It may be the fact that, having seen (and heard) so much B. S. (Basic Symmetry?) during my lifetime, along with since recently turning 43 years of age, or the fact that I am an ex-cop who has become so cynical due to having witnessed vile incidents during numerous late night rendezvous in seedy sides of town that neither Mom nor Dad sufficiently prepared me for, but I must be the most unlikely music entity on the face of the earth (and underground as well).
I say that because, after also having worked longer on the other side of the music industry desk as an executive, I have lost the un-realism that many, if not most musicians I see, seem to consistently exhibit. That includes unrealistic expectations on various aspects of the music industry, its operations, its procedures, and above all, realistic perspectives of their musical products and careers.
So, it was yet another strange event that recently occurred on a discussion list that further served to awaken in me just how off the mark I may have finally gone. Below is one more example of what I am attempting to convey.  Now, under "normal" circumstances, the below post would have been considered "spam," and incurred the traditional wrath of "flames" that generally accompanies such a post.
While my only response to the post was one that sought to play off a not-so-recent movie title ("Speechless Outside Seattle"), nary another soul on the list responded as I would have expected.  In fact, during the incident, I had the distinct impression that I was now, temporarily, witnessing a firsthand account of what Rod Serling must have felt during his weekly excursions into "The Twilight Zone."  In David Letterman's words, "They wuz hyp-mo-tized!"
In fact, the first few words of the post not only reeked of "spam," but also of "scam," "sham," "flim-flam," and "bam-bam" (don't ask).  But, perhaps I am simply
making far too much of a simple forgettable situation. So, in that interest, I would sincerely appreciate your own review of, and response, to the post.
Let me know, will ya?  I don't want to get *too* far off the mark and lose touch with society, not to mention, losing touch with human nature, my fellowman and/or
"fellowwoman."

DISCUSSION LIST POST:

["Hi everybody...

I'm reallly sorry to be sending this to you on this list but, hopefully, some of you who are or used to be starving musicians will understand and might be able to help yourself and me to get a little extra money without me asking you for any money.  I am on the verge of losing my very small starter house unless I figure out how to raise some funds fast so please take a few moments to read this and maybe you can earn some extra cash for yourself, while helping me in the process.  I want to make it clear that I am not asking for money here in any way but this just might work for me or anybody else who wants to try it.
You may have heard of the service Paypal by now. They are a very popular online way to accept or send payments and are highly recommended as well as being insured and being around for a while now.
Well, if you sign up for an account with them (which will allow you to send or receive payments online through bank accounts or credit cards...which would help you sell merchandise online and accept credit cards with no fees or hassle) they will give you $5.00 and give the person who refers you $5.00.  Then you can also refer others and receive $5.00 for each person who signs up...including when someone signs up just so they can buy music or merchandise from your website!  So, you see how this can add up.
You DO NOT have to spend any money to sign up and you still get $5.00 and the person who refers you still gets $5.00 so please please please, have a heart and check it out, investigate it a bit if you want, and then sign up.  You'll get $5.00...I'll get $5.00...anyone you refer will get $5.00 AND you'll be able to accept payments
online for stuff you sell on your website or in an auction.
 If you decide to sign up...I hope you will please use this link to indicate that I referred you...
https://secure.paypal.com/refer/pal=namewithheldtoprotecttheguiltywhileavoiding lawsuits/.
If the link doesn't work when you click on it,please copy and paste it into your browser.
I really really appreciate this and hope I haven't intruded on your privacy by emailing about this but hopefully it will end up helping not only me, but also you and your friends as well.  And maybe it will even increase your sales because you'll be able to accept credit cards and other payments online.
If this message has bothered you in any way please accept my humblest apologies and note that this is one of the very last resources I have. My phone was almost disconnected today, my health insurance is about to run out if I can't come up with $40 by next week, food is scarce and I need to make a house payment in a couple of weeks.  I hate doing this...begging is not something I consider fun but I guess beggars can't be choosers.  I am even starting a paper route soon to help make ends meet (which is also humbling but the money has to come from somewhere, right?)
Anyway, I apologize but I hope you can put yourself in my shoes, if you haven't already been there before, or understand my situation and help if you can.  If you can't, thanks a lot for reading this message and I apologize for intruding.
Also, if you know of any other ways I could raise some quick...or slow...cash (legally) please email me and let me know a.s.a.p.
This is so embarrassing...I'm even collecting bottles and cans...I've never been this broke but at least now I can really say I am a starving musician. :)." ]

Judge Akers: "Madame Forewoman, have you reached a verdict on the charge that this email post to a nameless discussion list was in violation of Section 3 of the 'Worldwide Web Code of Ethics'?"

Forewoman: "No, we have not, Your Honor...the jury is still out on it."

Judge Akers: "Well, that is truly unfortunate, Madame Forewoman, as this failure to arrive at a decision will cost you your opportunity to appear on "Law & Order."
 

Editor's Note: Man I thought I was low working for a monkey to make ends meet.
Anyway for those who wish to know Kenny Love is also Publisher and Editor of the "B# Newsletter," a FREE monthly music business and promotion newsletter
for independent musicians.  Get the latest issue with a request to freebsharp@getresponse.com.  Join at http://www.egroups.com/group/BSharpNews/.