> Just because one has freedom of speech doesn't mean that one is immune > to criticism. > > DR
And that is the crux of the matter David. Criticism is inherent in the freedom of speech. But there is also the freedom to listen. And when the listeners are a list of people who have voluntarily joined in association there is also an obligation to "stay to the point", or be put off the list. I didn't think my messages were off point (although some a bit reminiscent). But I do understand the need to keep the topic cogent. Can someone define the topic? Yet Craig has a point, this is a list of interested people. And Goran has a point when he speaks of music other than the strictest interpretations of the Renaissance Lute that many are "addicted to" (no denigration there). So who are the list? A narrow group of lutenists (and narrow doesn't mean narrow minded, just dedicated to a particular venue and era), or a wider group of musicians? I ask you all to define it. I've had direct messages asking me about the harp, and it goes back to the era most of you are involved with - and the instrument you are involved with also transcends several eras, although some don't want to seem to admit it. (Yes Craig, I'm pontificating, but about music, not the specific lute and era - and I think I've a bit more experience with it than you have). I welcome any of you to the harp list, you may there ask questions as to how to form a medieval ensemble and play the lute with the harp - something that was often done. On Sunday I'll be going to my monthly harp ensemble with my "lute", we'll try to "vamp" some staff notated motets with the lute, but then I'll go back to the harp. But we'll learn a bit about the lute from it, and we'll learn more of how the music was played. Anger, when held, can make for bad manners. That is natural. Annoyance when expressed immediately can make a friendship as long as there is civility. I suggest that this thread be "killed", so far as my messages are concerned. I welcome any direct messages to me on the topic. I don't wish to be an annoyance to this list
