Issue of propriety regarding $70,000 phonograph

[EdisonSquirrel]

Hi John,

I think that it's to your credit that you brought up this topic as we want this forum to be above board. While we all want to avoid the mistakes that have been made on other phonograph forums in the past, I believe that we should take care that we do not go to the other extreme and discourage honest exchanges of opinion and views.

The issue here concerns a common phonograph that is being sold for $70,000, which is an outrageous sum for such a phonograph. The seller is asking for this sum as he/she sees an image ingrained in the cabinetry that he/she considers to be the likeness of Jesus.

As this is a phonograph forum, it is entirely appropriate to comment on it in the Talking Machine Forum. It would be unfair to expect forum members to refrain from expressing their views on this due to the fact that the seller has introduced religion into the transaction. The seller certainly has the right to ask whatever price he/she chooses, but others have the right to comment.

I would venture to say that many religious people and most clergymen would likely express offense at the use of religion in this transaction and not at the individuals commenting on the propriety of the transaction. Of course all members should maintain a degree of civility in their comments.

In closing, I would simply state that the facade of religion should not be used to quelch the expression of opinion in this matter.


Rocky

[JohnM]

Anyone catch the tail-end of Bill Maher tonight?

[Neophone]

Rocky,

Thank you for your input. I think the issue boils down to the question-If the seller truly believes he sees the face the Deity are we mocking his beliefs? Hundreds of "miraculous visions" are reported regularly these days it seems, I do believe some of them ARE real. Fatima and Lourdes are two examples of Mary appearing which I personally believe. I, like you abhor charlatans attempting to profit from another faith. As a moderately devote individual I take offense to the mocking or belittling of someone's faith. As a citizen of a free nation I desire free and open respectful discourse. To paraphrase Edward R. Murrow, I do not demand total agreement as a precondition of conversation or friendship.

I do agree with the last sentence on your first paragraph-I do fear swinging to far the opposite way. I can guarantee to you all that I shall never claim infallibility that's for sure! I will make mistakes and for them I apologize in advance (and after the fact as it seems is necessary). The tone of humor is perhaps what was found offensive-it can be perceived as mockery.

To the guest poster who's post was denied-your initial post did not substantially contribute anything to the discussion it was simply link to a similar discussion elsewhere. It is my understanding that this topic has generated an abundant amount of cyberprint in more than one corner of our little partition of the World Wide Web. In the main your newer post does contribute:

...The majority will favor a good sense of humor. A good moderator should post concerns and advise restraint. That is part of the job.

Rocky states it all very well and I think it is a none issue as long as highlighted statement is adhered to.

For me at least, the jokes are spurred by the greed. The image in the wood does resemble a face....

In the above you offer me wise advice as well as some subtle, but very constructive criticism. Thank you. I did feel, and to an extent still feel that a link to more humor on this subject just isn't very constructive at the moment. As things stand at the moment I have at least one member considering leaving the forum because of a private communication regarding this matter. I am disappointed, I want everyone to feel safe and at ease here. I'm publicly asking that member to reconsider.

You will see a high level of openness from me as I grapple with the responsibilities of moderating, I look forward to hearing from all of you on matter such as this. Just remember I can't agree with everyone all of the time. At the moment I am leaning toward a reversal of my decision in light of the well thought out communication I have so far received-let me mull on it for one more day....

Regards,
John

[EdisonSquirrel]

I looked over the contributions to this thread and saw no evidence of anyone engaging in mockery--only lighthearted humor. I would go so far as to say that it is virtually impossible to discuss this topic at any length in modern day America without resorting to humor.



Rocky