By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Wednesday, March 12, 2003 - 05:42 pm:

I had a recent e-mail conversation with one of our younger forum members. It was mentioned that this member at times felt patronized due to the fact that not having been there in the day somehow diminished this person's credibility and at times even drew hostile remarks. I just thought it should be mentioned that we all have a respnsibility to make all that post here welcome regardless of age, race, gender, or even sexual preference. Especially the younger ones. I'm sure most are here because they also love the music we love and are genuiney interested in learning as much about it as they can. I am of the opinion that, for the most part, the majorty of us bend over backwards to answer questions and wecome new comers. However that doesn't make us perfect ( and I'm not suggesting we should try to be ) so if there is room for improvement I urge us all to try our best when communicating with our fellow forum members.

By nikki (24.46.200.124) on Wednesday, March 12, 2003 - 10:18 pm:

Ralph,

Now that's class!! You (and David) are such wonderful moderators, taking the time out to make everyone feel welcome and at home, acknowledging the little things your members do & share! This is definitely the best forum on the net (IMHO) regarding "the" music. Although I am not able to be here every day or even every week, I look forward to reading and learning as much as possible that is posted here! There is such a wealth of information and photos shared here, I'm sometimes in awe! I could spend all day/nite here, but then I'd never get anything else done!!
Thanks to both of you for all you do here and for keeping everyone on their toes!

In harmony,

Nikki
http://www.harmonytrain.com

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Wednesday, March 12, 2003 - 10:24 pm:

Ralph - You sound just like our Director used to sound when we had staff meetings. (LOL)

When you were Manager at Hitsville, did you have to reprimand any of the singers, technicians, engineers, or musicians? If so, in what form?

By Carl Dixon London (62.31.40.155) on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 06:23 am:

Well said Ralph. Not being able to see each other must have a little to do with this. The body language part of our communication is missing and I guess we can often interpret innocence with ignorance, in many cases. If I am guilty of this, I apologise. That is why I am looking forard to May and our visit to Detroit. It will certainly be an eye opener. The more younger forum member that attend, the better. It will give us the oppurtunity to really show why this music is so special to all ages.

By R&B (138.238.41.128) on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 09:30 am:

THANKS RALPH,I HAVE TO REMIND MYSELF THAT SOME OF THE PEOPLE HERE ARE OF A YOUNGER GENERATION AND I HAVE TO BE MORE PATIENT,THANKS AGAIN.

By TonyRussi (68.18.230.25) on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 09:33 am:

That's why it so important for history to be documented correctly.

By Sue (64.12.97.7) on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 09:47 am:

The younger people on the Forum have to remember, many of those posting here are too young to have truly "been there" back in the day. The people who participated fully -- the Funk Bros., who used to post here, the Terrana brothers, Dennis Coffey ...they were alive and working in the '60s. Many of us like Sis were avid fans, went to concerts and bought records; those of us of boomer age got to go to shows with our parents, pretty much. If a Motown act played the State Fair in the '60s, I was there -- with Mom and Dad, clutching a sno-cone. Later on I could go to the teen clubs ...at any rate, we all start somewhere.

You shouldn't feel as if you have to pretend to know more than you do to catch up. A lot of younger folks also put too much stock in what they read on the Internet or in liner notes. It's best to source your info, like "I read in a book that ... or I'm not sure it's right, but I read on an album that ..."

One more thing -- when you're young, everybody looks old, but it's really best not to criticize the physical appearance of the veteran artists we're fond of here. With any luck we'll all be up there in age someday ...

By R&B (138.238.41.128) on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 10:03 am:

HEY SUE,YOU ARTICULATE VERY WELL,WOW!

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 10:11 am:

I'm hoping it was not something I've said. I know I got carried away with the insults regarding Dennis and the Mary remarks.

By stephanie (64.63.221.222) on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 10:17 am:

I agree with Sue....however Nish is what 21 I think and you never see HER talking about the appearances of the older acts or how fat or old looking they are or anything like that. She gives them the utmost respect. I do agree with what was said above by you though Ralph but I DO think that some of us need to use tact when we say things. I would be upset if I were Aretha or some Motown legend and I saw a younger person saying I dont look as good as Freda Payne!!! Who are THEY I have been around 50 years and I broke racial barriers and I have sold millions of records and some youngbuck is criticizing my weight or my voice. I think I could take it better from someone who is one of my peers if I were an entertainer rather than someone who is not. But then again if they want to say mean things about me and they are buying my records!!!!.....well that is another thing to think about..Just my opinion.
Steph

By stephanie (64.63.221.222) on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 10:23 am:

Oh another thing because we are in the presence of legends here even if I didnt like Bob Babbitt or James Jamerson or someone like that I wouldnt DARE put it here they are taking the time out to answer those questions and give US knowledge that we have been crying for as Motown and Detroit fans for years. Do you know how flabbergasted I was to find out that Ralph and Russ Terrana were on this board. I would NEVER say Russ that mix stinks or Ralph you dont know how to mix. What do I know about mixing!!!! Can you imagine me saying Dennis Coffey doesnt play the guitar as well as Prince or Bobby Eli cant write a song with a darn. Ohhhh the thought of such blasphemy I hate to even think of it. Im not saying we should kiss up to these people but they are legends in their own right...I dont like Opera music but Luciano Pavarotti is a great singer I wouldnt dare tell him he is overweight or cant sing first of all its not true. Can you imagine me telling Mike McLean tech he knows nothing about engineering? Get ready to duck and bring your bullet proof vest!!! Im sorry respect should be given where respect is due. These men and women dont have to be here and I think its wonderful that they are. Oh even the young ones.
Stephanie

By Vickie (205.188.209.38) on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 10:38 am:

Well Said Carl, Sue, Ralph, Sis and all...

Vickie

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 10:42 am:

Steph,
You are a genuine sweetheart. It's those like you that bring those of us that were " there ", here.

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 10:57 am:

Sis,
Sorry to take a while regarding your question to me. For the most part the staff was extremely competent. I'm sure we had an occasional meeting but probably more of the nature of finding out what might be bugging them. Time is short for me this morning but when I find time I'll write about a funny incident involving Norman Whitfield and a staff member of the Tape Library.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 10:59 am:

Ralph & company:
Read all comments & I have to agree with most of what has been said, especially Stephanie's post.

My only request is that we posters respect those who may not articulate their questions as well as others or may ask a question that someone else may think is ridiculous. Some of the most so-called "ridiculous" questions may give answers that are the most thoughtful.

Regards to all,
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 11:04 am:

Kevin,
I agree completely. I think that includes questions that also might be perceived as non R&B. I have always held the notion that this forum is poulated by people with a vast array of knowledge about the business and I feel any question regarding any style of music should always be welcomed here. I'm sure we have notced that there is always somone who knows the answer to something. The beauty of this forum I think.

By douglasm (68.113.15.28) on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 11:23 am:

At the risk of sounding both young and old.....
....I came upon this forum as a listener who grew up with Keener style music back in the '60's, and with more questions than answers, and have asked some pretty stupid questions. You folks have been kind enough to take my hand and guide me through without making me feel completely dumb. This place is a great educational opertunity for anyone who enters, and it is our duty to realise a lot of people (myself for instance) are asking questions because what is common knowledge to most is not to others. (I'd appreciate a spell chceker, though)

By stephanie (64.63.221.42) on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 11:40 am:

Good Point KevGo!!! Douglasm Im glad that you feel welcome here...all of the folks here are pretty nice..
Stephanie

By rhythmqueen (205.167.128.2) on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 12:06 pm:

Speaking from the younger generation who doesn't have the fortunate experience of knowing what it was like back in the day. I enjoy reading all the threads and find your conversations very informative and educational. I enjoy listening to music as much as playing it.
Some of the groups that you have spoken of has led me to do research on my own and expand my own musical library. With that, I thank you all!!

By R&B (138.238.41.118) on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 12:19 pm:

YOU'RE VERY WELCOME RHYTHMQUEEN,THE MORE YOU VISIT THIS FORUM,THE MORE YOU'LL LEARN.

By Conrad72 (63.97.240.1) on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 12:21 pm:

I'm 31 and honored to read the exchanges that go on here...I can't believe that Bob Babbitt answers my questions! I keep track of the discussions on recording techniques and try to adapt them to my "modern" music too. Thank You!

By nikki (24.46.200.124) on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 02:12 pm:

In line with the discussion on this thread, I will definitely agree that it's an honor to have many of the legendary singers, musicians, arrangers, writers, engineers, etc. etc. here on this forum! It is from their sharing of their own experiences and knowledge of having "been there" that adds alot of reality and truth here! Along this line (and I will probably have my head chopped off for this), I feel that no matter what anyone's role is/was with the music, these folks should realize that the rest of us are here to learn and share information. Most everyone is trying to "offer" something to this forum, no matter what their age, background, sex, color, ethnic, etc. etc. is. And I do agree that when info is posted, the source should basically be documented (if not coming from someone who "was there" at the time). I guess I would call myself the "SisDetroit" of NY, having followed many of the groups for dozens of years, taking hundreds of photos along the way. I am happy to share whatever I can offer, as well as to learn what others have to offer here (which is plenty)! In closing, as this is a public forum, there will always be someone or someones who are "inappropriate" in some way, and that is why Ralph & David do such a good job of keeping things running smoothly!

Nikki
http://www.harmonytrain.com