I wonder what techniques work for you... I'm up the creek without a clue... For spiritual reasons I am unable to quip up the obvious 'nasty retort' that can set a bastard straight... for my experience is clear... putting people down gives my music 'no discernible benefit' whatsoever... and in fact, any negative comment made, turns back on itself ten-fold... As sad as it is to watch people spoiling their own musical integrity by wielding negative comments at others, I do weary of the weight of non expressed countermeasure...

So, how do you deal with the put-downs and back-handed compliments, the negativity, and the envy laden licentious folks? Hmmmmmmm? After all, it is only my good natured belief in these people, that keeps me vulnerable... And the worst of it is, that the few times I've 'nailed' some irritating bloke with an appropriately caustic retort, the end result is far worse, because I want everyone to be their musical best, and the hurtful comments spoil everyone's brilliance... ttr