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.
Got something to say?
Send a letter to the editor and we'll publish your feedback in print!
Much better. Now let’s all focus on having a great day and night tomorrow and contributing to raising a bunch of money.
Apology accepted. Kudos for the response. Let’s have some fun tomorrow and stay safe and courteous to all who attend as well as the residents of Essex.
Lauren, everyone makes mistakes and sometimes things just miss the mark. Thanks for clearing it up. Many of us are looking forward to heading up to your beautiful state tomorrow, spending some cash and seeing our favorite band, all with the goal of raising some money for our friends in VT.
Thanks for the apology on your “Phail”. Remeber, snark is not always the best or only way to convey thoughts, ideas or humor. Ask Ed Shamy…
Your article maybe had the right idea, but why “poke fun” at these fans? Is that the way to get people to respond and take action during a disaster, to “poke fun”? Bad taste..Im sure I could make a ton of stereotypes just by looking at your Facebook picture, but is that gonna accomplish anything? I hope your lesson was learned and that the people of VT take you back..
The first blog post was lame. The apology for the lame post is doubly lame.They pay you for this?
SLYGSAASISOI
Really? REALLY?Knickers were so knotted Seven Days is printing this? Come ON. We all know Phish phans are too stoned to organize a backlash. Besides, the paper’s free.That’s a joke, super sensitive Phish people.Also: “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.” Nice. Way to stand behind your staff, editors. Like… ten feet behind them.
good recovery, good apology, looking forward to a great show
Just stopped at Home Depot and purchased face masks and gloves to bring to VT. Also have a box of canned food and clothes to donate to Red Cross. I think an extraordinary amount of good will come from the Essex show and not only the financial contribution that the Phish organization will make. For the most part, the fan base is a caring, thoughtful and articulate group with much to offer. While deeds of compassion and concern have been happening for years by many in the fan base and typically go unreported, periodically its nice to be acknowledged for the work that so many do in the communities that Phish plays around the country. Apology graciously accepted. Better to focus on the important matters.
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!
::claps not all that sarcastically::Apology accepted
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.
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.
Apology accepted. Time to move on.
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.
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.
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.
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…
No PT does represent a portion of the fan base. You mess with the bulls, you get the horns.
I'm 36. A college grad. Own my own insurance agency. I'm married. I own a home. I donate to many different charities. I am active in my community through volunteering. I'm a Phish phan of of 16 years and 80 shows. Peace and love to all, including you Lauren, because thats what its all about.
Lolren.
Erin – I couldn’t agree more. I’m SO disappointed that 7 Days didn’t stand behind their writer. SUPER lame!!! People can’t make fun of anything anymore, we’ve gone to PC hell. I thought your blog post was funny Ms. Ober and really, they should pitch in since a big group of them have been noshing on free meals at the Salvation Army, meals which are designed to help feed people who can’t afford food NOT those who cam afford a $75 concert ticket!!!
Thank you Lauren. I really loved your Rte 100 piece and the blog post just made me…sad. Let’s move on people, to a great show!! And remember non-phish fans – your computer has a mute button. Get the webcast and $20 goes to the cause.
Well, now, instead of just being a snarky, petty, little brat, you can add LIAR to your list of titles. C’mon. I, for one, doubt that by referencing Phish fans main travel gear as a bong you meant to convey goodwill or shine light on a terrible tragedy. You simply did it to impress your equally lame friends and have a good laugh at a group of people who have a main objective, besides playing music, to help people. You apologized because you got in trouble.You should have said,” I fu***d up. Sorry.” At least that is believable.Fake apology not accepted. What have YOU done to help?? What have your bands done???
Geez, don’t mess with the Phish Mafia! They got twitter accounts & smart phones and they aren’t afraid to use them.
Wow, forcing your writers to apologize for an article making fun of Phish fans? You’ve reached a new low Seven Days….As for anyone who is commenting on this because they heard about the blog post from a Phish message board–if you’re over the age of 17, it might be a good time to re-evaluate your life.
Holy hell! I just saw your pic. Are you Trey’s brother?
MEH. weak and poorly written apology.
Thanks for the apology…Now go home and get your phuckin’ shinebox!!
Too little too late. When will the paper realize she’s not a good writer?
Folks keep asking this and I haven’t seen an answer yet… and I’d actually be really curious to know… what have YOU done in the aftermath of all this Irene tragedy?
How does it pheel to eat crow? Pheel good does it?You’re a joke and so is this apology….not accepted by this phan.This article lacked humor and was immature. Even the editors are embarrassed by your article. Time to quit your day job heady sister…..
Sounds like you got served and are still in shock about it?
Big of you to apologize. Now it’s time for everyone to move on and focus on bigger issues. I hope the fans just drop it now. Lauren was right in the sense that there are a lot of people out there who need help in recovery. She admitted that she missed the mark which is great.
The problem isn’t so much, individually, with Lauren’s Phish blogpost, but with the fact that every thing she writes has exactly the same tone. Not only is she not clever, but she’s lazy and tiresome. The sooner Paula and Pamela put her out to pasture the better. She clearly does not belong in the same company with such quality journalists as Kevin Kelley, Ken Picard, Shay Totten, Eva Sollberger and others to whom I apologize for the omission. Her presence cheapens Seven Days.
Ah, I see now how dangerous it is to have a sense of humor about something so sacred as Phish. Can we suggest that many of these layman critics here not deal with the waste and atmosphere brought about by the many individuals that swarmed Burlington in anticipation of tickets going on sale? Of course! Of course! How dare anyone make an attempt at humor at the expense of any one community! Or is it not the fundamental element of caricature-based humor that most communities are eclectic in membership but have a thread that unifies them and lends itself to satire? I wasn’t aware that Lesbians are comparable to Phish fans. I suppose they have both undergone the same degree of social oppression. Poor Phish fans. How dare you be ridiculed! How dare someone bring up the irony that a benefit concert attracts consumers that also need to be cleaned up after! I suppose if we are to call out those individuals we should do it frankly instead of appealing to their decades-old reputation and suggesting other means they can help (since they are CLEARLY going to the concert for the sake of helping the relief fund, not because they worship Phish in a way characteristically reserved for religious fanatics). I suppose anyone should be ashamed to ask even more of these people, after having come so far for such a good cause and purchasing so much of the Bob Marley Black Iced Tea from KKD. I respect your attempt to appease these fools Lauren but your original intention was in good spirits and your humor was not out of line.
Couldn’t agree more with this sentiment: “Wow, forcing your writers to apologize for an article making fun of Phish fans? You’ve reached a new low Seven Days….”Editors – you knew who Ms. Ober was when you hired her, her style of writing is satirical humor. Give me a break, get a back bone. I’m so embarrassed for you that you made your writer write a retraction.
It is at this point now that we will see the negative aspect of the Phish community come out. She apologized. I’m sure the immature comments will continue to pour in.Signed,Phish fan with better things ti worry about.
Thanks for the second thoughts.
The real joke here is your writing, not the content of these blog posts.
You’re “phorgiven”
Alright, now get back to helping out your fellow Vermonters, and stop your crappy writing. I’m sure you’ll find lots of phans helping alongside you.
I don’t believe you. you are only writing this because you my frie (wait why would i call you my friend?) are told do so by your higher ups. you do not mean it. I am not a fan of who you are or what you do. so take your fake apology to the gullible people. I for one am not. Thats like calling your whole seven days independent voice scumbag reporters that sit around and start crap. Although i do not believe this is true only YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO I THINK IS A SCUMBAG REPORTER not everyone. So I am not stereotyping your whole “independent voice” JUST YOU. Thanks and have Grateful Day
Meh. Apologies are lame. Forget phish or their fans, you should be embarrassed about that article as a legitimate journalist. I’m not sure if any apology is going to teach you why that little write-up of yours was a travesty to journalism, but my guess is you care about as much about that as you do being forced to write an “apology.” As a Mizzou J-school alum, I held my breath as I looked up Ober’s education .. poor Syracuse. This is what the masters program produces? Seven Days’ editors should be equally embarrassed to have let the original article through. I won’t be returning to this site.
People should be upset by this. She generalized a community she obviously knows nothing about. While some of what she said may be true, the percent of those “phans” is small.Every single person I know going to the show, including myself and others I met in line on Saturday have the phollowing:Were in their 30’s – 40’sHave steady 9-5 jobsHave mortgagesMake Car paymentsHave Children & PetsAre active in their communitiesHave already been part of Irene relief in some fashion and no contribution is too big or too small.The article was in poor taste and unproductive.
Screw You Anyway.
Thanks for the thoughtful explanation of your intent. Comedy is always a risk, and it sometimes “phails: As a MA resident and Phish Phan coming up to donate time and $$$ both through buying my concert ticket but also by donating supplies & needed items, I appreciate your reconsideration/better explanation of your intent.
Thank you for the (accepted) apology. I do for one think it was necessary, given your original post. I think we can take a ribbing about the generalizations of Phish fans, but when you couple that with basically saying we are doing nothing to aid Vermont, you have crossed a line…even if it is in the name of satire. I do regret the more juvenile comments you and 7 Days will be subject to from the more immature members of Phish’s fan base. After seeing the band 107 times over 16 years, let me assure you, they do not represent the majority of the fans today. But of-course there is going to be bad apples.Thanks again!!!
Zither, Rachel, cardamom, frost – But at what cost?Threshold, skin, fortress, win – A life of sinPliers, tension, toy store, grace – The human raceRaking, fourteen, basket, screw – Now how ’bout you?Passion, cardboard, raisin, stop – A better cropField, cater, open, new – Who’s mocking who?
(starts slow clap) We phorgive you. Now, let’s go raise some phriggin’ money!
I will be sure to not patronize any of your advertisers whilst in Burlington. Thanks for the hate speach. U are only sorry because u got caught
Lauren, I have a blog and I KNOW what I write about is controversial. The difference is, just my friends and fans are reading so when they don’t like what I’ve written they simply don’t say anything. Being published you’re subject to a whole bunch more criticism and the dangers of people who don’t care if they ever have to look you in the eye. A small fraction of the criticism and a much gentler version would have been delivered had anyone had to say it to your face. Chin up! 🙂
I get where you were coming from, but your article was really mean, and I sincerely hope that you learned your lesson here, Miss. Ober. It’s never a good idea to rip on people who really care and are genuinely interested in donating their time or resources to a natural DISASTER.Miss. Ober, here’s some unsolicited advice: Next time, write a piece that is warm, cohesive and supportive instead of negative, derogatory and hate-fueled. As with anything in life, if you’re kind, sweet and smart, I think you’ll find folks want to gravitate to you and support your efforts. Instead, you took a huge fan-base and completely alienated them from your publication. Negative gets you exactly nowhere.FWIW, I still think you did the right thing by apologizing and despite what other people say, we appreciate your honesty.Hopefully, maybe you’ll be able to attend a show and see what we’re all about. Phish is a really a fun-loving band and most of the folks I’ve met through Phish are among the sweetest and brightest people I’ve ever known, and for that, I count myself lucky.
Wow Nick. Clearly you are unaware of the make up of certain fanbases and phish in particular. I think if you find any phish fan on wednesday and ask them if they are here to help VT, they will UNDOUBTEDLY say Absolutely first and seeing phish is a bonus. I don’t live there any more, but I grew up there it pains me that I can’t be a vermonter-come-home who happens to love Phish, but will be there first and foremost for VT because of people like you. Phish is a New England band with a vast fanbase right here in New England, not some dirty hippies trudging around the country any more. We have grown, changed, dare we say…care about things! Especially tragedies that happen right in their region. We are easily mobilized people who have been helping for years – can you fault us on that? Our legacy is caring, helpful, and community – Phish meant it to be formed that way and has an official capacity through it’s own organization called the WaterWheel Foundation. It’s a pinnacle part of every phish show. Look up what they do then you can see why people are so mad about the stereotypes that you really want to perpetuate in jest.
I don’t know how I feel about this. Why publish something and admit it was a fail? Why even go forward with publishing something shitty?
As far as those accusing Phish fans of forcing this retraction/apology, it’s called civic participation and it’s what our nation is based upon, We all expressed our opinions, we did not force anyone, the writer, the paper or owners to retract or apologize. I suppose those Phish fan critics on here think there is some powerful hippie cabal who runs the media. Go back to your Fox News or your NYT. Oh, and most of my Phish fan friends have advanced degrees, short hair, are parents and do not follow like a cult. You’re mixing us up with another band’s fans from 30 years ago.PS- I bet me and me Phriends do more to help Vt than any of our critics on this laughable little on line blog/media outlet/paper. The rest of my effort will be actual work, not typing bullshit about other bullshit.
To little, too late. The damage is done as far as I’m concerned and I’m so sad and disappointed that 7 Days published the article. I’m a Vermonter with a Masters Degree and a full time job- the stereotypes were inaccurate and insulting. Really, really sad.
I am a musician. I love playing music and listening to it. However, first, I am a volunteer. I offer my services to society and the environment.While folks might take offense at the tone in the prior post, I do think Ober’s point was well made: there are lots of people hurting in the state, and while it is great to support the cause by buying a ticket, I think a greater contribution would be helping out some of the residents, farms, and businesses hit hard by this tragedy.Phish fans could shake a lot of the stereotypes by rolling up their sleeves and getting to work. We must always celebrate a bit in hard times to keep up the spirits, but Phish fans need to realize that some folks who are struggling right now because of the floods might be a little upset by people partying it up while they are trying to put their lives back together.
No apology needed, your original article was tongue-in-cheek funny and yeah, sort of accurate. Plus you gave good links to places that really need help. And let me just say to those poor abused Phish fans – remember the last time there was a Phish concert in Vermont? I do recall those “fans” tore up this State! It’s only right the band AND fans are helping out now, so thanks Phish and your fans. But I sure do hope you don’t do any more concerts here. No offense intended, and don’t expect an apology if you are 🙂
Lauren, I read your original article and found it irreverent and humorous. And if some Phish fans took such offense to it perhaps it just hit a little too close to home.And for the Phools who were cutting it down as bad journalism, it just goes to show that they don’t understand the difference between an op-ed opinion piece and actual journalism. Humor is a tough tightrope to walk and the fact you struck such a nerve would have made Lenny Bruce smile.I welcome Phish and all their Phans and hope they have a rocking good time. But come on guys and gals…lighten up.
Don’t stress it, Lauren. Your post was clearly lighthearted and whimsical (god forbid us Vermonters chuckle a bit during these trying times). And, most importantly, it was informative. If anyone took offense, I think they take themselves a little too seriously. It’s a joke, people. I’m a phish fan (though I refuse to say “phan,” and I can’t say I’ve cared too much about them since sometime around 2002), and I certainly didn’t take offense. Yes, she pokes fun at a caricature of Phishheads. It’s obviously a joke. And, “Brian J man. This is a blog post. It’s not a reported article. It doesn’t purport to be a piece of reporting or traditional journalism. It’s commentary, with a service element. And I think it’s laudable. (I’m a journalist w/ 10 years of experience writing for newspapers and magazines and websites.) You complaining about her tone in a blog post is no different than me saying that your use of “meh” in the comments section is a travesty to the great tradition of journalism. I’d never say that. It’s new media. It’s about communicating. Maybe this was a bit of a “swing and miss” since so many overly sensitive people took offense, but it’s certainly not a “travesty to journalism.” Relax, people.
Thanks for the apology. I do think the article was in poor taste and really misguided but people make mistakes and Seven Days is still an amazing paper. For every ehhh??? I get when reading Seven Days I get about a hundred ahhhhhhs!! Keep up the good work!
Thank you for your forced apology. I know how it is when you get caught. Oh boy. Back track fast. I will be boycotting you and anyone who spent money adveritising in your little rag this week while in Burlington. Your comments were insensetive and borderline racist. Shame shame
Ms. Ober,We all learn from our mistakes. It would be advantageous for you to conduct research on the Phish community as well as the Waterwheel Foundation so that you may see just how wrong your accusations and stereotypes are. For a true and meaningful apology why not follow up on your crass and uneducated assessment by also looking into the Vermont Community Foundation and track to see just far this money will be stretched and consciously put into the hands of REAL Vermonters that need it most. Check in with Waterwheel Foundation in a month or so and see if they have an accurate total of the monies raise and the sources of those funds…It would be my guess that much money was a monetary donation with no ticket or merchandise purchased. It truly is sad to think that your previous post and its unfair bias print may be seen as a fair representation to how Vermonters feel about Phish and their fans. Coming from one of the Vermont communities that was truly devastated by the floods cause by the tropical storm, I can correct you on your assessment of how Vermont feels about ANY aid that is being offered. Vermonters are thankful for any and all help that they receive. After all that has happened the last thing Vermont needs is someone like you criticizing an organization that is so willing to help get us back on our feet again. I had always thought of Seven Days as a great gift and now my opinion of the magazine has been swayed, I will not read it anymore because you, as a representation of what the paper of the papers values, tells me that Seven Days and its bias and discriminating beliefs, is not a publication that I wish to be associated with.
Lauren, answer the question: What have YOU done to help Vermont? Also, if you were doing your homework as even an amateur journalist should be, you would have seen that in every forum where Phish has announced their VERMONT FLOOD RELIEF BENEFIT CONCERT, you can not help but notice 1) what the purpose of the concert is for; 2) how people can contribute financially and voluntarily AND 3) that only 2,000 tickets were available for the wider world via online lottery and the remaining 8,200 or so were snapped up at one location only, in cash, by people who had to motivate and afford it on short notice. This will be a different sort of event than Coventry or any other Phish show. You didn’t poke fun, you maligned an entire fanbase and subculture that is every bit as big as what the Grateful Dead had in the early 1990s, one that overwhelmingly means well despite its unsavory elements. Also, you didn’t just inflame “some” of your readers, deary…the replies to your original post were 100% against that miserable piece of writing. NO ONE liked it, so therefore it was inaccurate, without merit and utterly WORTHLESS.Apology appreciated, but I don’t believe it to be sincere. Your phool phlag has phlown and no one who has read this will take you seriously again.
Nice apology! But Self’d
Spreading the impression that a large group of people are contsantly breaking criminal laws is not “poking fun.”Thoughts like those get people unjustly arrested.
Dear Phish fans – Phish is NOT comparable to the Grateful Dead. Don’t even try. Thank you.
The first article was condescending. How about offering solutions instead of stirring up problems? One way to increase volunteer numbers is to make volunteering accessible. Provide housing (if possible) and/ or shuttles from the campgrounds to where volunteers are needed. At the very least tell people where help is needed. I’m sure many of those attending the show would consider putting in some hours if it were made known how to do so. Don’t expect people to search out volunteer opportunities on their own, remember that not everyone has experience in disaster relief or the knowledge of how to make themselves helpful in the effort. However, I hope the venue is left in better condition than any of those I’ve yet seen after a Phish show. Leaving the lawn and lots clean after the show would go a long way toward showing our true colors as Phans. I know everyone is there for a good time, but please don’t use the mentality that you paid for your fun and it’s someone else’s job to clean up after you. Thank you! I can’t be there, but I hope you all enjoy the show.
As someone who volunteers A LOT, I am inclined to agree with Lauren’s original blog. Granted, her stereotyping of phans was not exactly the best way to motivate people to want to help, but all stereotypes are rooted in a grain of truth and she didn’t say anything that we don’t ourselves say on PT…but seriously, if you can find the time and energy to travel to VT for the show, you can take a few hours and help someone out while you’re there. And when you get back home, take the time to volunteer locally. AND HAVE A GREAT SHOW!!!
To the moron wookies who keep asking what Lauren’s done, try to pay attention. She’s written about volunteering at Lareau Farm and the Intervale. Too bad she apologized–her original post was spot on. Many of the commenters here prove that much.
I think this apology is acceptable. Phish and “Phish culture” is a fun target for mockery and humor but the original post was pretty harsh in my opinion. When something is as popular as Phish is in Vermont there is bound to be a backlash from people that are “too cool for that kind of stuff.” But come on Lauren! This concert is for a good cause!PS – Hi Trey!!!!
“Vermont has been good to you, no? We gave you Phish and Ben & Jerry’s and phlannel and weed. That’s right — we invented phlannel. And weed. We might have even invented patchouli, white-people dreadlocks and barefoot dancing. So consider giving back. Then when you go back to New Jersey, you can tell all your phriends how you helped save Vermont. So heady, brah”Who in their right mind would want to give to our state with this as your sales pitch? You hear that…..? Thats the sound of eleven thousand people coming to see an amazing show and instead of helping out calling it even with their ticket purchase. Good work
@Nick – You say that as if it was the typical making fun of Phish fans post, which the community is used to. Where she went beyond that is by attacking the band and their fans as we put together HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS to help your state AND telling us we aren’t doing enough. If you want someone to continue to help you, you don’t kick them in the nuts, make fun of their appearance and then put your hand out. You clearly missed the point of the anger if you think this was about over-sensitive Phish fans having no sense of humor.
Hey Phan & Phello and all the rest of you whiny brats that missed the point that the reporter was asking (however clumsily) for practical help with the flood damage…It really gets me when ‘pholks’ like you criticize others for something you’re doing yourself (like sarcastically criticizing sarcasm)Perhaps you should look up the word immaturity and shut the phuck up.Lauren, everyone makes mistakes and it’s super tough when they’re so public. I think your apology is well written and I can only assume it’s sincere. And one last note to the haters: how do you know she’s insincere and/or was forced by her editors to publish an apology? – Perhaps you think you know her better than she knows herself?I’ll say this – the rude responses to this are doing more damage to the phish fans reps than any smelly dreadlocks ever could.
Thank you for the follow up and please continue to communicate the needs of your community. I guarantee you will achieve more results if you ask for help nicely. 🙂 While I have a sense of humor about being a Phish fan please don’t diss or deny our philanthropic work. Cheers and have a great show Vermont!!
Too Late, you put it out there, and now it seems that you have your foot in your mouth.Learn the first rule of life dear, Live and Let Live.
Regardless of the reason for the apology (orders from the boss, genuine guilt), writing it was the right thing to do.
Good Stuff, Forgive and Forget… Hope the Great State of VT gets rebuilt quickly and everyone is back in their homes as soon as possible!PAW
Too little too late, Ignorance ****.
So Phish and Lance Armstrong are apparently your achilles heels.
Hey Phish fans, stop acting like your an oppressed ethnic group–you’re a bunch of spoiled white kids who like a crappy band. You got your show & now you get to get high and listen to some shaggy haired drug addict wank out on guitar for three hours. So quit ranting, enjoy your horrid music & then get the hell out of my town as quickly as possible.
Thanks for re-routing to the high road, Lauren. Now go out & enjoy yourself with our legions, while contributing to the recovery & overall well being of your fellow statespeople! Wish I could be there, but I WILL be watching.
“Hey Phish fans, stop acting like your an oppressed ethnic group–you’re a bunch of spoiled white kids who like a crappy band. You got your show & now you get to get high and listen to some shaggy haired drug addict wank out on guitar for three hours. So quit ranting, enjoy your horrid music & then get the hell out of my town as quickly as possible.”No problemo. Looking forward to destroying it for a night.
Thank you for your apology. I was really shocked to read the original one, esp when I just got home from store with cleaning supplies and food goods to bring up from CT where we endured much damage as well.
Lauren, we’re one step ahead of you babe. http://blog.phish.net/1315920428/the-extra-mile-in-vermont Think and research before you judge and write. Thank you for the apology… it is welcomed and accepted.
Wimp. No, so I include the editors who threw you under the bus, make that: wimps.Thanks, once again, for proving that there really is no alternative media in Vermont. Sorry, cute puns don’t count.I’m sure the rest of the 7 Daze crew got the message: Don’t mess with the Vermont elite or you’ll be forced to write a dopey retraction. We’ll call it the “Ober-rule.”Whatever.
You Suck. Apology not accepted. I will never read this P.O.S. blog again. I donated to the cause by buying the webcast for $20.00. All of which, 100% is going to help your state. So screw you saying i need to do more. You are a pathetic voice for your state. Have some respect for a world renowned musical institution and their fans. I thought people from Vermont were smarter than that but i guess i was wrong. Please don’t ever come to Florida. You are not welcome here. and please don’t ever mention or mock phish again. You mock what you don’t and never will understand and you make us all sick. you would have been better to just keep your big pie hole shut. You are a Buffoon. Good Day SIR! IDIOT!
“I simply meant to draw attention to a need facing our state in the wake of a natural disaster…”if the above statement is true, then you need to study more rhetoric because moronically degrading your audience is not a very good strategy when your objective is to persuade or to draw attention to your cause.
Lauren, will you go out with me? Our first date can be the Phish concert.
Lighten up Phishing fans! For a group of caring, educated people you sure are sensitive. Mt first thought when I heard they were coming to town was ” how is it that they can think that a concert is the best way to help? We don’t need more people here for a party and a lot of Vermonters are financially strapped because of the storms from not only this fall but this past Spring as well and can’t afford to attend themselves…” Lauren is not the only one wishing people would find another way to help out… Not trying to look a gift horse in the mouth or anything though.
The problem with your attempt to “poke a little fun at the caricature of the Phish fan that has formed over the years” was that there was nothing in it that was funny, it was just mean spirited and ill informed. I know a racist who doesn’t realize he’s one and uses this exact same argument to excuse his nigger jokes. You Lauren, are really bad at your job. You made no attempt to understand the people you were trashing and no attempt at being funny or entertaining in the process. How easy would it be to write a piece trashing a faux hipster chick writing for some stupid free weekly, in the faux hipster capital of the Northeast? Seven Days…pfft.
Piss. Poor. Apology.Never have I seen 3rd grade sarcasm mixed with kindergarten journalism and snark before. I have now.Now I can die angry. Oh Joy for me.Seriously I wonder how you successfully draw a paycheck with your ill-conceived words. Your “timing” is probably permanently bereft, as is your wit. How clever to use a “ph” with everything, which by the way probably should have been left out of a more thoughtful apology. Moving on…Lets consider the impact of the fans coming to the area. Many of them by happenstance or otherwise either used to live here or are a true fan of the State of Vermont, how we do business, and how we LIVE. They all want to be here, yes for the band, but also because its VERMONT. The best State in the union in my humble opinion. With 10000+ people in the area, many of them local, many of them not, what do we think the monetary impact for the benefit and for the local economy might be? My guess (probably a low one) is between 3-5 million dollars in merchandise, food, hotel stays, cab rides, the copious amount of booze about to be imbibed, and lets not forget the price of admission and parking.Many folks will stay to help, many will donate money, many live here and have perspired and bled for their fellow Vermonters already. Some will simply go home after having a fantastic time. Many still who live here don’t like Phish, which is more than fair and they will choose to contribute in other ways. Even more so, the show and all of its trappings, will make many, many people think about Vermont, make them like this place even more than they do already, because this is a truly special thing. Long run we will see more people spend money, want to settle in, and want to play in our beautiful home. Many people might be annoyed by this, but seriously.. Aren’t locals more consistently annoyed by the more permanent college students who also bring with them huge economic benefits to our area. I see this no differently. Just a minor inconvenience for some, but a social, economic, and spiritual windfall for many.
I’ve had my suspicions that most Phish fans are totally humorless, but after reading the steady stream of blind hate speech in the original post, my suspicions have been confirmed. Clearly, these haters neither recognize good satire, nor do they understand that they’re attacking a person who gets paid to express her opinion. It’s an Op-Ed! And p.s., the person you’re chastising is a PERSON, who I’m sure doesn’t like being threatened — be it over email or over a Subway sandwich. Check your aggression, please. And if Ober was forced to issue this apology, as everyone seems to think she was, Seven Days needs to grow some cajones. And fast.
Ms. Ober, your apology is appreciated. Nevertheless, we’d never have been in this position had you and/or your editors decided that in this case discretion was the better part of valor and that there is a time and a place for everything. We Phish fans can certainly handle a little good natured poking fun at our expense and we’ve certainly heard all the tired cliches and stereotypes that you mention in your original article before. However, when the members of the band and the community that follows it are giving their time and their financial resources to help Vermont recover from a disaster the likes of which it hasn’t seen in over 50 years; your commentary is in extremely poor taste. I certainly hope you learned a valuable lesson here and that in the future you and those who make decisions at the publication for which you write will think long and hard about what you print and who you might offend and upset with those comments. Just about 24 hours until showtime and there is no where on the planet that I would rather be come tomorrow night then the Champlain Valley Fairgrounds to see the band I love do good for the state that it loves and will always call home.
I think people are confused about what a donation is. Buying a ticket to a show does NOT mean you are making a donation. Phish is donating the money, not you.The writer of the blog post that is making everyone so postal never said anything bad about Phish and if you read the articles and posts she has written in 7 Days you will see that she has, in fact, volunteered herself in Central Vermont.The real shame here is that 7 Days hired a writer who they knew was a comedy/satire writer (it’s what she does, look at ALL HER ARTICLES) and then when someone doesn’t like it they don’t stand behind her. It’s not like you didn’t know what kind of writer she was before you hired her!I am so bummed out that 7 Days has so little integrity. American Apparel ads have periodically created controversy for 7 Days as well. However, American Apparel is never going back and apologizing to 7 Days readers for making us look at prepubescent girls in skimpy that looks like kiddy porn.Really 7 Days? You couldn’t instead have pointed out that Ms. Ober NEVER criticized Phish? That she has in fact donated her own time to volunteer to help in the recovery effort? That while some people might not like what she has to say that for better or worse that you hired a comedy writer and that’s what she does? Shame on you 7 Days for instead, throwing her to the wolves with this: “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”.For the record, I live downtown and the Phish fans that stood outside in line for tickets to this concert left a HUGE mess on the front steps of my building. They peed in our elevator and smoked pot all day and night while they were in line. I’m not sure Ms. Ober’s portrayal of them is too far off.
Yeah, the editors’ note was so blatantly pandering, it was downright embarrassing.
Maura, what?Fans are most certainly donating money to help the cause! Phish is giving their TIME as an incentive for fans to donate (they’re using underwriters and private backers to fund the show, not ticket money). Sure, you can say Phish is donating the money on our behalf, but, either way, it’s still money that’s flowing from our pockets to the state of VT. $75/ticket + 10,000 tickets sold = $750k raised for VT recovery efforts, so far. This doesn’t include the $20-50 cost of the webcast which will allow fans all around the world to support their efforts.In addition: proceeds from merchandise sold at the event will also be donated (100%); and, out of town fans (and locals) will provide a much needed boost to an economy that, no doubt, was left stagnant in the aftermath of the storm (as many communities encounter in the wake of a natural disaster). Many people are giving their time to assist communities, and others are giving money. I think, at this point, VT’s recovery requires BOTH.Further, an attack on Phish’s fans is an attack on Phish. You really can’t separate the two.
As it turns out, I can separate Phish from it’s disgusting fans that pissed in my elevator and left heaps of trash all over my front stoop and wouldn’t move out of the way so I could walk my dog. Not a SINGLE member of Phish did that, I’m pretty sure they were in their own homes, not pissing in my elevator!Also, please do not try to tell me all these Phish fans came to stand in line to “make a donation” to Vermont’s recovery effort. Bullshit, they would have been there standing in line if this concert was a benefit or if the money was going directly into the band’s pocket. You are delusional if you think otherwise.As for all the incredibly benevolent Phish fans that are currently eating free meals at the Salvation Army on Main Street after buying their $75 concert tickets? I’m pretty sure they aren’t donating to my community, in fact, they are freeloading.
Everyone relax. No apologies are necessary for anything – all that does is come across as insincere since obviously the original article is exactly how you (Lauren) feel. Apologizing for Phish fans’ comments in the comments is equally ridiculous. Of course people are gonna be pissed — you’re ripping on them using early 90’s cliches you obviously plagiarized from old Rolling Stone articles before they’re even showing up. You have at least 10,000 people at $75 a pop all coming to see a 3 1/2 hour concert for one night. If there are any fans of any band out there that are more philanthropic than Phish fans then I have yet to meet them. The entire point of your article goes without saying. And to the people saying the article is “satirical” need to pick up a dictionary stat.Maybe the editors can assign Lauren to cover the show. Not only can she see the best rock n roll touring band around, get her dogs some hemp dog leashes and get stuffed on Cheetos – maybe she can recruit people to help in person (I know there are suggestions in the article, but as we all know, talking to people one on one is better). Meeting people at the show, recruiting, following up on who they helped and how — now THAT’S a story!!Remember, we’re all in this together.And THANK YOU PHISH for doing such a great thing for your home turf.
Thank you for your apology. Best advice I ever got about writing editorials, which I think applies here: “Always assume your opposing audience is both moral and intelligent.”
Unfortunately the bridge you’ve been living under – Troll – did not wash out. Thank you for doing our part, and for contributing in the way you can. I saw that Waterbury needed help with sarcastic finger pointing. Come on down to Page Side and meet some of the fine folks who’ve been contributing positively to the community.
Interesting that Phish fans are still upset by a blog post that was mean to them, even after an apology. Meanwhile, they seem to think it’s okay to make violent comments and slurs over the sexual orientation of the writer, here and on Twitter and on Lauren Ober’s Facebook page.I’m beginning to think Lauren’s original post nailed it. What the hell is wrong with you people? Lauren said a few mean-sprited, stupid things about you. It wasn’t hate speech. But you responded, like a mob, with PURE hate speech. Disgusting. Vermont doesn’t need the help of homophobes. Shame on you all.And if there are any reasonable, normal Phish fans who still take umbrage at Lauren’s original generalizations — how about you prove her wrong by denouncing the vile, awful things that your compatriots are saying?
I used to be into this scene, unfortunately. Got out late in college when I realized the music sucked and the people aren’t the nice peaceful fun-lovin’ hippies they want you to believe.This is what the phans are like. here’s a few threads from their number one message board, won’t post directly what they said because it’s so f’ed up.http://phantasytour.com/bands/1/topics/2835416/postshttp://phantasytour.com/bands/1/topics/2836776/postshttp://phantasytour.com/bands/1/topics/2835995/postsAlso check out the #phish hashtag on Twitter for more gems.
Too little, too late.I hate writing forced apologies, too.
You would not have made this post if you had a good reaction to you piss poor article. You knew what you were doing from the start. Don’t try to act like you didn’t. This is the same thing as Someone who is drunk and does something stupid blaming it on the fact they were drunk. You fucked up but apology not accepted. If you want respect do better in the future, don’t try to play it off like you were trying to be funny and inform people. I agree with you that people coming could do more then just wait in line for tickets. There is nothing worse then apologies that try to appease.
As an avid phamily member, young deadhead and aspiring journalist, all I have to say is lighten up! I was in line talking to the phans, most of which were young hippies, like myself, and many matched the stereotypes referenced in the article. She wasn’t trying to be mean or rude or snarky, she was making fun of the stereotypes, not the fans themselves and was issuing a call to a ‘stereotypically’ helpful group of people to HELP! If you go on tour during the summer, whether you follow furthur, phish or just the biggest festivals, you’re part of a movement that’s supposed to be about love, peace and acceptance… why do you find it so hard to step back and take a look at the sea of tye died dreadheads that you sway in and realize that people think that phans fit the description in the article because a lot of them actually do… and there’s NOTHING wrong with that. Also, it’s a blog… blogs are editorial, don’t just her journalistic integrity by an editorial piece.
@MAURA,I was responding to this comment you made: “The writer of the blog post that is making everyone so postal never said anything bad about Phish…”, when I commented about separating the two. There are bad apples in every bunch. But, you’re generalizing too much. We’re all disgusting to you? Phish fans, some of whom have probably toiled by your side in concerted efforts to restore VT, are not perfect. But what community is? Just like the article, you’re making unfair generalizations about a group of people based on their musical interests and your personal encounter with a few fans. It goes without saying that fans would line up to see Phish play in their home state whether it’s to benefit VT or not. I don’t know why you think I’d argue that. In the case of this benefit concert, the end justifies the means (despite the bad apples). The money raised and economic boost still may not be enough, but maybe it will inspire non-local fans to stick around and help to repair communities. It’s certain to raise awareness and help propel VT recovery in a positive, proactive direction (despite the bad apples). “As for all the incredibly benevolent Phish fans that are currently eating free meals at the Salvation Army on Main Street after buying their $75 concert tickets? I’m pretty sure they aren’t donating to my community, in fact, they are freeloading.”Seriously…if you feel so strongly about this, why not go there and give them a piece of your mind instead of venting about it in the comment section of a blog? I don’t think anyone would argue that they deserve condemnation. Stand up for your beliefs and your community. Take Action! @THREEFRANCS,Yin and Yang: http://phish.net/
Nick NickNick Nick. :facepalm: what are you talking about?
Loren, I think your initial article was perfectly fine. I don’t understand why my fellow Phans are taking themselves so seriously. Every stereotype you used is a stereotype for a reason. We’ve all seen those people on lot, and there will surely be many of those people in Vermont for the fundraising show. You rightfully provided several examples of how and where people could lend a hand. It’s a shame that you received such a backlash for your post. It’s not like the Wooks and Lot Rats that you described to a “T” are known for their exemplary community service. So to everyone who freaked out and made Loren’s life hell over the last couple of days: get over yourselves. Your petty self-righteous indignation only serves to reinforce the negative stereotypes of Phish fans. If you want to prove her wrong, get off your ass and help the folks in need. Otherwise, go cry in your bong and continue to be the laughing stock of the scene. If you actually cared so much about what other people think of you maybe you would actually shower once in a while, buy your own tickets every now and then, and not try to bum a schwill from everyone that walks by with a beer. You people are retarded.
Phish fans as usual prove they have no sense of humor when it comes to anyone criticizing their beloved band or community of devoted followers. The band is able to attract these people to spend their money for a good cause- yippee. Thats a given. Phish is their religion, and I suppose its a good thing that they are getting the fans to spend their money in a more responsible way. Personally, I think most of these fans are hiding behind the bands’ ability to raise money for a good cause so that they can simply have another excuse to escape from their daily lives and add another nerd statistic to their ticket counts or set-lists, but who cares. Criticizing a Phish fan is always going to stir up the herd because they band together like a freakish cult.Lauren Ober is an amazing, satirical and talented writer and the fact that she hit the sensitive button for a fanatical fan base proves her talent and worth. The hatred spewed at her is disgusting and unwarranted. Really- you want to threaten someone’s job over this, people? Or threaten the writer’s well-being? Over what, exactly? A blog post? Get over yourselves already.
The original post still shows that you get what you pay for with a free “News” paper.
What’s sad is that this many people even read Lauren Ober’s posts.
I understand why, but its lame you had to apologize. You did entertain. You did inform. The satire was lost on these folks, or not appreciated. Must have smoked away those receptors. ZING!!! LOLOLOMAFOBRB420.
Her article was out of line and I think she learned her lesson. Fans may have gotten out of line, but you stereotyped them, so they stereotyped you. Truce.
@THREE FRANCSYes, having a dialogue with Phish fans in this comment section has proven to be so useful. I think I’ll go talk to more of them at the Salvation Army. Give me a break.The Phish fans outside my building were not the only ones who left a huge mess while waiting in line. There was a wake of trash and pot smoke for blocks when they were gone. You are fooling yourself if you think otherwise. While that may not be all Phish fans, it was certainly the VAST majority of those who were standing in line for tickets this week.The author of the original blog post never said anything bad about Phish, nor am I. I think it is an INCREDIBLY generous thing they are doing for Vermont. Not only that, but I think Phish has given back to Vermont in many, many ways. I don’t in any way think Phish is to blame for the filth their fans left for blocks in Burlington after waiting in line for tickets. I certainly think Phish and their fans can be separated. I don’t think the guys in Phish would condone the amount of headache their fans caused in Burlington while they waited in line, the free meals they are taking advantage of at the SA or the hate speech that is now being hurled at the author of the post. I’m guessing (and I certainly dont know) that Phish would VERY much want to separate themselves from their fans when they are throwing around homophobic slurs and threatening a journalist.
As one who DID muck out a neighbor’s basement and participate in other benefit efforts, I’m happy to see an apology. The assumption that no one (out of 12,000) going to the show assisted in the clean up was a sad and immature leap. Looking forward to the show!
“phish fans, don’t take yourselves so seriously?”,…how bout “Vermonters, don’t take yourselves so seriously?”Do you think you are the only people affected by a natural disaster in the last 50 yrs? How dare you sit up on highhorses and dictate where and how your relief should come from, and then defend someone who carelessly blogged. New Orleans embraced every inch of help they could get, and in return thanked volunteers, givers, and helpers. “it is not you, but phish who are donating the money”, how in the heck do you think they are gonna give the funds, out of their own pockets? it will come from the people. when you poke fun at someone or something on the internet, relaying the “intent” is very difficult when you dont put “lol” or something to that extent after the quotes. How many times have you felt stupid for posting a comment on facebook, or sending someone a text and the emotion gets lost because you carelessly type? Saying this or that band sucks, or this or that fan sucks is just pointless rubbish…the real deal here is the attitude in which the help is being treated with. This natural disaster was terrible for a lot of people, but it has now become “worse” due to this kind of behavior. You are lucky Babylon didn’t burn burn burn
As long as a band such as Phish are around, they will continue to visit many communities.Vermont, and Burlington, it is your turn…..deal with it.
And here is PRECISELY why I wouldn’t engage with Phish fans at the Salvation Army:”Maura is a street walking whore. i paid her $20 for a BJ and she said she loved the pot smoke wafting down the street. she even took a hit off my bong. it was a bong, however, it waqs my cock with a ring on it! lol fooled you! go back to turning tricks and STFU MAURA!”So eloquent and original, well spoken and really able to engage on the issue at hand.
HaHaHaHaHa!! My plan to totally destroy Gamehendge, the Lizards and the entire Wook Nation is nearly complete. Little do you know, it was I who summoned Irene from the Baltic Sea through the use of Heady Crystals and Patchwork Pants. The destruction is phuckin’ perfectly planned and completely insane. All that remains is the Time Turns Elastic Opener. With Hate,Your Seething KingVote Perry in 2012
“I didn’t intend to minimize their contribution, OR THOSE OF CONCERTGOERS FROM IN AND OUT OF STATE.”no, that’s exactly what you intended to do.
For those of you asking (over and over again) what Lauren Ober has done to help Vermont, start here: http://7d.blogs.com/blurt/2011/09/gittin-er-done-lareau-farm-and-inn-clean-up-.htmlFor the many of you who keep referring to Ober’s blog post as an “article,” try to wrap your skulls around the idea that there’s a different between op/ed and reporting. Lauren Ober, I love reading your work. I might not always agree, but I’m thankful that snarky voices are given a chance to be heard in Vermont. People need to lighten up, including whoever encouraged an apology.
“Opinions expressed on our staff blog do not necessarily reflect the views of editors or staff at Seven Days.”A hackneyed, unfunny, but ultimately harmless misfire like this is the one you finally put this disclaimer on? Really?
So you write an article you think is “epic”, realize what a complete and total idiot you are, then backpedal when you realize you are hurting your blog’s readership? Stand behind your words or get out of the blog business.
Everything Ober writes is offensive. This one gets an apology and a disclaimer just because it’s about Phish?
Please ENOUGH of Lauren Ober and her snarky comments. This is the second “story” I have read where she is making fun of tourists, who come to VT and put $ into our local economy. Seriously, I can’t believe seven days keeps her around. Don’t you folks realize that the tourists help keep your paper thriving? Get rid of her!
You want to hear irony? I replace “Phish fan” with “lesbian” from this hack’s second paragraph, post it in this comment stream, and guess what? It gets moderated. I guess its good enough for their 8th tier “journalists” to write it in their paper, but as soon as someone else copies it, word for word, well, you gotta draw the line somewhere, huh?This rag has ZERO journalistic integrity. I’m glad the boycott of Seven Days’ advertisers is still in place.
“Please ENOUGH of Lauren Ober and her snarky comments. This is the second “story” I have read where she is making fun of tourists, who come to VT and put $ into our local economy.”Yes, Lauren Ober is the only local to ever make fun of tourists. Ever. “You want to hear irony? I replace “Phish fan” with “lesbian” from this hack’s second paragraph, post it in this comment stream, and guess what? It gets moderated”God, you Phish fans need to stop acting like an oppressed minority. Lesbians have to live with the eternal threat of violence from pea-brained thugs (like the “phans” who were posting the c word and the d word on Ober’s Facebook page all day long yesterday). Phish fans have to live with people making fun of their drug usage and body odor. Not the same thing. (Also, pretty sure that post was moderated, because it ended with a “You suck. Stop writing,” dipshit. Again — you’re SO oppressed. Poor Phish fan.)”I’m glad the boycott of Seven Days’ advertisers is still in place.”You think all the local businesses will pull their ads from a paper they’ve advertised with for a decade, just because a few out-of-state pothead kids who spend too much time on the Internet told them to? Hmm.”how in the heck do you think they are gonna give the funds, out of their own pockets? it will come from the people. “Stop it. This show would have sold out just as quickly even if it wasn’t a benefit, and everyone knows it. Stop pretending that going to a Phish show is some grand generous gesture. People aren’t going to do some wonderful thing for Vermont, they’re going because they like Phish and they want to have a good time — which is fine! But the members of the band are the ones kindly donating the money.
“God, you Phish fans need to stop acting like an oppressed minority.”Man, look at this myopic moron thinking that only their plights are the ones that matter. You think no one has ever been harassed, attacked, or killed because someone perceived them as a dirty hippy? You think that every group of outsiders has not had it as bad as you, and therefore deserves the unwarranted attacks they get? You think that people who work every day don’t talk about a certain aspect of their lifestyle because it might cause people to have false assumptions? Do you even hear yourself? Or do you think that now that less people are listening to this story of a failed journalism student biting the hand that is feeding her community you get to say the last word?You think the same as detractors against homosexuals, you use innuendo and the specter of people not following the rules of society to belittle those around you. Everyone has done it, but what makes it particularly disgusting in your case is your small minded civics that thinks whats good enough for the goose isn’t good enough for the gander. “like the “phans” who were posting the c word and the d word on Ober’s Facebook page all day long yesterday”AND like those who lack the brain power to actually engage a group of people instead of lumping them into a stereotype, you expect me to defend assholes who happen to be in the group. You are just like a homophobe, you’re just too stupid to realize it. “Phish fans have to live with people making fun of their drug usage and body odor. Not the same thing…Stop pretending that going to a Phish show is some grand generous gesture.”As proclaimed by the grand douche of Seven Days. Mental midgets like yourself and the not-so-illustrious hack author on this byline assume to know the mind of other people, when in reality your words only serve to show the narrow contents of your own.You’re a phony and full of shit. “Also, pretty sure that post was moderated, because it ended with a “You suck. Stop writing,” dipshit. “Hilarious. This is obviously someone behind the scenes of this piece of shit publication. This is the complete lack of integrity here. She does suck. She should stop writing. That is offensive? But calling a commenter a “dipshit” is allowed as long as its the friend of one of the editors? Thanks for proving my point. You think advertisers need a good reason to drop advertising on a pasted together rag, seemingly produced by a grade school, to your 300 regular readers? Your dumb stereotyping is what gets you in trouble here. You see, we are professionals, we are adults, we not only patronize some of the businesses which throw their $250 at this crap pile, but we RUN some of those businesses too. Some live in Jersey, New York, and Connecticut (which were all devastated by the same hurricane, I might add), but A LOT of us also live in Vermont. You’ve lost so much more than you could ever hope to gain here.
I’m glad Phish did this show and raised tons of money, and I’m sure some of the phans volunteered while here. I’m also glad Lauren apologized for her post, and that she’s done plenty of volunteering too.Deep breaths, everyone. Positive vibes from here on. Time to move on, still lots of good work to be done to make VT perfect again! 🙂
Really? Really? I have so many problems with this. First: are you trustafarian rainbow children really so used to the “universe” giving you exactly what you want that you can’t tolerate one person’s caricature of you, without crying foul? Get over yourselves. It was obviously meant to be funny. Let’s just call a spade a spade; most of the caricature was accurate. I’m sure it doesn’t apply to all Phish fans, but that’s why they call it caricature people. You take the most obvious characteristics and exaggerate them. No need to get your panties in a twitch.Second: I think that Phish throwing a concert to support those affected by Irene is wonderful. I think anyone who buys a ticket with that in mind is compassionate. Do I think for one second that the majority of fans, especially those driving in from out of state, are coming because they want to donate to Irene victims? Not for a second. If they wanted to donate money they could do it online from NJ or CO in the blink of an eye. But that’s the whole point of the concert – to offer an incentive to cough up some cash for Irene victims. That’s just human nature…not everyone gives to relief efforts, but a lot of folks spend money on Phish tickets. And so was born the benefit concert… Let’s get off that high horse and stop pretending that Phish fans are so altruistic that they’re coming here just to support the cause.Third: To all the comments about Ms. Ober’s poor journalism skills and writing…what context are you reading this in? This is a BLOG, listed under OPINION. It’s meant to be written in her own voice and is allowed to be tongue-in-cheek. It’s not a formal article. She’s not writing about Islamabad for heaven’s sake. It’s a blog entry about her thoughts on this benefit. What were you expecting?Fourth: Seven Days your supreme awesomeness just got taken down a notch. You were Ben & Jerry’s and now you’re just Breyers. The fact that you had to print that Editor’s Note is just so weak. Have the balls and loyalty to stand behind your writer and support her writing her truth, rather then cowering under the criticism of a few angry critics. Let her write the apology fine, but to add the note was just so…insulting. Since when have your writers had to fear thinking outside majority opinion? Weaksauce. Might as well read the Burlington Free Press.I will continue reading Ms. Ober, because if everything out there was as sterile as political correctness would have it be, the world of print would be a whole lot duller and less provocative.
Lets look at another point of view here:Irene, if you didnt know, passed through the outer banks of North Carolina as well.My home, destroyed…..my neighbors homes, destroyed….the school where our children go to learn, destroyed….our church where we worship, destroyed…our community gardens, destroyed….our local businesses, destroyed….our lives, forever changed…..our possessions, lost…..NO ONE threw a benefit concert in our behalf, (and one of the members of phish is from here), no one is volunteering from other places to help clean up, and no one seems to even remember this natural disaster struck other people.I GUARANTEE if a concert was thrown to help us raise money or a webcast of said concert was held to raise additional funds we would accept with open arms the band, the fans from other places, and the dignity in which we would be given.The arguments on both sides of this debate where one side has been called “dirty” and the other side “clean” is discouraging to the human spirit. Write what you want to and respond to said writing as you want to, but that will not help people who were DIRECTLY affected by this storm to help put clothes back on us, food in us, or shelter from the next.We as a country have no problem sending funds to help other places when disaster strikes. When the problems hit us, why is the little thing like a benefit concert the debate topic of the week? No one is right or wrong here, what is wrong, however, is the lows we have sunk to just to have our voices heard and to stereotype each other.
Lauren I thought it was hilarious. Some people need to grow a thicker skin, any and everything will offend someone. I don’t think you should worry about it to much.
your writing is horrifying. -a journalism grad
I will not be picking up another copy of Seven Days until Lauren no longer writes for this paper. This is only one example of her poor writing and even poorer taste. It is just so ignorant. I have lost all respect for this paper and its editors.
That’s “failure”, not “phail”, as in: “Your journalistic attempt at humor was hampered by your failure to write well”.
If this is the tack 7Days editors are taking, then this blogger should have issued an apology for all her mean-spirited posts. It’s a shame her readership has to bear the brunt of all that latent venom and bitterness.
Just to be sure, I went back and re-read the original article. Indeed, people who think Phish phans lack a sense of humor are clearly wrong: they detected the complete lack of humor in the article quite well. Lauren Ober is probably a nice person, but her writing skills are not up to the task at hand. Successful satire requires more than sarcasm and exaggeration. Apologies are nice, but besides the point. Someone who writes so poorly that they offend people unintentionally is simply a bad writer. Attempt less demanding literary forms… or leave writing to those talented enough to do the job correctly.
It really doesn’t matter what you say about Phish. If you don’t get it, we don’t expect you to. The problem with your piece is it won’t inspire anyone to help. It creates spite over the issue and your readers become an enemy of your ideas. Now you’ve insulted every single person you’re asking to help and they won’t respect your opinions. I’m glad your superiors had this retraction printed. It shows they may have some respect for the members of the band as natives and for their readers that are also fans of the group. Both fans and band are extending their generosity. Do you want help or to laugh in their collective face? Oh, and satire should be funny, by the way. Maybe you should find a job at The Onion when you learn that.
This is america and cash is king. $1.2 million was raised and probably about that mich was pumped into the economy just by having us “phans” come to vermont. You just about committed journalistic suicide by your ignorance. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.
Oh the hypocrisy. All of the phish fans sitting here spewing hate at Lauren for her “hateful” comments. Remember kids, this is your brain on drugs….
$1.2 Million and counting
Oh that looks like a comment that should be deleted. Come on Delicious, you can’t express yourself so you resort to dumb, and “you suck.” Aren’t you late for study hall?
original article, annoying and cliche. apology, accepted, though probably suggested by clones from above. don’t be meanspirited next time. so headdy brah.