Everyone who has honored me by reading my little blog knows that I rarely get involved with the crosstalk found therein. People’s opinions are their own and and that’s that. All this being said, the vitriolic banter has really gotten over the top. Because of the way the WordPress program works every comment appears in my email inbox. Having to cull through these negative entries over my morning coffee is not the way I like to start my day. I have never editorialized about off topic entries. I really don’t care about that. What I do care about is name calling and character assassination. I don’t care whose fault it is or who starts these vitriolic threads. It is true the G_d didn’t put any of us here to be a doormat. That said, This has really gotten totally ridiculous. I first started writing my online journal almost twenty years ago. The term ‘blog’ wasn’t even a word yet. I never allowed comments back then because my writing space was for me, not you. When we moved over to the Cracks In The Finish site I decided to have a comments section to see what would happen. For many years whether or not I agreed with poster’s opinions, it was all entertaining. It is not entertaining any more. I do not want to and will not discuss this. We live in a mannerless society these days. If any of you want to indulge in name calling and general nastiness take it to the media or some political discussion site. Share your opinions, agree or disagree with me and others as you see fit but try to do it with some class. If someone’s presence offends you, you don’t have to respond to them. The kids in my daughter’s middle school would not be allowed to act like this. As I’m sure you know, having a hosted site is not free. I’m paying to sift through these diatribes…
Remember, it’s not whose right… it’s who’s left.
As my Mom used to say, ‘A word to the wise is sufficient.’
So perfectly said in a world where people no longer care how hurtful words can be. Peace & love always
One more thought:
Flipping the Golden Rule can be a good way to live, too: DON’T do unto other what you DON’T want them to do unto you.
🙂
Right on Capt
Thank you, Jorma.
I’m not a Christian, but I think if everyone took about an hour-plus of their lives and listened to every Blind Willie Johnson recording the world would be a better place.
As a wise and humble old sage once said, ‘practice the restraint of pen and tongue’.
Sometimes difficult but not impossible
Damn it, I know I’m one of the off track offenders, but…
You’re poignant observation that “we live in a manner less society these days” is so true.
I wrote a lengthy article on “a chance glance,” that occurred after one of my daughters volleyball tournaments. I was fuming because the coach had benched her, and all of George Carlin’s 7 words you can’t say on TV were permeating my thought process.
I was going to give the coach an unsolicited piece of my mind, and I remember my daughter saying “No dad, you can’t say anything for 24 hours.” As we went home, we stopped at a shopping mall to drop off some shoes my wife wanted us to return.
I was still steaming, and sent my daughter in to return them. She nervously came out with the bag and said someone with a drivers license had to do it. Highly aggravated, I found a parking spot, and stomped towards the doors. I was about to rush through the doors, when I spotted a Muslim women with the hijab on.
I collected myself and politely opened the door for her waiting for her to pass. (pretty much something my dad taught us to do as kids I guess) As I did, she gave me the most beautiful smile – one of those smiles that emanate from depths of our shared humanity. Instantly, all my wrath subsided.
Oddly, it was the same night that our brave forces took out Osama Bin Laden. After receiving the smile earlier in the day, I just couldn’t take as much delight in that event as I might have 6 hours earlier.
The moral of the story is, always open the door for the ladies – you no doubt will see a smile.
Amen, and well stated.
(I am sorry that you had to remind folks how to “behave” online.)
I look forward to seeing you and Jack at the Birchmere in Alexandria in December. -AEG
“life is change”. With the discovery of music, all the better.
After spending a recent rainy day with my friends’ teens, with them unplugged from their devices, watching television:
They enjoyed a commercial featuring a 1960’s song snippet.
Were surprised that they liked it, as it wasn’t self-selected by them.
So it will be for an ad with J.A. music.
Well said; for me its just about the music: After 47 years of shows, every one is still special, “life is change”, I heard this somewhere, any chance of a show close by, now that I live in NE PA its harder to make road trips or get go NY, but hope springs eternal… Donna and I are now involved with Foster Care and helping kids now seems our best destiny- Keep on flying and keep on playing and thanks
Come here for Jorma’s blog-post and the photos, stay for a free discussion with
the comment-poster(s) of your choice.
Jorma
Will your book perhaps have some photos that many have not seen before? If yes it must have been an interesting process to make those selections.
good luck with the release!!
For anyone who does not believe Jorma listens to us let me tell you. When I posted my sorrows 4 years ago about my sons passing of an overdose Jorma sent me the most kind and thoughtful email. So he is listening and lets keep it human.. Enough said..
You guys should know we’re lucky to be here…No need to leave a lump on Jorma’s rug when we’re guests…
Ride the music…
Thanks for that, thanks for everything through the years. Bless You!
I’m with you
Thank you, sir. I am in 100% concurrence with the above comments. Always look forward to your musings.
Here here , “a word to the wise is sufficient”
Thanks for hosting this website , and I’m concurrent . Let’s support the positive spirit in which it was intended.
The world is too much with us.
Looking forward to Tuna fall &winter .
Even giving some thought to the Jamaica excursion , it would be our 6th.
I have checked your blog several times a week since the St Francisville workshop in 2000. Now I am in 2 bands and doing solo gigs on a regular basis.
Keep it going, Capt.
Thank you Jorma !! I love this blog and enjoy hearing and seeing whats going on with you as you are my musical hero .I hope that this drama goes away because i dont want to lose this little connection i enjoy having here with you .Peace always !
Thanks Jorma….this should be a respectful, safe place. Sorry I stepped into it.
we can all agree to disagree without personal attacks. My motto on online discussions.
‘Nuf said!