FAQS & other tid-bits
This website (SlideMeister.com)
This website is not "SlideMeister" but rather, a picture of what SlideMeister is all about. SlideMeister International Chromatic Harmonica Fellowship (SlideMeister for short) is an organization of Chromatic players, ranging from professionals to newbies, who want to "fellowship" around this particular type of harmonica without being forced to include subject matter about which they have little or no interest. 🙄
What is SlideMeister?
SlideMeister is an online forum for Chromatic harmonica enthusiasts of all skill levels, from recording professionals to players just discovering the versatility of Chromatic harmonicas and the fun of playing them.
What are its goals?
To promote Chromatic harmonica playing and provide a place for enthusiasts, amateur and professional, to read and submit messages about learning, playing, buying, repairing and enjoying the Chromatic harmonica. We are proud to include among our members a number of recording professionals, talented amateurs and even some folks who aren't sure which side to blow into.😁
Is SlideMeister really "anti-diatonic?" (gunna get a bit personal with this one :o)
After 25 years of answering that question with a solid "No; its just Pro-Chromatic!" and still being called a "diatonic hater," I give up! I don't even care what they think anymore! I will not entertain or waste time "skirting the edges," hair splitting, technicalities, or any new technology that attempt to "meld" the diatonic and Chromatic; as all that ever accomplished was to weaken the superior qualities of the Chromatic, in my opinion. While there is room for improvements, I am quite comfortable with the basic concept behind the Chromatic harmonica as it has been for the past hundred years or so, and hardheaded Hungarian that I am, challenging my right to that opinion has only strengthened my resolve to the point, (as I said above) I don't even care anymore. The behavioral similarities between harmonica devotees and right & left wing politics are so similar that it's scary, but unlike so many politicians, I don't believe in compromising principles in an effort to cause certain folks to like me. (besides since they're only happy when they're mad about something anyway; I'm just doing my part to keep them happy)
Who VISITS SlideMeister Forum?
On any given day, SlideMeister has a guest-to-member ratio ranging from 5-to-1 to 40-to-1 or more. Guests can explore our various boards and read what interests them. SlideMeister is divided up into easy-to-read and easy-to-find boards to minimize search times and maximize efficiency. When indicated, management moves, modifies or even terminates threads that threaten the efficiency of the forum and/or the sensibilities of the members.
Who JOINS SlideMeister Forum?
1. Guests who either know, or want to know what "members" get that "Guests" don't.
2. Guests who, after reading a while, realize SlideMeister is the friendliest, most helpful harmonica group on the web.
3. Guests who realize we're all just here to have fun.
4. Guests who are actually looking for a friendly wholesome forum with rules.
5. Brand new players with legitimate questions, and in a hurry for answers.
6. People who are referred by SlideMeister members.
7. People who are personally invited by SlideMeister management
8. People who want to sell Dad's harmonicas, but we kick those out as soon as we figure it out. 😎
"I've heard it said that SlideMeister has a reputation of being "Archaic and authoritarian with arbitrary rules" is that true?
Well, yeah, if you like filthy language, "F-Bombs" chaos, flaming, backbiting, criticizing forum rules and stuff, I guess I might be considered an old fuddy-duddy who believes in some sort of structure, with some rules here and there. Certain stuff just isn't, and will never be allowed, regardless of who calls me what. 🙂 The difference with SlideMeister is that I actually enforce the rules; which brings us to:
Can one get kicked out of SlideMeister?
It takes a real meatball to qualify, but Absolutely, you can get kicked out of SlideMeister! Historically, the most popular way to be "shown the door" is not to challenge the rules, but rather to do it 'on line." I guess that's where the "authoritarian" part comes in. All the rules are plainly listed in the "Registration Agreement" that no one ever reads, BTW, but everyone "clicks on" to say they read them, and then are surprised when they get a note from me in regard to an infraction. The problem arises when, rather than correspond with me in regard to the problem, they take the dirty laundry to the group supposing it will be tolerated the way it is on the other groups, and in many cases, before anyone can even hear their complaint about some perceived unfairness, they feel the door hitting their backsides. That being said, (in all fairness) it has always been done quietly and without fanfare. Folks may just notice that a certain loudmouth isn't posting anymore, but I never discuss the details. (I let the "Harp-Groups" groups that they go back to discuss it 🥱
Some have been kicked out for insisting on bringing politics into a discussion and refusing to stop when asked. One was a Berkeley college professor who was used to always having the last word in the classroom, he couldn't handle my telling him that we weren't his students, called me a couple names and said he was prepared to quit, so I helped him. Then there are those who think they're "all that" and that they walk on water or something. Last year I had a couple different guys say they were the best players on the group and that I should be grateful that they graced us with their presence. (No kidding. I'm serious as a heart attack!) Times like that, I can't click my "you're outtahere" button hard enough! For the record: no one is, or will ever be that good! Yes, it takes a very special type to get kicked out, but it actually can happen.
Kicked out for SPAMMING?
Oh yeah, that goes without even saying.
Member or Guest? What's the difference?
Actually, there's a big difference. A guest is just that: a "stranger" who's allowed to move around in a house he/she doesn't live in. As such, there are plenty of "roped off" places he/she cannot go, things they cannot see and certainly things they cannot touch and as a result, the "guest' never learns what places and features that are being missed.
Member
Members are now the same as guests.
Supporting Member
Those those who help support the forum and and actually post, pictures, videos, sound clips, provide a profile and other cool stuff. (details here)
What's it cost to be a SlideMeister Member?
Again, Just a donation. Click the blue support button below to see your options.
You'll see that rather than take contributors for granted, we offer some cool incentives and perks
How do I get out?
Easy, just delete your account.
What do I have to share in my profile?
The only requirement is your username. We don't want your street address; just us a general idea of where you are on the planet. In fact, you'll have the ability to put your location on MeisterMaps if you like, thanks to Google, you can even put a little red pin in the doghouse in your back yard, or nothing at all. You can share as much (or as little) as you like. Keep as private as the proverbial church-mouse, or tell all; it's completely up to you. Just know that SlideMeister (that's actually me) promises never to sell or share ANY of your personal information.
You can also share your email address, ICQ, AIM, MSN, YIM, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Youtube and even your DeviantArt (whatever that is) yada, yada, yada, right from your posts, or not. ;o)
Forum Features
Can be customized to your liking. Yes, but not if you're just a guest.
How do I get in?
Just click the button below and on the next screen, click on "register" at the top left just above the word: "forever."