When I started the Facebook page, it was called “Progressive Music Page.” Nothing clever. I was trying to have a basic catch all name for “prog.” It wasn’t until I added the radio show that it had to be changed to “Progressive Music Planet.” The important word to me was “music.” I didn’t want rock or metal. I wanted all types. The progressive part was of course to bring people in, I guess. It also became the biggest problem.

What people consider to be “progressive” or “prog” varies wildly. I prefer to loop in many styles that are somewhat fringe by definition. Part of this was because I like variety, as I said in the previous editorial. But the blow back has gotten more and more hostile over the years. “NOT PROG!” To which I say something rude like “it is to me” or “fuck off” or just ban people. While some music is clearly “not prog,” what’s more troubling is how ridged some prog fans are towards music, even things more overtly prog,

So while the word “progressive” was the driving force to get me to have 95K followers, it has become the albatross around my neck. I’ve essentially boxed myself in and since I am terrible at following directions or orders, I then purposefully color outside the lines. This has me thinking why am I following rules that I am setting for myself. I don’t follow other people’s rules, so why the fuck am I following mine? But the name is “PROGRESSIVE Music Planet.” Does it have to be? Ah now that’s a question!

A couple years ago I did toy with the idea of changing the name of all the social media to something else. But then I ditched the idea because I felt that this was the brand I created so I was somehow obligated to honor my commitment to the brand. That placated me for a bit, feeling like I was being honorable to my own creation. But the Frankenstein monster isn’t going to obey so here I am again, questioning why I do it. Blah blah blah. The real question is why does it have to continue as is? It doesn’t. Now that I am okay with it being whatever it needs to be so that I can enjoy it (potentially), I need to let it progress. For lack of a better word.

The planet hasn’t reached it’s final form.