I don't see it so much as a contest for status among the well-entrenched, talented, knowledgeable members ... hell, I ain't even a member. I'm entitled to my opinions, and I consider them to be just as valid or invalid as anyone else's on topics of a general nature. And if something I submit or contribute is ignored or attacked, so what? If it is ignored, maybe I will conclude it is his/her loss. If it is attacked, maybe the antagonist will enlighten me. I would obviously defer to Bruce O., for example, on the origins of a particular song, as it is evident from his postings that he devotes time to researching such things, whereas I have not a clue...and to others (come to think of it, just about everybody) like Rick Fielding or Art Thieme on the nature of professional recording, or the notes to a particularly difficult passage, or how to teach guitar...these guys live this stuff - I just give it a nod now and then. Who'm I to argue or disagree with them on these specific topics? That would be rather pompous. Nonetheless, I can have a dissenting (but silent) opinion on these subjects, nor am I bound to take every piece of advice given to me. Selfishly, I get more than my money's worth every time I log on here. If I sit on my hands and keep my eyes open, I just might learn something. And most of the time, if I start a thread, it's to pick 'Catters' brains about something. This Forum is a great resource for my edification. I don't know enough to contribute to the knowledge base, and maybe I should feel guilty for being a "bandwidth waster." But hopefully with enough immersions into the vast pool of diverse sources available here....well, who knows.

Regards, Neil