Sensitive to Criticizm?

[albert bouchard]

On Wed, 8 Nov 1995 Dr Bob wrote:
> > First, I wonder if this is really true.  I'm having trouble
> > accepting that any celebrity in the public domain is really affected
> > by criticism here, or anywhere else for that matter.  They know that

        I believe that acknowledging a need for improvement is important in creating great art. You can't let it destroy the good things, that's all.

> > success.  I'll bet they're laughing all the way to the bank, and

        I can't speak for EB but money is not a big motivation to me.

> > MORE POWER TO THEM. (I have to smile when I consider whether Eric or
> > Al or any other celebrity really gives a rat's ass what I think, or
> > what Chip thinks, or what AB thinks, or what Torgo thinks....etc.)

        I do, but more as a group than as individuals.

> > I express my opinion of someone's talent with my wallet, and not
> > my keyboard.

        I'd say that's an excellent way to express it!

> > Put out a good product and I'll buy it (diaper budget al
> > lowing).  Doesn't matter if its buying a CD, or going to a movie, or
> > anything else for that matter.

        Just don't bootleg a tape of it. OK? Surgeons policy is, it's OK to
tape a live show (ya paid yer moneys ya makes yer tape) and I guess any music
that's not commercially available if you can get your hands on it is OK too
(I've got a couple hours of Beatles out-takes that I love). If we've taken the
time and substantial trouble to make the whole package excellent, you should
honor that but paying what we feel is a reasonable amount to purchase said
product. We're not trying to get rich. We're just trying not to go broke.

> > The other argument is going to be "but we as fans can influence
> > their future releases by stating our likes and dislikes."  To which
> > I say...oh really, does that include new BOC material?

        I'm not going to let anyone's apathy affect my recording plans but any
true BOC fan should really check out Trepanation. Don't hold out for a "new"
BOC album. You know what they say about a bird in the hand.

> > (expressing his opinions of celebrities' talents by having
> > just purchased tix for an upcoming BOC gig, purchasing the Sony 3
> > pack, and due to order BS's Trepanations)

I've gotta plug this Watt cover. I just heard it Monday and I think it's
hysterial! I'm not sure where you might find it. I guess it's a vinyl 45 only.
I got my copy from Columbia. It's not disrespectful but he does some mind-
boggelling changes to it.

Then Ted O. Jackson wrote:
> be too offended.  I think I once criticized Albert's 'Zilla drum solo,
> but then turned around and said that I thought he was among the
> top drummers ever to pound.

        I have a confession to make. Most drum solos I find kind of boring. So
I can honestly say I haven't played two the same in 25 years. Consequently
some are better than others. I'll cop to that. I wouldn't even care if you
said you hate all drum solos. I'd just think we're on different wave-lengths.

Then John Swartz wrote:
> Well, others may disagree, but I'm of the opinion that we should all
> be sensitive to other people's opinions, celebrities or not.  Perhaps
> there is some opinion that we should not try to offend those considered
> celebrities here on the list, not because we don't feel that they can't
> take criticism or whatever, but because we feel that we don't want them
> to leave the list -- now these celebrities are people just like you and
> me, but perhaps because they are celebrities, people on the list might
> be more dissappointed to seem them leave the list rather than you or I.

        Well I said before when I joined the list and which I'll repeat for
the sake of any of the 'newbies' that if many people feel that I'm inhibiting
their free expression then I'll piss-off (in the continental sense). This
forum is for the free exchange of ideas about Hawkwind and BOC. I find it
entertaining and I have no interest in a BOC or Al love-fest. That would be
embarassing and unnecessary.
        On the other hand, the few personal attacks we've had on here made me
a little uncomfortable so if we're nice and civil it makes it more fun. Also
what makes it more fun is if we can all have a sense of humor about our
discussions. Let's not be TOO serious about all this. OK?
Al