Because Bilbo has turned his messages "off" --- because I assume he doesn't want to hear my comments on his nasty remark(s) to me, which I posted for all to see (DID you read them?) --- I'll HAVE to post this in the general forum.
I'm a newbie and he's a favorite. So he's first chair, and I'm lucky to be in the audience.
The consensus of opinion is in his favor. Naturally it is, since HE is allowed to post NASTY comments to me (which, incidentally, I've NEVER posted to ANYONE in this forum) --- only, as "some" have called it: "misinformation".
You all heap accolades upon him and how wonderful he is. HOW WONDERFUL were his vulgar remarks directed to ME, simply because I didn't know the CORRECT name of his beloved head-joint, and even goes, further, to suggest that I'm "insulting his Italian" background with "my sense of humor".?
I've have never personally insulted anyone on this forum. And I never would. Bilbo, apparently CAN, without due recourse. And you all seem to agree that that is his right.
As I now traverse to a DIFFERENT forum --- one that appears to be INCLUSIVE --- NOT EXCLUSIVE, as this one is --- I see his name there, too.
Let me put him on NOTICE (since he turned off his messages --and I don't blame him, HE SHOULD) ---- that IF I get ANY heat or other nasty remarks from him on the OTHER forum, I WILL go to whatever lengths it takes to have him removed from THAT forum. IF IT'S THE LAST THING I DO.
DEBATE is one thing --- nasty, PERSONAL remarks directed towards a member are quite another. Again, IF you missed it, READ his nasty, uncalled-for remarks directed to me, personally, based upon my lack of knowledge and my sense of humor. Totally ridiculous and un-called for. There are more palatable ways to have responded. HE, obviously, doesn't know HOW to. THAT'S HIS shortcoming --- or as another devoted fan of his put it: "Jim has issues".
Yes, "Jim" has issues. It's called disrespect directed towards him, for something that was, essentially a non-issue.
I've been on many forums (other topics) in the past, but THIS is, without doubt, the unfriendliest, most humorless group I've ever run across.
As I said in my first thread, and as I'll say in my last: I AM a Professional: Respectful, always a gentleman, a champion of those whom are disparate, and don't have the VAST knowledge that the "gurus" on this forum posture, and will freely admit it. THOSE are the hallmarks of Professional ETHICS. Now, at last, you know.
Jim, please stop with these posts. You are only hurting yourself. This is a FLUTE forum, not a debate forum. Can we JUST talk about flutes please and stop with all this? If you guys don't like each other, then fine. Go take it out an the gym.
I do think it is time you move on now. Anyone else agree? Sorry Jim, I have tried to be your friend, but I don't want this group to get broken up becuase of one person.
I'm not even sure what's going on but it seems stupid both ways.and this is a music site not a whatever site.so chill out and enjoy yourself.
and stop complaining or whatever.
It really is getting ridiculous anymore. Jim, did you ever think maybe you're provocing people because you come off as a pompous, know-it-all elitist @$$? If you know so much and your teachers are such wonderful PROFESSIONAL flutists, then why even bother with us and this amateur, as you put it, forum?
I AGREE..with you ALL, this is my final ANSWER...really, this is it, my FINAL answer...did I mention that this is my last ANSWER? this is it now, my final ANSWER...I too have ETHICS..did I say that? or mention this is my FINAL posting.?
Jim, we tried to help you. You just don't seem to listen.
In the future, you may want to hang around and read a forum for awhile to get a better understanding of the format. Maybe then you'll be able to employ more appropriate communication skills and not be so offensive.
Had he been flooding your message box too, Alieannie? I got 15 messages from him over the course of 5 days...And that's after I stopped writing back to him!
He wrote to me as well many times. I can't help but feel sorry for him though There may be many underlying problems behind his outbursts. Yes, granted it was wrong and I even got mad when he stared in on Bilbo. But, I can't help but think that he is just a very lonely guy that just has problems with communicating. I did write that he was best to leave because it was obviously hurting himself a lot and others on top of it. It is hard when we don't always know the full story.
I "resigned" my post --- and, not due to personal nor public postings, but because I felt that I was serving a better purpose to go to a different forum.
In short, I NEVER meant to be:
bombastic; pontificate; be disrespectful; nor present "misrepresentations", "mis-information"; nor get involved in "grammar" issues; nor any other matters NOT related to flute PLAYING.
The operative word is "PLAYING". I can't pretend to have the knowledge that many others on the forum have, regarding flute construction, makes, models, head-joints,etc. You will learn far more from THEM, than from me.
I only thought that I would bring up "how long" I've PLAYED in that it might bring some insight to some who have questions. That's because I have been playing, for so long --- and, as the old saying goes: "experience is the best teacher".
I NEVER meant to use the word "Professional" in a way that would have been construed as disrespectful to the many talented amateurs, out there. I'm the first to admit that there are many talented "amateurs" who are as gifted and as talented as any (so-called) professional flutists. And many are present on this forum. And I know some here in Chicago, who "just missed the cut" --- but are, nonethless VERY talented.
I apologize for my ridiculous sense of humor --- and I never meant disrespect to the many of you, on this forum, that do know more about flutes than I will EVER know.
I am compelled to author a personal apology to Bilbo --- I never knew that he has an Italian background --- and NEVER meant any disrespect. One of my favorite flutists is, indeed, Joseph Mariano. As far as head-joints --- I confess complete ignorance. That is probably best left to Kara and the other members of the forum to decide upon and offer opinions about.
In closing, on my "new forum" I'm going to try to pass myself off as Jean BackDresser (my new "persona" (probably 'non grata'). Let's see how far I get.
Wait until you see my post in drag --- your hair will stand on end. I'm not as pretty as she, nor as young, nor as talented --- but I'll try to pull it off (until the moderator "disconnects" me). Sorry about my sense of humor, but --- we all look at life from different perspectives.
I wish all of you the best of luck in your playing.
And I DO appreciate the edificaton and very VALUABLE lessons I've learned from this, my very first flute forum.
God bless all of you --- and I'll repeat what I've always said: "just be the best you can be".