From: owner-oppositeview-digest@smoe.org (oppositeview-digest) To: oppositeview-digest@smoe.org Subject: oppositeview-digest V3 #244 Reply-To: oppositeview@smoe.org Sender: owner-oppositeview-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-oppositeview-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk oppositeview-digest Thursday, October 4 2001 Volume 03 : Number 244 Today's Subjects: ----------------- OV: Re: webmaster responsibilities, album title [David Gilliver Subject: OV: Re: webmaster responsibilities, album title On Wed, 3 Oct 2001, Kevin wrote: > Anyway, having been one of the lucky view to have heard most the tracks, > I can say you won't be dissapointed and please don't let the title be a > downer on the most anticipated release since the last one (is that a > bushism?). In a way, I'm in a similar position to Kevin as I run the website for one of my favourite performers, Australian singer/songwriter Stephen Cummings. And seeing Kevin state an opinion on the album unsettles me a little, as I've been involved in the latest release from Stephen (Skeleton Key, out this week) and I've had to grapple with how that affects my relationship with other fans. I guess the question is: should someone in my position (or Kevin's position) comment on an unreleased album? Sure, we're both fans so we can judge them from that perspective but given our relationships with the respective artists, is that appropriate? Has our perspective been altered by our involvement? Even if it hasn't, is there at least the perception that it has been altered? I've decided that it isn't appropriate for me to comment on an album before release. If I say I love the album and then find I'm in the minority, I'll feel that I have less credibility amongst other fans. I don't want to be perceived as a parrot-like publicity person, gushing with compliments and praise. I'm sticking to reporting news and facts prior to release and then I'll wait for the discussion that will accompany the album release before I throw my opinion into the ring. Maybe I'm being overly paranoid but I just find the question interesting. Anyone have any thoughts on what they expect from webmasters? Should we draw lines for ourselves? Do we have a responsibility to remain as objective as possible? Or do you not care either way? > Can you do me good? You bet it can! For the record, I hate the title. It sounds like the title of a Farrelly Brothers film. later! David ===================================================== DAVID GILLIVER david@lovetown.net gstring (for the discerning music nut), official Stephen Cummings site & the Hothouse Flowers fan site ---> http://gilliver.net <--- ===================================================== ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2001 12:48:15 +0100 From: "Libby Graham" Subject: OV: Re: Re: webmaster responsibilities, album title I like Webmasters giving us their opinions - because I know our two will both be honest about their views. Also because they get sneak previews of things so they can at least let us know that things are progressing. For example if the whole new album is in the style of Cry To Be Found I'm sure he would have warned us :-) And the great thing about this list is no-one cares who anyone is when we debate things as we all have our own opinions and can ramble on at them to our hearts content - not that we expect anyone else to agree with us (see debates over Cry To Be Found and Stone Cold Sober). Libby - ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Gilliver" To: Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2001 12:32 PM Subject: OV: Re: webmaster responsibilities, album title > On Wed, 3 Oct 2001, Kevin wrote: > > > Anyway, having been one of the lucky view to have heard most the tracks, > > I can say you won't be dissapointed and please don't let the title be a > > downer on the most anticipated release since the last one (is that a > > bushism?). > > In a way, I'm in a similar position to Kevin as I run the website for one > of my favourite performers, Australian singer/songwriter Stephen Cummings. > And seeing Kevin state an opinion on the album unsettles me a little, as > I've been involved in the latest release from Stephen (Skeleton Key, out > this week) and I've had to grapple with how that affects my relationship > with other fans. > > I guess the question is: should someone in my position (or Kevin's > position) comment on an unreleased album? Sure, we're both fans so we can > judge them from that perspective but given our relationships with the > respective artists, is that appropriate? Has our perspective been altered > by our involvement? Even if it hasn't, is there at least the perception > that it has been altered? > > I've decided that it isn't appropriate for me to comment on an album > before release. If I say I love the album and then find I'm in the > minority, I'll feel that I have less credibility amongst other fans. I > don't want to be perceived as a parrot-like publicity person, gushing with > compliments and praise. I'm sticking to reporting news and facts prior to > release and then I'll wait for the discussion that will accompany the > album release before I throw my opinion into the ring. > > Maybe I'm being overly paranoid but I just find the question interesting. > Anyone have any thoughts on what they expect from webmasters? Should we > draw lines for ourselves? Do we have a responsibility to remain as > objective as possible? Or do you not care either way? > > > Can you do me good? You bet it can! > > For the record, I hate the title. It sounds like the title of a Farrelly > Brothers film. > > later! > David > > ===================================================== > DAVID GILLIVER david@lovetown.net > gstring (for the discerning music nut), official > Stephen Cummings site & the Hothouse Flowers fan site > ---> http://gilliver.net <--- > ===================================================== ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2001 12:59:20 +0100 From: "Kevin Cawthorne" Subject: OV: RE: Re: webmaster responsibilities, album title David's comments are fair, but at the end of the day, I'm not just a guy who writes a website. As you state, I am also a fan. Sure, I'm going to have a biased view on the album but that's because I, like so many others, am excited about the prospects of the release, the single, the tour etc etc. Should I suppress that view and not give my opinion? Why is it inappropriate when you are talking about it on a band's mailing list where opinions are what we are here to discuss? I don't want my position with the band to make me any different from anyone else on here, as far as I'm concerned, I'm just a fan who is lucky enough to help promote the band in a special way (you too, Alison?). I love interacting with people and the last thing I would want is that to make my relationship with any other fan any different. If people have grouches, great let's have them! I give just as many! Sure it would be pretty boring if everyone said "yea I like all of their stuff", but that doesn't happen here (Nigel and CTBF for instance, Libby and Stone Cold Sober another). Me too, I actually can't get on with "Food For Songs". Just because I may be closer than most to the band, my number one position is still - I'm a fan. On the website, yes that's a different matter, but on here where I'm talking face to face with people who I consider friends(and not just virtual, a lot of us meet regularly), why not! As I say, David, I do see your point, but I keep the spin doctor stuff to the website and give a neutral opinion there, but on here I'm not Mr Webmaster, I'm Kevin. My perspective is not, and will not be, altered. I hope no-one else thinks so too. Kevin Cawthorne Webmaster - The Official Del Amitri Website UK http://www.delamitri.co.uk > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-oppositeview@smoe.org > [mailto:owner-oppositeview@smoe.org] On Behalf Of David Gilliver > Sent: 03 October 2001 12:32 > To: oppositeview@smoe.org > Subject: OV: Re: webmaster responsibilities, album title > > In a way, I'm in a similar position to Kevin as I run the > website for one of my favourite performers, Australian > singer/songwriter Stephen Cummings. And seeing Kevin state an > opinion on the album unsettles me a little, as I've been > involved in the latest release from Stephen (Skeleton Key, > out this week) and I've had to grapple with how that affects > my relationship with other fans. > > I guess the question is: should someone in my position (or Kevin's > position) comment on an unreleased album? Sure, we're both > fans so we can judge them from that perspective but given our > relationships with the respective artists, is that > appropriate? Has our perspective been altered by our > involvement? Even if it hasn't, is there at least the > perception that it has been altered? > > I've decided that it isn't appropriate for me to comment on > an album before release. If I say I love the album and then > find I'm in the minority, I'll feel that I have less > credibility amongst other fans. I don't want to be perceived > as a parrot-like publicity person, gushing with compliments > and praise. I'm sticking to reporting news and facts prior to > release and then I'll wait for the discussion that will > accompany the album release before I throw my opinion into the ring. > > Maybe I'm being overly paranoid but I just find the question > interesting. Anyone have any thoughts on what they expect > from webmasters? Should we draw lines for ourselves? Do we > have a responsibility to remain as objective as possible? Or > do you not care either way? > > > Can you do me good? You bet it can! > > For the record, I hate the title. It sounds like the title of > a Farrelly Brothers film. > > later! > David > > ===================================================== > DAVID GILLIVER david@lovetown.net > gstring (for the discerning music nut), official > Stephen Cummings site & the Hothouse Flowers fan site > ---> http://gilliver.net <--- > ===================================================== ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 03 Oct 2001 14:07:16 +0200 From: Espen Kvalheim Subject: Re: OV: RE: Re: webmaster responsibilities, album title I'm with Kevin on this one - keep stating your opinions here on OV, and "stay sober" on the wesite. (Still, I'm not sure that makes you "overly paranoid", David!) However, hearing how you can't get on with "food for songs", Kevin, I reserve the right to ignore your opinions. To me, that's a cracking good tune... ;-) /Espen > From: "Kevin Cawthorne" > Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2001 12:59:20 +0100 > To: > Subject: OV: RE: Re: webmaster responsibilities, album title > > David's comments are fair, but at the end of the day, I'm not just a guy > who writes a website. As you state, I am also a fan. > >> >> Maybe I'm being overly paranoid but I just find the question >> interesting. Anyone have any thoughts on what they expect >> from webmasters? Should we draw lines for ourselves? Do we >> have a responsibility to remain as objective as possible? Or >> do you not care either way? ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2001 22:10:59 +1000 (EST) From: David Gilliver Subject: OV: Re: Re: webmaster responsibilities, album title On Wed, 3 Oct 2001, Libby Graham wrote: > I like Webmasters giving us their opinions - because I know our two will > both be honest about their views. Also because they get sneak previews of > things so they can at least let us know that things are progressing. For > example if the whole new album is in the style of Cry To Be Found I'm sure > he would have warned us :-) Okay, another thought: I spent some time in the studio with Stephen and band while they were recording and I was horrified by what they were doing with a song I'd heard the demo for. In my opinion, they were ruining it. I've since heard the final mix of the song and it sounds great, I've no problem with it. If I had reported this to the fans, I would have said "love the demo!" and then later I would have said "I hate what they've done with it!" and now I'll say "I love the song!". The end result may have focussed too much attention on that one song, perhaps unduly influencing opinions of it when it was only ever intended as 'just another song on the album'. I'd hate to think that someone sat down with the album for the first time and their initial opinion of that song was influenced by my outbursts. Or what if the new Dels album sounded like 'Cry to be Found' and Kevin told us so. Would we then avoid the album, until we later discover that what he'd heard was only an experimental mix? As I said, I'm probably being too paranoid. :-) BTW If anyone is curious about what a Stephen Cummings song actually sounds like, there are a few mp3s on lovetown.net. I know a lot of the better respected Australian musicians count themselves as fans so you could do a lot worse... later! David ===================================================== DAVID GILLIVER david@lovetown.net gstring (for the discerning music nut), official Stephen Cummings site & the Hothouse Flowers fan site ---> http://gilliver.net <--- ===================================================== ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2001 13:13:46 +0100 From: Hopping James W Subject: OV: RE: RE: Re: webmaster responsibilities, album title I agree with Kevin on this one. Just because he may get to hear the album tracks before the rest of us, I don't think any of us would take what he may say as fact. The whole point of music is the opinions and emotions that it stimulates within the individual. Kevin isn't a fan of 'Food for songs', I love it. Others love 'Roll to me' I think it is awful etc etc. I can see why people may be wary about putting strong opinions when they are the only person with the full knowledge to do that (ie they have heard the songs), but I for one have definate views about what music I do and don't like, I will listen and judge, rather than the other way around. Jim - -----Original Message----- From: Kevin Cawthorne [mailto:webmaster@delamitri.co.uk] Sent: 03 October 2001 12:59 To: oppositeview@smoe.org Subject: OV: RE: Re: webmaster responsibilities, album title David's comments are fair, but at the end of the day, I'm not just a guy who writes a website. As you state, I am also a fan. Sure, I'm going to have a biased view on the album but that's because I, like so many others, am excited about the prospects of the release, the single, the tour etc etc. Should I suppress that view and not give my opinion? Why is it inappropriate when you are talking about it on a band's mailing list where opinions are what we are here to discuss? I don't want my position with the band to make me any different from anyone else on here, as far as I'm concerned, I'm just a fan who is lucky enough to help promote the band in a special way (you too, Alison?). I love interacting with people and the last thing I would want is that to make my relationship with any other fan any different. If people have grouches, great let's have them! I give just as many! Sure it would be pretty boring if everyone said "yea I like all of their stuff", but that doesn't happen here (Nigel and CTBF for instance, Libby and Stone Cold Sober another). Me too, I actually can't get on with "Food For Songs". Just because I may be closer than most to the band, my number one position is still - I'm a fan. On the website, yes that's a different matter, but on here where I'm talking face to face with people who I consider friends(and not just virtual, a lot of us meet regularly), why not! As I say, David, I do see your point, but I keep the spin doctor stuff to the website and give a neutral opinion there, but on here I'm not Mr Webmaster, I'm Kevin. My perspective is not, and will not be, altered. I hope no-one else thinks so too. Kevin Cawthorne Webmaster - The Official Del Amitri Website UK http://www.delamitri.co.uk > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-oppositeview@smoe.org > [mailto:owner-oppositeview@smoe.org] On Behalf Of David Gilliver > Sent: 03 October 2001 12:32 > To: oppositeview@smoe.org > Subject: OV: Re: webmaster responsibilities, album title > > In a way, I'm in a similar position to Kevin as I run the > website for one of my favourite performers, Australian > singer/songwriter Stephen Cummings. And seeing Kevin state an > opinion on the album unsettles me a little, as I've been > involved in the latest release from Stephen (Skeleton Key, > out this week) and I've had to grapple with how that affects > my relationship with other fans. > > I guess the question is: should someone in my position (or Kevin's > position) comment on an unreleased album? Sure, we're both > fans so we can judge them from that perspective but given our > relationships with the respective artists, is that > appropriate? Has our perspective been altered by our > involvement? Even if it hasn't, is there at least the > perception that it has been altered? > > I've decided that it isn't appropriate for me to comment on > an album before release. If I say I love the album and then > find I'm in the minority, I'll feel that I have less > credibility amongst other fans. I don't want to be perceived > as a parrot-like publicity person, gushing with compliments > and praise. I'm sticking to reporting news and facts prior to > release and then I'll wait for the discussion that will > accompany the album release before I throw my opinion into the ring. > > Maybe I'm being overly paranoid but I just find the question > interesting. Anyone have any thoughts on what they expect > from webmasters? Should we draw lines for ourselves? Do we > have a responsibility to remain as objective as possible? Or > do you not care either way? > > > Can you do me good? You bet it can! > > For the record, I hate the title. It sounds like the title of > a Farrelly Brothers film. > > later! > David > > ===================================================== > DAVID GILLIVER david@lovetown.net > gstring (for the discerning music nut), official > Stephen Cummings site & the Hothouse Flowers fan site > ---> http://gilliver.net <--- > ===================================================== ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2001 13:12:42 +0100 From: "Kevin Cawthorne" Subject: RE: OV: RE: Re: webmaster responsibilities, album title > However, hearing how you can't get on with "food for songs", > Kevin, I reserve the right to ignore your opinions. To me, > that's a cracking good tune... ;-) Maybe I've just heard it too much! Sh*t who's fed up with Twisted because it's been played to death? LOL! Kevin Cawthorne Webmaster - The Official Del Amitri Website UK http://www.delamitri.co.uk > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-oppositeview@smoe.org > [mailto:owner-oppositeview@smoe.org] On Behalf Of Espen Kvalheim > Sent: 03 October 2001 13:07 > To: oppositeview@smoe.org > Subject: Re: OV: RE: Re: webmaster responsibilities, album title > > > I'm with Kevin on this one - keep stating your opinions here > on OV, and "stay sober" on the wesite. (Still, I'm not sure > that makes you "overly paranoid", David!) > > However, hearing how you can't get on with "food for songs", > Kevin, I reserve the right to ignore your opinions. To me, > that's a cracking good tune... ;-) > > /Espen > > > From: "Kevin Cawthorne" > > Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2001 12:59:20 +0100 > > To: > > Subject: OV: RE: Re: webmaster responsibilities, album title > > > > David's comments are fair, but at the end of the day, I'm > not just a > > guy who writes a website. As you state, I am also a fan. > > > >> > >> Maybe I'm being overly paranoid but I just find the question > >> interesting. Anyone have any thoughts on what they expect from > >> webmasters? Should we draw lines for ourselves? Do we have a > >> responsibility to remain as objective as possible? Or do > you not care > >> either way? ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2001 13:20:22 +0100 From: "Kevin Cawthorne" Subject: OV: RE: RE: Re: webmaster responsibilities, album title Exactly, my opinions are down to my tastes of certain songs. David, I hear what you are saying about the hearing tracks pre-recorded and post-recorded - Has anyone heard the "Lucky Guy" Live a year before release compared to the album track? Just make one point though, Any news I do tell you all has come direct from the band or the management, not of that is my opinion :-) *NEWSFLASH* "Justin works at biscuit factory", kidding :-) Kevin Cawthorne Webmaster - The Official Del Amitri Website UK http://www.delamitri.co.uk > -----Original Message----- > From: Hopping James W [mailto:James.Hopping@icl.com] > Sent: 03 October 2001 13:14 > To: 'Kevin Cawthorne'; oppositeview@smoe.org > Subject: RE: RE: Re: webmaster responsibilities, album title > > > I agree with Kevin on this one. Just because he may get to > hear the album tracks before the rest of us, I don't think > any of us would take what he may say as fact. The whole > point of music is the opinions and emotions that it > stimulates within the individual. Kevin isn't a fan of 'Food > for songs', I love it. Others love 'Roll to me' I think it > is awful etc etc. I can see why people may be wary about > putting strong opinions when they are the only person with > the full knowledge to do that (ie they have heard the songs), > but I for one have definate views about what music I do and > don't like, I will listen and judge, rather than the other way around. > > Jim > > -----Original Message----- > From: Kevin Cawthorne [mailto:webmaster@delamitri.co.uk] > Sent: 03 October 2001 12:59 > To: oppositeview@smoe.org > Subject: OV: RE: Re: webmaster responsibilities, album title > > > David's comments are fair, but at the end of the day, I'm not > just a guy who writes a website. As you state, I am also a fan. > > Sure, I'm going to have a biased view on the album but that's > because I, like so many others, am excited about the > prospects of the release, the single, the tour etc etc. > > Should I suppress that view and not give my opinion? Why is > it inappropriate when you are talking about it on a band's > mailing list where opinions are what we are here to discuss? > > I don't want my position with the band to make me any > different from anyone else on here, as far as I'm concerned, > I'm just a fan who is lucky enough to help promote the band > in a special way (you too, Alison?). I love interacting with > people and the last thing I would want is that to make my > relationship with any other fan any different. If people have > grouches, great let's have them! I give just as many! > > Sure it would be pretty boring if everyone said "yea I like > all of their stuff", but that doesn't happen here (Nigel and > CTBF for instance, Libby and Stone Cold Sober another). Me > too, I actually can't get on with "Food For Songs". > > Just because I may be closer than most to the band, my number > one position is still - I'm a fan. On the website, yes that's > a different matter, but on here where I'm talking face to > face with people who I consider friends(and not just virtual, > a lot of us meet regularly), why not! > > As I say, David, I do see your point, but I keep the spin > doctor stuff to the website and give a neutral opinion there, > but on here I'm not Mr Webmaster, I'm Kevin. My perspective > is not, and will not be, altered. I hope no-one else thinks so too. > > Kevin Cawthorne > Webmaster - The Official Del Amitri Website UK > http://www.delamitri.co.uk > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: owner-oppositeview@smoe.org > > [mailto:owner-oppositeview@smoe.org] On Behalf Of David Gilliver > > Sent: 03 October 2001 12:32 > > To: oppositeview@smoe.org > > Subject: OV: Re: webmaster responsibilities, album title > > > > > In a way, I'm in a similar position to Kevin as I run the > > website for one of my favourite performers, Australian > > singer/songwriter Stephen Cummings. And seeing Kevin state an > > opinion on the album unsettles me a little, as I've been > > involved in the latest release from Stephen (Skeleton Key, > > out this week) and I've had to grapple with how that affects > > my relationship with other fans. > > > > I guess the question is: should someone in my position (or Kevin's > > position) comment on an unreleased album? Sure, we're both > > fans so we can judge them from that perspective but given our > > relationships with the respective artists, is that > > appropriate? Has our perspective been altered by our > > involvement? Even if it hasn't, is there at least the > > perception that it has been altered? > > > > I've decided that it isn't appropriate for me to comment on > > an album before release. If I say I love the album and then > > find I'm in the minority, I'll feel that I have less > > credibility amongst other fans. I don't want to be perceived > > as a parrot-like publicity person, gushing with compliments > > and praise. I'm sticking to reporting news and facts prior to > > release and then I'll wait for the discussion that will > > accompany the album release before I throw my opinion into the ring. > > > > Maybe I'm being overly paranoid but I just find the question > > interesting. Anyone have any thoughts on what they expect > > from webmasters? Should we draw lines for ourselves? Do we > > have a responsibility to remain as objective as possible? Or > > do you not care either way? > > > > > Can you do me good? You bet it can! > > > > For the record, I hate the title. It sounds like the title of > > a Farrelly Brothers film. > > > > later! > > David > > > > ===================================================== > > DAVID GILLIVER david@lovetown.net > > gstring (for the discerning music nut), official > > Stephen Cummings site & the Hothouse Flowers fan site > > ---> http://gilliver.net <--- > > ===================================================== ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2001 13:28:28 +0100 From: Hopping James W Subject: OV: RE: Re: Re: webmaster responsibilities, album title With the demo what you are hearing though is a 'process'. Getting from a demoed song to something ready for an album release involves that creative process, and only those directly involved witth it (ie the musicians, producer etc) can really understand that. I would say give opinions on finished songs to avoid paranoia! Jim - -----Original Message----- From: David Gilliver [mailto:david@lovetown.net] Sent: 03 October 2001 13:11 To: oppositeview@smoe.org Subject: OV: Re: Re: webmaster responsibilities, album title On Wed, 3 Oct 2001, Libby Graham wrote: > I like Webmasters giving us their opinions - because I know our two will > both be honest about their views. Also because they get sneak previews of > things so they can at least let us know that things are progressing. For > example if the whole new album is in the style of Cry To Be Found I'm sure > he would have warned us :-) Okay, another thought: I spent some time in the studio with Stephen and band while they were recording and I was horrified by what they were doing with a song I'd heard the demo for. In my opinion, they were ruining it. I've since heard the final mix of the song and it sounds great, I've no problem with it. If I had reported this to the fans, I would have said "love the demo!" and then later I would have said "I hate what they've done with it!" and now I'll say "I love the song!". The end result may have focussed too much attention on that one song, perhaps unduly influencing opinions of it when it was only ever intended as 'just another song on the album'. I'd hate to think that someone sat down with the album for the first time and their initial opinion of that song was influenced by my outbursts. Or what if the new Dels album sounded like 'Cry to be Found' and Kevin told us so. Would we then avoid the album, until we later discover that what he'd heard was only an experimental mix? As I said, I'm probably being too paranoid. :-) BTW If anyone is curious about what a Stephen Cummings song actually sounds like, there are a few mp3s on lovetown.net. I know a lot of the better respected Australian musicians count themselves as fans so you could do a lot worse... later! David ===================================================== DAVID GILLIVER david@lovetown.net gstring (for the discerning music nut), official Stephen Cummings site & the Hothouse Flowers fan site ---> http://gilliver.net <--- ===================================================== ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2001 15:22:21 -0700 (PDT) From: Debbie Cushing Subject: Re: OV: RE: Re: webmaster responsibilities, album title I agree with you Kevin. I never see you with your "Webmaster hat" on in here. I just see you as a fellow fan...an extremely LUCKY fellow fan that has a sneak preview. :-) On the other hand, I have seen people like David alludes to...smarmy little people who claim to like everything that comes down the pike just to keep the band in record sales and to help keep their little jobs. Thank God none of the people I've dealt with in the Del Amitri camp are like that. :-) have a happy day, debbie - --- Kevin Cawthorne wrote: > David's comments are fair, but at the end of the > day, I'm not just a guy > who writes a website. As you state, I am also a fan. > > Sure, I'm going to have a biased view on the album > but that's because I, > like so many others, am excited about the prospects > of the release, the > single, the tour etc etc. > > Should I suppress that view and not give my opinion? > Why is it > inappropriate when you are talking about it on a > band's mailing list > where opinions are what we are here to discuss? > > I don't want my position with the band to make me > any different from > anyone else on here, as far as I'm concerned, I'm > just a fan who is > lucky enough to help promote the band in a special > way (you too, > Alison?). I love interacting with people and the > last thing I would want > is that to make my relationship with any other fan > any different. If > people have grouches, great let's have them! I give > just as many! > > Sure it would be pretty boring if everyone said "yea > I like all of their > stuff", but that doesn't happen here (Nigel and CTBF > for instance, Libby > and Stone Cold Sober another). Me too, I actually > can't get on with > "Food For Songs". > > Just because I may be closer than most to the band, > my number one > position is still - I'm a fan. On the website, yes > that's a different > matter, but on here where I'm talking face to face > with people who I > consider friends(and not just virtual, a lot of us > meet regularly), why > not! > > As I say, David, I do see your point, but I keep the > spin doctor stuff > to the website and give a neutral opinion there, but > on here I'm not Mr > Webmaster, I'm Kevin. My perspective is not, and > will not be, altered. I > hope no-one else thinks so too. > > Kevin Cawthorne > Webmaster - The Official Del Amitri Website UK > http://www.delamitri.co.uk > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: owner-oppositeview@smoe.org > > [mailto:owner-oppositeview@smoe.org] On Behalf Of > David Gilliver > > Sent: 03 October 2001 12:32 > > To: oppositeview@smoe.org > > Subject: OV: Re: webmaster responsibilities, album > title > > > > > In a way, I'm in a similar position to Kevin as I > run the > > website for one of my favourite performers, > Australian > > singer/songwriter Stephen Cummings. And seeing > Kevin state an > > opinion on the album unsettles me a little, as > I've been > > involved in the latest release from Stephen > (Skeleton Key, > > out this week) and I've had to grapple with how > that affects > > my relationship with other fans. > > > > I guess the question is: should someone in my > position (or Kevin's > > position) comment on an unreleased album? Sure, > we're both > > fans so we can judge them from that perspective > but given our > > relationships with the respective artists, is that > > > appropriate? Has our perspective been altered by > our > > involvement? Even if it hasn't, is there at least > the > > perception that it has been altered? > > > > I've decided that it isn't appropriate for me to > comment on > > an album before release. If I say I love the album > and then > > find I'm in the minority, I'll feel that I have > less > > credibility amongst other fans. I don't want to be > perceived > > as a parrot-like publicity person, gushing with > compliments > > and praise. I'm sticking to reporting news and > facts prior to > > release and then I'll wait for the discussion that > will > > accompany the album release before I throw my > opinion into the ring. > > > > Maybe I'm being overly paranoid but I just find > the question > > interesting. Anyone have any thoughts on what they > expect > > from webmasters? Should we draw lines for > ourselves? Do we > > have a responsibility to remain as objective as > possible? Or > > do you not care either way? > > > > > Can you do me good? You bet it can! > > > > For the record, I hate the title. It sounds like > the title of > > a Farrelly Brothers film. > > > > later! > > David > > > > > ===================================================== > > DAVID GILLIVER david@lovetown.net > > gstring (for the discerning music nut), official > > Stephen Cummings site & the Hothouse Flowers fan > site > > ---> http://gilliver.net <--- > > ===================================================== NEW from Yahoo! GeoCities - quick and easy web site hosting, just $8.95/month. http://geocities.yahoo.com/ps/info1 ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2001 23:32:53 +0100 From: "Jane Armstrong" Subject: Re: OV: RE: Re: webmaster responsibilities, album title I think often the band are happy to hang around with people like Kevin and myself because we *don't* smarm up to them. Many's the time I've seen Kevin cringe when I've said something to Iain or Mark like "I thought some of your videos were absolute crap!" or "You cocked such and such a solo up". Luckily they doesn't take offence, and still talk to us! If we were sycophantic all the time they would have sent us packing years ago. (Kev would cringe because I used to be there as his guest - so if I upset them it'd reflect on him!!) Obviously Kev has to take the party line on the website - but on OV he'll always say what he thinks. The reason he sounds so enthusiatic about the album is because that's how he feels - and the way he is :-) Jane ------------------------------ End of oppositeview-digest V3 #244 **********************************