"Threads that ask opinions about a band or artist"
vs
"Threads that are basically ABOUT a band or artist,"

Confused at the difference between the two.

There isn't any. Basically this is a debate between posting in topics you care about or not.

I don't have a problem with people posting constructive criticism of an artist and neither do I mind a really creative insult about that artist.

I say if you're going to say something sucks at least be creative about it so people can at least be entertained with it.

I would prefer to be told why my band of choice sucks. I mean really, it's nice to have the stuff I'm really into brought into prospective-- if that makes sense.

And for me, when someone like you can express an opinion with reasoning behind it, whether that reasoning is based on your opinion or not, it's really not awful. I'm used to being told my musical tastes sucks, so for me this is really a non-issue.

The problem here is this is Musicbanter, not Opinionbanter. (I know the two are actually pretty closely related, but the point is being on topic)

If you go around posting off-topic stuff like "I like turtles" in a thread dedicated to a particular legitimate topic, you're not doing yourself any favors... which is clearly noted in our rules. You're new here, so I'll let you figure this out as you go along. Just saying, the rules are there to help. You should try them out.

I mean dedicated threads to a band or artist. Not threads asking opinions of bands. There may not be an objective difference, but in terms of practicality, especially here, there usually is. Which is why I bring this entire subject up.

I agree, however I feel that many people here may not, which is why I was wondering. If it was a forum filled with Urbans, there would be no point to this thread.

Yeah I agree wit Katsy, I would prefer someone to contribute to the thread I have made for the band I like as opposed to just glide through and not post. Whether or not they like the band.

Personally, I tend to stay out of threads that don't interest me, are about bands or topics that I have no real interest in. F'r instance if I see a thread called "I love Pet Shop Boys", I'd not go in because I DON'T love PSB, but that doesn't invalidate the opinion of those who do. It just seems counter-productive and anyway if the thread is pretty obviously an "appreciation" one then I'm likely to be up against it, being a minority of one. Even if I see something asking for opinions on something I don't like --- "Do you love/hate rap" --- I'll not bother, because I dont know enough about the subject to offer an opinion.

On the other hand, if someone makes a thread like "Marillion suck" or "Tom Waits couldn't compose his way out of a paper bag" I'd be in there like a shot.

If I have something constructive to say I'll say it, but there are so many good threads I can post in, where my opinion and comments and views will be appreciated, why walk into the lion's den?

Same here.
Negative or not, at least some discussion is good. I prefer when it's controversial, but I definitely don't want some troll posting "no1curr" gifs or "I like turtles" as a response. That's not controversy. That's just lazy.

I have all to much experience in over thinking for the politically correct response balanced with just the right dose of my personality that the visceral response is forever gone with the wind. It's always a good idea to say whatever horrendous or wonderful thing pops in your mind - with the every intent of constructive honesty.

Sorry I really should spell check my posts. "They", not "the".

Yeah. I don't like people who post just for post counts. That **** really pisses me off, like it is an addition to their translucent ego.(online alter ego)