The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #12032 Message #92570
Posted By: harpgirl
05-Jul-99 - 12:58 PM
Thread Name: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK?
Subject: RE: 'Elite' jam sessions? Is it OK?
oh gawd, Chet you have just brought up the issue about which I have been agonizing for the last forty eight hours. In our jam session one of the hosts doesn't like some of the players and doesn't like some of the playing of some of the the participants. We have been playing this jam for more than five years I might add.
The latest attempt to exclude some people was that they made up a rule that there would be an outside circle and an inside circle. No clue as to who should be where except I guess first come first serve, which doesn't address the covert issues at all.
I argued with one of the hosts before this rule was imposed again this last week. Nevertheless, they tried to impose it and I then decided to leave the session and I did with the position that we include everyone who wants to play and be nice to them or agree on an overt set of rules which would address varying levels of ability, instruments, and personal enmity.
My feeling is that above all, being nice to other human beings is important, regardless of their ability level, instrument or personality and if rules are to be imposed they must be fairly and overty imposed.
I was so hurt and disappointed by my close friend's willingess to opt for power over listening and addressing my feelings that I left. I have written a letter requesting that they do things more fairly. If not I will not go back. I think I must stand by my convictions about how to treat people. What do you think?...harp