I found Conservationist's posts in that thread rather annoying too, at first - but look at what it's led to. In the last few pages, the discussion has evolved into something actually worthwhile - probably the most worthwhile one that forum has seen in years, seeing as almost every other topic is a variation of either "type one band name, everyone else say how awesome it is," "type as many band names as you can related to ___," or "talk about being poor."
I wasn't going to respond to this post. Why? Because if I had to explain what exactly I didn't like about Conservationist's postings in that thread, it's very complex and it would require a great volume of words on my part. And what's the point? It's a periphery aspect of this thread, and I know it in my head so the only reason I'd be explaining it is for a handful of people who probably don't care much at all about it, really, to understand what I mean. Even if I did manage to convince you, so what? You're just one person, and with such a small-scale audience my time is far better spent. (Sometimes I appreciate writing on forums to coalesce my own ideas for myself, but that isn't the case here.) Then I realized this is a perfect example of why I don't like Conservationist's postings in that other thread, so I decided to reply to you now! Conservationist knows what he's preaching, he knows it like the back of his hand, and I really don't think he's hoping to learn anything from the other people in that conversation (maybe he's hoping to, but he's certainly not expecting to, let's put it that way). I've been there, I've spurred great discussion of metal forums, I've poked the logic of philosophers, spiritualists and occultists to burst their stupid bubbles, but it always ends up bringing me down, they always end up bringing me down, because they're such a small piece of the puzzle it's just not worth it, although admittedly the desire to try and make a difference anyways is very strong. And at the end of the day I feel my message was sabotaged, not by anyone in particular I was talking with, but by the whole triviality of the situation. So if people want the truth I'll make it available and they can come find me, I won't always come find them. That's my take on it. (Also sometimes it's fun to disturb the shit, of course).
Also, Transcix, just be patient - I signed up to the forum a few months ago and it took over a week to be confirmed. It'll happen.
Good to know.