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From: Wenner.es@XEROX.ARPA
Newsgroups: net.music
Subject: Re: net.music.jazz
Message-ID: <10492@brl-tgr.ARPA>
Date: Tue, 7-May-85 20:28:15 EDT
Article-I.D.: brl-tgr.10492
Posted: Tue May  7 20:28:15 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 10-May-85 02:10:54 EDT
Sender: news@brl-tgr.ARPA
Lines: 39

RE:  Music sub-groups.

It is logical to try and divide the general music interest group into
sub-distributions, in an attempt to cut down on the large volume of
wide-ranging topics, many of which are not of interest to a good deal of
the recipients.  There are, however, two arguments AGAINST this trend in
use-net :

1.  By creating  "jazz", "blues", "rock and roll", "grateful dead",
etc.,  lists, the same trap is created that is inherent to almost all
radio formats and record stores' organization today:  The
black-and-white "categorizing" of music, with rigid rules against mixing
of styles.  In the relaxed atmosphere of this informal, entertainment
distribution on the net, this means that those of us who like jazz,
classical, ragtime, or whatever else must obviously be on the related
list, even if we really don't KNOW we do until we hear the discussion.
If a "new" mix of styles emerges, then where do you best talk about it?
This is theoretical, of course; my main point is that I feel music
"categorization" is not a good idea for this medium, which I use
primarily to find out about musical topics I knew nothing of before.

2.  Creating subgroups dooms many of us, who receive net.music via
redistribution to lose out completely on those specific subject
discussions.  For example, I am receiving net.music indirectly on the
Xerox Internet, via "Info-Music" from BRL.ARPA.  The new net.music.gdead
is NOT redistributed, so I have lost out on maintaining communication
with others on that interest list.  Big deal, say most of you.  But a
net.music.jazz or net.music.blues will take these more general topics
away as well, of which I have great interest.  

In short, I submit one vote, to whoever's counting, to keep net.music a
GENERAL (read all-encompassing) music interest distribution list.  Nix
on the spinoffs.  Thanks to ALL for putting up with this non-music
subject; let's hear more about the blues!

Jim Wenner <Wenner.es@XEROX.ARPA>
Xerox Microelectronics Center, El Segundo, CA
(213)-536-9582