Allow me to attempt a monologue in the style of Charles Culbreth (whose prose is unsurpassed) on Chant Cafe.

OK, so I just watched a video on Chant Cafe that compares various Responsorial psalms. I cannot help but notice the dichotomy that exists between positive energy on the CMAA forum, and groups like the National Catholic Register or Pray Tell Blog. Everywhere I look on the CMAA, I see people who are not at all embarrassed about their love (chant), who want to share it with others, who want to build something positive. They love what they do, and will keep doing it no matter what, no matter how many people try to beat them down. It seems like there's always some new project, some new goal. Recently it was the SIMPLE PROPERS. Earlier, it was the PARISH BOOK OF CHANT. Before that, it was ENGLISH HYMN PROJECT. Then there were the ICEL TUTORIAL VIDEOS. Then there were books that were scanned by Robert Carroll and numerous others. They are excited about chant sessions, colloquiums, or other chant gatherings. They plan trips to sing in Europe, and chapter meetings. There are movies and videos made about their activities with smiling young people singing Tallis, Byrd, and Lasso. To speak truth, there are numerous projects announced by the CMAA that I don't even fully understand. Every day, it's something new, and something exciting. Every day, the CMAA people stand up and say, "We love chant, we will fight for it, and we believe in it."

I find this dichotomy fascinating. Take Pray Tell Blog: look at the last twelve posts in a row. Nothing but negativity, hatred, and (for lack of a better word) whining and complaining. Every so often I check in on that blog, and I always like to see if there is even one positive thing, or one thing they are excited about. I'm waiting for them to be excited about something, proud of something. I'm waiting for them to come out and say, "Here's something we think is really great, and we will stand behind." Again, all I've seen is moaning and (as many on this forum have noticed) mockery and snide comments. On 13 August, the editor said: "Pray Tell enjoys reporting on news,especially when there’s some drama to it . . . ." I guess that should have been my first clue. The CMAA people don't seem to care about fanning the flames of gossip and "drama." They're too busy singing chant, or learning a new Gregorian hymn, or trying to teach young home schoolers how to read Josquin . . . .