With all due respect, I think you’re a bit narrow in your view that “thread bashing” is somehow related to negative criticism. Maybe we should stop using colloquial terms like “bashing” and use more specific nomenclature. Words matter. If you enjoy “negative” movies then you shouldn’t have a problem with people discussing their negative opinions about things they feel negative about. It’s pretty simple.
Larry Coryell once wrote to me, "with all due respect." From him, that was quite the compliment. But that was Larry, ya know?
I think people might have overlooked a very simple reason: music lovers are moodier or more depressive than typical music listeners
Yes..some seem to delight in getting in first with the " this has been done before " comment. Irritating as a mosquito buzzing your ear. Rude too. And ignorant. What if it was indeed 'done before"? It's being done again and will no doubt be done again. I challenge anyone to come up with a truly 'new' topic for discussion. And I don' t mean something like 'album covers that have rabid dogs chasing rabbits on the cover '
I 100% agree. I'm not talking about bad masterings to avoid, things like that. That, to me, is just plain useful info. My problem is with posts/threads like the ones where people pick the worst song on an album, or the worst album by a band. I don't have time for that. I like thinking about the good things a band has done. Oh yeah, the weakest link threads. Don't understand those at all. Let me expend valuable brain power thinking about the worst song on an album. No thank you. I have better things to do. Maybe it's a glass half full, half empty thing. I tend to be more optimistic about life in general, so I focus on the good aspects of the artists/bands I listen to, not the negative. I don't agree with this at all. I've been playing guitar for over 30 years, been in bands throughout my life, have tons of CDs, albums, etc. Moodier and depressive? Nope. I will say that I'm more emotional about the music that I like in a positive way.
Couldn’t agree more. Never understood the point of the “weakest link” concept. That said, I have to confess to once starting an “Abbey Road – Least favourite track” poll, mainly to find out if “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” really was the song everyone disliked more than any other. It was interesting to see that it only got 35% of the vote. Negative as that poll is, it was also fascinating how it revealed the LEAST disliked song to be “You Never Give Me Your Money” (0% of the votes). Yet that song seems highly unlikely to win a “favourite-track” poll. So, in other words, framing a question negatively proved to be rather insightful.
Some would say this brings up conversations, but after being on this forum for awhile, that gets old quick. Need some optimism to start my morning.
I am convinced that some users see this website as a vehicle by which to speak dismissively of bands and artists that they don’t like.
In defining one's own tastes, what one doesn't like in music is every bit as important as what one does like in music. As such the passion (or whatever drives one to listen to music) can be no less marked for things one doesn't like than for things one does like. I would expect this to be more acute in musicians (who have an active interest in defining and refining their own musicianship and style), but many non musicians can be just as intense with it. However, one doesn't listen to music for the negatives.
To speak about what's good without speaking about what's not, in someone's opinion (it's all opinion) is impossible if a good, vibrant discourse and debate is to ensue. We should not be fearful or dissuade negative opinions as long as they're made with a substantial basis in fact or a "backed-up", explained opinion by the individual making the argument. Negativity however should not be used as a tool to humiliate or "one better", or shout louder then anyone or any opinion... what's the point of that? I believe it's to an extent a generational issue... thinking a dissenting opinion is harmful, impolite or insulting. I think it's just rubbish; again, as long as it's done in a respectful informative manner. Bring it on! I welcome it; I want to learn something. Show me a different point of view and I'll forever be your debt for expanding my understanding. I don't even have to agree. ...and here's why I don't agree... Long live critical thinking and free expression.
It's ALL useful if there's some basis in fact or valid thought-out thoughtful opinion and it's articulated well.
I'm not sure "they" actually "like" it... I believe it's often a maneuver to mask a lack of something... maybe knowledge or genuine opinion; confidence in an opinion and a need to be heard. Or possibly a fear of some sort of understanding another point of view which differs from that which one is comfortable in. I can understand it being difficult for one to admit they don't have all the answers. Holy crap... that sounds like a bunch of 101 psych pablum. Blahbity - Blahbity - Blahbity - Blah. What the hell do I know anyway. Please pass the joint brother.