Another addition to the Europe tour:



July 3rd: Carré Theater, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.



Ticket sale started today (and I'm going  )

[Beach Boys Starlines]

It has been quite a while since we last posted updates here. In fact there wasn't done much work at all these last 8 or so months... but we're back. To get back on track we started with a few obscure countries: Pakistan and Lebanon. And now we've just (and finally) added Sweden and Denmark. Last year we added Spain. So most of Europe is available now. Just a few Euro-countries left - Norway, Yougoslavia, Ireland, and - a bit of a stretch - Poland (if those flexi postcards count as well). We still have to to decide which country is next... and as there's a lot of additions for currently available countries, we'll concentrate on those first.

If you're interested have a look at: Beach Boys Starlines

Got this one thrown in with a batch of Beach Boys singles... Pretty good deal for €25,- ... 

Just throwing this out there, as the reception for the work has been 100% positive so far, but how many of you would be interested in a limited edition, numbered hardback version of this ? Just toying with the idea of a pressing a few private copies (certainly won't be available as a general retail item) and was curious as to the overall reception of the idea.
Needless to say, a full color 470-page hardback binding, with shipping to wherever from the UK (at that size/weight) would not make it cheap !! And I fully understand if you're saving you're hard-earned cash for Rocky's tales instead...

Definitely interested. I'm curious what the costs would be.

Finally found this one !   

This old Dutch ad must vie with it for sheer inanity:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmVfzGAYfgo

This one is much much much more worse...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3ANnhvj1dU

As long as it's a legal product it doesn't conflict with the rules. It does fit better in the media section though... (which is why I have moved this topic)

I've moderated a few boards myself in the past, and am thus reluctant to criticize any mod, unless said mod is acting in bad faith.

That is not the case here. Any mistakes made -- if indeed any were made at all -- were made in good faith, and not through malice or the gratuitous exercise of power. Can we not therefore walk away from the Bad Place that this thread has become, shaking our heads ruefully as we do so?

I know this topic is closed, and it will stay that way, but clack's post made me decide to make one more remark (which I checked with Billy and Craig before doing so).


I agree with the "in good faith" remark. I can understand if Craig's way of moderating - and in this specific topic his replies - is not in line with what you expect from a mod, but I asure you there's no personal agenda towards other members. Try to place yourself in the position that as a mod you're pretty much attacked by several members on the way you moderate, and feeling unsupported. It's not fair to read about yourself on another board, and not even being able to respond on it. By now it looks like everybody has a personal vendetta towards the other, with both parties being convinced of being right on things, and are not willing to surrender on that. And it's not doing the discussion any good (to put it mildly).

As I was out of the loop for a while, I can't say right away when this started or who's guilty on certain actions, or accusations. Probably everybody concerned has made valid points about the other and has missed a few failures from themselves too. And as long as the discussion continues this way, the animosity towards each other will only worsen.

I don't have a solution at hand. Right now any choice towards certain members would disappoint or anger others. But continuing this way won't help at all either. Those who want to see OSD, SB or AGD being banned, or to see Craig end his moderatorship: it won't happen now. And I ask all involved to please end this discussion here and in other topics. Even if you feel personally hurt, please put it aside; it's not worth the energy, even if you feel that injustice was done to you.

Just to make things clear again: Moderating is done by the 3 of us. We don't act alone, and always inform each other, making important decisions together. Even when I wasn't that present on the board, Billy and Craig contacted me. And if I wasn't available, Billy and Craig made the decisions. Billy, Craig and I support each other, and in this case we're (also) standing behind Craig. That doesn't mean we continue as if nothing has happened. We all learn, also when it comes to moderating. And you don't agree with (one of) us, feel free to say so, but please also give us the benifit of the doubt or at least trust on the fact that we're not acting alone and try to be as impartial as we can.
 

In case one wondered. I’m still around, although I haven’t been very active these last couple of months.  Just like Billy, I've been occupied with some private issues, which (obviously) got my priority. This is one of the causes of my absence on this board, although I did check the board from time to time.
 
My 2 (Euro)cents...
 
I think it's sad to see what has become of this board. It's by far the most popular one, with a lot of active members, yet, also the board with it’s reputation of members being straightforward, explicit, and sometimes plain rude. I’m a great supporter of freedom of speech, but I’m no fan of the downside-effects we sometimes see on this board. Granted, there's nothing wrong with 99% of the posts, but it's that 1% which is currently spoiling the fun for a lot of people here.
 
I don’t think it's fair to blame one certain moderator for the way this board is moderated, or the way things are going on this board in general. We all have a responsibility in keeping this board a pleasant and civil place to visit, with room for different opinions, even if they sometimes differ dramatically from others.
When it comes to enforcing the rules, Craig has been doing his utmost best to do everybody justice, even if his style is not the same as mine or Billy's. A lot of this was on his shoulders alone as both Billy and I have had little time to do a proper job as a moderator. Even more than that; I get the idea that, despite his full agenda, even Billy has done way more than I. Anyway, simply because Craig was overly present, that's still much better than not being there at all. So you can blame me for my part (or lack of it).
 
How to continue? Billy, Craig and I are currently working on an update of the board rules.  And we're looking for reinforcement for the mod-team. Which undoubtly is going to be a tough task. I'm sure there are a several members suitable for this job, but with the current issues, I do hope that anyone wants to take the challenge...

And I really really really hope that we all not only not only respect the other members’ opinions (as hard as that can be), but also think before we post ourselves. Take that Indian wisdom we all know: “the smile that you send out, returns to you”; the same happens with trolling and harsh comments.

[We'd appreciate it even more if you check the board rules, especially #3 regarding offering or asking for bootleg material.]

Where I am at this point, is I am missing only a few necessary bootlegs...  If someone has a lossless copy of the SOT Source Tape,  and Heroes and Villains Sessions vol 1 & 2, and Heroes and Villains Sessions One and Two it would be greatly appreciated if you PM'd me! 

We'd appreciate it even more if you check the board rules, especially #3 regarding offering or asking for bootleg material.

http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,122.0.html

Don't do this again please.

... and right at the beginning of the clip you can see a birthday message on the video screen that made someone's day. 

I hope the simple handshake I gave her after the concert was appreciated as well. 

Just out of curiosity: anyone going to one of the Royal Albert Hall concerts on May 30th and 31st?


I'm going to see (and hear) the May 31st gig this Sunday.

As I arrive in the afternoon that day, I probably won't make it. Have fun !

[No Pier Pressure]

Discuss, review and rate No Pier Pressure, released April 2015

RIP and thank you for some really cool music outside of the Beach Boys as well.

What else did he do? I can't really find much on him.

Try to find the Western Justice album, he made with Machiel Botman (in 1974/75). It's quite good.

Not on Ebay (although it's owned by them), but interesting nonetheless: http://link.marktplaats.nl/m906349260

DJ M: writer of the Uncanny blog
     http://www.smileysmile.net/uncanny/index.php
     and
     http://www.uncanny1.blogspot.nl/
     and
     https://twitter.com/BeachBoysCDs

aejiszche /Josh: one of our former moderators !

This is for the Dutch contingent...

I noticed this book in Donner book store in Rotterdam today and wondered if it rang any bells with anyone:



http://www.donner.nl/boek/?authortitle=robert-haagsma/the-beach-boys-9789074274661

I have it. An 'okay' book for the occasional fan. But I found quite a few errors... Written a bit too hasty, a hurried product when the 2012 reunion took place.

Is there a reason why the bricks don't always show up in the bg of the "bricks" theme? They seem to be coming and going these days... For all I know, it could be a browser extension on my end; but last night I saw a photo of an unknown person (repeated over and over) in place of the bricks while using an iPad with Safari, so I'm wondering if it's something else.

I use the bricks theme because it's light-colored. My aging eyes have problems reading light text on a dark background.

I don't use that brick theme, but I use Safari on my iPad as well, and recognise your problem. From time to time smileys, other icons, buttons, or avatars move to other places on the screen. As if they're randomly reshuffled.
No clue why it happens.

It often comes down to being convinced of one's right (and the other by definition is therefore wrong), and having a short fuse.

Ah, that would be me, then. 

On this board there are many...

Self-knowledge is a good quality btw. 

Hey, I don't have any hard feelings towards practically everyone on this board. I think all of us (you and me included) are good people. And we probably all have our bad habits as well, some of which might surface on a messageboard.

Daro isn't the only one who was/is critical (in a blunt or downright offensive way) towards one of the BB (or related). Some other members have done their share, or still do as well. And they often get a fair share of (harsh) replies as well. What I always find remarkable is that we get reported posts from people, saying they are insulted, while they often just have done so themselves as well. We sometimes even get complaints from both parties involved accusing each other, while from an objective point both are to some extent to blame.

It often comes down to being convinced of one's right (and the other by definition is therefore wrong), and having a short fuse. And as the truth often lies somewhere in the middle... why not use some self reflection or try to accept (not agree) to someone else's opinion?

Overall, this is a great board, with some hick-ups now and then, but I'm not going to let that spoil the fun around here.




And... A-1 is too much honour ; just a hard working guy... 

...
But [and I paraphrase here with my own wording]  then he returned, hat in hand, admitted that he had taken it over the top and that he was sorry ... that his approach was probably bull-sh*t like after all and as a result he tried to be more pleasant.  He tested the waters.  We tested the waters.  The result?  In the 2nd thread he was only really rude again to those WHO DESERVED IT.  You crap on a guy?  He's gonna crap back.  Hip-wader sales sky-rockited.
...

I'm sorry to say, but I can only partly agree on this.

His initial approach towards certain other key members in the BB scene was rude to say it mildly. Yes he apologised... but he then continued to make more than rude remarks, not only to other members on this board, but again also people like Murry, Marilyn, Mike, or Terry. He's entitled to have an opinion on certain people, like all of us. But whether or not he's right, or he has a point, or if it's true or not; IMO it's uncalled for to continue such strong words as he did, knowing he won't get a response from them. And those who are known with this board's reputation, also know that strong opinions, result in strong responses. Not that I (always) approve with that. But this is what this board is known for. And if I may use that Indian saying "The smile you send out, returns to you"; it works in the opposite way as well: "The insults you send out, returns to you". Or - as you said: "You crap on a guy?  He's gonna crap back." I'm sure discussing now who started first will turn into a chicken-and-egg debate. But Daro definitely initiated some of the  "crapping" as well, so to say.

So do we all of a sudden have to just politely nod our heads, just because Daro is seen as an honoured/interesting/special guest? No, I don't think so. EVERYONE is entitled to discuss, queston, or criticise... but from EVERYONE is also expected to do that in a civil way. Even Daro. And to blame Daro's decision to leave this board, solely on negative/critical responses from other members, is way too simplistic; he's to blame as well.

By the way; just to make clear again. We didn't ban him. Whether we agreed on his opinions or not, we allowed him to give his his chance to say what he wanted. If he decides to return, we won't stop that. And I'm sure he HAS something interesting to say. But I really hope he realises that if his apporach stays as strong as it was these last couple of days, he shouldn't be surprised if he get's similar responses as well.

And in case you missed it. Daro openly invited everyone who is interested in his side of the story to correspond with him directly through e-mail. For those here interested, do so. Discussing here who's wrong or right won't work, as everyone will stick to his opinion anyway.

And to end "my to cents" on this: I just happened to use a quote from Addsome's post as a reason to respond as well. But it's nothing personal from me to any of you here. I've seen plenty of members here - both in favour of and against Daro - discussing in a critical yet dignified way. And I wish that that's the way all of us will keep on or start doing so.

Wow... I just found this section (I missed the chat), doesn't look like he answered a whole lot.  Especially the SMiLE questions... 

30 questions were taken and answered, and answered live specifically for fans on this board.

And he had 30 minutes to accomplish that.

Hardly a shock that Brian chooses the easiest questions to answer...you have read Brian Wilson interviews before right? If most of those questions were at the top of the board flashing in huge text he still wouldn't answer them.

BTW I got my question in at 7.59 European time and it was deleted (not that it would have been answered anyway)  

Really? We did keep an eye on multiple posts, but as far as I can see you only posted once. Strange... no clue what happened there. (apart from the ss-board being a total madhouse at around that time)

It went well, we didn't crash and everything was done in order. If we ever get to do this again, I would suggest cutting off the question submissions just before the guest signs on, if possible. Posters waiting until the last minute to get in pushed Brian's comments down the board and made it hard to follow early on.

I'll post something specific about this very soon. There were issues with the board that came into play. I'll explain it.

Yeah, this was a "first time" for all of us. And we did discuss cutting off question submissions, but - as Craig just mentioned - we had to deal with the way this board operates.

But - in all - this was a great happening. 31 questions answered (out of 160) + a welcome and goodbye from Brian. Not bad at all !