I Hate You @Methodshop! Happy 15th Anniversary! – Love @WaltRibeiro

It’s crazy to think that 15 years ago when I was young and worrying about learning how to read music, MethodShop.com was embarking on world domination for how-to’s and amazing gadget news. As a musician, I know that the world of music moves fast, and 15 years is a long time for you to be there when something breaks. You’ve seen the Compact Disc rise, iPods grow, Blu-Ray fail, and the Harry Potter Broomstick fly off shelves.

And I hate you for it. But let me tell you a story…

When I was 16 I started learning how to play guitar. I was learning about this concept in music called ‘modes’ – but it was the toughest thing I’ve ever had to overcome. Weeks went by, months, and I still couldn’t understand ‘modes’. But one day in high school, while I was in English class and secretly reading my music book (as I always did), it hit me like POW! I literally yelled “OMG I get it!” out loud in the middle of class. From there on out, my world changed – music made sense, and I sell my orchestra arrangements for a living to this day on my website, ForOrchestra.com.

You see, that moment led me to be a musician, because when I overcame that obstacle I realized I could do anything. And that led me to a new path of friends, experiences, and online adventures.

That’s where you come in, @methodshop – you were there from the beginning. After I learned about you, you were helping me with music trends, gadgets, how to’s, and gave me a few good laughs in between. If I read a post of yours about Slayer with house lights, I was inspired to arrange it for orchestra. If I came across a funny picture, then I want you to know about it and blog it.

I was too young to see the growth of Web 1.0, the cool music gadgets you’ve seen, and the internet bubble. I never knew how to hijack audio as good as you, and I certainly will never write music reviews as well as you.

But behind the jealousy of you being an early adapter, I want to say thanks for all the cool things you cover. You’re not a real person, but that’s whats amazing about your site – I feel like you are!

You helped so many musicians lean about new products, and new readers learn about new musicians – and for that reason I thank you. Music is a universal language, and to spread that is awesome.

Had a laugh reading about your origins and how you started off as a Zine! Keep it going, and I wish you the best for another 15 years!

–@WaltRibeiro