[stretch37]

Originally Posted by TheDoode

If all you are presented with is a clip, and you want to discuss that clip, then you have to take THAT CLIP for what it is. If someone posts a clip for discussion, then it makes sense to discuss what's there, rather than what isn't. I don't think that people are looking to pull a performance to pieces and analyze every little part of every note, they're just commenting on whether, on the whole, it was 'on' or not. And for the majority of clips on youtube, you CAN tell whether or not a performance is vocally 'on'. This applies to all bands, not just Meat Loaf.

As for the other issue: I think that some users are feeling oppressed because it's almost like they're being 'banned' by others from giving their own opinions on a performance or a clip, even if those opinions are respectful (which they should all be, and for the most part, are). It feels sometimes like it's almost a case of 'agree with this or get ten thousand posts telling you you're wrong, calling you ridiculous, and hitting the dislike button on your posts fifty times'. Regardless of how you phrase it, it could be seen as almost passive-aggressive. I get that this is a fan page, upsetting other people is the last thing I want to do - like most of the others here, but what kind of a discussion forum would it be if people were prohibited from giving their own opinions?

As for not reading the entire thread... I have, and it's the same argument from the first few pages, going on and on again.

I also want to respond to this. The Doode brings a valid point to the table, and If I were standing in the shoes of someone who had respectfully "disliked" Meat's vocals, I would feel opressed for my opinion.

And I have been before. Lets not forget the countless times I've said "This isn't his best" or "hopefully he's just warming up for the next few shows" etc type comments. And I've been told to opress my opinion just to make a few people happy, or less upset.

Having said that, it is very important to understand that not all of us are doing what I just said. I certainly don't. I respect someone who dislikes something and states their opinion. Mostly because I do it all the frieking time. I can be a critic as well as praise something as awesome. But there is a difference between critiquing something, and bashing Meat. And the comments I responded to on here were clearly bashing Meat. If they were not meant to be insults, then they should be worded as such.

People, spend a little more time on your wording if your consistently getting shot down by others for insulting Meat. Rather than blaming those who are getting upset and feel negativity from your posts, put a little bit of effort in by making sure your post is not offensive. I do it all the time. Its that type of respect for your fellow members that is lacking on these forums.

[clarification] - For those who I know will jump on this, yes, the odd time when someone has highly provoked me, I have lost my patience on here. I've had people take digs at me, I am certain, just to get an angry reaction. I do not claim to have anywhere near perfect communication, or control of my temper when it comes to people who I can tell are purposefully trying to be hurtful. But what I do notice is a lack of respect overall. From the "super nice people", its lack of understanding that someone can dislike a performance. From the "super cynical people", its lack of respect for those who really like something. And then theres the whole spectrum in between and the bass ackwards ones like me who flip depending on the performance and my mood :P So as a group of fans, friends, and acquaintences, what I think we all need, perhaps myself included, is to have more respect for fellow members.

Having said that, this does not include or excuse deliberate digs at Meat Loaf. There is a difference between saying "he doesn't sound like he did 20 years ago" and saying "he sounds worse than the hang cool tour". The latter is bound to be highly upsetting to those who attended the hang cool tour, and sounds like this tour is bound to be worse than the hang cool tour. Yes, it is an opinion, but it drags down the mood of the people excited for the current tour. Plus, that comment was, I believe directed at a terrible quality cell phone video, which misses all the small details of Meat's voice.

It is my opinion, and I believe that of several others, that deliberate insults thrown at Meat on his own fan club are why people are upset, not normal discussion and opinion - good or bad.