There is an art to expressing opinions in a way that doesn't come across as condemnation. And since this series of discussions revolves around the various interpretations of art, it isn't surprising that as a group we see the art of tact differently too. ;-)

But the saving grace here (in my opinion) is that most of us have been here long enough to know that we're all a bunch of opinionated old farts who don't mean anybody any harm. I truly like everybody on the forum, and therefore it isn't hard to read between the lines and make an honest effort to understand what each person is trying to say.. even when the words they choose might not be the best way to say it.

My take-away is that we are all just trying to explain to everybody what drives our decision to be where we are musically today.. or hope to be tomorrow. It should be a given that everybody has made their own choices.

I DO find it interesting and enlightening to hear others say why they DON'T want the same things I want.

I think it is good and healthy for people to be different... and to talk about their reasons in a civil manner. This is an awesome group.. it may seem contentious at times, but for the most part, I'd trust anybody in this group. I don't get the impression anybody here is communicating in bad faith or gunning for anybody else.

I hope 2015 ends up being as interesting and civil as it has been so far.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ey71h8ep047758h/AAC12jNM0Hz9Q8zsh5iDeqNHa?dl=0