I don't mean to bring divisiveness to your "one love" thread. Please don't take this as a personal attack--However,

I think when people mention how many shows they have seen, it is to celebrate their experiences...To ruminate how Avetting easily becomes a lifestyle.

I see people posting photos of themselves, and reliving meetings with the band with no other intent than to commemorate how special it was to realize that their admiration was met with graciousness and openness by the boys.

I'm assuming when posters discuss their history with the band...How long they've been connected to the music and how much they are in love with them...It's to memorialize their journey. You know how it is when you discover the Avetts---Outlook on your own life, your musical preferences, your entire energy is tweaked by what they bring to the table. If you love them enough to hang on the boards, then you have certainly been fundamentally changed or affected by them in one way or another. It's exciting to share this with others.

I don't see an over-abundant amount of competitiveness? For awhile there was bickering about the new album being perceived as "different," and dissent on media promotion choices...But, it will all cycle back soon. I've found the old-timey regulars here to be really kind, open people that wouldn't think to offend anyone with their Avett Experiences.

It does take a little effort to remember that the people around you on this board are real, and have a possibility of reacting negatively or getting offended by something you may post. As long as we try to use our words to play nice, we'll keep our "place of celebration, information, connection, and appreciation of the Avett Brothers."

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"one with Earth and one with God"

I def agree with what you're saying anjanette, and I appreciate it! I've never been a member of a community like the Avett fans, and I haven't had any other experience on boards, so I don't know how this one compares to others. But I believe that what you just said describes most of the member of this community. Avett fans are some of the kindest, most respectable, down to earth people I know. And that is part of what i appreciate about all this.

but like all groups of people we have our 10% who aren't as kind or respectable. I just wish we could all learn to control our aggression and hatefulness when we're talking to people on here. Like you said: people don't stop and think that who they are talking to is a person.

its just like aggressive drivers, it never shows until they get behind the wheel and their panes of glass and let out their "monsters" because they don't have to face anyone

^^^ditto, ditto, ditto!! well said anjanette!

yes, sometimes it gets a bit catty around here, but as was stated...you have to understand that someone can react negatively to what you say and to say the least...the folks here, aren't shy about expressing their opinion. so be it! we ARE family...and families fight and don't always see eye to eye, but in the end; there is nothing but the love for this band. for that simple reason...most on this forum are alright with me b/c i KNOW we are all basically here b/c we connect very deeply with this incredible music.
i for one have found it to be lovely around here lately. there was some tension on the boards, leading up to and through the album release and then some weird stuff was happening as far as the creepy imitators, but that has all seem to have blown over. there was some troll started threads, but we are too smart anymore, to fall into those traps and get riled up over nothing. actually, those threads have become some of my favorites!...falafel anyone?
honestly, i feel like as soon as things calm down...someone (like yourself) posts a new thread about how 'we are this' or how 'we are that'....mostly negative. i guess that's the nature of the beast.
*poke* poke*poke* at the coals.

maybe i'm reading different threads than you, but i find everyone to be very civil lately. there have been some really good threads and some good discussions! nobody is bragging...we're just sharing.

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"We took a pickup, a tent, and a shotgun," recalls Scott. "We went out thinking it was a wild frontier."

I think too, that it's just something to talk about. The new album is out, so there's just not as many topics to post.

did i mention i think i should move to NC. Oh thats another story lol

This time last year I got in a ridiculous fanboy argument with someone who felt their setlists lacked variation. I had a great time at the show, so I spoke up, we got in to it, and the thread was closed. Some time went by, apologies were made, and he's coming by the house for NYE.

Blasto, for real?... that warms my heart!

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...where nothing is owed, deserved, or expected...and your life doesn't change by the man that's elected...

No, it's for real. jracknicu, speak up!