rmic is recorded.music.indian.classical discussion group at google. Sad that it is so moribund these days. A few years ago it was very active with interesting discussions and of course infamous flaming rows. Rajan, Warren, Nani and many others were there. It was, and as far as I know still is the only active discussion group on the internet. Part of the appeal was that there was no moderation or membership- enter at your own peril. I remember the trepidation I felt with my first post. Luckily I am still here in one piece. Some weren’t so lucky probably never to be seen again after a vicious tearing apart. That was also the appeal. Didn’t we love to see some pompous ass or know-it-all get the stick? Rajan Parrikar particularly was a very witty flamer. He also knows what he talks about and has the best site on the internet for Indian classical music http://www.sawf.org/Newedit/edit07102000/musicarts.ASP. Some good discussions still take place but it is not as active and full of obnoxious spam. I think there are many people longing for some forum of discussion. There is nothing- ignored by the media and no north indian equivalent to Shruti magazine- rmic at least provides something! There are still some incredibly knowledgeable participants and I have particularly enjoyed discussions of lyrics and the meanings. Here is my chance to thank them.
