[CR]Was: Guitars, Drums, etc. Now: On topic, off topic

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Cinelli)

Date: Tue, 17 Jun 2003 09:17:48 -0400
From: "Vincent Connelly" <connell1@jhunix.hcf.jhu.edu>
To: "classicrendezvous@bikelist.org" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR]Was: Guitars, Drums, etc. Now: On topic, off topic

In support of e-richie's postings: (No, this won't get you bumped to the head of his to-be-built list):

e-richie's recent postings on matters of "ephemera", "anti-manufacturing", etc., are appreciated here. Keep them coming- they are a logical and natural progression of any discussion to articulate the reasons why we enjoy these bicycles, and are, therefore, essentially "on-topic". De-constructing the essence of our appreciations is only appropriate. Other cycling lists may think this one a little strange, and I know they just don't get it. Why can't they read here about why they don't get it? I smiled when I noticed e-richie's site is linked to the work of Chris Becksvoort. His Shaker furniture design and craftsmanship has an integral grace and structural beauty that is found in the other items all of us either design, make, ride, paint, sit on, repair, collect, or simply refer to. A highlight to a recent visit to Cleveland was the opportunity to stop in to the rock and roll hall of fame to see Jerry Garcia's guitars. "Wolf", one of them, is simply the most beautiful instrument I've ever seen. Pure beauty in function. Like a painted cutout on a lug, we can tell which ones are "too much", and which ones are "not enough". Any addition or subtraction from this guitar, a Shaker candlestand, or a Della Santa, for example, and it ceases to be what it is. That's what rocks me these days. In contrast, the lengthy threads on the identification of the mystical substance that makes Gios blue, well, blue, and how to properly clamp a bicycle to a stand make me yawn. Of course not that all threads are like that, but perhaps an excess of those strands is what drives potential list subscribers away. We should encourage what may seen to us at first divergent discussion, rather than constrain it. I think that in the end, the list will be richie (oops.. richer) for it.

Vince Connelly
Baltimore, Maryland