conflicts of interest...

Nice... some well expressed and balanced opinions!
So here comes the right of reply…
Firstly to David - I wasn't talking about Simone or her editors disseminating private information online, at all. I was of the understanding that Beat's stock in trade was still as a printed publication and as such, strong opinions, imho, should be bylined accordingly. Don't know if you've ever read Tom Wolfe's 'The New Journalism', particularly in reference to columnists...
You also completely misunderstand my point in regard to Simone's use of the word Bogan. While I'm piling you up with some fireside reading, you might like to check out 'The Bogan Myth'.
I will say that in some respects Simone's work is refreshing, inasmuch as there are many scribes out there all too eager to fawn over musicians and not say a bad word about anyone.
But if you're going to carve someone to pieces there needs to be a degree of equanimity, full disclosure and ultimately the right person reviewing the right genre in order for a shredding to carry any sort of weight.
At least that grub Bolt puts his big fat head and email address above his right wing bullshit...
And Lachlan, to suggest seriously that musicians 'in a way, appreciated being torn to shreds by Simone's reviews.'? Who are they and when did these conversations take place? Deal in facts, not throwaway lines. Any muso or artist who puts their heart and soul into their work would not appreciate being torn to shreds. They may tell you that they are, but it's just bravado. Either that or they're playing in a tribute band.
It is patently obvious in her reviews that she likes some styles of music more than other styles, that's a fact.
And to answer some of your other mildly hysterical points:
1) I've not said anything regarding the intellect of The Beat readership - that must be your issue.
2) A 'singular singles' review will not make or break a career - that wasn't my point at all, read what I wrote.
3) Conflicts of interest as a heading - yep, I let myself down there. I wrote the heading before writing the comment and should have changed it before hitting save. Too many years of being used to subs doing all that sort of stuff. So I'm sorry about that.
It's not about conflicts of interest at all, it's about balance, equanimity, disclosure and having the right person review the styles of music that most resonate with them, not just dismiss something out of hand because the genre isn't their cup of tea. I refer again to my Slayer fan - Bocelli analogy.
Thanks for contributing and expressing your points of view everyone - I'm enjoying the discussion.

Bullshit premises - what's that? Beat's head office? Only joking lads - I love Beat, it's a great publication! You could perhaps try, 'upon a premise of bullshit'… It might work better.

Anyway, let's set aside my terrible sense of humour, keep a clear head and discuss this issue calmly. It's only because I care that I bothered to go there in the first place. Sorry for being a smart arse - I just have this image of you blokes posturing like silverbacks in frocks at the very thought of someone daring to impinge on their established protocols - it makes me giggle.

Alright Nick:
1) One swallow does not a summer make, dear chap. One review out of thousands of column centimetres does not provide evidence of the balance you seek to illustrate.
And you've probably helped my cause by printing it, because by her own admission: 'I don't know much about the hard rock scene.'
You are making my point perfectly: If she doesn't know much about the hard rock scene then why is she reviewing hard rock music?
2) In order to address Lachlan's point about Simone's bias against songs with a masculine bent, I would need to refer back through her reviews over the past six months. My point of view was based on an impression gathered over many months and, not being a hoarder, I haven't got hard copies to hand. If you would kindly point me to a link where I may have a look through her reviews and gather some suitable examples, I'll gladly do so and get back to you.
3) Your last point is tenuous, to say the least. It's patently obvious that phrases such as 'she appears' and 'it seems' are in no way statements of fact. They were 'in fact' specifically written to avoid the impression of fact as was my ensuing sentence, (upon which you base your entire point) which was written in light of something that seems and appears to be a certain way.
How is this an implication of fact? Nice try counsel, but you've got donuts there.
Lachlan, who states as fact, that he has spoken to musicians about Simone's reviews has yet to provide evidence of this, but more on that later.
So Nick, a couple of questions to you, oh defender of the pack:
1) Do you think it's ok to use the word bogan as a phrase to disparage certain styles of music and the folks who listen to it?
2) Do you think it's important for people writing for Beat to have some knowledge of the subjects about which they're writing?
Look forward to your response and remember, don't take it too seriously. We're not talking about world poverty here. I am looking forward to being convinced by your arguments and I sincerely hope that you provide enough quality in your next post to sway my opinion.

Now Lachlan, me old china:
1) I am struggling to convey my point in a succinct manner? Here's par 3 again:
'if you're going to carve someone to pieces there needs to be a degree of equanimity, full disclosure and ultimately the right person reviewing the right genre in order for a shredding to carry any sort of weight.'
How could you not take my point out of this sentence?
The rest of the comment was spent replying to points made by your good self and the other posters which I dealt with on a point by point basis.
2) Where have I contradicted myself and what in my last post was superfluous? Please provide examples.
3) I apologised already for not placing the right heading at the top of the comment. Move on.
4) Where are the artists who appreciated Simone's comments? Still waiting.
5) In regard to your Andrea Bocelli fan comment, I never said that the person had to be a Bocelli fan, I was merely making a point based on knowledge and understanding, which I addressed above.
I wish you people would read what I wrote, not what you think I wrote.

Right - I think I've addressed everything posted by Nick and Lachlan. If I've missed anything out, please let me know. I look forward to both parties responding to each of my points. Anyone else who wants to hop in, please do so - it's a lively topic and one which is obviously rankling a few folks which is what it's all about at the end of the day!

While we're waiting for the next round, why don't we do a quick quiz and find out which bands Simone likes?

A simple cut/paste with the appropriate y or n removed will suffice thanks Simone.

Bon Scott era AC/DC Y/N
Brian Johnston era AC/DC Y/N
Motley Crue Y/N
Iron Maiden Y/N
QOTSA Y/N
Motorhead Y/N
Soundgarden Y/N
Black Sabbath Y/N
The Angels Y/N
Airbourne Y/N
Jet Y/N
KD Lang Y/N

chin chin!

Hey Lachlan,

Let Nick make his own points if he so chooses. He'll also vote up your comments if he deems them worthy. No one likes a leg humper. Just cool it a bit.

1) So now you're saying that Simone's reviews are just something funny to read while you're having a shit? Earlier you called her 'Melbourne's Premier Tastemaker' Wow.
2) Equanimity means 'composure, calmness and poise.' I'm not the one writing the reviews, so my identity is irrelevant. I could be the guy looking at you right now... I posted my original comment as my opinion and everything I've addressed in terms of fact since has been based on what has been written in this thread. No contradictions there. Keep trying mate.
3) Nice one - I'm only responding because you keep hitting it back over the net. Don't give me oxygen and the words will dry up.
4) I hope you do. I'd like to see what you come up with.
5) Absolutely - it would be great copy. But it still isn't congruent with my original point which you've chosen to misrepresent and ignore.

I initially raised the issue of Simone's sexuality because I was wondering if that was part of the reason why she doesn't like the hard rock music she criticises. Do you not think that's fair enough? Other posters have addressed the issue sufficiently for me to agree with them and remove that from the equation. You brought it up again though... Like you continually mention the intellect of Beat's readership.... people seldom write, say or do anything without some other reason behind the obvious. What's yours?

I look forward to some more half baked responses. Nice shirt by the way.