I still believe that the community should get first dibs, even if it's just half an hour to get through first. That's my comment and it always has been. I don't think that anyone is LESS of a fan for not posting, believe me, I was a lurker for a LONG LONG LONG time before I joined up and I NEVER got in on a presale as I assumed it should be for those who make the EXTRA effort. That's all. A fan is a fan no matter how you slice it.

Lori, I would have done the same, I would have helped out a member ---when someone is in need of help, I could NEVER turn my back.

I however, don't support the membership fee though, that's just my point of view, and to each his own as they say.

Bluegirl:

I don't ever recall anyone telling me not to share my "timesaving tips" on the board.

That was a very long time ago, Lori. A discussion between you, Jane and myself actually. Anyway, it doesn't matter. The tricks that could have worked in those days will not work anymore (I think Jane had a good one at the time although I can't remember if she ever told me what it was, he! he!).

Sammie is right, this particular time-saving tip about setting up an Express Account had already been posted by Lindsay or Aaron. And, as far as I know, this is the only way to save time when purchasing tickets anywhere on-line nowadays.

DianeM:

Bluegirl:

I don't ever recall anyone telling me not to share my "timesaving tips" on the board.

That was a very long time ago, Lori. A discussion between you, Jane and myself actually. Anyway, it doesn't matter. The tricks that could have worked in those days will not work anymore (I think Jane had a good one at the time although I can't remember if she ever told me what it was, he! he!).

Sammie is right, this particular time-saving tip about setting up an Express Account had already been posted by Lindsay or Aaron.

You'll forgive me for not remembering that conversation, given what you know my memory is like these days eh? LOL!

Jane was great at getting good seats even though she was on dial-up like me! I still spend about $40 on gas to go go down to my mom's on pre-sale days!

DianeM:

There certainly was a greater number of people on the site this week at pre-sale time than at any other time of the year which is why the server crashed.  I wonder how many of them are lurkers on a regular basis.

This would be me. I pop in whenever I can to see what's new, which admittedly isn't all that often as I have three kids - a 7 year old, a 16 month old and an 8 week old. I did post on the old boards but not very often as I could see everyone knew each other and it felt really uncomfortable to just break into a conversation.

On the topic of other performers and their fan clubs....

I got an email from JACK-FM this morning announcing their Blue Rodeo presale so, being nosy, I went to TicketMaster to check it out. While browsing TM I noticed that John Mellencamp is coming to Calgary with Tom Cochrane. My husband loves Tom Cochrane so I went to check out the info. The mellencamp fan club has their presale info already, and if you're not a member yet, then -

"Not a member yet?
Beginning at Noon November 6, 2007 you can purchase tickets before the general public by ordering a CLUB CHERRY BOMB FAN CLUB MEMBERSHIP during the presale as part of your ticket purchase transaction. The cost of membership is $30.00. Within 14 business days you will receive information on how to activate your membership and begin taking advantage of all the benefits. Want to purchase presale tickets to multiple shows? Wait for instructions for your membership activation or purchase additional memberships through Ticketmaster."

So there's apparently no advantage to being a previous member of the fan club anyways.

justaroundmidnight:

I still believe that the community should get first dibs, even if it's just half an hour to get through first.

I can't believe a suggestion has turned into this. People popping in to say  I didn't post because everyone seemed to know each other, people accusing the board members of being heated, then people complaining about helpful hints that were posted...WTF?

Of course the first time you sign in your not going to know everyone or anyone for that matter, I sure as hell didn't, but I was welcomed graciously like everyone else who introduces themselves...after that, its up to you! If you choose to sit back and watch, well how the hell is anyone to know you are there? And how is it fair to judge people that you don't bother to interact with?

I have met some of the most wonderful people in the world on this board. People who have actually helped to restore my faith in humanity, since most people out there are closed minded and judgemental, I usually don't bother with them...but that is not the case here and I resent anyone implying that.

I am so grateful for the friendships I have made here, and no I didn't get an engraved invitation nor did I know anyone when I first signed on...but you know, if you don't take the chance, then nothing will ever come from it.

I also find it very selfish that someone would complain about a board member giving a HELPFUL suggestion to their friends. But you know, that's the type of people we have here, helpful, good-hearted people and personally I think that is something to be PROUD of.

katiescarlet:

I can't believe a suggestion has turned into this. People popping in to say  I didn't post because everyone seemed to know each other, people accusing the board members of being heated, then people complaining about helpful hints that were posted...WTF?

Of course the first time you sign in your not going to know everyone or anyone for that matter, I sure as hell didn't, but I was welcomed graciously like everyone else who introduces themselves...after that, its up to you! If you choose to sit back and watch, well how the hell is anyone to know you are there? And how is it fair to judge people that you don't bother to interact with?

I have met some of the most wonderful people in the world on this board. People who have actually helped to restore my faith in humanity, since most people out there are closed minded and judgemental, I usually don't bother with them...but that is not the case here and I resent anyone implying that.

I am so grateful for the friendships I have made here, and no I didn't get an engraved invitation nor did I know anyone when I first signed on...but you know, if you don't take the chance, then nothing will ever come from it.

I also find it very selfish that someone would complain about a board member giving a HELPFUL suggestion to their friends. But you know, that's the type of people we have here, helpful, good-hearted people and personally I think that is something to be PROUD of.

 

This post feels like it was directed at me. If not, I do apologize. I don't recall saying ANYTHING about judging anybody and it sure as hell wasn't a matter of "not bothering" to post, more like too shy to intrude into a conversation between people who obviously knew each other. Pardon me for coming out of my shell, posting and getting jumped on.

justaroundmidnight:

I still believe that the community should get first dibs, even if it's just half an hour to get through first. That's my comment and it always has been.

I think that's where the thoughts of elitism and what is "fan" comes in?  But, maybe that could be solved by putting in place the system where you have to be a member for a certain amount of time before you are eligible to buy presales?  Post the pre-sale notice, say 2 weeks in advance, and you have to be a member for a couple of months or something already? 

Funny, I haven't seen any of the admins on here weighing in on what BR.com is going to do to ensure it doesn't happen again... because it comes back to servers, staggering pre-sales, etc.

While I am one of those concerned about people's comments that they are the "true fans" and that's why they should get first dibs on buying, I have to say someone posting on how to quicken the pace of buying tickets is a great thing and that's what being part of a community is about... I really don't see how the two are related at all.... and I do appreciate the tip for next time!

paulakoala:

katiescarlet:

I can't believe a suggestion has turned into this. People popping in to say  I didn't post because everyone seemed to know each other, people accusing the board members of being heated, then people complaining about helpful hints that were posted...WTF?

Of course the first time you sign in your not going to know everyone or anyone for that matter, I sure as hell didn't, but I was welcomed graciously like everyone else who introduces themselves...after that, its up to you! If you choose to sit back and watch, well how the hell is anyone to know you are there? And how is it fair to judge people that you don't bother to interact with?

I have met some of the most wonderful people in the world on this board. People who have actually helped to restore my faith in humanity, since most people out there are closed minded and judgemental, I usually don't bother with them...but that is not the case here and I resent anyone implying that.

I am so grateful for the friendships I have made here, and no I didn't get an engraved invitation nor did I know anyone when I first signed on...but you know, if you don't take the chance, then nothing will ever come from it.

I also find it very selfish that someone would complain about a board member giving a HELPFUL suggestion to their friends. But you know, that's the type of people we have here, helpful, good-hearted people and personally I think that is something to be PROUD of.

 

 

This post feels like it was directed at me. If not, I do apologize. I don't recall saying ANYTHING about judging anybody and it sure as hell wasn't a matter of "not bothering" to post, more like too shy to intrude into a conversation between people who obviously knew each other. Pardon me for coming out of my shell, posting and getting jumped on.

 

 

Yowzas!  That is exactly why new people don't post!  I too lurked for years enjoying the reading, but feeling too shy to intrude on people's conversations.  Finallly one day I just did and have been given great tips ever since.  I have been introduced to new bands, gotten tips on quitting smoking, lusted after some hot men (who knew Kris Kris. was that hot?!).  This board is welcoming for the most part, but it is intimidating to jump in and start posting.  I think that was the point Paula was trying to make.

I also have no idea how to quote two different posts at the same time.  Anyone?

paulakoala:

katiescarlet:

 

 This post feels like it was directed at me. If not, I do apologize. I don't recall saying ANYTHING about judging anybody and it sure as hell wasn't a matter of "not bothering" to post, more like too shy to intrude into a conversation between people who obviously knew each other. Pardon me for coming out of my shell, posting and getting jumped on.

 

Please don't leave. By and large, we're a civil lot. Many people here have indeed known each other a long time, and it can be quite intimidating at times. However, speaking from experience, it's quite worth sticking around and getting to know people. Touchy moments blow over fast. And anyways, say what the heck you want to. I try to.

Fricka:

paulakoala:

katiescarlet:

I can't believe a suggestion has turned into this. People popping in to say  I didn't post because everyone seemed to know each other, people accusing the board members of being heated, then people complaining about helpful hints that were posted...WTF?

Of course the first time you sign in your not going to know everyone or anyone for that matter, I sure as hell didn't, but I was welcomed graciously like everyone else who introduces themselves...after that, its up to you! If you choose to sit back and watch, well how the hell is anyone to know you are there? And how is it fair to judge people that you don't bother to interact with?

I have met some of the most wonderful people in the world on this board. People who have actually helped to restore my faith in humanity, since most people out there are closed minded and judgemental, I usually don't bother with them...but that is not the case here and I resent anyone implying that.

I am so grateful for the friendships I have made here, and no I didn't get an engraved invitation nor did I know anyone when I first signed on...but you know, if you don't take the chance, then nothing will ever come from it.

I also find it very selfish that someone would complain about a board member giving a HELPFUL suggestion to their friends. But you know, that's the type of people we have here, helpful, good-hearted people and personally I think that is something to be PROUD of.

 

 

This post feels like it was directed at me. If not, I do apologize. I don't recall saying ANYTHING about judging anybody and it sure as hell wasn't a matter of "not bothering" to post, more like too shy to intrude into a conversation between people who obviously knew each other. Pardon me for coming out of my shell, posting and getting jumped on.

 

 

Yowzas!  That is exactly why new people don't post!  I too lurked for years enjoying the reading, but feeling too shy to intrude on people's conversations.  Finallly one day I just did and have been given great tips ever since.  I have been introduced to new bands, gotten tips on quitting smoking, lusted after some hot men (who knew Kris Kris. was that hot?!).  This board is welcoming for the most part, but it is intimidating to jump in and start posting.  I think that was the point Paula was trying to make.

I also have no idea how to quote two different posts at the same time.  Anyone?

Sorry can't say how to do two different posts at the same time, but c'mon. Its a public board, if two people were having a private conversation they would do it in a PM or email. Its not anyone elses fault if someone is too shy to join a conversation, I'm wondering if that's even a real excuse, there doesn't seem to be any shyness happening right now.

Please, let's  just try to step back and take a couple of deep breaths.

Last Friday was pretty stressful for anyone who tried to buy tickets and ran into problems with the site. I was one of those people and will admit that I started this thread out of pure frustration. In the end, I think several good suggestions were made, but now we're just beating a dead horse.

I never meant to imply that I didn't want newcomers on the site. In fact, I think I always go out of my way to welcome new members here. On the other hand, I'm not a doormat and I don't appreciate being judged by people who magically appear out of the woodwork and don't know me from a hole in the ground. Just because I'm outspoken does not mean I'm not a nice and caring individual. There's plenty I do for my BR friends behind the scenes. I'm sure most of you would be insulted too had the comments I was upset about been directed toward you.

"Heated" discussion only happen maybe 5% of the time around here (and I'm being generous with that figure), so that leads me to ask what are people's excuses for not participating the other 99% of the time? Also, and this isn't directed toward anyone in particular, but I wonder why is it that people wait for these "heated" discussions to jump in and say "This is why I don't post". Both lurkers and long-time members who rarely post will often jump into these types of discussion just to bash someone they don't care for, then retreat back into lurk-mode until the next time. I guess this just bugs me because I'm not a big fan of passive-agressiveness.

Fricka, thanks for reminding me of Mr. Kris! I think I'll go watch some of my Folk Fest footage. As soon as our high speed is hooked up, I'm going to upload all those videos to youtube! You'll be amazed at how yummy he still is!! LOL!

Nobody leave, okay?

Am I going to get heck if I give a tip on how to quote two posts at the same time? LOL!! Just kidding! Jusssst kidding!!

I don't know how other people do it, but I just reply to a post as if I was going to quote someone and then copy and paste that into word/wordpad, then go back and do the same for the next person I want to quote and so on. Then, I just copy and paste the whole thing into a new post.

Does that make sense?

Fricka:

I have to say someone posting on how to quicken the pace of buying tickets is a great thing and that's what being part of a community is about... I really don't see how the two are related at all.... and I do appreciate the tip for next time!

 

Thank you Fricka!

katiescarlet:

Sorry can't say how to do two different posts at the same time, but c'mon. Its a public board, if two people were having a private conversation they would do it in a PM or email. Its not anyone elses fault if someone is too shy to join a conversation, I'm wondering if that's even a real excuse, there doesn't seem to be any shyness happening right now.

 Never said it was anyone else's fault that I'm shy. Matter of fact as I'm getting older I'm getting less and less shy. I was referring to why I rarely posted previously. And the majority of my original post on this thread was referring to my somewhat limited opinion/experience regarding paid fan club memberships, not blaming people for not talking to me when I was too shy to post and say "hey, I'm here" or the like.

Anyways.  

I've been reading threads here and there throughout the forum and have noticed regular posters commenting on people just signing up for presales and then vanishing into the woodwork again and I don't want to be painted with that brush - shy or not I'm here.

I look forward to getting to know you all!