[TPIN] "playing in a section with whoever"

[John Hines]

Michael

With all respect, I struggled a bit with your post on the subject.  For example, take the following excerpt:

>> People are more inclined to challenge an expert on an internet forum
than they are in person. Some pros simply can't handle that. Those that can
and who do take the time to engage in the process do us a great service.

It is true that "people are more inclined to challenge an expert on an internet forum than they are in person".  But how and why and by whom these "challenges" are made is the greater issue in my opinion.  Sure, some pros don't have much tolerance for criticism.  But when the criticism comes from an unknown person who quite possibly could be a junior high school kid with 6 months on the horn who is coming on strong, I can see where it could be hard to take.  Why would a well known pro have to or even want to put up with it?

Also, I've no doubt that those who "take the time to engage in the process do us a great service."  And believe me, I have much appreciation for those you may be referring to and the time and effort they put in and sharing that they do.  But let's not assume that "ego and for pure PR" are not totally missing from the motivation of anybody who contributes to TPIN.

The following statement of yours I happen to agree with:

>> Being a well-known player (or even an not so well-known pro) is not a
license to be a jerk with an inflated ego and opinions that are not to be
challenged.

Let's assume for argument's sake that I don't even play the trumpet.  I believe that any accomplished musician deserves respect and acknowledgement, whether it be in person or on the internet.  Anybody who has had any kind of success persuing the art of trumpet playing and/or has made a viable career of plaing the trumpet deserves respect, and usually gives it to others who have done the same.  It seems that the ones on this forum who do the "challenging" or "bashing" or whatever you want to call it don't fall into this category, and for good reason.  When somebody has worked hard for decades and "paid dues" or whatever way you want to describe dedication and commitment, they tend to have respect for others who have done the same.

Lastly, I'll close with 2 thoughts.  First, I firmly believe that all opinions are NOT equal, at least in my opinion they're not.... ;)  And, without suggesting I am either, a wise man learns more from a fool than a fool learns from a wise man.  

Michael, thank you for TPIN.  I've been enjoying it for about 7 years now.  I'll go back and lurk for a while...

JH