The Vacuum that was Lord Valve…
Question:
Up to this point, I have avoided a single comment in any thread about the disappearance of LV from this group. But now I feel like making a few comments and recommendations on the subject. (I’ve joked about talking behind the back of folks that have net-suided themselves here, and feel they (and LV) are fair game once they choose to ditch the group. At least he went out silently, and likely didn’t let the "door hit him in the ass" on his way out. That is as it should be in his case, and I’d probably do the same. I was always one to slip out the side door while the party was still in progress. No big scene or goodbye, just slip into the darkness and leave them wondering. As usual, my views are as likely to offend folks on either side of the fence. I’m inclined to ramble in no particular order: One of the first things that occurred to me when it became apparent that LV had seemed to vanish from AGA, was: "Who is going to keep the advise and advisers around here honest? Especially the not-so-keen techs and novice / armature troubleshooters and builders." In my few years on AGA, I recognized that role as one of LV’s primary functions. He did an excellent job of recognizing poor or dangerous advise, and wasn’t shy about letting everyone know about it. Sometimes in his own gruff and even unkind way, but potentially dangerous advice shouldn’t be well tolerated IMO. That service was for the betterment of all here, and I for one think we’ve all lost a good bit from the lack of it. Though many others often extolled the great amount of free guidance that LV doled out to novice techs and newbs; honestly I didn’t think his S/N ratio was very good overall. Especially in the last year or two. Sure, he knows his shit, and that’s easy to tell, but for a long time now he spent *far* more time stirring crap and defending some of his trollish, opinionated political posts than being of any help to others. For myself, I never begrudged him his sigfile announcing products for sale. He was honest and up front about it, and I never got the feeling that he was skewing his advice to sell a more profitable product over one which met the needs of his clients. Any really good business person knows that good service and advice equates to repeat customers and increased sales. Selling over priced crap is a certain formula for failure. "Polished Turd" dogma be damned, in my few buys from him, I was very satisfied with his recommendations, product and speedy service. As for his antagonistic posts towards adversaries; I often viewed him as an obnoxious child throwing pebbles into the monkey cage at the zoo. Of course the "baboon squad" is going to throw dung at him, or anyone that behaves as such. Shit is what they have for ammo, so that’s what they throw. However, IMO he often carried things a bit farther than reasonable when goading and needling people. Some of whom were more deserving than others of criticism. In more than one case, well known amp designers / builders confided in me that they were fearful of expressing some of their unproven theory; because they felt that Willie might attack them, and try to make whipping boys out of them, as he had already done to at least one pet punching bag. In that way, I know for a fact that his technical *opinions* stifled the free exchange of ideas on the group. Here’s one thought that has popped up a couple of times: Besides his decent to mediocre performance with the DT band, that is all I ever got to hear of his much bragged about "monster" playing. He promised more than once to eventually drop some examples of his key stroking chops on us, and I for one feel cheated that he skipped out of AGA without ever making good on his word. Especially in light of his slurs of other folks playing. Some of his "shoe salesman" "seal bark" and such comments, while not altogether unwarranted, were at the very least tacky and tasteless. For him to slink away without ever giving those folks a chance to even the score by critiquing his playing was, in a word ‘chickenshit’ IMO. Though I have to admit that I’ll miss regular doses of his razor sharp wit cutting some brash newb to ribbons, and there is no doubt that he gave me many a good laugh, usually at some knuckle head’s expense; I’m also glad that he never "picked on" me more than a few very minor cuts. In summation of my little rant about Willie and his Jive: While I’ll miss him, to a degree, I’m also anxious to see what AGA can make of itself in his absence. One thing for sure: it is time for the folks that always said "If Willie didn’t do this… I wouldn’t do that" to put up or shut the fuck up. It also reminds me of an old saying: Be careful what you wish for, you might get it. Perhaps we can now attract some new, or former "expert" posters that supposedly have avoided AGA specifically because of LV’s "supreme commander of aga" bullshit. (Or whatever their excuse was). In the spirit of the new year, and hoping that this year is better than previous, I wish *every* one remaining in this group all the best, and hope we can move ahead with good will towards one another. It would be nice to dispel AGA’s usenet reputation as a shithole of trolls and constant political bickering. Here’s to making *our* place a better place to post and communicate with folks who share common pleasures!!! Regards, and a Happy New Year to ALL!!! John King
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Up to this point, I have avoided a single comment in any thread > about the disappearance of LV from this group. But now I feel > like making a few comments and recommendations on the subject. > (I’ve joked about talking behind the back of folks that have > net-suided themselves here, and feel they (and LV) are fair game > once they choose to ditch the group. At least he went out silently, > and likely didn’t let the "door hit him in the ass" on his way out. > That is as it should be in his case, and I’d probably do the same. > I was always one to slip out the side door while the party was > still in progress. No big scene or goodbye, just slip into the > darkness and leave them wondering. > As usual, my views are as likely to offend folks on either side > of the fence. I’m inclined to ramble in no particular order: > One of the first things that occurred to me when it became apparent > that LV had seemed to vanish from AGA, was: "Who is going to keep the > advise and advisers around here honest? Especially the not-so-keen > techs and novice / armature troubleshooters and builders."
Who..?? The answer… nobody. Unless a new tech shows up. > In my few years on AGA, I recognized that role as one of LV’s primary > functions. He did an excellent job of recognizing poor or dangerous > advise, and wasn’t shy about letting everyone know about it. Sometimes > in his own gruff and even unkind way, but potentially dangerous advice > shouldn’t be well tolerated IMO. That service was for the betterment > of all here, and I for one think we’ve all lost a good bit from the > lack of it.
That’s how Elmis found his place as the "AGA Village Idiot". It was years ago, and it was amazingly embarrassing for Blum, who promptly melted a couple of his last remaining brain cells and went totally whack-o after that, into sock-farm land, ranting that he HAD to be heard… understood… etc. > Though many others often extolled the great amount of free guidance > that LV doled out to novice techs and newbs; honestly I didn’t think > his S/N ratio was very good overall. Especially in the last year or > two. Sure, he knows his shit, and that’s easy to tell, but for a long > time now he spent *far* more time stirring crap and defending some of > his trollish, opinionated political posts than being of any help to > others.
IMHO, he responded to what was posted.. as more and more OT posts appeared… he responded in kind. But AFAIK he *never* missed helping someone who genuinely needed help. And as you’ve said, didn’t miss pointing out incorrect or dangerous advice. His S/N went up as the general S/N went up. > For myself, I never begrudged him his sigfile announcing products > for sale. He was honest and up front about it, and I never got the > feeling that he was skewing his advice to sell a more profitable > product over one which met the needs of his clients. Any really good > business person knows that good service and advice equates to repeat > customers and increased sales. Selling over priced crap is a certain > formula for failure. "Polished Turd" dogma be damned, in my few buys > from him, I was very satisfied with his recommendations, product and > speedy service.
Sometimes it’s refreshing to find a "salesman" who sells you what you *really need* and not what you *think you might want*. Who needs someone trying to persuade them to buy that Lamborghini to commute to work…??? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> As for his antagonistic posts towards adversaries; I often viewed him > as an obnoxious child throwing pebbles into the monkey cage at the zoo. > Of course the "baboon squad" is going to throw dung at him, or anyone > that behaves as such. Shit is what they have for ammo, so that’s what > they throw. However, IMO he often carried things a bit farther than > reasonable when goading and needling people. Some of whom were more > deserving than others of criticism. > In more than one case, well known amp designers / builders confided > in me that they were fearful of expressing some of their unproven > theory; because they felt that Willie might attack them, and try to > make whipping boys out of them, as he had already done to at least > one pet punching bag. In that way, I know for a fact that his technical > *opinions* stifled the free exchange of ideas on the group. > Here’s one thought that has popped up a couple of times: Besides his > decent to mediocre performance with the DT band, that is all I ever got > to hear of his much bragged about "monster" playing. He promised more > than once to eventually drop some examples of his key stroking chops > on us, and I for one feel cheated that he skipped out of AGA without > ever making good on his word. Especially in light of his slurs of other > folks playing. Some of his "shoe salesman" "seal bark" and such > comments, while not altogether unwarranted, were at the very least tacky > and tasteless. For him to slink away without ever giving those folks > a chance to even the score by critiquing his playing was, in a word > ‘chickenshit’ IMO.
Here’s my view… we all have our opinions about others playing ability and stuff. He’s entitled to his. As for LVs playing ability..?? He’s been wood-shedding for a year (or more). I heard him play on an old Hammond in his shop over a year ago and he had chops THEN… I heard his new rig (K-I-L-L-E-R) a couple weeks ago. Folks, I was in a band with a B-3 player for years, and I became a big fan of Hammond players. IMMHO, LV has superb chops… and a KILLER rig to go along with it. Heres a hint for you John… don’t be supprised if you DO hear some of playing soon enough. > Though I have to admit that I’ll miss regular doses of his razor > sharp wit cutting some brash newb to ribbons, and there is no doubt > that he gave me many a good laugh, usually at some knuckle head’s > expense; I’m also glad that he never "picked on" me more than a few > very minor cuts. > In summation of my little rant about Willie and his Jive: While I’ll > miss him, to a degree, I’m also anxious to see what AGA can make of > itself in his absence.
Keep your fingers crossed, AGA will need all the help it can get… I’m not optimistic. > One thing for sure: it is time for the folks that always said "If > Willie didn’t do this… I wouldn’t do that" to put up or shut the > fuck up. It also reminds me of an old saying: Be careful what you > wish for, you might get it.
IMO it’s wishfull thinking… won’t happen. We’ll see. > Perhaps we can now attract some new, or former "expert" posters that > supposedly have avoided AGA specifically because of LV’s "supreme > commander of aga" bullshit. (Or whatever their excuse was).
Let’s hope. > In the spirit of the new year, and hoping that this year is better > than previous, I wish *every* one remaining in this group all the > best, and hope we can move ahead with good will towards one another. > It would be nice to dispel AGA’s usenet reputation as a shithole of > trolls and constant political bickering. Here’s to making *our* place > a better place to post and communicate with folks who share common > pleasures!!! > Regards, and a Happy New Year to ALL!!!
Same to you . . . ! ! ! ! ! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> John King
Response:
> Up to this point, I have avoided a single comment in any thread about the > disappearance of LV from this group. But now I feel like making a few comments and > recommendations on the subject.
Mucho snippage… I gave up posting three years ago for similar reasons. I have ‘alternative ideas’ in design. I make a good living from those ideas. They work, because people buy my products and use them widely (not intended as an ad, m’ Lord). But, "unless it’s ‘toob’ it’s crap" reined here far too much, which stifled new ideas. So I quit posting. But if people have an open mind to fresh ideas and truth… I’ll stick around. I listen with my ears – not my eyes. Motivate me by saying something can’t be done! — Stewart Ward www.Award-Session.com
Response:
> In my few years on AGA, I recognized that role as one of LV’s primary > functions. He did an excellent job of recognizing poor or dangerous > advise, and wasn’t shy about letting everyone know about it. Sometimes > in his own gruff and even unkind way, but potentially dangerous advice > shouldn’t be well tolerated IMO. That service was for the betterment
If you consider being belligerent, overbearing, condescending & arrogrant good qualities, then I agree LV is your man. Just his name, "Lord" should tell you something about the guy. There were times when he was OK but very few IMO. LV went over the top for me, when he threatened a few people here with violence. That’s when I reported him to the FBI (and then he taunted me by actually providing the link to where you do the report). > As for his antagonistic posts towards adversaries; I often viewed him > as an obnoxious child throwing pebbles into the monkey cage at the zoo. > Of course the "baboon squad" is going to throw dung at him, or anyone > that behaves as such. Shit is what they have for ammo, so that’s what > they throw. However, IMO he often carried things a bit farther than > reasonable when goading and needling people. Some of whom were more > deserving than others of criticism.
I consider it anti-social behavior. It’s really easy to say what you want in an email or on these threads if you don’t have to look the person in the eye. Socialable, balanced people don’t do throw crap around like LV did. Now having said that, I started throwing his crap right back at him because I got tired of his bullshit. > ever making good on his word. Especially in light of his slurs of other > folks playing. Some of his "shoe salesman" "seal bark" and such > comments, while not altogether unwarranted, were at the very least tacky > and tasteless.
Listen I was the target of the shoe salesman stufff & it was unwarranted. I’m a respected musician where I live & I talking my music seriously & professionally. LV attacked me on a personal level because of my political views and because he didn’t like my original music. That’s OK but you don’t attack someone personally. > Though I have to admit that I’ll miss regular doses of his razor > sharp wit cutting some brash newb to ribbons, and there is no doubt > that he gave me many a good laugh, usually at some knuckle head’s > expense; I’m also glad that he never "picked on" me more than a few > very minor cuts.
Now I actually liked LV’s sense of humour when it wasn’t in the gutter. IMO LV left this forum because he didn’t like being challenged or questioned by someone he knew was he equal: Rich. He’s in immature, anti-social guy but like you, I think he should come back because he was a resouce here, in a perverse sort of way. Mr Soul http://www.MusicIsLove.com
Response:
> Up to this point, I have avoided a single comment in any thread > about the disappearance of LV from this group. But now I feel > like making a few comments and recommendations on the subject.
[snip] You sum it up pretty well, hard to argue with most of what you say. Those who hate LV will try to blame their own idiot behavior on him, those who cut him too much slack will overlook his own idiocy, the truth seems to be somewhere in between. It’s a damn shame such a valuable resource is missing, but as you point out, his s/n ration was pretty lousy most of the time anyway, and he seemed to like it that way.
Response:
vacuums are unnatural, the law of physics will prevail.
Response:
courageously avow: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> In my few years on AGA, I recognized that role as one of LV’s primary > functions. He did an excellent job of recognizing poor or dangerous > advise, and wasn’t shy about letting everyone know about it. Sometimes > in his own gruff and even unkind way, but potentially dangerous advice > shouldn’t be well tolerated IMO. That service was for the betterment >If you consider being belligerent, overbearing, condescending & >arrogrant good qualities, then I agree LV is your man. Just his name, >"Lord" should tell you something about the guy. >There were times when he was OK but very few IMO. LV went over the top >for me, when he threatened a few people here with violence. That’s >when I reported him to the FBI (and then he taunted me by actually >providing the link to where you do the report). > As for his antagonistic posts towards adversaries; I often viewed him > as an obnoxious child throwing pebbles into the monkey cage at the zoo. > Of course the "baboon squad" is going to throw dung at him, or anyone > that behaves as such. Shit is what they have for ammo, so that’s what > they throw. However, IMO he often carried things a bit farther than > reasonable when goading and needling people. Some of whom were more > deserving than others of criticism. >I consider it anti-social behavior. It’s really easy to say what you >want in an email or on these threads if you don’t have to look the >person in the eye. Socialable, balanced people don’t do throw crap >around like LV did. Now having said that, I started throwing his crap >right back at him because I got tired of his bullshit. > ever making good on his word. Especially in light of his slurs of other > folks playing. Some of his "shoe salesman" "seal bark" and such > comments, while not altogether unwarranted, were at the very least tacky > and tasteless. >Listen I was the target of the shoe salesman stufff & it was >unwarranted. I’m a respected musician where I live & I talking my >music seriously & professionally. LV attacked me on a personal level >because of my political views and because he didn’t like my original >music. That’s OK but you don’t attack someone personally. > Though I have to admit that I’ll miss regular doses of his razor > sharp wit cutting some brash newb to ribbons, and there is no doubt > that he gave me many a good laugh, usually at some knuckle head’s > expense; I’m also glad that he never "picked on" me more than a few > very minor cuts. >Now I actually liked LV’s sense of humour when it wasn’t in the gutter. >IMO LV left this forum because he didn’t like being challenged or >questioned by someone he knew was he equal: Rich. He’s in immature, >anti-social guy but like you, I think he should come back because he >was a resouce here, in a perverse sort of way. >Mr Soul >http://www.MusicIsLove.com
To me I think LV’s demise is good riddance to bad rubbish. Willing to help? Bullshit. It’s his unwillingness, amongst others, to lift a finger to keyboard while yet spending an egregious amount of time posting political crap that got me started standing up to him. I only hope my personally contacting some of his alleged endorsers led to some of his impetus for leaving. Ken Wilson Proud Owner of Lord Valve, PMG, John Wheaton, Claude Lucas, Doktor Freud, Freep the Xenophobe, Chuck, pseudobacker, Max Floater and the rest of the Union of Rightwing Idiots Needing Explanations (URINE) and, at his own request, Lars Overshank (aka ‘The Cowardly Lion’) Supporting the Troops at http://www.resisters.ca http://www.criticalhistory.com/
Response:
My, what shameless ass sucking. The things *some* people will do to save a dollar or two. Lard Valve NEVER offered anything that couldn’t have been found with a simple google on the subject at hand. The simple fact is that Rich K. kicked his fat, useless, draft dodging ass right off of the net. End of story. You’re going to have to find another anus to slurp, gutski. Shouldn’t be hard, you’ve been practicing at it your entire life! : ) Now, get your old, bald ass back to shoveling rocks like the common peon you are! The world needs common laborers too, you know! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Up to this point, I have avoided a single comment in any thread > about the disappearance of LV from this group. But now I feel > like making a few comments and recommendations on the subject. > (I’ve joked about talking behind the back of folks that have > net-suided themselves here, and feel they (and LV) are fair game > once they choose to ditch the group. At least he went out silently, > and likely didn’t let the "door hit him in the ass" on his way out. > That is as it should be in his case, and I’d probably do the same. > I was always one to slip out the side door while the party was > still in progress. No big scene or goodbye, just slip into the > darkness and leave them wondering. > As usual, my views are as likely to offend folks on either side > of the fence. I’m inclined to ramble in no particular order: > One of the first things that occurred to me when it became apparent > that LV had seemed to vanish from AGA, was: "Who is going to keep the > advise and advisers around here honest? Especially the not-so-keen > techs and novice / armature troubleshooters and builders." > Who..?? The answer… nobody. Unless a new tech shows up. > In my few years on AGA, I recognized that role as one of LV’s primary > functions. He did an excellent job of recognizing poor or dangerous > advise, and wasn’t shy about letting everyone know about it. Sometimes > in his own gruff and even unkind way, but potentially dangerous advice > shouldn’t be well tolerated IMO. That service was for the betterment > of all here, and I for one think we’ve all lost a good bit from the > lack of it. > That’s how Elmis found his place as the "AGA Village Idiot". It was > years ago, and it was amazingly embarrassing for Blum, who promptly > melted a couple of his last remaining brain cells and went totally > whack-o after that, into sock-farm land, ranting that he HAD to be > heard… understood… etc. > Though many others often extolled the great amount of free guidance > that LV doled out to novice techs and newbs; honestly I didn’t think > his S/N ratio was very good overall. Especially in the last year or > two. Sure, he knows his shit, and that’s easy to tell, but for a long > time now he spent *far* more time stirring crap and defending some of > his trollish, opinionated political posts than being of any help to > others. > IMHO, he responded to what was posted.. as more and more OT posts > appeared… he responded in kind. But AFAIK he *never* missed helping > someone who genuinely needed help. And as you’ve said, didn’t miss > pointing out incorrect or dangerous advice. His S/N went up as the > general S/N went up. > For myself, I never begrudged him his sigfile announcing products > for sale. He was honest and up front about it, and I never got the > feeling that he was skewing his advice to sell a more profitable > product over one which met the needs of his clients. Any really good > business person knows that good service and advice equates to repeat > customers and increased sales. Selling over priced crap is a certain > formula for failure. "Polished Turd" dogma be damned, in my few buys > from him, I was very satisfied with his recommendations, product and > speedy service. > Sometimes it’s refreshing to find a "salesman" who sells you what you > *really need* and not what you *think you might want*. Who needs > someone trying to persuade them to buy that Lamborghini to commute to > work…??? > As for his antagonistic posts towards adversaries; I often viewed him > as an obnoxious child throwing pebbles into the monkey cage at the zoo. > Of course the "baboon squad" is going to throw dung at him, or anyone > that behaves as such. Shit is what they have for ammo, so that’s what > they throw. However, IMO he often carried things a bit farther than > reasonable when goading and needling people. Some of whom were more > deserving than others of criticism. > In more than one case, well known amp designers / builders confided > in me that they were fearful of expressing some of their unproven > theory; because they felt that Willie might attack them, and try to > make whipping boys out of them, as he had already done to at least > one pet punching bag. In that way, I know for a fact that his technical > *opinions* stifled the free exchange of ideas on the group. > Here’s one thought that has popped up a couple of times: Besides his > decent to mediocre performance with the DT band, that is all I ever got > to hear of his much bragged about "monster" playing. He promised more > than once to eventually drop some examples of his key stroking chops > on us, and I for one feel cheated that he skipped out of AGA without > ever making good on his word. Especially in light of his slurs of other > folks playing. Some of his "shoe salesman" "seal bark" and such > comments, while not altogether unwarranted, were at the very least tacky > and tasteless. For him to slink away without ever giving those folks > a chance to even the score by critiquing his playing was, in a word > ‘chickenshit’ IMO. > Here’s my view… we all have our opinions about others playing > ability and stuff. He’s entitled to his. As for LVs playing > ability..?? He’s been wood-shedding for a year (or more). I heard > him play on an old Hammond in his shop over a year ago and he had > chops THEN… I heard his new rig (K-I-L-L-E-R) a couple weeks ago. > Folks, I was in a band with a B-3 player for years, and I became a big > fan of Hammond players. IMMHO, LV has superb chops… and a KILLER > rig to go along with it. Heres a hint for you John… don’t be > supprised if you DO hear some of playing soon enough. > Though I have to admit that I’ll miss regular doses of his razor > sharp wit cutting some brash newb to ribbons, and there is no doubt > that he gave me many a good laugh, usually at some knuckle head’s > expense; I’m also glad that he never "picked on" me more than a few > very minor cuts. > In summation of my little rant about Willie and his Jive: While I’ll > miss him, to a degree, I’m also anxious to see what AGA can make of > itself in his absence. > Keep your fingers crossed, AGA will need all the help it can get… > I’m not optimistic. > One thing for sure: it is time for the folks that always said "If > Willie didn’t do this… I wouldn’t do that" to put up or shut the > fuck up. It also reminds me of an old saying: Be careful what you > wish for, you might get it. > IMO it’s wishfull thinking… won’t happen. We’ll see. > Perhaps we can now attract some new, or former "expert" posters that > supposedly have avoided AGA specifically because of LV’s "supreme > commander of aga" bullshit. (Or whatever their excuse was). > Let’s hope. > In the spirit of the new year, and hoping that this year is better > than previous, I wish *every* one remaining in this group all the > best, and hope we can move ahead with good will towards one another. > It would be nice to dispel AGA’s usenet reputation as a shithole of > trolls and constant political bickering. Here’s to making *our* place > a better place to post and communicate with folks who share common > pleasures!!! > Regards, and a Happy New Year to ALL!!! > Same to you . . . ! ! ! ! ! > John King
Response:
> It’s his unwillingness, amongst others, to lift a > finger to keyboard while yet spending an egregious amount of time > posting political crap that got me started standing up to him.
Diddo. I predict LV will be back. He just wants a few to beg for him to come back. He’s too childest to stay away. Mr Soul
Response:
<snip> He’s in immature, > anti-social guy but like you, I think he should come back because he > was a resouce here, in a perverse sort of way. > Mr Soul > http://www.MusicIsLove.com
Guess maybe I should have stated flat out: I don’t give a rat’s ass if he stays away. Kinda curious to see how the chips fall without him around anyway. I’ve seen things like this nearly kill a group, or make it stronger. In this case, I’m hoping for the latter, but I’m not betting on it. John King
Response:
here – this’ll resurect him if he ain’t dead. ;) Former CBS producer stands by Texas National Guard documents: Right wing bloggers rode Dan Rather’s battered remains to glory last year, but it might turn out that (surprise!) they’re full of it. Mary Mapes, the producer supposedly responsible for acting as a Kerry henchwoman, has returned to tell the tale of the National Guard documents. Lo and behold she found that many Guard docs have the same features that everyone said made Bush’s docs forgeries. She wrote a book "Truth and Duty" about it. http://www.truthandduty.com There was a good interview with her on DailyKos exploring all this stuff. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/12/11/15636/444 Here’s the documents she dug up. http://www.truthandduty.com/documents.htm
Response:
–snip– >As for his antagonistic posts towards adversaries; >I often viewed him as an obnoxious child throwing >pebbles into the monkey cage at the zoo.
LV and his admirers are humans, everyone else is subhuman. You’re doing great. >Of course the "baboon squad" is going to throw dung >at him, or anyone that behaves as such. Shit is what >they have for ammo, so that’s what they throw.
It’s what LV – and other trolls – throws to get things stirred up. He makes inflammatory posts on divisive topics, makes sure antagonism is in the air… and then bails. >However, IMO he often carried things a bit farther >than reasonable when goading and needling people. >Some of whom were more deserving than others of >criticism.
He’s lowered the bar numerous times – e.g., his back- and-forths with Jim Anable. Willard goes for profanity not as a last resort, but as a weapon of choice. –snip– >For him to slink away without ever giving those folks >a chance to even the score by critiquing his playing >was, in a word ‘chickenshit’ IMO.
Surprising, isn’t it. –snip– The Repair Guy http://repairguy1993.netfirms.com/
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -<lotta snippin’> > In the spirit of the new year, and hoping that this year is better > than previous, I wish *every* one remaining in this group all the > best, and hope we can move ahead with good will towards one another. > It would be nice to dispel AGA’s usenet reputation as a shithole of > trolls and constant political bickering. Here’s to making *our* place > a better place to post and communicate with folks who share common > pleasures!!! > Regards, and a Happy New Year to ALL!!! > John King
It’s not so much about who left, but who is here and who will be here. By some standards, I’m still a newcommer. I’ve been reading AGA for about 3 years. I remember there were a bunch of really good fellas who helped me through my first project. Later (and they were kind enough to wait — several long threads until all the various problems were unwound), someone told me that the particular amp I was working on was rather a difficult one to cut one’s teeth on. There were a pile of really competent technical types hanging out here who were willing to help. By contrast, AGA has nearly become a ghost town in comparison. Maybe it’s had it’s run and such is the way of unmoderated newsgroups. I might mention, that I probably went almost two years before I started a killfile. Now I’ve got so many socks in it that I can’t count it up. Let’s say I’m not surprised. So, what do you say, are we gonna clean up Dodge before folks clear out? Or are we gonna leave it to the 50 year olds who act like 12 year olds? I haven’t said it in a while, but the behavioral concept is really quite straight forward: any reply to an off topic post provides reinforcement for more of the same. Some folks have no idea of how powerful a little self control or lack thereof can be. BTW, I’m not so crusty as to suggest we shouldn’t have occasional off topic fun stuff, but most of what I see OT (remember I have a really big killfile) is stuff I can read in the newspaper with my morning coffee. Well, carry on. Happy new year, Phil.
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>vacuums are unnatural, the law of physics will prevail.
On the contrary, there’s more vacuum in this (natural) universe than anything else, wouldn’t you agree? -DC
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Hi John… As far as I’m concerned this group died a few months back. It served its purpose for six or seven years but now there is just about nothing here worth coming back for. I learned a whole bunch and ‘met’ some good people. But it’s a different world than the one this group started in. To give credit where credit is due, AGA played a part in the ever increasing options out there for guitar amplifier tone. Look at all the people offering kits! Excellent! There are a whole bunch of cost effective options now. This certainly wasn’t the case in 1999. I could give a shit about reading anyones opinions on politics or current events on this newsgroup. The fucking idiots that waste thier time posting crap like that should shut the fuck up and get a new hobby….maybe something like , mmmm, hmmmm, maybe something like MUSIC? Anyway…best of luck to all. Oh, and John, that Epi just keeps getting better and better….that was a helluvva guitar you sold me….thanks buddy. ERic
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>That’s how Elmis found his place as the "AGA Village Idiot". It was >years ago, and it was amazingly embarrassing for Blum, who promptly >melted a couple of his last remaining brain cells and went totally >whack-o after that, into sock-farm land, ranting that he HAD to be >heard… understood… etc.
If *anyone is AGA’s Village Idiot, it’s YOU, genecreep. You are a useless meaningless dumb fuck with absolutely NOTHING to contribute. You have never helped *anyone* who had a technical question. You are just a suckass pansy sock with the courage of an ape who pees on himself every time a car horn is honked. The reason I was not understood, is because jerkoffs like you and your heewo and the rest of his toadies are so retarded, you floaters can’t read, have chemical imbalances, genetic disorders or are just like your media hero, that drug-addict, Rash Limpdick, whose ass you suck on daily when not sucking on Fart Valve’s simply can’t interpret reality from a parody. BTW, why are you still here, you useless turd? Go sniff out Willy Lard’s ass and follow the brown shirt trail to where his ass is posting these days. IOW, go be a cretinish, lying, boring, rubber dickhead somewhere else for a change.
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I have had many good things to read here – I mean technical stuff. At some point in the future I plan to build my own amp. I would like to think I could still get help here when that time comes. To some extent if you don’t really know what you are saying then you should just ask questions or at least expect some challenges to your statements in regards to the technical topic. Topics concerning someones Politics should be created in a separately posted topic, keeping the initial topic clean of the tangent discussion of politics. At least in that way a person could steer away from topics off of the technical issue they wish to address. New people could navigate easier and be less exposed to some flaming tangents that happen which would also tend to diminish the amount of new replies that only send the topic into oblivion. What is really needed is a level of respect and gracefulness. Perhaps some patience would be in order as well. I have seen some people get blasted because of one small mistake in their statement. No one is perfect. Correcting mistakes is a good thing but it doesn’t have to be rude crude and insulting either. Sometimes those of us with just enough knowledge to be dangerous seem to use an abusive tone as cover for areas where they are not knowledgeable. I think it is easier to admit to yourself you are full of crap than it is to try to strengthen a point with strong and corrosive tone. Anyway, thats my two cents.
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi John… As far as I’m concerned this group died a few months back. > It served its purpose for six or seven years but now there is just > about nothing here worth coming back for. > I learned a whole bunch and ‘met’ some good people. But it’s a > different world than the one this group started in. To give credit > where credit is due, AGA played a part in the ever increasing options > out there for guitar amplifier tone. Look at all the people offering > kits! Excellent! There are a whole bunch of cost effective options > now. This certainly wasn’t the case in 1999. > I could give a shit about reading anyones opinions on politics or > current events on this newsgroup. The fucking idiots that waste thier > time posting crap like that should shut the fuck up and get a new > hobby….maybe something like , mmmm, hmmmm, maybe something like > MUSIC? > Anyway…best of luck to all. Oh, and John, that Epi just keeps > getting better and better….that was a helluvva guitar you sold > me….thanks buddy. > ERic
Nels, As often is the case, you’re right on all accounts. I don’t mean to disrespect the things I’ve learned and taken from this group; but as all things do, it is changing. I continue to hope it is for the better, but only time will tell. Without naming names, I’d like to see some of the former anti- toady crowd do their best to kick in with some semi-intelligent on topic discussions. As for the old Epi, I’m very happy that you continue to be thrilled with it. I still say that if the right one comes along one day when I have the money, I’ll set one up to my liking. I’d like one with Sunburst finish; rosewood board; and Aria style tremolo. The pickups and frets would probably be replaced like you did. The high fret access on those is great, and well, they’re just plain cool guitars without being the common LP / Strat fare. John King Blues in my soul, and rocks in my head 
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> My, what shameless ass sucking. The things *some* people will do to > save a dollar or two. Lard Valve NEVER offered anything that couldn’t > have been found with a simple google on the subject at hand. The > simple fact is that Rich K. kicked his fat, useless, draft dodging ass > right off of the net. End of story. You’re going to have to find > another anus to slurp, gutski. Shouldn’t be hard, you’ve been > practicing at it your entire life! : ) > Now, get your old, bald ass back to shoveling rocks like the common > peon you are! > The world needs common laborers too, you know!
Little Howie, your such a petty little prick. I spend more on dinner out with my family than you earn in a week. End of story. We all know that small town fire-fighters think they’re "big guys", especially when they know JUDO (Oooooooo…. Scary..! ! ). So go polish your "parade queen" pumper ( pun intended!!!) and pretend to be Mr. Deadly Hands. You’re nothing but a whining little wanna-be. By the way, why didn’t you brag on the AGA about this years guitar shows in Philly…?? Surely you went and bought some more cheap guitar straps like last year… and flashed the $2000 cash you took there last year to impress your friends (good thing you had that much in case you wanted 100 cheap guitar straps) What, no pictures from your "big gig" in Camden…???? You’re a fraud and a liar. Get back to sucking on the public teat like YOU have all your life. gtski
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>>It’s his unwillingness, amongst others, to lift a >finger to keyboard while yet spending an egregious amount of time >posting political crap that got me started standing up to him. > Diddo. > I predict LV will be back. He just wants a few to beg for him to come > back. He’s too childest to stay away. > Mr Soul
Are you a willing to make a wager…?? I suggest he won’t be *back*. He may make one or two posts over a year… but otherwise, me thinks he’s gone for good. Although, one never knows…. gtski
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My, what shameless ass sucking. The things *some* people will do to > save a dollar or two. Lard Valve NEVER offered anything that couldn’t > have been found with a simple google on the subject at hand. The > simple fact is that Rich K. kicked his fat, useless, draft dodging ass > right off of the net. End of story. You’re going to have to find > another anus to slurp, gutski. Shouldn’t be hard, you’ve been > practicing at it your entire life! : ) > Now, get your old, bald ass back to shoveling rocks like the common > peon you are! > The world needs common laborers too, you know! > Little Howie, your such a petty little prick. I spend more on dinner > out with my family than you earn in a week. End of story. We all know > that small town fire-fighters think they’re "big guys", especially when > they know JUDO (Oooooooo…. Scary..! ! ). So go polish your "parade > queen" pumper ( pun intended!!!) and pretend to be Mr. Deadly Hands. > You’re nothing but a whining little wanna-be. > By the way, why didn’t you brag on the AGA about this years guitar shows > in Philly…?? Surely you went and bought some more cheap guitar straps > like last year… and flashed the $2000 cash you took there last year to > impress your friends (good thing you had that much in case you wanted > 100 cheap guitar straps) What, no pictures from your "big gig" in > Camden…???? You’re a fraud and a liar. > Get back to sucking on the public teat like YOU have all your life. > gtski
Pretty harsh Gene, Even considering the provocation Howard is well known for. But Mr. Aubrey holds no special place in my heart either. In my book, He’s proved to be a prick and bigot many times over. I’ve seen so little on topic discussion from him, that I would usually welcome he go the way of LV and make tracks for parts unknown. Who knows, maybe he is capable of actual on topic contribution to aga, but I seriously doubt it. On Topic contribution: Gene, one of these days I need to get some more details on the conversion of your Gibson 335 from trapeze to stop tail piece. I’ve got a 335 copy with stop tail that is so good I’m really curious to know if the old Gibson can be set up to sound and play as good as this $350 used copy! If so… the copy is really an unneeded redundancy. Especially since this Gibson is unlikely to leave my possession in my lifetime. Diminished ‘vintage’ value is a non issue I think. Regards, John King
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Christ, if you’ve been jerking off on this alt long enough you hardly need to read the outcome-
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> your such a petty little prick
1) You forgot the ‘ and the e in "you’re". 2) You forgot the r in "pretty.
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>Are you a willing to make a wager…??
As I always do, a gentlemen’s bet – $1. What’s the exact bet – will he make any posts, 2 or 3 posts or what? Mr Soul
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> I’ve seen things like this nearly kill a group, or make it stronger. In this case, I’m hoping for the latter, but I’m not betting on it.
Yes – I’ve seen the same thing. The group changes & there’s a vacuum but it usually recovers if the forum topic is strong & passionate. What’s more passionate than a great sounding amp? I was just listening to Mark Knopfler’s last CD today. Man – great sounds that guy gets. Mr Soul
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