Comments
(Beginning with the most recent)
The future of SGM if....
I would like to make a comment on the entire Southern Gospel Music world as a whole -- from a person who is in the music industry, who indeed loves Gospel music, but chooses to keep it at a distance.
I cut my teeth on Blackwood Brothers, Statesmen, Rebels, LeFevres, Stamps, Imperials -- you name it. My dad sang in quartets, and I knew a few of these folk. Many of them were some of the greatest people in the world -- in my humble opinion.
Something happened along the way, although I am not sure exactly what it is. But I can say confidently that SGM is nowhere where it should be in the ranks of the industry.
There was a time when it's appeal swept America like a wave. It was an instrument of cheerful entertainment to our society at large, opening the door to the Gospel. It appealed to millions.
Today, it's a partial shell of what it once was.
I feel it's partly because of the changes that took place in our society since the 60's. Gospel music tried to adapt, according to the Nashville system, to stay current.
It became it's own little market, with it's own little record labels, and it never grew from there. Since the 70's, it has maintained with the Gospel fans, but showed little growth until Gaither came along.
Why so? Partly because the industry itself was corrupt. It tries to emulate Nashville. Somewhere along the line, the "us-four-and-no-more" mentality snuck into the industry.
I think it's pitiful how so many of these groups look at the charts as a guage to their popularity, and the feirce, viscious competition among the ranks. This is the message of the Gospel people, not some popularity contest. People get OVER yourselves and get in touch with the rest of the world!
It has taken an outsider like Bill Gaither -- who never played the Nashville game -- to wake SGM up out of it's bliss.
I was at the very first Homecoming session in Nashville. There was a sweet prescence of God in the studio that day. It was just a jam session. But it brought everybody together. There were no egos to stroke.
People credited Gaither as a genius. I say it was the favor of God. It saved SGM.
Gaither simply saw something that the rest of the SGM world didn't see, and capitalized on it. He was on the outskirts watching the whole time, and showed us a glimpse of what SGM should be.
Social analysts and historians tell us that throughout history, once a certain religion lost it's significance to it's society, it simply vanished. I am convinced that the same law applies to SGM.
SGM needs to redefine itself, or it will fade away. More than anything, it needs a spiritual awakening. There are so many songs you can sing about heaven before it gets beyond ridiculous. You're not going to win the world with having the worlds lowest bass singer, and the time is here when people won't respond as they once did when you sang that high note. Enough ego stroking already.
SGM WAKE UP! You are making yourself look really goofy to the rest of society. Get a clue, tap into God's heart, and start relating to the rest of the world -- or your number will soon be up.
Gold City band
Thanks for your comments on the GC news story..and our news coverage in general. Not sure if you print responses... but here's mine..
You said: "Maybe Gold City just gave Chuck information because he asked."
That's exactly what happened.. in fact Daniel thanked me for asking.. and getting the story right. I first picked up the info from a post on one of the message boards.. and just started asking questions. This is the only kind of reporting I know. It comes from years of working news in secular radio. Sometimes news is slow.. so you need to be always looking for a story.. you may have to do some work and even develop a story..from only an idea.
Some people will say this isn't real news... but with the GC story.. it got more hits than anything else I have reported in recent months. Apparently fans want this kind of reporting.
Gold City band
I did not know that they had dropped the band…. When did this happen? I was out of town last week, but…. WOW!
I looked on their site and nothing is there, and also get an enewsletter, and don’t remember seeing anything about it..
Gold City band
I was talking to a friend about this, and he had already heard it. He reminded me that it is purely economics 101; that when Karen Peck dropped her band, she didn’t drop her flat one cent. She cleared $5000 a month more by not having the expense.
Benefit concerts
Why doesn't it just make sense to cut your fees slightly to compensate for the 'benefit' part of the concert?
Instead of refusing to do anything, just say, sure, but we still need at least $XXXX to come and do the concert. This way, you are helping the cause, and still covering the basics.
Just wondering.
NQC and Regional groups
Well, MY experience was fun, but not worth it in the end…. No, let me rephrase that… it WAS worth it because it showed me that my trio apparently has great sound, great stage presence, great at the table, etc…. but not good enough for a promoter to book ;-) We did the Promoter’s Assn showcase last year, and had a TON of great response, both at the showcase and all week long at the booth (which was also a 1st time for us), but, in the end, even with us following up with all the promoters that showed great interest, nothing. Not even a call to see if we could make a date, much less to actually book us. We “invested” the money for all the things we did on 2004, and I really do see is that way, but here in 2005, I am more concerned with doing what we do, and being faithful in it, than worrying about who didn’t call, or why they didn’t. Don’t get me wrong; My group is VERY concerned about how we sing, how we look, and how we represent Jesus, so don’t misunderstand the statement. I just feel that timing is everything, and we thought that the timing was right for all that in 2004, but apparently, God has other plans for us. Would I do a booth again? Maybe. Not until I saw that we were really “regional”, and we have a fan base to speak of. I enjoyed talking to everyone, doing a giveaway each night, etc., but I also missed being in the Concert Hall each night (we go for the whole week every year). Would I do the Promoters Showcase again? Probably not. I kind of feel that we got our hopes up, fueled by the smiles and “atta boy’s” of the promoters, who, no doubt, went home on Sunday, and just piled the promo kits up with all the others that they have mailed to them every week, and the folks just keep on booking the same groups that they are comfortable with, not taking any chances on anyone else. I have promoted a few concerts myself, so I understand the stress of all of it. If they were not willing to book us, they maybe could have said so, because of whatever reason. “I like you guys, but I am pretty committed to the groups I am promoting now. If anything changes, I’ll look you up!” That would have been fine. It is tough to try to “break in” to the bigger market. If someone is trying to work up to full time, and I wonder why they would, as bad as the market is at this time, you have to do a lot of stuff, and get disappointed a lot too. God will promote who He wants to be “raised up” for this time. I’ll wait for His call. I don’t know of ANY GROUP that has been “discovered” there….. to answer that question. It isn’t the place. Very few groups/soloists that win the talent competition ever make it back to where you see them again….. a few, but very few.
NQC and Regional groups
I've been to the NQC four times but never as a member of a quartet.
However. back in 2001 I was working for an SGM radio station in Alabama
and got to do live interviews with quite a few of the singers who WERE
on the big stage at Freedom Hall. I must admit that my ambition is to
someday sing there. I ran into Steve Weatherford not long ago at Wal-Mart
where I live and he told me that it's no big deal. He said as you
leave the stage, the crowd is already applauding the next group. Maybe so,
but I'd still like to do it once. As for NQC booths, I guess it depends on
who you talk to. A PT group has to spend at least $400 for a booth and
can only make up the cost by selling their product. Of course I know
of one group that got a recording contract with a big-name studio because
they met at NQC. I also got to try out with an FT group there in 2001
on their bus! For a while I was with a group (Sound Covenant) that
actually had a song on the charts, "A New Beginning," and we didn't have a booth
at NQC. The group I'm with now is really good, although it's a mixed qt.
That doesn't make it right or wrong, just different from an all-male
qt.
NQC and Regional groups
I'm in a regional group based in Indianapolis and we did the
booth/showcase thing a couple of years ago and we didn't get the bang that we desired
and we haven't been back. It is our opinion that we are wasting our money
trying to get the attention of those who aren't listening to groups
like ours, and even if they were would we be willing to dance to the tune
that those type of people play? We all have good jobs and would be
financially unable to go "full-time" even if that opportunity arose. We have
basically decided that our efforts are better placed by solidifying our position
in our area--which by and large already has us as busy as we'd like to be.
NQC and Regional (non-fulltime) groups
I just read your blog and I am beginning to get concerned. I am from
WV. I am scheduled to sing at NQC (showcase)for my first time. I spoke with a
veteran of NQC main stage and showcase. I was telling him and his wife how excited
I was and they told me "well don't get too excited, it's not what you think."
So that worried me. I don't know what to really expect. I know that I will be
traveling with another singer from my area. So we will be splitting cost. We are
unsure if we are driving down that morning and leaving that evening or spending
the night. Without spending the night I miss 1 days work, about 50 bucks in
gas. If we spend the night I miss 2 days of work and motel room and gas...So
what is your take? Is it worth it? Or should I save my money? Please forward
some responses to your post my way on people that have "been there"
Crystal needs polish
I want to write to you about your comments on Crystal River Quartet, how dare you!!! You obvisoulsy have no idea who these young men are!!! Spend a day with them and you will be touched!!! Gods love is overflowing from each one of them. You tell me how many young men you know are trying to live thier lifes everyday, twenty four hours a day for our Lord. There is alot of big name groups out there who does not have the devotion and the love that these boys do, and then they have people out there who call themselves christians pulling them apart and trying to discouraging them. You say they dont deserve to be where they are, but then in the same paragraph say that you are trying not to hurt thier confidence, then tell me what are you trying to do. Give them advise? No your not, because as a christains advise doesnt come with rude and ignorant comments. You dont know the struggles those boys have been through, you dont know about where they come from and how each one of those boys could have easily been somewhere else and doing other things in thier lives, but through Gods love and Gods guidance they are the one and only Crystal River Quartet! So maybe you should take it up with God how you just downgraded something great that he has put together! Any sucess that these boys have is not by chance, or because of people they know, its because of the talent that God has given them, and the need to share that talent and the message with others!! I just dont understand how you as a christian can say such things about a group you know nothing about, in my perspective its the same thing as reading just a verse from the bible and saying you know Gods word!
Another on "Crystal needs polish" from the same person
I stand on what I say,,, If you have been in the Southern Gospel Music for over 25 years you know that southern gospel music should in no way be compared to any other type of music. You giving negative comments about others music is what I hear on contempary radio stations, and what I read in popular magazines. Southern Gospel Music should be embraced and set apart from other kinds of music, and the people in the industry should never discourage, or give a harmful "critique" to a group who is singing for the lord, no matter what!! Your experiance means nothing to me, and maybe thats why you hide, so no one knows the ruthless person that you are. You say you critique them, and tell them that they shouldnt be where they are, that in my opinion is not a critique that is just an opinion of one man. They have enough people in thier lives helping them improve in a postive way, not a negative way. Believe me sir, Crystal River is a part of my heart and I stand by them 100% in whatever they do, not because of thier wrinkled shirts, not because of a couple missed notes, and not because of thier hair style,,, its because they helped me, them living thier lives, and thier love for music, and my God, has blessed me, and changed me. I would hate to think that there might be one person out there that CRQ could have changed thier lives, but decided not to go hear them because of your "critique."
Crabb Example
Well said. You'll probably get gigged for saying it. But well said, anyway.
Hendrix and Heirline
I wish for once.. someone would explain to me what RICK HENDRIX did that deserves to be described as "over-aggressive unethical promotion."
Mr GC..I understand where you are coming from. ..and I agree that any radio station's chart that does not reflect actual air play (that's what the SN says they want)..is no good. But why does Rick Hendrix..or any promoter get accused of unethical practices for simply promoting his artist's song. One of the supposed "unethical" advertisements ran in my SG SHOW PREP. The ad only sad.."could it be a #1?".. "DJs..we need your help". What is wrong with that? If I were one of the charting station programmers.. I would think Hendrix wants me to play the song more. More airplay would result in a higher position on my chart. What's the problem?
SGblognews
You wrote:
"How does a blogger's post not get mentioned on SGblognews?
1. Be Averyfineline. 2. Mention anything good about the Southern
Gospel
Lovers site."
Actually, SGBlognews fails to mention some of my blog entries as well,
andmy posts don't meet your criteria. If they've only skipped one of
yours, you're doing better than me.
Flats
Thanks for your response to my e-mail. In the past 2-3 years we too have seen a shift in church homecomings concerts from afternoon to morning worship service. I agree that this makes for a much better concert and all-around homecoming. Many times we have suggested that the church have the concert during the morning worship service. A lot of churches are open to this. They‘re just trying to schedule afternoon concerts simply because, “they’ve always done it like that.” A little education on things like this can go a long way in changing the way “things have always been done.” Hopefully, groups like us can help in the education process. People that are tactful can make things like this happen. They can also “tactfully” secure a flat by coming across as suggesting and not demanding. It’s really amazing that this ministry of music is more a ministry of people than it is music. Maybe that’s the way God intended it to be.
Keep on writing and I’ll keep on reading.
On flat experiment
I’ve been reading with interest your comments about “a flat experiment.” I have a few observations. I’m part of a regional group. We’re not going to appear on a Gaither concert anytime soon, but we do sing the correct parts, in tune, in time, and we write and sing fairly decent material. Here’s our position on flats. We’ll give someone a flat price for a concert if we’d just as soon not do the concert. Hear me out before you question our motives for being involved in gospel music. Most of the invitations that fall into this category are church homecomings. Here’s how it works. Regular Sunday school and morning worship services followed by dinner-on-the ground. The afternoon concert starts at around 1:30 or 2:00. The problem is that no one wants to stay and listen to singing after they’ve been in church all day already. A group really doesn’t have the opportunity to minister in that situation. It’s even worst when the church wants you to sing while everyone is still eating! We’ve decided that for afternoon concerts we’ll ask a flat. In those situations we’re just as content to not go as we are to go. If the church doesn’t think we are worth the flat, I’m OK with that and I hope they can find an artist that can do the concert for them.
Other flat situations would include a great deal of travel to a place we hadn’t been before. If a church doesn’t want to agree to a flat for us, again I hope they can find a group that is more “regional” and cost effective for them. In those situations it probably would cost us to go sing, so I have to be willing to stay home sometimes.
In other church settings, i.e., places we’ve been before and churches that regularly host concerts with good crowds, we have to be willing to sing on a love-offering basis. It’s a simple matter of supply and demand. There are plenty of other regional groups that will come on a love-offering basis.
I think there are only two ways you can set a flat price for your musical services. Number one is a concert that you’re willing to pass on. Number two is when you know someone else will give you the flat amount for the date in question. Number two doesn’t apply to us. I’m afraid that it doesn’t apply to a lot of the full time artists in Southern Gospel music.
That brings me to the other point of view on this subject. I’ve been a bi-vocational minister of music for a number of years. Here’s the typical situation at a church that averaged 200-250 for Sunday morning worship. They pay a full time pastor and they pay a bi-voc minister of music. The minister of music has a choir with 15-20 faithful members. The congregation enjoys the choir’s singing. They sing to professionally recorded sound tracks. The minister of music is a good vocalist. He probably has 2-4 other choir members that are good vocalist also. They often sing during the worship services. The church may pay the minister of music $200.00-$250.00 per week for his services. He works hard with the music program and the church is pleased with what he does.
Here’s the supply and demand part. The pastor and the minister of music get constant requests not only from regional groups but professional group that want to come and present a concert at the church. But the congregation enjoys the choir and the minister of music (who is already receiving a salary from the church) just as much or more than a professional artist from outside the church. This church doesn’t have to try to schedule a particular artist at a particular time, because some other artist is always ready to come on a “pass-through” date. You can imagine the pastor’s response when this artist wants a date because they’re “in the area” and then they want the church to guarantee $500.00 or $1000.00 in addition to the love-offering! I know this happens because a well-known artist called last week with this proposal. I know they might need it. I think their talent merits it. I don’t blame them for asking for it. It’s just that when you look at it from strictly supply-vs.-demand, they are not worth it. If a church is going to schedule an artist at a time convenient for the church, the church should be willing to pay the asking price of the artist. The problem is that with the abundance of artists, most churches have the luxury of picking any artist, scheduling at a time convenient for the artist, and providing a love-offering only. I think a lot of well-known artist are doing these love-offering concerts. I don’t think anything will change as long as churches have plenty of “in-house supply” and there’s no increase in “demand” from the congregation.
These are just a few thoughts on the subject. I look forward to hearing your updates on the “flat experiment.”
On flats
YOU SAID: I guess SG fans are still not ready to actually pay for good music.
Please don't blame the SG fan for something that artists started ..and continued for years and years. Besides... the people who are turning down this group are most likely church pastors or music directors or deacons and elders... not typical SG fans.
Now.. if an artist can't sell tickets to a SG concert,.. that's the FAN saying no.. That doesn't necessarily mean the fan is cheap.. they just don't think the artists is worth the $$. That's different than being cheap.
thanks for your attention.
From SN
As is noted on the Airplay report we send out to the industry, we don't
release the chart information to the public until the first of the
month. The Heirline #1 will not be released to the public until April 1.
I'm going to have to ask you to remove the reference to that song being
number one on your web site. I've had to ask other sites, e.g. sogospel,
to remove press releases containing charting info before it was
officially released, and I have to be fair. Thanks!
On bloggers not protected
I'm sorry, but what does he think he plans to do? Take people to court? He doesn't even have a job
Thanks
I must say that your blog is a must read for me each day. I am so glad you are blogging more often. Your opinions are right in line with my thinking. Suppose that is why I like them so much? grin....
I appreciate the way you get to the point on subjects without attacking unmercifully as I have seen some bloggers do. You and Avery are my favorites. You help keep us informed also with our having to go to every sg website on the net. Thanks for the time you are giving to blogging.
I have sung all my life and do love sg best of all, however, I also sing in a Sweet Adeline chorus and am nuts about acappella singing of any genre. Can't beat that instrument that God created is my thought!
Keep up what you are doing. It is so meaningful.....and entertaining (did I say that E word?) to those who love SGM.
Blessings to you...
On CD reviews
Just wanted to let you know how enjoyable your blog is to me. My daily web browsing starts with your blog. We see eye to eye on issues. From a fan's standpoint I believe you are right on in your comments about reviews. I could care less how much orchestra is on one or if they do songs someone else did. I'm no where near as picky as some of the reviewers are. I have bought the CDs that you reviewed and must say that I love everyone of them.
CD reviews again
I have to admit I was surprised by your latest blog entry. I realize you never directly mentioned me, but you made some rather broad statements about the CD review practices of SoGospelNews in general, so I can only assume you were including me.
You wrote:
A review from an artist's standpoint should be used as a measuring tool to see what they need to improve on. From a fan's standpoint a review is a way to know what project to buy. I have never been able to get either one from a SGN project review.
I wholeheartely agree with the first two sentences. As for the third sentence, I often point out areas that could be improved, hoping artists will consider them more in the future. I also do my very best to describe projects as accurately as possible. I believe a clear description helps a fan decide whether they would want to buy a CD, regardless of whether I like it or not. Almost every review I've ever written is archived at www.musicscribe.com/vault.html if you care to examine them further.
You quote Doug/Avery as saying,
"SN and SGN et al do what they do the way they do it in part because it guarantees friendly access to the people whose names and photos and quotes sell subscriptions and generate ad revenue, to say nothing of making mini-celebrities out of the reporters and editors"
You used this as basis for saying there is "no accuracy in SGN reviews." My revenue as a writer for SGN from the first day I wrote a word for them thru today is a big fat goose egg. Everything I write for them is donated. I get no shares of any ad revenue.
As for friendly access to artists, my access is no different than that of any other fan. I talk with them at concerts or at NQC just like fans do. Some of the artists I meet are friendly to me, and a few aren't that friendly.
Is it my goal to be a mini-celebrity? Nope. My goal is seeing the industry get better overall. If I was trying to suck up to the big groups as you've suggested via Doug's quote, I would either refuse to review their inferior products, or I would totally gloss over all their faults. My track record proves that I don't do that. If I really wanted to be a celebrity, I'd do something entirely different from writing CD reviews.
You stated that SGN reviews aren't accurate because reviewers are being swayed by potential fame, getting to chat with artists, and/or getting cash out of the deal. Well, not me, and that goes for all three counts.
You also wrote:
It is the reason the Stanley's very good project, written totally by group members, with very tight harmony, and great vocals received 3 stars. While Matt Hagee's vocally mediocre project received 5 stars. The Stanleys are certainly a great group that has the potential to be something in SG, but are not yet a household name to the SG industry or fanbase. On the other hand Matt's father, John Hagee, has a lot of SG "pull" and is known by the SG industry and by the majority of SG fans. In essence these are not really reviews, but marketing tools to market SGN and to impress the big boys.
I obviously can't speak on behalf of any other person who wrote a review. I didn't write either of those. I've heard the Stanleys sing, but I haven't heard any of their recordings. All I heard of Hagee's was a brief clip they played in an ad at NQC while changing the stage around.
I will say this, though . . . I review based on what is . . . not on what if. I don't play this game of "they'd blow Hagee away if they just had a 10K budget like him." When you start doing that, your objectivity may as well be pitched out the window. Everything becomes relative when you play the "if only" game. I find it highly ironic that you paint yourself as more objective than the SGN staff while skewing your standards based on the size of an artist's budget. It doesn't matter to me who had the most money. The 5 star scale I use does not slide down to make excuses for those with less money.
You concluded with:
If you want a true objective review to see what to buy or to see how your group needs to improve, tell avery what you would like to see a review of or you can email me gospelcommentary@yahoo.com and tell me where to buy your CD. I will buy the CD and give you an honest review. I have no one to impress.
Thanks for the laugh you gave me with your concluding thoughts! I'd say the jury is still out on your reviews. You've reviewed three CDs, and you really liked all of them. The proof will come in how you handle a project that isn't so great. How do you say a CD stinks without coming across as a pretentious bully who's just getting his kicks out of trashing a project? I must admit, I'm still working on that one myself. Complimentary reviews are the easiest to write.
I believe you when you say you have no one to impress, but then neither do I. You've offered yourself up to the public as a preferable alternative. Hey, I welcome you to the party and I appreciate the challenge. It's always fun to see different viewpoints. I'll do my very best to top you in my writing, and I'm sure you'll do the same. If the industry ultimately gets two good writers out of it, then that's nothing but great for the industry.
Feel free to quote this email if you like. All I would ask if you do decide to quote it is that you leave it intact.
David Bruce Murray / dbmurray@mailblocks.com
--- Making hay while the sun shines ---
And again
Hello...I saw your reference to my Matt Hagee review and I can guarantee you there was no pull at all from Goss or Hagee and me trying to please them is absolutely ludicrous! Thanks though for the publicity.
I have never met either of them and have no interest in pleasing them. If I did so, then that's great. I have not heard the Stanley's CD, but from the soundclips I have heard, they are good, not great, but good...and just judging from that, I think the review was very fair and honest.
I played with the idea of giving Hagee 4 ½ stars, but in all honesty, I absolutely love the CD. I adore the arrangements and though I have never been a huge fan of Matt Hagee and his family as far as singers are concerned, this CD proved to me what he can do and in my opinion, he does it very well.
If you think we are trying to please the "powers that be" then why do we have these types of reviews where we don't give 100% glowing reviews? See links below...
John Hagee Family-"We Believe":
Mark Lowry-"Mary Did You Know?":
Legacy 5-"Monuments":
Bowlings:
It really bothers me that people continually like spout off what they THINK they know goes on with SGN or any other news outlet. They just assume, but they really have no clue.
James Hales
About Hype
really enjoyed reading the blogs by you and Avery concerning the use of "hyped" (or maybe a better word is "over-hyped") press releases in Southern Gospel Music. When I read one like Hendrix put out on Young Harmony and the inauguration, I find myself asking, "Do they really expect me to swallow this?" That article raised my eyebrow even before You and Avery wrote about it. Here's a copy of what I sent to Avery a few days ago.
When I read the YH release about their “invitation” to join the President at the inauguration, I immediately was drawn to what it did not say. Just like BC I noticed that it “did not” say they were in invited to perform at the inauguration, only that
“Plans are also under way for a performance at the White House by Young Harmony.”
All this led me to believe that they were getting no more attention from the white house than I could get for my $25.00 contribution to the RNC. Not everyone read the release the same way BC and I did. One of the comments posted to the release says, “Congratulations on singing for the president!”
I guess you can’t say Rick Hendrix doesn’t get results from a press release, but I think there are better ways to promote an artist than a partial truth/partial fabricated press release. I have my doubts about things that Hendrix writes. During a conversation I had with him about 11 years ago he told me of how he wrote “news” stories for some of the well known tabloid magazines. I also got to read in one tabloid about his personal encounter with a bolt of lighting. I have no way of confirming that he actually wrote for these tabloids, other than the above-mention conversation. This happened during a time he was doing promotional radio work for me. He did about 3 months of promotions on a radio single of mine. When I started hearing about the tabloid stories I discontinued his services.
If Young Harmony and Hendrix can pull off a performance at the white house then I’ll be the first to say “congratulations.” Until then, a hyped-up press release like this makes me think I’m standing in line at Wal-Mart reading what’s on the “News” Stand.
You have also made me think about the things I say and do concerning the amateur group that I sing with. When someone says "I bet you sure stay busy traveling and singing at all those churches every weekend", it is so easy to reply by saying, "Yes, we're very busy and the traveling is tough, but we're so very dedicated to our ministry and this keeps us going." A less-hyped response (and a much more truthful one) would be, "We enjoy our ministry, but we're only a local part-time group. We're not in great demand. We only sing 3-4 times per month. We do love what we do, and we're grateful for God's calling on life."
I'm going to be more aware of my responses in the future.
Thanks for what you do.
More on hype
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your blog. I would also like to answer your question about Southerspin. Southernspin is owned by the king and queen of hype. Nuff said!
Even more on hype
First of all I could care less who you are I love your blog. You speak the truth about hype and other issues. When it comes to a business like SSE hype is really dishonest. Keep up the good work.
God Must Have Worked Overtime
Thank you for acknowledging Gwen Barnes. She is a precious lady, and God has indeed anointed her with a special gift. I have seen drawings and pictures before, by other artists, that have gotten my attention. But Gwen's art touches me like no other. I don't think she realizes how much she truly ministers to folks through her art. I really believe she has a gift of being able to transfer to paper what she sees in the spiritual realm. That is an amazing gift only God can give. Thank you for honoring her in your latest commentary...she most definitely deserves it.
Sales Pitches
What irks me is the prolonged sales pitches from stage. Good lands!
Sometimes it's downright embarrassing. You've got to list each and
every
product you have, its price, the multiple item discounts, the special
packages, track lists ("everything we sing tonight is on one of these
three projects"), on and on, then the next one two or three groups gets
up and does the exact same thing! They each act like you have no idea
there's a flea market in the lobby where everybody has CD's 1 for $15 2
for $25 3 for $50 and so on.
Give it a break.
Now I know how celebrities feel
I thought his commentary (sgmblogger) (One for you, two for me...) in response to your post on SG Flea Markets was bit hasty, cheesy and immature. Some people still have a hard time getting a grip on the truth, much less "rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Tim 2:15)
Is he trying to be a Mini-Me of Avery?
Bloggers by the wayside
the crappy bloggers are falling by the wayside. . . You rock!
Love the "kindergarten" commentary
On being born gay
I don't believe someone is BORN gay anymore than someone is BORN a theif, a gambler, or anything else. We are born sinners... each of us have a different weakness that satan uses to lessen our walk with the Lord and try to lead us astray. It is a choice.. I agree that it may be a very difficult choice.. but we can never actually *walk in another's shoes* to find out just how hard it is to overcome certain things...
The Inspirations
Re: your comments on the Inspirations:
Your comments are well spoken but, Look at the crowds that are filling these venues, "Seniors" which is fine BUT, the younger guys in the group had better start rubbing elbows with the baby booming groups as insurance for their future. And on a pleasant note in keeping with the holiday that's upon us my wish for the Inspirations: matching underwear to go with those suits and for Martin to have laryngitis
On my blog, Avery, and PSQ
I have really enjoyed your perspective and am starting to have an idea as to
what Avery's main motivation is.
Don't you think it's more than coincidental the frequency of mentions on
that particular site in reference to traffic?
There must be some gratification to this person regarding the knowledge and
assumed importance they are gaining through the high numbers of web
counters.
While I am all for anyone who wants to dedicate their time to commentary.
While it can be fascinating and at times gripping, I've yet to see any of
the industry print establishment offering columnist positions for any of the
online writers.
PS: here are some thoughts that I posed to Avery in a recent e-mail:
Would be glad to see you comment on the other perspective - - you could be
like ' say ' the Fox News Channel of anonymous blogs - - 'fair and balanced'
hah! lol.
I personally find it very interesting that the remaining psq members feel
the need to slam and let what they feel might be 'damaging' evidence out at
the man that some of them have travelled with for nearly 8 ytrs.
It's really petty, and serves no purpose for either Tony or PSQ for this
information to get out. Making whoever leaked the info like their getting a
slap back at Tony
Another interesting point is that you even quote your correspondent as to
saying that 3 members of the group are now doing was Tony was single
handedly doing! Nuff said.
A bigger issue is the disapointingly disturbing fact of human nature - the
inquiring mind. It is our human nature to draw conclusions for ourself etc.
But it is a rather sad indictment that Christians would be so turned on to
this type of activity. Point to ponder.
Off topic
Just wanted to let you know that I was very interested in your "off topic" commentary. I am leading a discussion group at church and our topic is end time prophecy. The burden that God has placed on me about leading this group has been over whelming. I can't seem to get away from it. Everywhere I turn I hear someone preaching about it, or I see something in the news about the middle east or the EU. Everything seems to say that Jesus is ready to make good on His promise to return. I'm wondering if you could tell me what internet site you got the EU information from. Thanks for the article.
SGM dress
sounds like chris unthanks' comments were mainly directed to men, but if he thinks all groups should dress like "today's fashion" should sgm's women wear plunging necklines, piercings, short skirts, and tattoos?
full disclosure: i'm 31, straight, and i think untucked shirts and no tie (or at least solid shirt and jacket) look like total slobs, and completely unprofessional and lazy.
Anonymity
First. I like your blog..and agree with alot of what you say. I posted a thought on the message boards today about being anonymous.. here it is.. this would be my comment to you as well. I don't have anything against you being anonymous.. but I am sure there are many times that people post places anonymously.. because they want to strike out.. or strike back at someone.
I have changed my thoughts recently about anonymity.. I used to think it was ok.. and it may still be in some situations... but it isn't for me. If I were to post under an anonymous name or handle.. I would be more tempted to hurt people with my remarks. I have decided that I will,.. from now on.. always post with my identity attached. Whether it's in "remarks" associated with these reputation points and power, email, blog comments or whatever.
I may be imagining this.. but it seems that I recall a time when people had to use their real names on the message boards. I would be "FOR" returning to this practice. I understand it probably won't happen.. and I know some posters feel they must hide their true name because of their position in SG music... not sure how I feel about that.
but anyway.. Whatever happens to the reputation points.. my conscience is clear
Anonymity again
I think you are Chuck Buckner.
Appreciation
I was blown away today when I checked your blog.. Thank you.. thank you, thank you for the kind words. It was so nice to get the "pick me up" you passed along. It made my day.. which had been kind of rough up until I checked your site.
Thanks again.. God Bless you for obeying his call.. he knows when we need the kinds words. .. and he knows who to use.
Just found your blog.. how have I missed you up until now?.
Many of the blogs are boring.. I do not care for most .. I think some of them will be gone before 2005. I like yours..(so far) ..keep it up.
Personnel Changes
I think the reason that there are so many personnel changes is that there
are a lot of people (talking about the younger artists) that are great
singers, but I don't think they have THE desire to *sing for the Lord*. I
think thier desire is to just sing. I'm not saying this is true for
everyone, but I do think it is describing some.
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