On September 12, I wrote a blog post titled “Here For Phish? How About You Lend a Phreaking Hand?” In retrospect, I realize that it was ill-timed and ill-conceived. A number of readers felt the post impugned the good work already being done by flood volunteers, took for granted Phish’s contribution to the relief efforts, and was offensive to a legion of music fans.
This was not my intent. I simply meant to draw attention to a need facing our state in the wake of a natural disaster and, at the same time, poke a little fun at the caricature of the Phish fan that has formed over the years. And, yes, I realize there is more than one kind of Phish fan.
I, like my fellow Vermonters, appreciate the work that is being done around the state to help get people back on their feet after Tropical Storm Irene. Phish is being incredibly generous by donating their time and talent. The money that is raised from their benefit show on September 14 will go a long way toward helping the state heal. I didn’t intend to minimize their contribution, or those of concertgoers from in and out of state.
Judging from the negative reactions to the blog post, I clearly didn’t achieve what I set out to with the piece: to entertain and inform. As some have already pointed out, this piece was a “phail.” I acknowledge that, and I’m sorry.
Editors’ note: Opinions expressed on our staff blog do not necessarily reflect the views of editors or staff at Seven Days. Many of us are longtime Phish fans, and all of us appreciate what the band, and its fans, are doing for our state.
This article appears in Sep 14-20, 2011.
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No PT does represent a portion of the fan base. You mess with the bulls, you get the horns.
Apology accepted, Lauren. Just remember that it’s one thing to be snarky but it’s another to be plain mean for no good reason. And just because this is a blog and not a paper, that doesn’t mean you get to abandon your professional standards.Of course, some of these Phish fans haven’t been helping their cause any with vile, hateful language. Wonder if they’ll apologize. It’s only fair…
I'm troubled by this. Your tone sounded much more authentic in the original piece than in this "oops, I got in trouble and better say sorry cover up"… if I were the editors of Seven Days, I'd be taking a hard look at your employability.
These comments are coming in so rapidly because a Phish message board called Phantasy Tour got hold of the original article.Users of the board are typically very angry and immature. Obviously a secure Phish fan wouldn’t even care about the content of your article because it was obviously filled with out-dated stereotypes in an attempt at humor.The PT lynch mobs do not represent the fan base at all.
The only portion of the post that offended me was your insistence on spelling all words that start with an f — such as “flood”– with a PH. It got phucking old fast. I did not think an apology was needed.
Apology accepted. Time to move on.
OK, she says she’s sorry. I’ll accept it. Let’s move on. Next time though, don’t be a mouthpiece of hatred and intolerance.
I was more concerned with the fact that you used the term “white dreadlocks” as opposed to any other type. This was a very derogatory statement and should not be tolerated by the publication.
::claps not all that sarcastically::Apology accepted
What an awesome post!!! Apology accepted. You’ll have to ignore the responses of a view trolls who are filled with vile and hate. I venture a guess that most (i.e all the reasonable) Phish fans who were initially pissed, will be happy to move on from this and do good things for VT. Cheers!