You know, John, I remember a time when you were ready to delete your account. The things that were so jacked up then are these same things basically. Really it is a bit odd how deep some of us feel about this scene. Obviously it is not a site. The core has moved and transitioned with ease for the most part. All that was left as far as Versionist goes is sentimentality. But for what? I think that part that we feel the loss of is the habit of visiting the website. Habits die hard. I spoke to Rob a long while back about hoping it would die off in finality so that I wouldn't have to visit it and witness what it had become. I think all of us have gone through tremendous changes that have been shared by the scene that has become a real circle of friends. That is all still alive. I remember you going through the loss of your friend Elvis. I remember Pete Murdertone's Dad passing. I remember all the serious fights and bickering. Even the ones that went on for ages. Marcus vs. Notwen. Everyone it seems vs. Alionsonny, me vs' Messian Dread etc etc etc... these things all have had impacts on us and who we are really. All of those things forward with us and are not lost. I was thrilled to find that I had friends that had more diligently than I did documented my music progress by getting and keeping every song. I bet Rob has most of them too. I didn't until I-Rebel sent them to me. What is the value of this? These needs and connections and friendship are not met by a Website. But solely by the people who have blessed the site. If the owner was not a blessing, oh well. That is gone but the people have not scattered. They couldn't have. And I don't think anything could have forced them. See, for me it is not about the gigs or anything like that. For me it is knowing people who feel what I feel. In my town I really don't know anyone that knows Reggae. If they do know it they think of only Bob Marley. What is the value of coming into contact with people that are going in the same direction as you? What is the value of getting to know people who can help you and inspire you and challenge you? What is the value of real friends? Yes indeed, many of us get on each others nerves and some think that they cannot stand each other, but I have to ask, what makes Alionsonny stay? He has always challenged that system. He never tried to fit the mold, but he still stayed through all the fights. I hope to see Paul777 come through here. Why? I do feel as if we are family.
So I am done being vexed.
My wife has to go to an orthopedic oncologist next week to deal with some bone tumors. So really this issue with Versionist is starting to fade for me. It is a matter of perspective. We would appreciate the prayers of this family.
Blessins
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