Bless you.

And Merry Christmas, one and all.

in class at school getting all the attention even though they're the minority. There's lot's of us happy souls here who stand around and watch the big boys fighting.
Merry Christmas!

..although your post is a little on the grumpy side :)

...then you should look elsewhere on the web. I think this site is an oasis of good manners and sunshine.

we appear to have been infiltrated by a handful of spammers, last night/this morning.

Either that, or a few new members are really enthusiastic about the things they love.

...usually leads to a good range of views and so people defend their positions and grumpiness occasionally ensues. But I've not seen too much rudeness or grumpiness on The Word site. The subjects are usually interesting (sometimes becoming even more so as the debate develops) and there are times where it's downright funny (as in Britney Spears being listed as one of the world's most influential people - bless!).

This is a lively site that reflects a lively and interesting magazine. The participants here strike me as being more in the Fezziwig camp, rather than that of Scrooge.

I'll now end with "Bah!", followed by the inevitable "Humbug!".

Other websites should aspire to our level of politeness and good humour.

There are many threads where we share our collective joy - The Word Guide To Babies being one shining example.

Despite the occasional big blowup (Did Rob Fitzpatrick read the FAQ?) we generally get along OK, clarifying differences and mostly respecting each others' views. There is a level of pedantry here (some would say "accuracy") but in the main I see that as people who really know & care a lot about the subject sharing their knowledge.

If you want proper grumpiness, try some of the other music magazine websites - I can't find the link right now but I had posted a link here to Uncut's messageboard for a piece of news and the level of swearing and offensiveness was very diferent to the banter here.

And if people want to tap into our collective experience, the people here are usually only too happy to help with advice on guitars, stereos, books, etc.

in the nicest possible way. It's down to the age of the average poster isn't it? Things aren't what they used to be is a theme to be fair, though usually countered by some. As for arguments, it only takes one to make a personal remark - that can be enough to sour a thread and it's usually the political/religious type subjects that go that way. But then a daft punning topic will pop up soon enough to lighten things again. There's enough good vibes to keep most of us coming back for more.

Negative views always seem to seem more strident than positive views when written down. I'm not sure why that is, possibly because when someone says they like something they leave it at that but negativity feels like it requires justification which then emphasises the negativity.

I think The Massive manages to avoid the anonymity-inspired nastiness that seems to be a feature in many other places.

Sticking to the rules helps (thanks Fraser)and generally, at the first sign of a really negative / personal comment, I just stop reading - if everyone does that those threads tend to go away, although there are notable exceptions, clearly.

I laugh out loud far more than I get annoyed.

..wouldn't like it here. And that's why I do.

I liken this community to a conversation with my mates down the pub. We moan and might not agree, but matters usually iron themselves out in the end without any need for fighting (physically or verbally).

Well, most of the time!

By and large I think the site is good natured. Unfortunately when you can't hear a voice attached to a comment it can be difficult to ascertain whether the comments you are reacting to are said slightly tongue in cheek or whether they are serious. I think also most of us probably enjoy being Devils Advocate - as an earlier poster said, not a good idea if we are discussing Religion, Politics or The Beatles.

when the piles are giving me grief.

I love the Word blog because it's full of thoroughly splendid people.
I don't mind the odd grumper at all (we all have grouchy days) and I ignore the occasional trolls that pop up.

As for me, I'm never grumpy. Never ever ever ever ever.
(don't ask my FPO to verify that one)

...hullo birds, hullo sky.

during Pantomime season.

Oh No I'm Not.

But I don't let that stand in the way of my happiness.

Quickly I'll go for: Afghan/Iraqi War; Banks; Rio Ferdinand earning more in one week than Finney, Matthews, Lawton (all much better players) managed in a whole career; every facet of life being considerably worse than it was 40/50 years ago.

The only way to be positive in 2009 is, surely, to completely ignore/avoid it?

But principally, quoting Dora Bryan in 'A Taste Of Honey', because..... 'we enjoy it'.

?

Compared to newspaper boards on The Independent, Guardian and Times almost everyone here seems sane and reasonable, respecting that someone else can hold a different point of view WITHOUT SHOUTING THEM DOWN.
If I find I'm interested in a story I might read a post or two in those places and then give up in despair.

What are the criteria and when does a debate or an exchange of opinions become an argument?

I'd never mb'd before - until I discovered this site. I adore the mag more than I can say and I've always found the forum to be a fascinating arena of learned debate, passionate music fandom and general guide to all- round niceness. Having said that, I once, in my cups, got into an argument here and I've ever since regretted it. but like someone said above apologies were made, mutual understanding was both established and respected while the bonhomie of this great forum was never in danger. Top marks to Fraser for his Solomon-like moderation.

I might moan about Elbow, Twitter, modern technology and the state of the youth today but I am certainly not grumpy in my real life persona.

It's just a good place to let off steam, far more healthy than going round shooting hoodies as Michael Caine will have us believe in his latest movie.

It's quite fun to have a rant now and then, release the tension and realize there are some people out there that might just feel the same way. Most of the moans and groans about modern life being rubbish etc are pretty much tongue in cheek anyway - errr...they are aren't they?

Anyway, a happy cheery Xmas to everyone with no irony or sarcasm intended!

I have always found the Massive in general to be a shining example of erudition and good manners in the dirty world of the web.The occasional spats are normally quickly dealt with and forgotten.
Happy Christmas one and all.

I don't think this is a grumpy place. After all, the number of people who enjoy Elbow and Tom Waits (especially for "Rain Dogs") is admirable. There's no faux-hipster drivel like on Pitchfork, no angry 12 year old Maccabees fans like on NME, there's no frustrated former music journos like on Uncut, there's no navel gazing attention to detail like on Mojo, there's no "flashmobs" like on a number of 18th rate "indie" bands' forums, there is simply a rakish intent to spread wit, opinions about Richard Thompson and the wisdom that the middle-aged like to share with others.

Nothing harmless in that is there?

And about 120% more polite and enthusiastic than any other site I can think of.

All titles I've dreamt of having, and now pleased to have (and I'm not 40 yet).
Maybe it something to do with living in a house surrounded by 5 women (1 wife, 4 teenage daughters) and a female dog

Anyway: Grumbel, grumble, moan, grumble, happy christmas if you must

...I just did a phone interview with the legendary Phil 'Shiva' Jones, one-time frontman of Quintessence (just in case there's any confusion with all those Phil 'Shiva' Joneses out there), and he mentioned that he was once in a Michael Caine movie, as a passing hippy.

'And did he say 'My name is Michael Caine'?' I asked.

'No,' said Phil, 'I think everyone knew who he was'.

It was either a brilliant deadpan riposte or a cultural reference that went over Phil's head (who hasn't lived in the UK since the '70s, to be fair).

Still, I thought it was funny either way. :-D

does not follow the annoying habit on other sites of commenters typing "first" to show that they are the first to comment.

Well, I hope I haven't started something.

I don't find it grumpy here, happiness challenged perhaps, but not grumpy!

Have you seen other blogs out there ? Some of them are vile,virulent , toxic screaming matches.
Besides, the grumpiness factor increases as you get older.

about losing the test series

But on a less serious note I do tire of the "why i hate" or "why X is overrated" topics

I entered this sphere with a confrontational know it all attitude.I was swiftly put at ease by the more senior members here.Now I think it's great.