SlideMeisterForums FAQ'S
If you want to get to know how to navigate around SlideMeisterForums before you join, that is fine. Select the help topics below & it will take you to a list of common questions about how the forum operates.
SlideMeisterForums is, to SlideMeister.com, what Yahoogroups is to Yahoo.com. The new SlideMeister, BanterMeister and our other new groups are only accessible from SlideMeisterForums.
Once registered, you will see that the new forums are indeed different from the old “newsgroup” format we’ve used at Yahoo for the past seven years. SlideMeisterForums is divided into categories like “General” Maintenance, and so on. This way, the user can choose what he/she wants to read (or not) As you may know, SlideMeister was created to simply “streamline” Chromatic newsgrouping by eliminating non-Chromatic harmonica discussion. Although perceived as controversial by some, we broke the “harpgroups” mold and continue to grow.
SlideMeisterForums (with the new SlideMeister newsgroup) further define and refine the original simplification process on which SlideMeister was built. Moreover, it adds features and functionality that are simply not available at the old group and format.
Where it sometimes took up to 6 hours (personal experience) for a post to appear on SlideMeister, the new SlideMeister displays them instantly. Here, users have total control over what they see or don’t see. Users can instantly “PM” (personally message) other group members “under the table / off list” if they so desire. They can “dial out” categories/subjects, or even the posts of particular members if they choose. Users can choose to use a “mug-shot / avatar,” (or nothing) to personalize their presence on the forum. They can submit sound files “on the fly” with their posts, link to video sites like YouTube and all kinds of other features including a totally anonymous “CritiqueMeister” where professionals will critique their playing.
We also have moved BanterMeister over here, where anything “decent” goes (with the exception of Religion and Politics.) BanterMeister (not SlideMeister) also incorporates some lively diatonic discussion!
SlideMeisterForums provide members with the ultimate vehicle for getting around the harmonica community. Join us!
Slidemeister FAQ'S
Why does SlideMeister discriminate against diatonics?
Firstly, yes we get asked that question a lot, and the short simple answer is:
We don't discriminate," we "sort!" We're "Chromatic Specialists." While the cardiologist knows all about what causes everything from a sore throat to tooth decay, he or she simply chooses to deal in cardiology. The same thing is true with SlideMeister. Of course we ALL play diatonics, and most of us belong to diatonic groups as well. We all talk about diatonics too, we just don't do it on SlideMeister.com. While we do actually discuss diatonics, diatonic rigs and gear, we do that on our Diatonic board under the BanterMeister board, (one of our ancellary discussion boards) but never on the actual pages of this website. For more information on MeisterForums, join us and see. Just click on the "Join MeisterForums" button at the very top of this page.
Where did SlideMeister come from?
This web site is an outgrowth of the original SlideMeister at Egroups, later as SlideMeister at Yahoogroups. Now, we're "SlideMeister International Chromatic Harmonica Fellowship." (SlideMeister for short) We officially started taking on members at Egroups on January 15, 2000. With special thanx to the late Paul "Doc" Van der Sijde (The Netherlands) and other Chromatic enthusiasts, we got off to a pretty quick start, and today we occupy a serious corner of "Chromaticism" world wide. No, of course we'll never be the biggest, but we'll always be "Just Chromatic" and have features that allow our members/partners to have the most fun.
New CritiqueMeister FAQS
What is Critique Meister?
CritiqueMeister is a feature of SlideMeister.com that allows Chromatic players to submit samples of their playing for a real “professional critique.”
Who are the Judges?
The judges are professional players, personally selected by SlideMeister, International. These judges are folks with decades of experience, expertise and of course, passion for the instrument. Our judges also have a genuine concern for future of the Chromatic harmonica and how it’s perceived by the public, it’s players, and it’s future.
How much will the judges know about the person submitting a piece for critique?
While they may, in fact, know each other outside of SlideMeister, they won’t know each other because of this feature. Judges’ original identities, only known to SlideMeister, have since been given random number designations, so that even SlideMeister doesn’t know “Judge A” from “Judge G” so we have “anonymous judges” critiquing anonymous players!
Are the judges going to be tough?
Of course, but they're also understanding. They weren’t always professionals, and therefore know the meaning of encouragement as well constructive criticism. So, while they won’t “baby” you, neither will they degrade or discourage you. On the other hand, they’re not gonna “stroke” you either. :o)
Will folks on the Internet know the who submits a piece for critique?
No. If the submitter chooses to discuss the critique on the forum and “blow their cover” that’s fine, but even if a judge engages them in the forum, that judge will still not reveal his/her identity as a judge.
Can the judge add an instructive sound file in response to a critique entry?
Although not required, the judge may submit a sound file as an example, as: "Try to play it something like this . . . ."
How will the entries be judged?
Entries will be judged in five categories. Grades will be from 1 through 10 and most importantly will include specific critiques on each category. These categories will be:
Articulation (speed/accuracy)
Timing
Tone / Technique
Style/Originality
Feeling /Soul/Passion/Guts, etc.
Each of the above categories will receive a 1 through 10 grade, a comment as well as an overall “general” closing comment from each judge.
Where will the entries and results be posted?
Each submission will show up in the “CritiqueMeister” portion of the Gallery in it’s own folder as a number; i.e. “Misty1” The file can be downloaded and listened to by anyone. Then judges (1,2,3,4,5 and so on) individual critiques' will also appear in the same folder.
Who should submit a piece for critique?
Who really wants to get better? :o) This is a “win/win” deal. No one knows who you are. You can’t get embarrassed, but you will find out where you’re strong, weak or average. Better yet, you’ll get a real professional opinion and possibly even a suggestion or two. That's as good as it gets.
What are the rules?
* Submissions should be limited to about one minute in length (5.8 MB limit)
* MP3 format preferred, but we’ll accept others
* Submissions must be good quality (clean recording)
* Any music style is acceptable
* Submission must a recognizable "standard" number (no exceptions)
* Submissions must be “raw” (no amplification, or effects of any kind)
* Submissions must be Ah Capellah / no backup :o)
* Submissions should be free of background noises (TV, radio, dogs, children.etc.)
* Submissions can only be used for the purpose of this “Critique” program and may not be used outside this program.
OR
Accompanied
* Same as above with the exception of the allowance of effects and Instrumental backup.
How do I submit a piece for critique?
Email your MP3 file to:
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
or
Mail your good quality cassette, CD or minidisk recording to:
SlideMeister, International
c/o CritiqueMeister
P.O. Box 478
Newbury, OH 44065
USA
Media will not be returned unless S.A.S.E. or other return method is included with media.
Join us! or simply send in your file and get appraised no strings attached!
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