The Conflagration of Blog/Post/YouTube Haters

We are living in a crazy world where things change rapidly and just about any and everything is available to us via the internet. While our world is filled with wonders, it's also become filled with haters. I read a lot of blogs and watch a lot of videos of musicians and artists. One thing I'm really disturbed by is the amount of comments that, besides not being constructive, just spew hate. It's one thing to leave a constructive criticism, it's another to just leave comments like, "Your drumming sucks!," or, "I hate XXX drums/cymbals and you suck for playing them."





As you may know from reading this blog, I'm not big on all the Karaoke drumming videos out there, but I've never left a negative comment on any that I have watched. Instead, I might say something like, "Nice playing, I'd love to see something original or with a band." Too often the haters will jump in and reply in such a spiteful way. Do we really need that?
The world keeps getting smaller as we become more connected. 
Why not take the opportunity to lift everyone up?

 For many years I reviewed CDs/concerts for various magazines and websites. As a reviewer it's always possible to be snarky and condescending about something that you, personally, didn't like. But what purpose does that serve? I always tried to listen to music with a critical eye, but also look at what the artist was trying to do. Did they accomplish what they set out for? I may comment on parts that I didn't like, but I never just dismissed things with a quick, "You suck," as that really says nothing. And if there was any music that I really couldn't get into and find any merit, I would pass on reviewing it. Maybe I don't get/like it, but someone else probably does.

 Being a drummer/musician/artist is difficult enough. I give credit to anyone who pursues art, whether as a career or as a hobby. I also give credit to anyone who is successful in any way, even if I don't personally like what they do! We're all in this together in some form.

 Those of you who are on the receiving end of hate mail/posts, my advice to you is to just IGNORE IT! Most haters really don't know what they are talking about and what they say is actually more about them than you! Just keep moving forward and remember that all the greats, all the people that you admire, received their own hate mail.

 In conclusion, if you are thinking of leaving a comment on a blog, Facebook post, or YouTube video, follow the advice of my grandmother, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all."

 ~ MB

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