There are plenty of videos of professional jam sessions already on YouTube; check out some of the jam videos on the 81crowe channel.
Time for Banjo Ben to "grow up"?
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Oddly enough, here’s something I AM an expert on…being funny when money is on the line.
When using humor to promote a product, there is a fine line between funny and stupid. Funny is good, stupid will kill you.
Don’t try too hard to be funny, try very hard not to be stupid and never forget Sturgeon’s Law: “90% of everything is crap.”
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Ben, If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! My family got a great laugh watching your Black Friday video, the world needs more fun and silliness! You and your crew are doing a great job and you don’t need to change a thing. Keep up the awesome work. A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours, and the whole BanjoBen family.
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I do that from time to time, but having one that directly correlates with the tabs and lessons with each instrument would be cool. And some times the only videos i find are in different keys are different arrangements and all kinds of other fancy music stuff im not yet atune to.
That YouTube channel u posted is awesome! Thanks for the info. Thats just the format I was thinking about.
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To thy own self be true. Do what makes you feel good. No matter your choice of doing things you will never ever ever please everyone.
PS: As a side note to the car salesman reference, in my area there is a dealer who does over the top outlandish commercials. Some people like them some do not. But he got people to take notice of his dealership and as a result he is the number one dealer in the country for his brand of automobile.
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Please don’t change, @BanjoBen. Your instruction is top notch, and the goofy humor makes it more entertaining and sets you apart! I found your site six or seven years ago by searching for either I’ll Fly Away or Foggy Mountain Breakdown on Youtube. Your videos were great instruction and also hilarious, and before I knew it, I had signed up for your website! Considering how many hundreds of hours I’ve logged on your site by now, it’s some of the best money I’ve ever spent.
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Alright, I will admit that I haven’t read all of the the above comments so this might be redundant, but I don’t care.
Mr. Banjo Ben Clark sir, I am one of the most intolerant of immaturity of the people I know, and I know immaturity, and let me just say you are NOT an immature person, you are a comedian. Big difference,
As the comedian Tim Hawkins said
"People always ask me if I was the class clown, and I say No I’m not the class clown I’m the class comedian, the class clown is the one that runs across the football field naked at half time, I was the class comedian I was the one that convinced him it would be a good idea. "
I thoroughly enjoy your lessons, you were the one that saved me from finding a in person teacher, and sitting in some dark dusty studio, with some humorless old stiff neck. Instead I practice at my pace and watch someone who loves what they’re doing and teaching.
You walk the line perfectly.
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That’s hilarious!! Why haven’t I heard that before? I love Tim Hawkins.
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O wad some Power the giftie gie us
To see oursels as ithers see us!
From the poem To a louse (flee) By the Scot’s poet Robert Burns
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Maybe the well wisher would like @BanjoBen to pursue “grow up” idea like this?? 
Another Purdue Boilermaker may be next to the moon - Purdue University News
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I am new to the forums but couldn’t help but respond to this thread even if it is an old one. One of the things that has attracted me to this place is the light hearted style and sense of humor that takes the music seriously while maybe not taking ourselves quite as seriously.
The times in which we live are causing us all to take a hard look at our businesses, ministries, careers etc. Please don’t change the good things just because “times are tough” and there are those who are saying you need to make a change. Sometimes we need people to stay true to themselves through times like these and show the world that we can keep a light heart and a big smile even while the world is going haywire.
One of the biggest contributions so far I have gotten looking through your site and lessons as a new gold pick member checking things out has been the smile on my face and mild chuckle because of the sense of humor and light hearted approach. I look forward to learning in the days to come.
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I missed this back when it was first posted so please excuse the late response. The original question is so humble and sincere that I felt the need to chime in. The fact that you asked this is a common mid-life query, “am I on the right path or should I go another direction?”. My answer is always the same, stay true to yourself and follow the 2 rules of life; 1. Be happy, 2. Be a positive force for good with everyone you encounter. From where I stand, you look like your are doing just that. How can anyone ask for anything else? You’re a good man Charlie Brown.
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Ben,
I must say that when I originally ran across the site (maybe 4 years ago) it did seem a little "gimmicy " but it was easy to see that you were a great musician and were offering quality instruction material. I have noticed lately that while you still project a fun demeaner your lessons do come off more professional. IMO, you have adjusted quite well into the boring age of adulthood and no further adjustment is needed! In fact, the recent lesson with “Tex Critter” was loads of fun and just what I need right now for furthering my pursuit of the banjo. Best advise, is usually to just be yourself on any given day and if that day produces a “Tex” lesson great and if it produces an Alan Munde lesson that’s mighty fine as well. We’ll all be here supporting you either way.
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Your personality is surprisingly refreshing. One of the reasons I joined. I commented to my husband that your delivery is so kind and so encouraging! I can just imagine how you interact with your children positively and lovingly with firmness and love, helping guide them to meet their potential. We all have our own style. Please let yourself continue to follow the path that seems to fit for you. You have given great thought and feeling to how you will walk through this life on earth. It seems to me that you have listened to the inner voice that led you to your true spirit you found in Christ. What do you think would be any stronger than what has fit for you? While I respect the need for people to pay heed to business as it calls it seems to me that you do pretty darn good for you and your family. Heck until I came across your site I had no intention of spending this much time on trying to learn to play bluegrass music. I had no intention of buying a new banjo! But I do and I did and all at your site and store…Because of who you are and how you conduct yourself and the positive staff that works with you! Thank you! Now I must go because I have an order to place. Lol
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I really look forward to it!
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Banjo Ben, don’t change a thing! We are roughly the same age, and in my opinion, one of the glorious perks of being over 40 is that we get a new perspective on what matters. The sanctimonious finger-wagging of folks like that would not be high on my list of things to worry about. But that’s just me.
You’ve found something you love to do, and are truly good at. Not many people, your snarky Facebook friend included, can say as much.
Keep on keepin on.
-Chad
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Great ideas on jam and classical…for the banjo too!
And while I’m here I had another thought…when there is a movie or TV program on and I don’t enjoy it I change the channel or turn it off. If people don’t enjoy your silliness that many (I dare say I am sure most) do, they can not watch the videos.
Be you bro, mullet, sides shaved WB, or whatever else you got going.
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Dance with the person you brought. Don’t change horses midstream. You can’t please everyone. Etcetera. The advice on this subject is hard-coded.
I stand by my “He’s an idiot!” comment from camp - LOL!!! But I enjoy every single minute spent with that guy whether it’s in person or online. The cast of characters, including Jake, Adam, Justin, etc., is a big part of the charm.
Damn the torpedoes - and the snowflakes. Banjo Ben is an American brand! I’m proud to have your sticker on every instrument case I own. Everywhere I go, someone notices and wants to talk positive stuff about the site and Ben as a teacher.
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