The Validity of Suggestions

[George]

For you perhaps; not for me.

My reason for starting this thread is that all the fighting, bickering and arguing that goes on here is often based on the belief that one's ideas are not subjective. Rather than participate in these daily fights, I am trying to do something constructive by raising awareness about this subjectivity. Over the last year, I have read many complaints and received emails about the level of bickering/arguing on this site. People have left or hardly ever visit anymore because of it. To me, when this fighting occurs on many threads, people read it and are affected by what they read, therefore it affects all of us. 

[Don]

And the bottom line is that even someone who has given you "faultless" advice in the past, or whose recommendations you have enjoyed 100% of the time, can point you to something that, for whatever reason, just falls flat for you.  And that's OK, too.

--Bruce

Agreed.  Some folks get very mad at reviewer when they buy based on the review's recommendations and don't enjoy the recording.  They seem to think that the reviewer is their clone.

[George]

I feel pressure when someone asks me what I think of a recording. I still feel like a beginner in the classical world even though I've been listening to it off and on for decades now.

Yeah, but saying it's great, I enjoy it. Or I don't like it so much could still help the person who logged on today for the first time.

[MN Dave]

My reason for starting this thread is that all the fighting, bickering and arguing that goes on here is often based on the belief that one's ideas are not subjective. Rather than participate in these daily fights, I am trying to do something constructive by raising awareness about this subjectivity. Over the last year, I have read many complaints and received emails about the level of bickering/arguing on this site. People have left or hardly ever visit anymore because of it. To me, when this fighting occurs on many threads, people read it and are affected by what they read, therefore it affects all of us. 

Yes, the moderation could be a little more assertive IMO. Not that I'd want to regulate free speech, but I do smell some trolls about.

[MN Dave]

Yeah, but saying it's great, I enjoy it. Or I don't like it so much could still help the person who logged on today for the first time.

Really? I guess a newbie wouldn't mind but hardcore GMGers frown on such responses.

[George]

What is the use of this forum as if not giving suggestions based on what you hear George?
That at least must be possible right?
But wether someone agrees with you, well that remains to be seen, or rather heard...

If we can do so in a respectful, civilized way, then sure, suggestions are fine. Unfortunately, they may not be enjoyed by the receiver or they can (and do) lead to arguments and fights.   

[Harry]

Agreed - everything is subjective. It's just that not everyone seems to be aware of that concept.

I will go even further, all is subjective.....

[Great Gable]

I feel pressure when someone asks me what I think of a recording. I still feel like a beginner in the classical world even though I've been listening to it off and on for decades now.

I feel the same - although the complete absence of any musical training does limit my perceptions. What could I say about a piece other than "I like it" or "I don't like it"?

[MN Dave]

I feel the same - although the complete absence of any musical training does limit my perceptions. What could I say about a piece other than "I like it" or "I don't like it"?

Precisely.

[Harry]

If we can do so in a respectful, civilized way, then sure, suggestions are fine. Unfortunately, they may not be enjoyed by the receiver or they can (and do) lead to arguments and fights.   

Also true, but boy am I glad you like the Vivaldi.......
So no fight about that huh?

[Mark]

One of the things for which I thank M Forever is that, through 'Mystery Orchestra', he includes clips which enable some kind of comparative listening to take place. I think more clips need to be included with posts on this site (hey, we have the facility now, right?). After all, the best guide for each of us is our own ears. This would also make it easier for non-technical types like myself to illustrate what we mean when we would otherwise find ourselves reaching for the most flowery or arcane or just downright inappropriate language to describe our reactions to the music we love.

[Don]

My reason for starting this thread is that all the fighting, bickering and arguing that goes on here is often based on the belief that one's ideas are not subjective. Rather than participate in these daily fights, I am trying to do something constructive by raising awareness about this subjectivity. Over the last year, I have read many complaints and received emails about the level of bickering/arguing on this site. People have left or hardly ever visit anymore because of it. To me, when this fighting occurs on many threads, people read it and are affected by what they read, therefore it affects all of us. 

You see the bickering as a problem; I see it as expected and natural.

As for your trying to do something constructive about it, I applaud your intent.  However, I don't think the results will amount to much.

[Great Gable]

Yes, the moderation could be a little more assertive IMO. Not that I'd want to regulate free speech, but I do smell some trolls about.

I'm sorry to say I agree with this. Too many times people are getting away with some appalling behaviour.

[MN Dave]

Also true, but boy am I glad you like the Vivaldi.......
So no fight about that huh?

Who doesn't like Vivaldi?! Let me at 'em!!!  

[George]

Really? I guess a newbie wouldn't mind but hardcore GMGers frown on such responses.

I guess I'm not hardcore. 

Seriously, some of us may want more than that, but ultimately, shouldn't we respect where you are in your process?

[George]

I feel the same - although the complete absence of any musical training does limit my perceptions. What could I say about a piece other than "I like it" or "I don't like it"?

Why isn't that enough? 

[George]

Also true, but boy am I glad you like the Vivaldi.......
So no fight about that huh?

[Great Gable]

Who doesn't like Vivaldi?! Let me at 'em!!!  

Hey, it's not even that people tend to dislike Vivaldi - it's far worse than that. They think he's bland! Errkh!

[Don]

I feel the same - although the complete absence of any musical training does limit my perceptions. What could I say about a piece other than "I like it" or "I don't like it"?

You could talk about tempo, rounded vs. sharp contours, repeats, sound type and quality, and a host of other significant features.

[Great Gable]

Why isn't that enough? 

Not much of a review is it? Succinct though - which is laudable.