Bad press is sometimes confused with controversy, but they’re not the same. The two scenarios you mentioned (turf and Guard) are dissimilar in many ways.

With turf, there was documented evidence & conversation that the current surface was sub-par, criteria for success were presented, various solutions were considered (artificial/natural), and a final decision was announced.

Contrast this to the singular IG announcement: no prior warning was mentioned, no concrete evidence was provided, no alternate solutions were presented — just The Decision. And we’re left to infer (as you claim) whether Dye reached this decision unilaterally or whether “higher ups” had influence.

The vocal minority will be upset with any controversial decision, but demonstrating a rational thought process will ensure productive conversation.

I think that’s pushing it. I have no doubt that there is a definite level of truth to some of what’s been said by current/former band members here; however, I do not think it is at the level suggested.

This appears to be something that has built over a long time and something, something that hasn’t been publicly reported, happened that caused the radical shift.

That’s the impression I’m getting. Seems like a lot on band members have this weird complex about the Guard.

There seems to be some sort of weird band insecurity going on.

I don’t care how close you claim to be to this. I’m not going to let you slander our staff.

You are free to disagree with us, but stick to what is actually being discussed from the post or comments and don’t bring in BS that has absolutely nothing to do with it.

“Don’t believe everything you read on the internet, but believe what I am saying on the internet.”

http://www.goodfellasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/cool-story-bro.jpg

Sounds like a terrible group of people!

In all seriousness, beyond a “us vs them”, I am still just confused as to what is really going on.

If ND thinks that trying to yank a tradition away with a smokescreen is a good idea, then ND just dropped the ball in a huge way. And I would like to think they are smarter than that.

What’s going to happen when the truth eventually comes out? You think that there won’t be an even worse backlash? Come on now.

Comparing this to turf is laughable. That was a mixed reaction that has just as much support as dissent.

I have yet to see any positive reactions to this. And past/present band members saying “something had to be done” isn’t exactly evoking a positive reaction, either.

If Dye really is taking a dive, that is beyond dumb on his part; however, he’s owning the decision, so we will go based on that fact, not theories and hearsay.