14:59 into my 15:00.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24860437/?GT1=43001

Hey folks,

So, here I am reading over the comments on my blog, and someone decided to leave some rather unpleasant comments about me, and Dali Hopper.  Ordinarily, this would not bother me.  In fact, we welcome criticism and insight from outside sources.  This helps us grow and evolve as a band, because it’s the bands that stay hungry and are always trying to improve their sound and prove themselves every time out that last.  In fact, during just about every practice, there are people around that are always making comments and discussing our sound, and ways we can improve.  Even after the last show, people were saying, “We really liked the show, but we had a hard time hearing you over the drums.”  Granted, we had a confined space to work in and I was RIGHT next to the drummer and don’t feel that my microphone was turned up enough, but that’s ok.  This is an example of what I’m talking about, but the comments made on my last blog, well they are just childish and downright immature.  First there is some etiquette for critiquing and commenting on a blog.

1. Be Honest.  Honesty will go far, but be honest without making yourself sound like a jackass.

EXAMPLE: “Dali Hopper sucks ass; sweaty, smelly ass” doesn’t exactly make the commenter appear to be too intelligent.  People will think “What a stupid asshole”

CORRECTION: “Dali Hopper is not my kind of band, perhaps German Synth-Pop-Neo-Punk-Electro-HipHop is more the way to go for you guys.”  That is more to the point.  Yet you still don’t make yourself look like an asshole.  People will think “That’s good insight for the band, I agree, German Synth is the way to go.” You see what I mean?  It generates discussion.

2. Offer insight.  When critiquing, it is important to offer ways to improve.

EXAMPLE: “And you can’t sing” is, again, not helping your IQ out today.  And again, makes you look like a stupid asshole.
CORRECTION: “Perhaps you should take some vocal lessons, you were off key in several spots and your voice seems to weaken near the end of each chorus”  This makes you sound intelligent, offers insight as to exactly why you feel that the singer cannot sing, and provides a method of improvement.

3.  Use your real name and e-mail address.  Mature people will think higher of you if you have balls and use your real name and/or e-mail address.  This way in doing so, you offer people the opportunity to provide a rebuttal to your opinion, or agree with your opinion and maybe expand further on your comments.  This will also give people the impression that you are trying to offer advice, and not give off the impression that you are a moron.  If you fail to follow rules 1 and 2, but still manage to pull off rule 3; at least people will know who to call a stupid asshole.

EXAMPLE: mom@gmail.com, i know, for a fact, couldn’t possibly be your real e-mail address.  No intelligent human being would select such a moronic e-mail address.

CORRECTION: i_am_a_stupid_asshole@gmail.com would be more appropriate for you; since you’re a stupid asshole.

In conclusion, 1. Be Honest, 2. Offer Insight, 3. Have balls.  This will help you go a long way in not being a stupid asshole.

For the rest of you, I hope you enjoyed our last show at Hot Rods, more to come, in larger venues, I promise.  I have a few things up my sleeve that should put us on our way.  Also, if anyone wants a cheaply created 4-song demo to enjoy, let me know.  For the right price, I can hooks you up fat yo.

Making 9:00pm count (by not being a stupid asshole)

J