As a newbie here...and I know this board has a long history, obviously. Sometimes I read things said and I wonder if I am on a fan site...i believe that everyone has a right to say what they want but at times it can be stated differently. I think theres a way of giving constructive criticism ..perhaps sometimes things are personal and should not be said at all.

I also understand that we do react to things that are said...i wont fault a person for a reaction. We're all human...sometimes i wonder if we expect others to be super human though and without fault. I doubt that is possible for any one.

Ill say this. I have a great respect for Meat as a performer and as a person and a human being like i do for everyone. I also have a huge respect for all that he has achieved in his life. I generally do have a huge respect for a person who has worked hard, done so much and given so much to so many people. I work in a different area all together but I would be over the moon if i can ever do so much for people in my line of work. I try to remember that whenever i think very critically of anyone.

My wife reacts the same when i tell her some of the stuff I read on here. It's not your typical "fan" site ;) However, you will find that there are many fans on here that ARE of the attitude of a more traditional site, where you would find respect for the artist and constructive criticism in a friendly way.....Many of us (and I'm hardly one to talk, having only seen a handful of concerts) have followed Meat his entire career and have been to many, many shows. And I truly look up to those who always look to the positive and give Meat the benefit of a doubt you would give your brother or mother. In any case, great to have more like minded people liek yourself on here, and I'm glad you mentioned it :)

I could have, but than it wouldn't have garnered as strong of a reaction...

:cool:

I don't have blind devotion. I have manners. And empathy. Google them if you don't recognise the words.

As you say Meat is human too. Which means he has feelings. So why not take that into account when you post.

I don't see anything I've posted which should offend someone if it isn't true.

I don't think people get offended based on logical consideration of the pros and cons of your argument to determine the degree of accuracy.

If you had posted that about me I would be offended because it is offensive.

Ohhh so u wanted a reaction? Attention as such? There are a lot of numbers you can call for that, they will have a sultry and seductive voice and you will recieve a happy ending:D

Most of Meats worst rants here have been deleted or edited by the mods pretty quickly.

I know of at least 4 people who left here because of arguments with the man himself and never came back. It's quite sad considering they all went to his shows, bought his albums and supported him until they just couldn't handle it anymore.

I've had several run ins with Meat too and I'd like think we were both equally wrong and argumentative at times.

Sure Meat deserves specific respect as he is the artist after all but I think everyone (including Meat) must take written word with a pinch of salt. It is very easy to read things out of context and take things the wrong way. And also as several mods often pointed out perhaps re-read your message and think about what you are trying to achieve before pressing "Submit Reply".

Interestingly all my PMs have only ever been positive with everyone on this board so I guess the opinion based posting can often come across as much more negative than people really are around here. I guess people often think quickly that people are ganging up on them and you can feel like a victim and this includes Meat.

Sure I've seen Meat post bad things but I've also seen him post the most honest and heartfelt posts of any artist I can think of. :-)

Repeatedly he has acknowledged the privileged position he has been and thanked everyone and also acknowledged his mistakes or problems. Quite humbling I think.

With regards to this hiatus I think he just wanted to focus on work and stop giving away too many secrets about the new album. That's all I remember from his last posts from last year anyway.

Andrew, you say:
You're absolutely right and I think this is the crux. Meat is extraordinarily hardworking and busy, and when he comes on line tends to read quickly. When he has mis-read or mis-interpreted something he feels is an attack on him he has been quick to apologise. Most of those involved in this present discussion have seen this. There have been other occasions when he has been angry (far less times than those when he has simply come on to share information) because his character, his basic integrity have been questioned or criticised, sometimes from a position where those criticising him do not know the full story, nor could Meat relate this without being unprofessional. Most of those who have done this know him well enough to be perfectly aware that he is passionate and emotional, and that he or his fans will rise to bait which is laid out. At the top of every page here we are asked to post with respect; applying words to him like childish, low-standard, low-educated hardly show that. Even if they are believed to be "honest criticism" they lack the level of concern for another's feelings that would demonstrate respect, and if they are posted simply to cause a reaction (whether from Meat or from his fans, who can then be described dismissively as blindly devoted, or hero-worshipping) it shows a lack of respect to Meat and to those who support him. It's not about what opinion one holds, it's about how this is expressed. I will describe an action or comment as rude, unwarranted or snarky .. my opinion of the person who might write such comments I will try to write with care, or keep to myself if I cannot find a way to do so. As Panic Lord says, good manners and empathy should not be ridiculed as blind devotion, and if one is going to state that Meat is a human being like everyone else, it's reasonable surely to state one's personal opinions about him with some thought to his feelings as human being like everyone else, or simply to write to him in person rather than post them publicly on the fansite which bears his name, or even keep them to oneself (particularly should these opinions be posted mainly to cause a reaction).

You also say
I agree, and most of those involved in this present discussion have seen this too, which is why so many of us do think he deserves respect and consideration for his feelings.

Like you, I think his absence is largely due to his focus on other things, and because he has said he would give no more information out about the album, and as someone pointed out earlier he would be besieged by questions if he did appear which he may not be in a position to answer, or may not wish to.

ALso think we should be thankful he even WAS here. Most artists wouldnt take the time of day.

I guess when an artist gets so close to he's fanbase, shit will happen. Pros and cons as such.

Certainly it can .. but some thought, some empathy, about what one says and how one phrases it could prevent much it it. To post something simply designed to provoke a reaction is unnecessary imo

As Warrio says, most artists don't invest time and attention in getting as close to their fanbase. That alone to me makes it worth treating him with respect .. even perhaps a little more care, because we know he is sensitive (as are many human beings) and it is rather special that Meat cares to and has made that effort :-)

Very true. I really believe some people just come here to cause and stur shite!!! :D
But the same stuff just gets posted and posted and posted, so what's the point?

Enough :lock:

I'll clean this when I've time