the many many phonograph forums

[Steve]

Does anyone know what happened to carsten or edisonic or some of the other very knowledgeable sorts?

[larryh]

Sometimes Knowledgeable depends on blind faith to accept at face value anything some say. Correct or not.

[larryh]

Shane,

You're not alone in the limited activity of groups. I have a few groups besides the phonograph hobby and even though we have several hundred members only a few choose to participate. And yes it does seem that in some areas, or some fields of interest people are quite protective of their privacy and just want to observe.

[brianu]

Part of the reason that discussion was so lively on the OTVMMB was the Sybil-like multiple personality postings by some of the members. I am certain that many members of that board were actually a small number of members pretending to be other members. Does anyone recall the 'Greek chorus' phenomenon on that board wherein if a question was asked by someone and if it was answered by one of a selected few, the congratulating and adulation of the answer-provider by the same group of members would go on for several posts on a thread. If the question was answered by someone not anointed, the thread would often stop abruptly, or, the responder might be attacked (again, by the usual suspects) and their character called to question because suddenly even their politics was baited inappropriately or their ability to endure the 'good-natured non-PC kidding' and ridicule by the admin and his real and imaginary sycophants. I suspect that a lot that went on at the OTVMMB was really smoke and mirrors to drive up the view count and stoke a few mighty big egos. The loss of years of collective knowledge and its dilution before that by the actions of a cult of personality was irresponsible at best. It was lively because it was administered obsessively (read pathologically), and I for one do not miss the hostile environment and nasty culture of that board in the final stages of its long decline. My memory of the depredations of that board and the perpetrators is not so short that I am now nostalgic for it.

not to back slap, but well said.

[larryh]

What always bothered me was the way in which "reality" was dismissed when it didn't agree with the moderators and a few select members views. I always feel like everyone has a right to an opinion, but that the facts should prevail. Often they did not, nor did it seem popular to say so.

[OrthoFan]

One member mentioned an Aussie magazine that I never knew existed, which was being published in the 1980's or 1990's (I think from memory). I asked the member about the magazine, whether they were being reprinted for sale, or if there was an online source where the magazine could be viewed.
I was then told in no uncertain manner, that the couple authors put a lot of work into the magazine, they have to make money off them, and if any of the information was to appear online, there'd be hell to pay! And I was told that the national library had copies on the shelf, so if I wanted to read them, go there.

Hi Shane:

Was that the magazine/newsletter published by the Australian Collectors of Mechanical Musical Instruments? (http://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/1820117)

I was going to click on their site, but when I googled for the address I spotted the following:

Australian Collectors of Mechanical Musical Instruments (Index Page)
Sep 1, 2002 ... Danger - Do NOT click here. ACMMI Logo. Australian Collectors of Mechanical Musical Instruments. ACMMI Inc. Animated Music Note ... http://www.zipworld.com.au/~job/body_index.html

(Apparently the site was/is considered unsafe by Google.)

A quick search for "ACMMI Newsletter" indicates that it may be possible to purchase a copy from the National Library.

[Gramophonic]

What always bothered me was the way in which reality was dismissed when it didn't agree with the moderators and a few select members views. I always feel like everyone has a right to an opinion, but that the facts should prevail. Often they did not, nor did it seem popular to say so.

Larry, I think you hit the nail on the head. And its always a few "select members" who spoil the desire for a fact based knowledge exchange, for everyone else. I am largely avoiding to contribute to boards now because of the old ladies. Hopefully these kind of detractors can go set up their own password protected board and go do whatever they want to do, and say whatever they want to say behind closed doors - will probably make them happier?!

[gramophoneshane]

Ah, another one I haven't heard about. Thanks heaps for the information on it
No, this magazines "The Australian Record & Music Review".
That Mechanical Musical Instrument magazine sounds very interesting. I'll have to see if my state library carries copies of that one. At least it's only ½ an hour from me
It's a shame the online site is considered unsafe. It's funny that porn sites have a bad reputation for being loaded with viruses, but I found that my old computer picked up viruses in my searching for gramophone information more than anything else.

[OrthoFan]

...
No, this magazines "The Australian Record & Music Review"....

Don't know if this will help, but after doing a little Googling, I discovered that Mike Sutcliffe is/was associated with the publication -- http://www.78rpm.net.nz/78s/oz_dates.htm. A little more cybersnooping came up with some contact info (Actually, his name & contact information appears on several sites):

Mike Sutcliffe, 15 Lowanna Ave., Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153. Phone 02 96397902. © National Film and Sound Archive 2008.

HTH
OF

[Howerd]

Larry, I think you hit the nail on the head. And its always a few "select members" who spoil the desire for a fact based knowledge exchange, for everyone else. I am largely avoiding to contribute to boards now because of the old ladies. Hopefully these kind of detractors can go set up their own password protected board and go do whatever they want to do, and say whatever they want to say behind closed doors - will probably make them happier?!

I love this board ! and I also love the UK board particularly as it is free from "Dealer Influence" and the current views of "The Vocal Minority" of Old Guys who dismiss us youngsters and our opinions and experiences as meaningless !

We have valid views as well ! and I'm glad they can be expressed here !