As not only the operator of a site, but a participant and observer in a few forums across the Internet, I've often found the psychology of Internet discussions to be interesting.  While I'm not a psychology or sociology major, it would be intriguing to discuss the prototypical personalities that inhabit the brave new virtual world we are living in today.

Okay...CUT!   Enough of that drivel.  I could care less 

However...     [note my gratuitous use of emoticons today]
 

You know how people like me (and others who are solicited for opinions) have a tendency to say "Well, tone is subjective" as a qualifier before giving thoughts on sonic matters?  Along with perhaps the greatest musical equipment cliche of all time, "built like a tank", the ol' "tone is subjective" sentiment ranks right up there near the top as an oft-used catch-phrase [with apologies to "touch-sensitive" and "chime"]. 

I look around at the minefield that is the average Internet Forum and gaze in wonder at the prevalence of the "flock mentality."

"This amp is great.  It's the best amp I've owned in a week."  Next thing you know, legions of followers are knocking down the manufacturer's door wanting the latest and greatest.  Next week, it'll be on eBay for some excuse (I need the money that I didn't need last week) that covers up the real reason for parting with the item (ie: I can't make it sound good).

Pedals?  No problem!  We've got 10,000 guys making fuzz boxes these days.  You should hear this new fuzz I just bought.  It's fuzzier and built more like a tank than any other fuzz box on the market.  Not only that...I paid $700 for my fuzz and it took 6 years to get on the list and another 5 to receive it.  It also has a drawing of a sheep's rear end on the inside, which means that it is a better sounding fuzz than the other ones they make.

What?  There's a new green colored version of this fuzz?  Oh damn!  Now I've got to sell this to get the limited edition green color.  Green just sounds better and I want to be one of only 3500 people to have that green fuzz.  I guess I should put the one I have on eBay.  After all, I need the money to get the new one...er...I mean, I've got a car payment due next week.  Yeah, that's it!

But now that I've got the green one, I think it looks too much like a Tube Screamer.  I want my old one back with the sheep's rear end on the inside.
 

Then there is the poster who insists that a certain type of music is better than another...or that Johnny Bravo's latest albums lack the fire that he had back in his youth.  After all, the guy doing the criticizing is famous himself and has sold 1,000,000 records like Johnny Bravo has.  But wait...Johnny Bravo can't play no jazz!  And Johnny Bravo only knows two chords, which is exactly one less than Elvis Presley and one more than John Lee Hooker.  No wonder he sucks!

You want sound clips?  Hey, I just recorded 450 of them today.  I sit around all day doing clips.  I've got this cool backing track and I thought it would be neat to do 450 takes of the same track just to show how many different ways I could play the three licks that I know....wait...make that four.  I just received Esteban's "Gift of Guitar" video and picked up another riff.

Most of you already know that my amp KILLS your amp.  Sure, it's partly because it's MY amp and I have a lot of credibility because I'm that "Stringbender" dude.  Don't even turn your amp on.  Stop!  I said don't turn it on.  There is only one good amp and I own it.  Ssshhh!  Don't say a word.  MY AMP!  Don't believe my amp is good?  Listen to me play it.  I already told you I did 450 sound files....and I even did a jazz lick.  I'll admit, it's not a particularly good jazz lick.  It's out of tune and I played a few more notes than I wanted to but...WAIT!  Stop distracting me and trying to change the subject.  MY AMP KILLS YOUR AMP!   Don't you forget it.
 

And we haven't even talked about sports forums yet!  By the way, MY team is better than your team.  Your team's coach is terrible.  He probably cheated to win the ones he got credit for.  Blah-blah-blah-blah-blah.  After all, my happiness depends on the ability of an 18-year old kid to throw a pig bladder through a metal ring.  No, really!  It does .

Y'all just back off now.  My favorite race car driver can go around in circles faster than that pansy you pull for!  My driver does NOT drive clockwise around the track!   Hey! You leave my mama out of this!
 

Politics:  Your candidate is a loser.  I'm now sticking my hands in my ears and yelling.  I can't hear what you are saying.  Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.  Are you still talking?  AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!   You are entitled to my opinion.

Religion:  My God can beat up your God.  I win.
 

The reason I like to emphasize "tone is subjective" and remind people to use their instincts to evaluate the source of information and whether or not it resonates within their own little world is because a lot of credibility and truth is automatically granted to something simply since it's in print, on television or on the Internet.  Nothing wrong with taking advantage of the many WONDERFUL things about the 'Net.  We have unprecedented access to information and communication.  It's great!  Nor am I saying not to trust your fellow man...there are some great people online, and I know a few of you who hang out here!
 

Take people's advice online by all means, especially if you know and trust them!  However, don't be upset or even feel betrayed if you end up disagreeing with them.  After all, opinions are like Bin Ladens.
 

And finally, we have that idiot over there in charge of Steelbender.com.
 
 

Jason