Well, it’s been a long time coming, but this post will be my last on Morrissey-solo. Quite why I’m announcing this, I’m not sure, but I’m going to add my two cents before I duck out entirely, rather than just disappear.

It is almost 10 years to the day that I discovered The Smiths. I was 17, clumsy and shy, and not really into music in any real sense of the world. Morrissey and The Smiths changed all that. Hearing The Smiths was an epiphany for me, and probably the most life changing thing I can ever remember happening. Suddenly being a bookish outside was a badge of honour and being working class was OK.

The Smiths got me through four lonely years at university, and helped dampen out a rather traumatic love affair. They influenced my taste in music and my taste in clothes, and introduced me to some of my best friends. To this day, they are utterly vital, and I hate to think what would have happened it I hadn’t reluctantly gone to the party where I first heard them.

I didn’t know any other Smiths fans when I first discovered them, but if I ever met someone wearing a Smiths t-shirt, there was an instant bond …. we were in the same gang. It was like that for the first nine of those 10 years. To paraphrase Roy Rogers, “I never met a Smiths fan I didn’t like”.

Until I came here.

I’ve always been loathe to criticise the board here. My experience of message boards and mailing lists is that, as soon as the subject of the list becomes the list itself, the list risks rapidly disappearing up its own arse. However, things have gone on long enough, and as my last will and testament I feel I might as well speak out.

How did it come to this? It is like “Lord Of The Flies” on this board. The amount of abuse being bandied about (and, somehow I know this post will be subject to a lot of that abuse, not that I’ll be checking …) is amazing. As I said earlier, I always thought Smiths fans were a gang … that there was solidarity between fellow lovers of this amazing music. When I read some of the things people post, my heart sinks. To have someone say “I hope you get cancer and die” is one thing … to have that said to you by another Smiths fan is another. The homophobia, the racism, the blatantly offensive behaviour. It makes me wonder what I have in common with most of the people who post here. If we, as a community, are representative of Morrissey’s fanbase, no wonder he doesn’t want to release another album. I mean, when it gets to the point of threads slagging off David T and all the work he does, you’ve got to wonder what has happened.

What saddens me is that there are people who try to make this board better and more enjoyable. LoF and Tingle, I really enjoy your topic starters and only wish more people contributed. Ruffian, I loved your gig reviews. Never lose faith in the redeeming power of rock’n’roll. And thanks for introducing me to Spearmint. Grim O’Grady and Loafing Oaf … I may not see eye to eye with either of you, but I like reading you intense political diatribes, and really respect both of your abilities to argue. And for all the people who just come to talk about Morrissey – keep it up.

If I can leave with one passing message, it is please just think about what you write. To quote Morrissey, “It takes guts to be gentle and kind”, When you’re sitting behind a computer it’s so easy to just let fly with the insults. How many of you would be able to say the same things face to face? Being the tough guy behind an anonymous pseudonym, locked away in your bedroom is neither big nor clever … it’s merely pathetic.

Well …. So ends my missive. LoF … keep up the good fight. Ruffian and TMF, you’ve got my email, stay in touch. Grim, Loafing Oaf, The Magic Fairy, Russ T, Tingle, Pat McKane and anyone else I’ve ever had dealings with … you’re good people. Keep the Morrissey flame burning. There is a light that never goes out.

I’ll get my coat.

Simply Thrilled Honey.
(Lawrence Mikkelsen, Auckland, New Zealand.)

Why was that your last post, have you had enough of checking out the board, or are you switching jobs like I will be in a couple of months. Hang on if that was your last post then you won't be able to reply to this one.

I think I'll get my coat as well - tara, see yer pal.

> Well, it’s been a long time coming, but this post will be my last on
> Morrissey-solo. Quite why I’m announcing this, I’m not sure, but I’m going
> to add my two cents before I duck out entirely, rather than just
> disappear.

> It is almost 10 years to the day that I discovered The Smiths. I was 17,
> clumsy and shy, and not really into music in any real sense of the world.
> Morrissey and The Smiths changed all that. Hearing The Smiths was an
> epiphany for me, and probably the most life changing thing I can ever
> remember happening. Suddenly being a bookish outside was a badge of honour
> and being working class was OK.

> The Smiths got me through four lonely years at university, and helped
> dampen out a rather traumatic love affair. They influenced my taste in
> music and my taste in clothes, and introduced me to some of my best
> friends. To this day, they are utterly vital, and I hate to think what
> would have happened it I hadn’t reluctantly gone to the party where I
> first heard them.

> I didn’t know any other Smiths fans when I first discovered them, but if I
> ever met someone wearing a Smiths t-shirt, there was an instant bond …. we
> were in the same gang. It was like that for the first nine of those 10
> years. To paraphrase Roy Rogers, “I never met a Smiths fan I didn’t like”.

> Until I came here.

> I’ve always been loathe to criticise the board here. My experience of
> message boards and mailing lists is that, as soon as the subject of the
> list becomes the list itself, the list risks rapidly disappearing up its
> own arse. However, things have gone on long enough, and as my last will
> and testament I feel I might as well speak out.

> How did it come to this? It is like “Lord Of The Flies” on this board. The
> amount of abuse being bandied about (and, somehow I know this post will be
> subject to a lot of that abuse, not that I’ll be checking …) is amazing.
> As I said earlier, I always thought Smiths fans were a gang … that there
> was solidarity between fellow lovers of this amazing music. When I read
> some of the things people post, my heart sinks. To have someone say “I
> hope you get cancer and die” is one thing … to have that said to you by
> another Smiths fan is another. The homophobia, the racism, the blatantly
> offensive behaviour. It makes me wonder what I have in common with most of
> the people who post here. If we, as a community, are representative of
> Morrissey’s fanbase, no wonder he doesn’t want to release another album. I
> mean, when it gets to the point of threads slagging off David T and all
> the work he does, you’ve got to wonder what has happened.

> What saddens me is that there are people who try to make this board better
> and more enjoyable. LoF and Tingle, I really enjoy your topic starters and
> only wish more people contributed. Ruffian, I loved your gig reviews.
> Never lose faith in the redeeming power of rock’n’roll. And thanks for
> introducing me to Spearmint. Grim O’Grady and Loafing Oaf … I may not see
> eye to eye with either of you, but I like reading you intense political
> diatribes, and really respect both of your abilities to argue. And for all
> the people who just come to talk about Morrissey – keep it up.

> If I can leave with one passing message, it is please just think about
> what you write. To quote Morrissey, “It takes guts to be gentle and kind”,
> When you’re sitting behind a computer it’s so easy to just let fly with
> the insults. How many of you would be able to say the same things face to
> face? Being the tough guy behind an anonymous pseudonym, locked away in
> your bedroom is neither big nor clever … it’s merely pathetic.

> Well …. So ends my missive. LoF … keep up the good fight. Ruffian and TMF,
> you’ve got my email, stay in touch. Grim, Loafing Oaf, The Magic Fairy,
> Russ T, Tingle, Pat McKane and anyone else I’ve ever had dealings with …
> you’re good people. Keep the Morrissey flame burning. There is a light
> that never goes out.

> I’ll get my coat.

> Simply Thrilled Honey.
> (Lawrence Mikkelsen, Auckland, New Zealand.)

Wow, this bums me out, man! I'll miss you.

I always thought certain people would grow tired of their ways.
But they never did. Maybe you'll consider checking in on us when (if)
the new album comes out? Perhaps things will be better then.

Take care!

BTW, I'm not sure we should assume that everyone who participates on this
board is actually a fan of Morrissey's music.

Lawrence,

it'd be great to hear from you by email - in the meantime, I can hardly blame you.... but don't burn all bridges forever. The time may come when things are... nicer round here. Let's hope so.

Russ

> Well, it’s been a long time coming, but this post will be my last on
> Morrissey-solo. Quite why I’m announcing this, I’m not sure, but I’m going
> to add my two cents before I duck out entirely, rather than just
> disappear.

> It is almost 10 years to the day that I discovered The Smiths. I was 17,
> clumsy and shy, and not really into music in any real sense of the world.
> Morrissey and The Smiths changed all that. Hearing The Smiths was an
> epiphany for me, and probably the most life changing thing I can ever
> remember happening. Suddenly being a bookish outside was a badge of honour
> and being working class was OK.

> The Smiths got me through four lonely years at university, and helped
> dampen out a rather traumatic love affair. They influenced my taste in
> music and my taste in clothes, and introduced me to some of my best
> friends. To this day, they are utterly vital, and I hate to think what
> would have happened it I hadn’t reluctantly gone to the party where I
> first heard them.

> I didn’t know any other Smiths fans when I first discovered them, but if I
> ever met someone wearing a Smiths t-shirt, there was an instant bond …. we
> were in the same gang. It was like that for the first nine of those 10
> years. To paraphrase Roy Rogers, “I never met a Smiths fan I didn’t like”.

> Until I came here.

> I’ve always been loathe to criticise the board here. My experience of
> message boards and mailing lists is that, as soon as the subject of the
> list becomes the list itself, the list risks rapidly disappearing up its
> own arse. However, things have gone on long enough, and as my last will
> and testament I feel I might as well speak out.

> How did it come to this? It is like “Lord Of The Flies” on this board. The
> amount of abuse being bandied about (and, somehow I know this post will be
> subject to a lot of that abuse, not that I’ll be checking …) is amazing.
> As I said earlier, I always thought Smiths fans were a gang … that there
> was solidarity between fellow lovers of this amazing music. When I read
> some of the things people post, my heart sinks. To have someone say “I
> hope you get cancer and die” is one thing … to have that said to you by
> another Smiths fan is another. The homophobia, the racism, the blatantly
> offensive behaviour. It makes me wonder what I have in common with most of
> the people who post here. If we, as a community, are representative of
> Morrissey’s fanbase, no wonder he doesn’t want to release another album. I
> mean, when it gets to the point of threads slagging off David T and all
> the work he does, you’ve got to wonder what has happened.

> What saddens me is that there are people who try to make this board better
> and more enjoyable. LoF and Tingle, I really enjoy your topic starters and
> only wish more people contributed. Ruffian, I loved your gig reviews.
> Never lose faith in the redeeming power of rock’n’roll. And thanks for
> introducing me to Spearmint. Grim O’Grady and Loafing Oaf … I may not see
> eye to eye with either of you, but I like reading you intense political
> diatribes, and really respect both of your abilities to argue. And for all
> the people who just come to talk about Morrissey – keep it up.

> If I can leave with one passing message, it is please just think about
> what you write. To quote Morrissey, “It takes guts to be gentle and kind”,
> When you’re sitting behind a computer it’s so easy to just let fly with
> the insults. How many of you would be able to say the same things face to
> face? Being the tough guy behind an anonymous pseudonym, locked away in
> your bedroom is neither big nor clever … it’s merely pathetic.

> Well …. So ends my missive. LoF … keep up the good fight. Ruffian and TMF,
> you’ve got my email, stay in touch. Grim, Loafing Oaf, The Magic Fairy,
> Russ T, Tingle, Pat McKane and anyone else I’ve ever had dealings with …
> you’re good people. Keep the Morrissey flame burning. There is a light
> that never goes out.

> I’ll get my coat.

> Simply Thrilled Honey.
> (Lawrence Mikkelsen, Auckland, New Zealand.)

Lawrence,

I do'nt understand this dramatic announcement of your last post. Are you saying that you will never again contribute to any discussions posed on this message board, or are you going to stop visiting this website entirely?

I mean, it used to piss me off as well, seeing how much this message board has regressed in terms of sincerity, maturity and adherence to its main subject. But then I was able to distance myself from it; to not take it so seriously and getting so wrapped up in it (I used to post here several times a-day, but soon the novelty wore off, among other things, mostly time and resources [i.e. I no longer have a computer at home]).

Yet I still visit this site almost every day, and I still peruse the message boards, though I no longer read every message of every thread.

So why this declaration?

I guess I'll never know, as you'll never be writing back. So sad. :/

seems to me that you are just looking for some attention with your big, dramatic "Last Post"

> Well, it’s been a long time coming, but this post will be my last on
> Morrissey-solo. Quite why I’m announcing this, I’m not sure, but I’m going
> to add my two cents before I duck out entirely, rather than just
> disappear.

> It is almost 10 years to the day that I discovered The Smiths. I was 17,
> clumsy and shy, and not really into music in any real sense of the world.
> Morrissey and The Smiths changed all that. Hearing The Smiths was an
> epiphany for me, and probably the most life changing thing I can ever
> remember happening. Suddenly being a bookish outside was a badge of honour
> and being working class was OK.

> The Smiths got me through four lonely years at university, and helped
> dampen out a rather traumatic love affair. They influenced my taste in
> music and my taste in clothes, and introduced me to some of my best
> friends. To this day, they are utterly vital, and I hate to think what
> would have happened it I hadn’t reluctantly gone to the party where I
> first heard them.

> I didn’t know any other Smiths fans when I first discovered them, but if I
> ever met someone wearing a Smiths t-shirt, there was an instant bond …. we
> were in the same gang. It was like that for the first nine of those 10
> years. To paraphrase Roy Rogers, “I never met a Smiths fan I didn’t like”.

> Until I came here.

> I’ve always been loathe to criticise the board here. My experience of
> message boards and mailing lists is that, as soon as the subject of the
> list becomes the list itself, the list risks rapidly disappearing up its
> own arse. However, things have gone on long enough, and as my last will
> and testament I feel I might as well speak out.

> How did it come to this? It is like “Lord Of The Flies” on this board. The
> amount of abuse being bandied about (and, somehow I know this post will be
> subject to a lot of that abuse, not that I’ll be checking …) is amazing.
> As I said earlier, I always thought Smiths fans were a gang … that there
> was solidarity between fellow lovers of this amazing music. When I read
> some of the things people post, my heart sinks. To have someone say “I
> hope you get cancer and die” is one thing … to have that said to you by
> another Smiths fan is another. The homophobia, the racism, the blatantly
> offensive behaviour. It makes me wonder what I have in common with most of
> the people who post here. If we, as a community, are representative of
> Morrissey’s fanbase, no wonder he doesn’t want to release another album. I
> mean, when it gets to the point of threads slagging off David T and all
> the work he does, you’ve got to wonder what has happened.

> What saddens me is that there are people who try to make this board better
> and more enjoyable. LoF and Tingle, I really enjoy your topic starters and
> only wish more people contributed. Ruffian, I loved your gig reviews.
> Never lose faith in the redeeming power of rock’n’roll. And thanks for
> introducing me to Spearmint. Grim O’Grady and Loafing Oaf … I may not see
> eye to eye with either of you, but I like reading you intense political
> diatribes, and really respect both of your abilities to argue. And for all
> the people who just come to talk about Morrissey – keep it up.

> If I can leave with one passing message, it is please just think about
> what you write. To quote Morrissey, “It takes guts to be gentle and kind”,
> When you’re sitting behind a computer it’s so easy to just let fly with
> the insults. How many of you would be able to say the same things face to
> face? Being the tough guy behind an anonymous pseudonym, locked away in
> your bedroom is neither big nor clever … it’s merely pathetic.

> Well …. So ends my missive. LoF … keep up the good fight. Ruffian and TMF,
> you’ve got my email, stay in touch. Grim, Loafing Oaf, The Magic Fairy,
> Russ T, Tingle, Pat McKane and anyone else I’ve ever had dealings with …
> you’re good people. Keep the Morrissey flame burning. There is a light
> that never goes out.

> I’ll get my coat.

> Simply Thrilled Honey.
> (Lawrence Mikkelsen, Auckland, New Zealand.)

Dear Lawrence, don't go, let's not give in to the weak-willed childish postings of the spoilers of this site, I too get rather fed up of their stupid rantings but now I just open postings by the names I know & respect you being 1 of them, I will open up an occasional 'newcomer' posting because I'll give everyone a chance but we all know which are the tossers to avoid.
Morrissey solo needs you, so take a bit of a time out but please come back, it saddens me like having a friend move away to hear that you are leaving, for although we've never met I consider you to be amongst my friends, email me & keep in touch. I don't care what the sad/sick group of no lifers will post about me, let them live their miserable lives in the filth that they spout.
You are a ray of sunshine through their gloom, so keep on shining.
grim Grim O'Grady

Please don't go, SimplyThrilledHoney (even for the fact that I simply adore your user name?) This is something to grit your teeth and ride out (oo-er missus). Every six months or so there is a period of sheer awfulness, where the little boys and girls call each other names and fight for sweets, and people leave or denounce the whole board, over and over and over and over again. But they soon get bored, and if you dip your toe in every couple of weeks or so until the lovely times come back where the board is fluffy cloud lemonade bunny lollipop candy floss fab - surely, surely that's worth staying for? (and how convinient that they fall around every Quo Vadis night?)

Yours,

Little Miss (simply) Sad (honey) x

> Well, it’s been a long time coming, but this post will be my last on
> Morrissey-solo. Quite why I’m announcing this, I’m not sure, but I’m going
> to add my two cents before I duck out entirely, rather than just
> disappear.

> It is almost 10 years to the day that I discovered The Smiths. I was 17,
> clumsy and shy, and not really into music in any real sense of the world.
> Morrissey and The Smiths changed all that. Hearing The Smiths was an
> epiphany for me, and probably the most life changing thing I can ever
> remember happening. Suddenly being a bookish outside was a badge of honour
> and being working class was OK.

> The Smiths got me through four lonely years at university, and helped
> dampen out a rather traumatic love affair. They influenced my taste in
> music and my taste in clothes, and introduced me to some of my best
> friends. To this day, they are utterly vital, and I hate to think what
> would have happened it I hadn’t reluctantly gone to the party where I
> first heard them.

> I didn’t know any other Smiths fans when I first discovered them, but if I
> ever met someone wearing a Smiths t-shirt, there was an instant bond …. we
> were in the same gang. It was like that for the first nine of those 10
> years. To paraphrase Roy Rogers, “I never met a Smiths fan I didn’t like”.

> Until I came here.

> I’ve always been loathe to criticise the board here. My experience of
> message boards and mailing lists is that, as soon as the subject of the
> list becomes the list itself, the list risks rapidly disappearing up its
> own arse. However, things have gone on long enough, and as my last will
> and testament I feel I might as well speak out.

> How did it come to this? It is like “Lord Of The Flies” on this board. The
> amount of abuse being bandied about (and, somehow I know this post will be
> subject to a lot of that abuse, not that I’ll be checking …) is amazing.
> As I said earlier, I always thought Smiths fans were a gang … that there
> was solidarity between fellow lovers of this amazing music. When I read
> some of the things people post, my heart sinks. To have someone say “I
> hope you get cancer and die” is one thing … to have that said to you by
> another Smiths fan is another. The homophobia, the racism, the blatantly
> offensive behaviour. It makes me wonder what I have in common with most of
> the people who post here. If we, as a community, are representative of
> Morrissey’s fanbase, no wonder he doesn’t want to release another album. I
> mean, when it gets to the point of threads slagging off David T and all
> the work he does, you’ve got to wonder what has happened.

> What saddens me is that there are people who try to make this board better
> and more enjoyable. LoF and Tingle, I really enjoy your topic starters and
> only wish more people contributed. Ruffian, I loved your gig reviews.
> Never lose faith in the redeeming power of rock’n’roll. And thanks for
> introducing me to Spearmint. Grim O’Grady and Loafing Oaf … I may not see
> eye to eye with either of you, but I like reading you intense political
> diatribes, and really respect both of your abilities to argue. And for all
> the people who just come to talk about Morrissey – keep it up.

> If I can leave with one passing message, it is please just think about
> what you write. To quote Morrissey, “It takes guts to be gentle and kind”,
> When you’re sitting behind a computer it’s so easy to just let fly with
> the insults. How many of you would be able to say the same things face to
> face? Being the tough guy behind an anonymous pseudonym, locked away in
> your bedroom is neither big nor clever … it’s merely pathetic.

> Well …. So ends my missive. LoF … keep up the good fight. Ruffian and TMF,
> you’ve got my email, stay in touch. Grim, Loafing Oaf, The Magic Fairy,
> Russ T, Tingle, Pat McKane and anyone else I’ve ever had dealings with …
> you’re good people. Keep the Morrissey flame burning. There is a light
> that never goes out.

> I’ll get my coat.

> Simply Thrilled Honey.
> (Lawrence Mikkelsen, Auckland, New Zealand.)

Edwyn's "I guess I'm just a little too sensitive" springs to mind (no offence). I ignore the idiots. I don't read many messages on this board, I just pick out the people whose names I know and respect. I know it's ironic that people post ludicrous and insulting messages on a Morrissey board of all places, but if you give a child a machine gun you'll lose half the school. Or something.

If you do decide to go... Well, I'll still see you on the Cinerama board.

TMF

Like others have said: ignore the posters who are obviously miserable and just check back occasionally... I've gone a few months at a time in between reading this crazy board... we're not ALL demented!!

cheers


http://www.morrissey-solo.com/discuss/profiles/the+artist+formally+known+as++quot+mud+quot+.gif

> Well, it’s been a long time coming, but this post will be my last on
> Morrissey-solo. Quite why I’m announcing this, I’m not sure, but I’m going
> to add my two cents before I duck out entirely, rather than just
> disappear.

> It is almost 10 years to the day that I discovered The Smiths. I was 17,
> clumsy and shy, and not really into music in any real sense of the world.
> Morrissey and The Smiths changed all that. Hearing The Smiths was an
> epiphany for me, and probably the most life changing thing I can ever
> remember happening. Suddenly being a bookish outside was a badge of honour
> and being working class was OK.

> The Smiths got me through four lonely years at university, and helped
> dampen out a rather traumatic love affair. They influenced my taste in
> music and my taste in clothes, and introduced me to some of my best
> friends. To this day, they are utterly vital, and I hate to think what
> would have happened it I hadn’t reluctantly gone to the party where I
> first heard them.

> I didn’t know any other Smiths fans when I first discovered them, but if I
> ever met someone wearing a Smiths t-shirt, there was an instant bond …. we
> were in the same gang. It was like that for the first nine of those 10
> years. To paraphrase Roy Rogers, “I never met a Smiths fan I didn’t like”.

> Until I came here.

> I’ve always been loathe to criticise the board here. My experience of
> message boards and mailing lists is that, as soon as the subject of the
> list becomes the list itself, the list risks rapidly disappearing up its
> own arse. However, things have gone on long enough, and as my last will
> and testament I feel I might as well speak out.

> How did it come to this? It is like “Lord Of The Flies” on this board. The
> amount of abuse being bandied about (and, somehow I know this post will be
> subject to a lot of that abuse, not that I’ll be checking …) is amazing.
> As I said earlier, I always thought Smiths fans were a gang … that there
> was solidarity between fellow lovers of this amazing music. When I read
> some of the things people post, my heart sinks. To have someone say “I
> hope you get cancer and die” is one thing … to have that said to you by
> another Smiths fan is another. The homophobia, the racism, the blatantly
> offensive behaviour. It makes me wonder what I have in common with most of
> the people who post here. If we, as a community, are representative of
> Morrissey’s fanbase, no wonder he doesn’t want to release another album. I
> mean, when it gets to the point of threads slagging off David T and all
> the work he does, you’ve got to wonder what has happened.

> What saddens me is that there are people who try to make this board better
> and more enjoyable. LoF and Tingle, I really enjoy your topic starters and
> only wish more people contributed. Ruffian, I loved your gig reviews.
> Never lose faith in the redeeming power of rock’n’roll. And thanks for
> introducing me to Spearmint. Grim O’Grady and Loafing Oaf … I may not see
> eye to eye with either of you, but I like reading you intense political
> diatribes, and really respect both of your abilities to argue. And for all
> the people who just come to talk about Morrissey – keep it up.

> If I can leave with one passing message, it is please just think about
> what you write. To quote Morrissey, “It takes guts to be gentle and kind”,
> When you’re sitting behind a computer it’s so easy to just let fly with
> the insults. How many of you would be able to say the same things face to
> face? Being the tough guy behind an anonymous pseudonym, locked away in
> your bedroom is neither big nor clever … it’s merely pathetic.

> Well …. So ends my missive. LoF … keep up the good fight. Ruffian and TMF,
> you’ve got my email, stay in touch. Grim, Loafing Oaf, The Magic Fairy,
> Russ T, Tingle, Pat McKane and anyone else I’ve ever had dealings with …
> you’re good people. Keep the Morrissey flame burning. There is a light
> that never goes out.

> I’ll get my coat.

> Simply Thrilled Honey.
> (Lawrence Mikkelsen, Auckland, New Zealand.)

This person speaks for a lot of Morrissey fans who try to avoid the rocks and turds thrown our way.

ive really enjoyed reading your posts, even though once you criticised me for liking "depechemode" but thats ok.... thanks for being a real intelligent moz/smiths fan. i hope that you can consider coming back.... love&peace

universefallingdown

> Well, it’s been a long time coming, but this post will be my last on
> Morrissey-solo. Quite why I’m announcing this, I’m not sure, but I’m going
> to add my two cents before I duck out entirely, rather than just
> disappear.

> It is almost 10 years to the day that I discovered The Smiths. I was 17,
> clumsy and shy, and not really into music in any real sense of the world.
> Morrissey and The Smiths changed all that. Hearing The Smiths was an
> epiphany for me, and probably the most life changing thing I can ever
> remember happening. Suddenly being a bookish outside was a badge of honour
> and being working class was OK.

> The Smiths got me through four lonely years at university, and helped
> dampen out a rather traumatic love affair. They influenced my taste in
> music and my taste in clothes, and introduced me to some of my best
> friends. To this day, they are utterly vital, and I hate to think what
> would have happened it I hadn’t reluctantly gone to the party where I
> first heard them.

> I didn’t know any other Smiths fans when I first discovered them, but if I
> ever met someone wearing a Smiths t-shirt, there was an instant bond …. we
> were in the same gang. It was like that for the first nine of those 10
> years. To paraphrase Roy Rogers, “I never met a Smiths fan I didn’t like”.

> Until I came here.

> I’ve always been loathe to criticise the board here. My experience of
> message boards and mailing lists is that, as soon as the subject of the
> list becomes the list itself, the list risks rapidly disappearing up its
> own arse. However, things have gone on long enough, and as my last will
> and testament I feel I might as well speak out.

> How did it come to this? It is like “Lord Of The Flies” on this board. The
> amount of abuse being bandied about (and, somehow I know this post will be
> subject to a lot of that abuse, not that I’ll be checking …) is amazing.
> As I said earlier, I always thought Smiths fans were a gang … that there
> was solidarity between fellow lovers of this amazing music. When I read
> some of the things people post, my heart sinks. To have someone say “I
> hope you get cancer and die” is one thing … to have that said to you by
> another Smiths fan is another. The homophobia, the racism, the blatantly
> offensive behaviour. It makes me wonder what I have in common with most of
> the people who post here. If we, as a community, are representative of
> Morrissey’s fanbase, no wonder he doesn’t want to release another album. I
> mean, when it gets to the point of threads slagging off David T and all
> the work he does, you’ve got to wonder what has happened.

> What saddens me is that there are people who try to make this board better
> and more enjoyable. LoF and Tingle, I really enjoy your topic starters and
> only wish more people contributed. Ruffian, I loved your gig reviews.
> Never lose faith in the redeeming power of rock’n’roll. And thanks for
> introducing me to Spearmint. Grim O’Grady and Loafing Oaf … I may not see
> eye to eye with either of you, but I like reading you intense political
> diatribes, and really respect both of your abilities to argue. And for all
> the people who just come to talk about Morrissey – keep it up.

> If I can leave with one passing message, it is please just think about
> what you write. To quote Morrissey, “It takes guts to be gentle and kind”,
> When you’re sitting behind a computer it’s so easy to just let fly with
> the insults. How many of you would be able to say the same things face to
> face? Being the tough guy behind an anonymous pseudonym, locked away in
> your bedroom is neither big nor clever … it’s merely pathetic.

> Well …. So ends my missive. LoF … keep up the good fight. Ruffian and TMF,
> you’ve got my email, stay in touch. Grim, Loafing Oaf, The Magic Fairy,
> Russ T, Tingle, Pat McKane and anyone else I’ve ever had dealings with …
> you’re good people. Keep the Morrissey flame burning. There is a light
> that never goes out.

> I’ll get my coat.

> Simply Thrilled Honey.
> (Lawrence Mikkelsen, Auckland, New Zealand.)

Simply to leave because of these idiots who I would assume aren't morrissey fans in the first place is sort of encouraging them if you ask me. I know the comments can get irritating but it's people like you who actually CARE to talk about sensible things that have to do with morrissey and otherwise..that keep the board going. I've seen many of nice people stop posting simply because the same reason .

Ignoring them seems to be the better solution to me.. rather then letting them take over the board. Why should we? David can't do much about it.. these losers can go on other computers and find other ways to be jerks. I don't even open replies by certain posters.. once you see who the people saying these things don't read their comments!

There's always going to be people like that in this world..you can't let them get the best of something you get enjoyment out of.. And if meeting other fans is something you enjoy that is what you're doing. I can totally relate to you.. i've always found that i had some sort of connection with someone if they liked the same music i did, doesn't mean they were kind people. You just have to not let them bother you! Ps. Did roy rogers really say that? I met him when i was a kid :-P Hope you return to read this at least! ~Crystal .

> Keep the Morrissey flame burning. There is a light
> that never goes out.

> I’ll get my coat.

> Simply Thrilled Honey.
> (Lawrence Mikkelsen, Auckland, New Zealand.)

I don't post here anymore. I just gird my loins and occasionally peek at a few posts and weep for the near death of a board dedicated to Morrissey not someone who fancies obscenity and vulgarity. I can't believe David still smiles at all this and does nothing.

Farewell

Hello, are you going to the indie festival Johnny Go Go? It's in Leeds in July, if I'm correct. Some of ex-Heavenly are playing in their latest band creation. Also Fosca are playing, a band I've been championing for sometime. They seldom, if ever have played north of London so it could be a good chance for you to go along. Just a thought.

> What saddens me is that there are people who try to make this board better
> and more enjoyable. LoF and Tingle, I really enjoy your topic starters and
> only wish more people contributed.

Bloody hell, the pressure's on me and Tingle now. My starter for 10...

I'm seeing STH tonight. I'm sorry it's come to this.

I totally agree with the sentiments expressed here. I discovered this board about 4 months ago I reckon, and was overjoyed at first. A chance to discuss Moz with like-minded people! But no, I found shocking homophobia and anti-British bullshit. I just couldn't believe what I read. Even though I read the main page every day, I only ever look at the message board about once a fortnight, and scan through for MOZ related headings. There's never many. I always thought Moz/Smiths fans by definition were more sensitive, thoughtful and intelligent than the average music fan, I am continually disappointed by what I see here. However, I'll continue to visit just to read the odd comment from people who love Moz as much as I do.

GD

The board is a podium for infantile morons (otherwise known as Engineering students) and it serves as a forum for well adjusted fans to have informed debate. Lawrence contributed many thoughtful, impassioned and intelligent posts. STH will be missed by me, and many others, who always clicked on the many messages beamed from his, no doubt, elegantly appointed residence on the North Shore.

If it feels right again Lawrence, come back. The normal quotient needs to be maintained.

All the best

Pat

To use our Spearmint connection.. 'Don't put your coat on.. we're going out'!! Don't lose heart Mr Mikkleson. Hold on to your (cyber) friends.

I agree.. there is an amazing level of cheap jibes and amazing ego here sometimes that just baffles me. Like you, I find some (even sadly, most) posts a total waste of time to open. So I don't bother. Some days I come here and there is nothing new to be said... from me or from other posters.

For my own part, I always attempt to keep the posts music focussed. I go to an awaful lot of gigs (mainly in London), and knowing the loves and likes of the typical Smiths fan, felt it was sort of relevant and sometimes intersting to their musical tastes as well.. although I do think I am an untypical Englishman and certainly not a loner in the normal sterotypical view of a Smiths fan, so maybe people can't alays relate to the hedonistic lifestyle!!

To be honest, I had to divesrify and move on.. like we all should always do.. grow and change with the influences about us.. Morrisseys inactivity has simply taken the ability to say anything new about his career, but fortuntealy for me, having a multitude of other interests musically and socially, I found a way to write about something else and maintain a decent dialogue in some other way.

So, of course, idle heads and hands make the devils work easy to do at the keyboard for those that have nothing else.. So, I'd say 'Keep the faith STH', and just hang out here occassionally and see what happens next in this surreal soap opera where we all, like it or leave it, are the cast!

I'll be out of a job in August.. so I'll probably be a rare sight here from then on in as well... But if there's a tour over here (or even maybe New York) that's when we can all join together!!

Bless you!
Ruffian..

The main Morrissey discussion goes on the main page so it's not surprising that things go off-topic here. As it has been brought up before, you don't have to click on posts from people you find offensive. I personally do not think it is as bad as some people claim. In the last year no one has asked me to remove any specific posts. If the ratio of bad posts to good posts is so high, please go through the last several hundred, or if you want to really prove your point, all 6900+ posts from this year alone and tell me which exact ones you think should be deleted. That would make you someone who helped fix the perceived problem, rather than someone who just complained.

well said... I think I speak for everyone when I say that your work is appreciated- and it's unfortunate that you have to be bothered with stuff like this...

cheers

Still, Morrissey's inactivity is no excuse for rudeness and cruelty.

What happened to civility? Is it out of style?

Why must the few spoil fandom for so many?

Sorry,I just couldn't keep quiet.

> Hello, are you going to the indie festival Johnny Go Go? It's in Leeds in
> July, if I'm correct. Some of ex-Heavenly are playing in their latest band
> creation.
Would that be Tender Trap? I've heard about them... They need a drummer though. It's unlikely that I'll be attending this event though. Boo.

TMF