Somehow I don't think that fits the spirit of the community solo...

Chris,
I am going to stick mine out there anyway.  You are right about it not being a competition.  I don't think it is really against the spirit of drumming.
Since there is only one way according to Tony.  I felt compeld after reading over 100 post from people arguing and I mean long post too.
Let's just take a listen to this arguement. I love solos. I heard you do one about two weeks ago Chris for almost 10 minuites.  Very nice!!!  If Tony hadn't talked about our insecurity, then I wouldn't have said a word.  I am not ashamed of my work and shouldn't be. I will post mine and tell any other drummer that is feeling good about what they do to please get involved in the solo.
You all think that it is just for people that want to argue??? Please get involved. I wish Louis would be able to play and I wish Mr. A would play?
A few of us have asked them!! It is for fun!! I told you all I was Nutz!!
                                    Nutty

I haven't kept up with this thread, largely because I have little interest in arguing and choose to use my time more productively ... like creating new content for the Drummer Cafe. However, I've now taken the time to read over the thread top to bottom.

For what it's worth ... based on my past experiences ... arguing or debating this kind of stuff is pointless. All this is doing is causing a rift between members of the community. It's not bringing unity but rather causing division. We don't get into theology or political debates for that very same reason.

It's unfortunate that there's not a clear cut definition for "formal training" and "self-taught"; each term means something different to each individual, much like the term "professional".

You know, believe it or not, I keep a cork from a wine bottle in my pocket; literally. Why? It's there to remind me that I need to listen more and talk less. Last fall I started a policy where I have to hold the cork in my hand whenever I stop to talk to someone, no matter where I am. This helps me think of shoving the cork stopper in my mouth when I feel like talking or saying too much. I think I'll place an addendum to all of this by requiring myself to hold the cork when I'm on the phone, and sit the cork next to the computer screen when I'm online at the Drummer Cafe.

I think we need to put this thread to rest. If you have trouble doing that, then send me your mailing address and I'll ship you one of my spare cork stoppers. 

That's a great ethos and one I admire.
I admit I don't mind a hot debate and as a result I sometimes fail to meet the higher standards some long term forum members display in such threads.
As to this topic.....
I gave up arguing the point a long time ago. I've tried to reason with both sides, especially as I feel this is a non argument. There is great merit in both self tuition and the taking of lessons from professionals.
I also feel quite strongly there is no distinction made by the vast majority of those who post here. Most members treat each other on face value only.
I feel I've been trying to calm the waters for about three pages now.
I have quite honestly lost a deal of patience this morning, having awoken to a basket full of PM's arguing points I haven't been involved in or are even been interested in getting involved in.
This message was the last straw as far as I'm concerned:
"I'm not trying to start anything, but you were also part of the discussion as were quite a few others; I don't think it was very fair to state that only 3 of us were duking it out; Over 100 posts on that thread, yet to quickly save face and put the blame on us is quite immature."
Apart from the fact I don't need to 'save face', I don't need someone I don't know calling me immature because they have repeatedly misunderstood my posts and repeatedly chosen to interpret them in a negative light.
This discussion/argument has long since ceased to serve any purpose.

Thank you for that Louis, I think you have the best Idea!! Bart was talking about corks.  I think it is time to play some music and go through some corks? I need to get my boat warmed up and catch some fish.
Maybe eat some BBQ.  I personally like Moonlite BBQ. Made in Owensboro Kentucky. Very GOOOOD!!! Peace to all.
                                       Nutty

Man, Check this out?  Wait until they teach this kitty how to drum.
http://video.msn.com/v/us/v.htm?g=04F3DEE5-B12A-4C67-96A3-CDC2749FCA47&f=06/
64&fg=email
Hope this link works?       
                         Nutty

As you are persisting.......
The 3 people comment was a light hearted comment to calm the waters, moreover to signal the natural end of this thread as it seemed to me to be chasing it's own tale.
I could have said 5 people, I could have said 2 people, I could have said 100 people. I said what I said in a completely unthinking, jolly way. I was not trying to single anyone out. It was a simple turn of phrase with no malice intended.
I honestly can't understand for the life of me why you have chosen to see this as a personal attack on you, or anyone.
Other people who have posted towards the end of this thread (Tony, Gaddabout and Drumnut1) don't seem to think I'm attacking them by saying the phrase '3 people'.
If they do think I've singled them out and visited my ire upon them, they are very welcome to say so now.
In a further effort to reconcile some of the lingering argument I posted a long contribution highlighting my positive experiences with several musicians who had less tuition and some who had more.
I'm really wondering why you have ignored so many things and are still focussed on a single and fairly meaningless phrase. 
Please describe what I have done to hurt you so much or drop the whole thing.