Opinions About Staff

[Thomas Sway]

Hey, I've been thinking about this for a while and I was just curious what people's opinions were about something. Try to control yourselves and be respectful, I wanna know what everyone honestly thinks. No thread jackin y'all assholes.

Currently (counting "photographers") AP has 22 staff members that have the ability to post news or site updates on the main page. Now while I understand the need to try to cover many different styles of music and different staff members for different interests I feel like things are slightly out of control.

With this many staff members the site seems a lot less professional to me. In my (humble) opinion, I think that the site would definitely be better served to have considerably less staff members, but ones that we all knew and trusted as competent responsible staffers. With so many people running around half the time I don't know who they are and I tend to take things like reviews or sunday recommendations a lot less seriously. When I look at the "contact us" page, I can pick out a handfull of names that I don't really recall having done anything in the recent months.

So yeah, I was just curious what everyone thinks about the massive staff. Do you guys think everyone is doing their job or that some people should leave? Would the site be better off with a smaller, more focused and concentrated staff? Just sorta respond to all of this.

And try not to turn this into a massive hate thread. I'm just looking for thoughts.If you don't like someone - cool - but be chill about it.

[ohlookitspaul]

hmm i dunno. there are 22 members? wow i didn't know that, i never bothered to count or whatever. i mean, there are a few that constantly post so i know their names, like tate and jared and kamtin and the like (a few more i don't feel like typing).

but i feel like the rest of them, while they may not post a lot of news or give sunday recommendations or whatever, i'm sure they have jobs that they do and they do them well, or else they wouldn't have been invited to become a member in the first place and they wouldn't be keeping their jobs. i would much rather give them the benefit of the doubt. i personally like the way this place is run, it's informal but not to the point of anarchy, it's comfortable and it gets what it wants to done. it promotes bands it wants, it reviews albums, it posts breaking news in the punk world, and stuff like that. i don't mind the size of the staff at all.

[Jamison Kane]

hmm i dunno. there are 22 members? wow i didn't know that, i never bothered to count or whatever. i mean, there are a few that constantly post so i know their names, like tate and jared and kamtin and the like (a few more i don't feel like typing).

but i feel like the rest of them, while they may not post a lot of news or give sunday recommendations or whatever, i'm sure they have jobs that they do and they do them well, or else they wouldn't have been invited to become a member in the first place and they wouldn't be keeping their jobs. i would much rather give them the benefit of the doubt. i personally like the way this place is run, it's informal but not to the point of anarchy, it's comfortable and it gets what it wants to done. it promotes bands it wants, it reviews albums, it posts breaking news in the punk world, and stuff like that. i don't mind the size of the staff at all.
First of all, thank you for the compliments. It is people like you that we all work so hard for.

And you're right, to a certain extent. Kamtin (despite how much he hates me), Jared, Tate, and March all do excellent work constantly for the site. And, yes, some people do have jobs that are more behind-the-scenes, and they do them wonderfully. Dave Gaslin, for instance. His name isn't too well known, but he's a great guy who works really hard for AP.net. Also worth mentioning is Greg Thimmes. He does so much for the lyric section and multimedia section.

But, I must admit, there are quite a few people on the AP.net staff who really don't do anything. They'll post their Sunday recommendations (if that), but they don't do anything else, really. This is just my opinion and I'm not going to name names or anything. But Sway is right. There definitely could be some revision added to the staff section. I agree. I think this quote sums it up well.

I used to think the news was great, when there were less news posters, less as in like... 3. Instead of umpteen.... now it's a little insane. But yeah, I'd still say the news.

Just my two cents...

[CROMagnon]

Hmm, considering when I worked on my college newspaper there was only a staff of about 22 and that was a weekly and we were barely able to get everything done the way it needed to be done, I'd say that the staff is probably right on point, maybe could use a couple more hands, but 22's a good number. I just think of two things:
1. There's definitely a lot of work that probably goes on behind the scenes and/or not on the front page that maybe some of these staffers are responsible for.
2. I'm assuming the photographers make their money from shoots, and the non-photo people have other occupations besides this site, so they're not getting paid for this, this is done with their free time. Some might have more free time than others. Sure, there are perks, but no paycheck. Besides, there's really only a couple names I don't seen at least once a week or so.
I think overall it's a well run operation.

[Jamison Kane]

Hmm, considering when I worked on my college newspaper there was only a staff of about 22 and that was a weekly and we were barely able to get everything done the way it needed to be done, I'd say that the staff is probably right on point, maybe could use a couple more hands, but 22's a good number. I just think of two things:
1. There's definitely a lot of work that probably goes on behind the scenes and/or not on the front page that maybe some of these staffers are responsible for.
2. I'm assuming the photographers make their money from shoots, and the non-photo people have other occupations besides this site, so they're not getting paid for this, this is done with their free time. Some might have more free time than others. Sure, there are perks, but no paycheck. Besides, there's really only a couple names I don't seen at least once a week or so.
I think overall it's a well run operation.
I guess you're right. But I think a printed periodical is a lot more difficult to get out every week. We don't have to worry about stories and filling pages up, we just post what tidbits come in and when. If nothing much is happening in a given week, we don't have to freak out and come up with filler, we just let it sit. I think there's a bit of a difference.

What irks me is that the people that don't really do anything get the same "perks" as the people that actually work for them, even though they don't deserve them.

[CROMagnon]

I guess you're right. But I think a printed periodical is a lot more difficult to get out every week. We don't have to worry about stories and filling pages up, we just post what tidbits come in and when. If nothing much is happening in a given week, we don't have to freak out and come up with filler, we just let it sit. I think there's a bit of a difference.

What irks me is that the people that don't really do anything get the same "perks" as the people that actually work for them, even though they don't deserve them.

Yeah, definitely different, I was just giving my frame of reference. I guess I was thinking more along the lines of the info gathering instead of writing and stuff, esp. since I happened to work with a talented group of bs artists and filler was not a prob. Having to be in touch with labels, bands, street teams and such; scouring website after website, and all the other tedious and monotonous stuff that goes on with a publication of this kind, I figured that 20 seems like a good round number for that sort of stuff, in case some have to drop some of their responsibilities out of a lack of time.

And yeah, it must suck to see an equal distribution of perks to what you consider unequal workmanship (I have no place in judging myself), but at least you're doing something you want to do, whatever that's worth.

[ohlookitspaul]

at least you're doing something you want to do, whatever that's worth.

yeah, seriously. being an ap staff member sounds almost like a dream job. get paid and get free stuff for listening to music? interviewing bands? reviewing albums? awesome.

[Jamison Kane]

yeah, seriously. being an ap staff member sounds almost like a dream job. get paid and get free stuff for listening to music? interviewing bands? reviewing albums? awesome.
Well, we don't get paid, but other than that you're definitely right. It is amazing. You get to converse with the people you admire and respect most. It's a dream.

I just don't like it when certain members of staff use those privileges and then do nothing to earn them. That's all I'm saying.

[ohlookitspaul]

Well, we don't get paid, but other than that you're definitely right. It is amazing. You get to converse with the people you admire and respect most. It's a dream.

I just don't like it when certain members of staff use those privileges and then do nothing to earn them. That's all I'm saying.
you guys don't get paid? oh well...it still sounds like a dream job.

but yeah, i get what you mean. i know how you feel, when members of groups don't chip in what they should and still reap all the benefits. not on the scale of a website like this, but in small stuff, yeah, i know what you mean.

[hXc_pwnage]

I don't really think there is a number you should or shouldn't have. If you need 50 people for this site to work, then have 50 people. Hell, have 10 extra. I love this place and all I want to do is see it succeed. Only thing: I think they should sub-group the news. It's really hard sometimes to find something when there has been 20 news posts in the past 5 minutes. Maybe you could have like a hXc news, punk news, "emo" news, etc. That might make it a little easier. But, it may not. Whatever.

But all in all, I really appreciate what everyone on the staff does. Knowing that they don't even get paid makes me appreciate it even more. You guys do all you can just for us, people you don't even really know. That is the kind of stuff punk is all about.

<3

[The Bled 13]

All of them pretty much like the same music.

My favorite news poster or whatever will be the person who likes Saetia and JR Ewing.

[The Bled 13]

First of all, thank you for the compliments. It is people like you that we all work so hard for.

And you're right, to a certain extent. Kamtin (despite how much he hates me), Jared, Tate, and March all do excellent work constantly for the site. And, yes, some people do have jobs that are more behind-the-scenes, and they do them wonderfully. Dave Gaslin, for instance. His name isn't too well known, but he's a great guy who works really hard for AP.net. Also worth mentioning is Greg Thimmes. He does so much for the lyric section and multimedia section.

But, I must admit, there are quite a few people on the AP.net staff who really don't do anything. They'll post their Sunday recommendations (if that), but they don't do anything else, really. This is just my opinion and I'm not going to name names or anything. But Sway is right. There definitely could be some revision added to the staff section. I agree. I think this quote sums it up well.



Just my two cents...

Why does that guy hate you?

[The Bled 13]

I want to work for this page.

[Jamison Kane]

Why does that guy hate you?
I made fun of his name in a post, or something. I don't know. It doesn't matter, I'm not his biggest fan either.

[ohlookitspaul]

I made fun of his name in a post, or something. I don't know. It doesn't matter, I'm not his biggest fan either.
just curious, do you know what ethnicity he is? i can't figure it out...

[Jamison Kane]

just curious, do you know what ethnicity he is? i can't figure it out...
No idea.

[dretti]

i think the staff is doing great i can't complain at all, but i think taterbator could slow down on the political posts, i dont need to read that bullshit

[thexflamesxburn]

if all 22 staff members posted sunday recomendations...that would just be ridiculous...

[aurora]

Yeah, I just remember (and it wasn't THAT long ago) when the site was way more ...personal feeling, for lack of a better way to describe it. Now it is, like someone has already said, getting out of control. There are tons of news posts (some completely unecessary) and it just seems way more of a business type thing instead of a personal type thing. But I love AP so whatever it takes to keep it afloat is a-okay by me.


Oh yeah, you guys thought that the staff got paid? Hahaha... Do you people think Tate shits money or something? :lol2:

[Thomas Sway]

Yeah, I just remember (and it wasn't THAT long ago) when the site was way more ...personal feeling, for lack of a better way to describe it.

That's what I liked too, and that's what I've been trying to describe. Though apparently other than you - no one seems to agree. lol.

[aurora]

That's what I liked too, and that's what I've been trying to describe. Though apparently other than you - no one seems to agree. lol.
Yeah, I dont know... maybe most of the people not in agreement weren't around for those days. Hell, I remember when it was basically just Tate. Oh well, the times they are a changin'.

[CROMagnon]

I just think, bigger operation means more workers. This seems to be becoming more of a professional caliber webzine with each day, so you're gonna need people to share the load. Unfortunately, that will entail a loss of personality to an extent. You just hope that the quality of work won't suffer as well; so far (I'll admit I have only been visiting for a little over a year), I haven't seen any evidence of that.

[Thomas Sway]

I just think, bigger operation means more workers. This seems to be becoming more of a professional caliber webzine with each day, so you're gonna need people to share the load. Unfortunately, that will entail a loss of personality to an extent.

See my concern is that it's feeling LESS professional because of the large staff and the huge levels of news. It feels less like a powerful close-knit group who know what they're talking about.

[aurora]

See my concern is that it's feeling LESS professional because of the large staff and the huge levels of news. It feels less like a powerful close-knit group who know what they're talking about.
I agree.

Also, going on with the whole less close-knit idea, I feel like the staff aren't as much a part of the site anymore. Before it was like you had a sense of who was into what and you could identify with them and develop a trust in their opinions and such. I dont feel that way anymore, which is why when so and so says "Blah new Song" by JoeShmoeBand is totally awesome, it means about . <-- that much to me.

[Thomas Sway]

I agree.

Also, going on with the whole less close-knit idea, I feel like the staff aren't as much a part of the site anymore. Before it was like you had a sense of who was into what and you could identify with them and develop a trust in their opinions and such. I dont feel that way anymore, which is why when so and so says "Blah new Song" by JoeShmoeBand is totally awesome, it means about . <-- that much to me.

Thank you. That's exactly how I feel as well. Like, if you know all the different staff members and their specific tastes and they suggest something, you trust them and know "hey I should check that out because I know that I and this staff member have similiar opinions on what is good."

[CROMagnon]

Hmmm, I see what you guys are getting at. I guess since I've already picked which staffers I find myself aligning with tastewise, it's easy for me to just skim over the others.
But I do rather enjoy the amount of bands that get mentioned, only because I like pretty much all types of music to an extent and I like to give everybody a chance, and that no-name could be big-name in a few short years. I hate discovering a band already blowing up, only to have to research their entire back-catalog to see for myself their progression.
I do agree, though, that lately there has been a tendency to post pointless things and to repeatedly repost news lately, and that does get annoying. That definitely degrades the professionalism. I mean, although I do enjoy TBS, I don't need to be told that Adam is on the cover of AP three or four times in the course of a week.
I don't know, maybe the problem isn't necessarily the number (although skimming the fat does work wonders). Maybe it's how that number gets distributed among different aspects of the site, like if album reviewers stuck to reviewing albums, and news posters stuck to news. Recommendations would be scheduled, maybe on a bi-weekly or tri-weekly basis. A lot of the fun stuff may get cut down, but it would appear more professional imo.

[piebaldkid42]

hey kane
i know that you havent really worked for AP for that long and i was just wondering what CDs youve gotten in advance or for free so far and what kind of cool benefits an AP staff member might get

[The Bled 13]

I can't tell if this is a serious thread or what.

[CROMagnon]

I can't tell if this is a serious thread or what.

Yeah it definitely is.

[aurora]

I can't tell if this is a serious thread or what.
Pssst. It's serious.

[The Bled 13]

Oh. Sorry.

[aurora]

Oh. Sorry.
No problem love.

[Jamison Kane]

hey kane
i know that you havent really worked for AP for that long and i was just wondering what CDs youve gotten in advance or for free so far and what kind of cool benefits an AP staff member might get
Name Taken, NFG, Piebald, As Tall As Lions, Sherwood, Classic Case, Cartel, Location is Everything Vol. 2, Brandtson, and Waking Ashland, to name just a few.

The best part is not the CDs, though, because all of those can be downloaded off IRC in this day and age. The best thing is being able to throw the name around. If you e-mail a band's manager and mention that you write for AP, they're totally nice and amicable to you. You can meet the bands at shows, do interviews with the people you most respect and admire in the world, get free merch from a lot of bands at shows, and get free tickets to almost anything.

It's really, really amazing. I love it here.

[ohlookitspaul]

ahhh name-dropping...awesome. the free stuff isn't the coolest part, it sounds...just meeting them sounds really awesome.

[Jamison Kane]

ahhh name-dropping...awesome. the free stuff isn't the coolest part, it sounds...just meeting them sounds really awesome.
Totally true.

[piebaldkid42]

Name Taken, NFG, Piebald, As Tall As Lions, Sherwood, Classic Case, Cartel, Location is Everything Vol. 2, Brandtson, and Waking Ashland, to name just a few.

The best part is not the CDs, though, because all of those can be downloaded off IRC in this day and age. The best thing is being able to throw the name around. If you e-mail a band's manager and mention that you write for AP, they're totally nice and amicable to you. You can meet the bands at shows, do interviews with the people you most respect and admire in the world, get free merch from a lot of bands at shows, and get free tickets to almost anything.

It's really, really amazing. I love it here.
sounds shweet
thanks i was just wondering

[torch]

People try to get on the staff so they can get free stuff (Brandon) and then there are others who do absolutely nothing. So cut the fat!

[lollirot]

Name Taken, NFG, Piebald, As Tall As Lions, Sherwood, Classic Case, Cartel, Location is Everything Vol. 2, Brandtson, and Waking Ashland, to name just a few.

The best part is not the CDs, though, because all of those can be downloaded off IRC in this day and age. The best thing is being able to throw the name around. If you e-mail a band's manager and mention that you write for AP, they're totally nice and amicable to you. You can meet the bands at shows, do interviews with the people you most respect and admire in the world, get free merch from a lot of bands at shows, and get free tickets to almost anything.

It's really, really amazing. I love it here.

What the fuck? I work for a zine because I actually want to help promote bands that I feel deserve it. To me, the best feeling is knowing that you're helping out bands and contributing positively to the scene, not name dropping the site you work for so you can get free shit. That's disgusting. Publicists, labels, bands, etc. are only "nice and amicable" because they know they can make money off you, not because they respect what you do. They jump at the chance to work with you guys because they know of your reputation as ass kissers, and who doesn't want good publicity for their band(s)? Although you have somewhat of a better vocabulary than some of the other reviewers (meaning you have a thesaurus on hand), there's no opinion. I don't care how many times you use the word "frankly" or stress how "thoroughly" you enjoy an album, your reviews are just pretty words, no substance.

Stop kissing ass.

[Thomas Sway]

What the fuck? I work for a zine because I actually want to help promote bands that I feel deserve it. To me, the best feeling is knowing that you're helping out bands and contributing positively to the scene, not name dropping the site you work for so you can get free shit. That's disgusting.

Stop kissing ass.

He was answering a direct question about "what he gets free" not "what do you value as your job?"

So back the fuck off. I can't stand people like you who feel the need to elevate yourself by trying to make other people look twisted or undeserving. Just handle your own business.

[piebaldkid42]

What the fuck? I work for a zine because I actually want to help promote bands that I feel deserve it. To me, the best feeling is knowing that you're helping out bands and contributing positively to the scene, not name dropping the site you work for so you can get free shit. That's disgusting. Publicists, labels, bands, etc. are only "nice and amicable" because they know they can make money off you, not because they respect what you do. They jump at the chance to work with you guys because they know of your reputation as ass kissers, and who doesn't want good publicity for their band(s)? Although you have somewhat of a better vocabulary than some of the other reviewers (meaning you have a thesaurus on hand), there's no opinion. I don't care how many times you use the word "frankly" or stress how "thoroughly" you enjoy an album, your reviews are just pretty words, no substance.

Stop kissing ass.
i understand what you mean but i think all he was doing was answering my question, i just wanted to know what some of the benefits were

[Jamison Kane]

What the fuck? I work for a zine because I actually want to help promote bands that I feel deserve it. To me, the best feeling is knowing that you're helping out bands and contributing positively to the scene, not name dropping the site you work for so you can get free shit. That's disgusting. Publicists, labels, bands, etc. are only "nice and amicable" because they know they can make money off you, not because they respect what you do. They jump at the chance to work with you guys because they know of your reputation as ass kissers, and who doesn't want good publicity for their band(s)? Although you have somewhat of a better vocabulary than some of the other reviewers (meaning you have a thesaurus on hand), there's no opinion. I don't care how many times you use the word "frankly" or stress how "thoroughly" you enjoy an album, your reviews are just pretty words, no substance.

Stop kissing ass.
He was answering a direct question about "what he gets free" not "what do you value as your job?"

So back the fuck off. I can't stand people like you who feel the need to elevate yourself by trying to make other people look twisted or undeserving. Just handle your own business.
Word. Lollirot, I know you think KP is the end-all, be-all of music publicity, but it isn't. It's a site for people who (mistakenly) feel that they're too good for AP so they sit around discussing Sigur Ros or Mogwai or whatever pretentious indie band is hot that week. And you know what? I really like both of those bands, in general, but I don't look at myself as being better than everyone else because of that!

And on another note, my reviews are fine. They're not the best, but they convey what I think about a given record in a generally coherant and entertaining way. And they're only going to get better as a practice writing more and get older.

God damn, get the fuck off of your soapbox. People like you are what is wrong with the world.

[boysdontcry]

dude you should fight him.

you get your AP posse and he'll get his KP posse.

you'll meet up and have an epic dance-off. it'll be like west side story or something.

[piebaldkid42]

dude you should fight him.

you get your AP posse and he'll get his KP posse.

you'll meet up and have an epic dance-off. it'll be like west side story or something.
you have dans avatar from KJ

[boysdontcry]

that's the second time someone's told me this and i don't care because it's awesome, i don't know dan, and i've never been to killjoy.

[Jamison Kane]

that's the second time someone's told me this and i don't care because it's awesome, i don't know dan, and i've never been to killjoy.
It is pretty fucking awesome.

[boysdontcry]

yeah i honestly don't care cause i know a bunch of people out there have to have it, just like every avatar you see. it doesn't matter.

[boysdontcry]

It is pretty fucking awesome.
thank you.

[piebaldkid42]

yeah i honestly don't care cause i know a bunch of people out there have to have it, just like every avatar you see. it doesn't matter.
oh you i wasnt criticizing you or anything, i was just saying, ive never really seen it any other place thats all

[boysdontcry]

oh you i wasnt criticizing you or anything, i was just saying, ive never really seen it any other place thats all
ok that's cool.

haha if you haven't noticed i'm kind of pissy today. :lol2:

[piebaldkid42]

heh its cool i am too, i was the worst person to be around today