Yes, slapping is a curse, like the vuvuzela at the SA World Cup.. deafened the beautiful singing of the ethnic African. What a waste.
I suggest two different shows: one for slappers, and one for musicians whose love is for music, not just ego.
Bass on YouTube is just as bad: not a lot to do with the important function of bass and in creating beautiful harmony as you go along, just ego.
I knocked teaching on the head because slapping became the main proccupation. Must be hundreds of guys out there who would be more than willing to take over - they're welcome! Sometimes some of the most simple basslines are the most challenging and the hardest to carry off! A single note standing on its own is very exposed and can reveal much expression. Why is this still such a mystery?
Agree with Hiram Hackenbacker: the gent in the cap (name withheld) at Rotosound was a valid circus act, but not a lot to do with music - he should pay more attention to his left hand.. It's the left hand that does the harmony.
Yah well, you can stand next to a jackhammer in the street only for so long..
Highlight of the show for me was meeting the ever courteous and charming Stuart Spector: the earliest collaborator of bass guitar design with the clever and pragmatic Ned Steinberger. Found his bass the easiest to play and eagerly look forward to adding one to my (small) collection one day..
Also on Show, the 'Innovation' double bass strings are serious and fantastic to play with, soft touch inviting new creativity on an otherwise and not always friendly instrument.
As a last word: "Put the 'music' back in the bass"..