Denis and Sophia - think you are over reacting somewhat . Vic G's review mentioned "Dennis the Tee Shirt man" in one sentance, and although clearly somewhat "tongue in cheek" and possibly misinformed judging by comments, I think there was more to his review than simply a "piss take" over one of the scenes apparant "untouchables".
Anyway, whatever happened to freedom of speech I wonder? Last time I looked it still existed in the UK - just - and frankly to take so seriously a throwaway line about someone's accent reeks of "political correctness" gone mad yet again. And before you get too high and mighty I can play that one back at you on the other turntable - your line about "forums on some of these sites seem to be increasingly frequented by a selection of very sad individuals. These individuals are easy to spot as they usualy have big phantom record collections, big mouths, very little experince of the Northern Soul Scene, and absolutely no respect for anything or anybody" is actually discrimanatory to those of us with phantom collections, big heads, lack of experience" etc. I may myself qualify on at least two of those counts.
In all frankness and seriousness though, I'd rather hear an honest appraisal of a venue, than the usual "everything's rosey here tosh" I read in the official "soul press", and in that regard informal reviews and comments on forums such as this are all the more interesting for their "candour" and freedom from "political" repercussions / payback by angry promotors. So as a "paying punter" VicG is allowed to express his opinion, end of.
What I'd actually like to hear is more about the "02 club", the sounds, the crowd etc. as it's only an hour tops away from me (even now since my voluntary "repatriation" from P/Boro nearly 15 years ago). Who are the DJ's - what are their top sounds? - have they got the vinyl etc. So tell us about that please D&S, rather than making a mountain out of a molehill of a line in VicG's original comments (and I also think you should lift the "ban" on VicG).
Also when is the next one - who are the DJs for that etc?
More please.