A really tough week for TheLab...
My ex-web site host, Noel Ramos of Intermixx.com, decided that I had published information on the main page of my site that warranted my account being terminated without my consent and without any discussion or warning.
As a result, I have moved to a new web hosting provider and I have completely disassociated with Noel Ramos and the entities he feels he represents. (Which also means I will not be participating as a Mentor at the Independant Musician's Conference in Philly this year.) Yesterday morning, Noel called me to attempt to "work this thing out." He offered to re-enstate my services after I had demanded a refund for what I had already paid for, BUT ONLY if I removed the text (under the line below) from my main page. (As you can see, it ain't happening, bub.) He accused me of libel for posting publically an email that he sent to me exactly as I received it. (This is not the definition of libel, nor is it illegal to the best of my knowledge to publically display what amounts to an exact quote from an email in my inbox. The email in question did not contain any privacy or confidentiality disclaimers either. It is not an unfair or untrue representation of Noel Ramos, and I was offended by being accused of libel.)
SO, for a couple of days, TheLab was down. I'm working on restoring my email services and contact pages as well as the message board. Please bare with me while I try to get the files on the new web host updated. I believe I MAY be able to restore the 138 message board users profiles, but I'm afraid we'll have to start the postings from scratch. I guess it's time to do that message board upgrade, huh? Please stay tuned. There will be new stuff thrown in as I fix the old stuff.
I used to think that I was capable of extraordinary amounts of patience and tolerance. I know now that this is not true. I have finally given up on having my opinion heard and taken seriously by the publisher of the Intermixx. ( http://www.intermixx.com ) He also happens to be my web site host.
I have repeatedly disagreed with Noel Ramos on a number of subjects. I disagree with many people on many subjects on many occasions. On this occasion, I got fed up, and decided to voice my opinion in the only way I believe he may have paid any mind: Blunt, to the point, confrontational, and unforgiving.
As a result of mimicking Noel's methods of communication and debate, I have been asked by Noel to remove all references to the IMC 2003 from TheLab web site. He is essentially declining any promotion that results from my efforts. So be it.
The following is Noel's note requesting I withdraw my support of the conference:
We can't have rambling public outbursts like that on the IndieList. It's become quite apparent that you don't like me and have serious issues with the way I am running my event. You also seem a little unclear about who owns the IMC and has the final say in how it is operated. I asked for opinions and feedback on the IndieList, not threats, childish insults and ultimatums. I appreciate the publicity you have given us thus far, but I'd like you to please remove the references to the IMC from your web site at this time. Thanxx, >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> NoelI felt the need to explain to the visitors of TheLab exactly why I have withdrawn from being a mentor at the IMC 2003 conference, and why I will not be participating or supporting the conference from this point forward. I want to be clear that it is not the concept of the conference or the other people involved in its execution that have made up my mind for me regarding my withdrawl. In particular, I wanted to thank several members of the Intermixx community for their support, and even some of them for their disagreement. The catalyst for the entire issue was this poster: http://www.indiefans.com/ which I view as tacky and borderline 900-number, porno spam-ish in nature. After many heated arguements, the link to more information was moved from the logo strategically placed on Jennifer Fabian's breasts down to her waist.(Jennifer is a volunteer and a professional model who Noel states did NOT disagree with him regarding the "Party with me for free" text along-side her head...)
As this arguement was winding down, an email was received today, reviving the same issues... yet another poster of the same nature was released: http://www.indiemusicon.com/images/poster2.jpg
I truely feel that I was treated with a complete lack of respect regarding my concerns with how marketing of the conference was being handled. Because of the unwaivering condescending, inflexible behavior of Noel, I have decided to disassociate from the conference that I originaly believed to be a community idea focused on participation of independant musicians and industry members aimed at changing the way the industry works. I believed that it was aimed at being receptive to the musicians' opinions and that it was the "Conference of, by, and for" the participants. Apparently I was mistaken, because the IMC is "owned" by Noel Ramos, and his decisions are final. So I am not wasting any more time on it... I am moving on...
On a positive note... There are new photos on the way to the photo gallery. Have a look... 
and for the first time, TheLab can bring you video clips from a concert. I appologize in advance for the poor sound quality, but these video clips were taken with my regular still digital camera. Check out clips from the 7 Days Torn performance at the Recher Theatre on April 5th! Click the 7DT logo to see a list of available clips.
Be safe, have fun, and enjoy every moment... see you out there! - Ang