The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

JohnM wrote: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.

gramophoneshane wrote: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.

larryh wrote: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.

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

Gramophonic wrote: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?!