fine basses, I bought one. Still have it and gig with it. Guess you didn't anticipate that, huh?"
*an umbrella term for the inebriated, immature, easily distracted and such.
