Beltmann Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 Through happenstance, I noticed that today marks 16 years since I joined this forum as an unbridled enthusiast for all things Wilco. Today I remain deeply devoted to Wilco. They are still my favorite band. I respond deeply to their music, of course, but that's only a starting point and not the main reason why they top my list; after all, I can think of another dozen bands with records that I love equally, maybe more. But a “band” is more than just a collection of songs. The reason Wilco tops my list is because of the total package and all of the ancillary details: The music, yes, but also all of the other important facts that have made a major imprint on my life—the history; the shows, including one living room show; the impact the music made on me when I most needed it; the people that I've met, including Jeff; the relationships cultivated as a direct result of Wilco; the Tweedy Show; the bottomless memories, meanings, and stacks of T-shirts. (Seriously, my collection is embarrassing.) No other band has carved out such an important, long-lasting space in my life. Even when the music fades, or even when new Wilco music might leave me cold, that imprint remains and always will. The affection I feel for this band transcends their music. Perhaps the most significant bonus feature of my Wilco journey has been Via Chicago. I’m an admin now, but I started as just a fan after longtime lurking, a little intimidated at first, and once I chose to dive in as a newbie and engage (and sometimes spar) with the veterans, I grew to love this place. I remember with deep fondness all of the old inside jokes (too many), scandals (remember the VW ads?), and perhaps the Internet’s greatest ongoing gag (list the albums in chronological order). But it’s always been about the people. Many of my closest Facebook relationships started first at VC, and many evolved into real-life friendships. And I'll never forget the outpouring of love, support, and gifts that VC gave me and my family after a few members learned that my 18-year-old brother had been killed in a car crash in 2005. That was the most moving and breathtaking online experience of my life. It's been a great 16 years. Thank you, Wilco. Thank you, Via Chicago. Eric Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chez Posted November 15, 2020 Share Posted November 15, 2020 Beautiful. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ladyC Posted November 15, 2020 Share Posted November 15, 2020 There’s still lots of love in this little community. Beautiful post. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Albert Tatlock Posted November 17, 2020 Share Posted November 17, 2020 No, thank you, or should I say, ta. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sonicshoulder Posted November 17, 2020 Share Posted November 17, 2020 For old times sake... AM BT ST YHF AGIB SBS W(TA) TWL SW S OTJ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
theashtraysays Posted November 17, 2020 Share Posted November 17, 2020 Hope to meet up in real life in the post-Covid times!! Came close in Madison.. Vince Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Analogman Posted November 18, 2020 Share Posted November 18, 2020 Thanks for the moving post. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kidsmoke Posted November 18, 2020 Share Posted November 18, 2020 We love you dearly, Eric, and Via Chicago is so lucky to have you on our administrative staff! You have written such a beautiful tribute to the whole experience of being a Wilco fan and a part of the VC community. This community has always been a treasure trove of entertainment, excitement, support, and looniness. I think we do it well. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gogo Posted November 18, 2020 Share Posted November 18, 2020 Put me down for the "really want to meet you in person someday!" list. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Boss_Tweedy Posted November 18, 2020 Share Posted November 18, 2020 Hear, hear. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
remphish1 Posted November 20, 2020 Share Posted November 20, 2020 How did everyone get so old so quick!? Nice to keep up with you over the decades at least virtually! Sorry about your loss. This community has been great to share all aspects of life in general with and it really is a nice community. I had lots of positive encouragement when I lost my job a few years back and it was very touching. Met some great folks over the years here. I am pushing 20 years on here. Was on the board prior to the reboot in 2003. Crazy how much time has went by! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Beltmann Posted November 24, 2020 Author Share Posted November 24, 2020 On 11/20/2020 at 11:15 AM, remphish1 said: How did everyone get so old so quick!? I had a full head of hair when this thing started! It's been great keeping up with you, too. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Madcap Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 Holy crap, I’m apparently celebrating 14 years here on thanksgiving. Love this site, thanks to all the mods and admins. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
remphish1 Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 1 hour ago, Beltmann said: I had a full head of hair when this thing started! It's been great keeping up with you, too. Ha ha I had a full head of hair too back then 😎. Nice that music can bring all of us here together for so many years! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kidsmoke Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 3 hours ago, Beltmann said: I had a full head of hair when this thing started! It's been great keeping up with you, too. 2 hours ago, remphish1 said: Ha ha I had a full head of hair too back then 😎. Nice that music can bring all of us here together for so many years! Well if it's any comfort, guys, so did Jeff Tweedy. Clearly, rock 'n roll kills hair follicles. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gogo Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 On 11/18/2020 at 12:21 PM, gogo said: Put me down for the "really want to meet you in person someday!" list. I had a dream about you this weekend, Mr. Beltmann (and it wasn't creepy!). We were having a big barbecue in our backyard, and you were there. It made me nostalgic for seeing people in general, and for seeing Wilco friends in particular. I've heard of words that describe homesickness for a place you've never been, or nostalgia for a time you've never known, but I don't know if there's a particular word for missing friends you've never met. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kidsmoke Posted November 26, 2020 Share Posted November 26, 2020 I'm with gogo. There needs to be a name for this feeling. Where's the damned "like" button? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Beltmann Posted November 28, 2020 Author Share Posted November 28, 2020 On 11/24/2020 at 11:56 AM, gogo said: I had a dream about you this weekend, Mr. Beltmann (and it wasn't creepy!). We were having a big barbecue in our backyard, and you were there. Of course I was there. I'm always hungry! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kidsmoke Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 On 11/28/2020 at 10:00 AM, Beltmann said: Of course I was there. I'm always hungry! Well by that logic I must've been there too! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Albert Tatlock Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 On 11/26/2020 at 3:05 PM, kidsmoke said: IThere needs to be a name for this feeling. Maybe can appropriate the Welsh word 'hiraeth' which sort of sums up similar feelings. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kidsmoke Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 18 hours ago, Albert Tatlock said: Maybe can appropriate the Welsh word 'hiraeth' which sort of sums up similar feelings. I could use this lovely word but I'm afraid nobody would have a clue what I was talking about. But then, they do that already so maybe I WILL sprinkle it into conversation. I'm sure the way I'll pronounce it, even the Welsh will be baffled when I say it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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