Controversy

Submitted by Jim Hirsch on Wed, 01/31/2007 - 11:09am.

Thanks to all of you who filled out the chicagoclassicalmusic.org survey. The feedback we received will help us make some changes on this site that you will see in the near future. Thanks also to Jim Ginsberg and Cedille Records for their generous incentive of a free CD to all who filled out the survey.

I quickly read through the survey comments and was struck by the fact that some of you feel we are being too polite in our writing about our colleagues and the field, and that a little more "spice" would improve the site. Many of us who write for this site have discussed this among ourselves and have tried to add a little controversy every now and then. The fact is, we really can't go too far out on the limb because our boards expect us to represent our organizations in certain ways - and that most definitely does not include taking shots at individuals and other organizations in the field.

If you guys want more controversy, that's what the forums and comment sections of this site are for. I, for one, always welcome a good tussle among people with different points of view, and if you start something, I will jump in with an opinion, fact, or other comment.

Also, if there are subjects that you want to see represented on this site, you can post articles, email any of us, or even write a guest blog (I'm inviting you now).

The other feedback we received through the surveys was that we use our blogs too often to promote our upcoming events. Therefore, I won't mention our February 9^th Chamber Music concert at the Adler Planetarium featuring the string ensemble, FAQtet, for an unbelievably low price that includes admission to the museum and an after-concert Q&A!

By the way, did you hear about the compromising position Brian Dickie was caught in the other night with a cellist, a soccer player, and an accountant? Seriously folks, have at it!

Posted in

Just have to say that was a really good post. I'm amused -- and no longer disappointed about the lack of scandal.

Hi Thomas,

We aim to please here at ccm.org and are pleased that you got a small chuckle out of this post. Keep visiting, posting comments, and don't forget my inviatation to blog!

Jim Hirsch

The response to the survey is disproportionate to the amount of actual participation. I think that when someone is truly passionate about something, they want to talk about it with other people who share the same interest. Are classical fans just not that passionate?

I hope that the people who keep showing up without participating are just shy about posting something. What are you shy about? You can always post as "Guest" if you're really feeling that sheepish.

C'mon! Hit us with your good stuff!

(And join the listening group chat on the 9th.)

Hi Steve,

That's the way to challenge those cyber-voyeurs who visit this site and just observe!! We expect more from you people. C'mon now - let's get some good discussions going here.

Jim Hirsch

Mr. Hirsch,

Some may want controversy, but I, for one, prefer interesting insights into the world of classical music that many of us never see. Mr. Ginsberg's articles about recording and Mr. Palermo's observations about subjects like where music directors should live are good examples. If I wanted to read "dirt", I'd go to the millions of insipid websites that specialize in that fare. I expect more from this site, and aside from posts like this one, I generally find it. Stick to posts like the one you wrote about the young pianist of a few weeks ago.

Dramaqueen, if you'd like to see more articles and posts of this sort I invite you to go ahead and post some of your own, or make posts that contain pointers to articles, or just something to air your grievances on the topic.

Go ahead and use your creativity to create! :)

Hi DramaQueen,

It's always good to hear from you, so thank you for participating and for your comments on my latest blog. I think if you read the post carefully you will see that I state that most of us who write the blogs WON'T get involved in dishing dirt. I believe most of us try to raise issues that we are concerned with, illuminate aspects of what it takes to run an orchestra, and generally write about the state of the field. I share your admiration for my fellow contributors and hope that you keep participating.

Jim Hirsch

Great idea--armchair critics are in such abundance these days. Much easier to find fault with things than to actively do something. However, I agree with the notion that we don't need controversy here. Indeed, one can visit various sites on the internet for that type of thing. Let's see what dramaqueen can add to CCM. We look forward to the positive contributions!

Whatever is compromising about consorting with cellists, soccer players and accountants? - pretty unlikely trio and rather flattering that anyone would imagine my having such a wide range of tastes. The cellist tasted best of course.............I imagine.

Brian,

How do you like your cellist served? I prefer cellist with a light cream sauce, though many swear by serving it with a clear vegetable-based broth. I knew there was something missing from this site -- recipes!

A Secret Admirer

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Controversy

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