I feel like I should duck.... but it's not in my personality.

My point as to the happenings on the current "Showcase" is that ppl have more or less formed an online clique akin to a HS lunch room. There are songs posted all the time that are completely ignored or only cursorily commented on even when the user HAS asked for comments/critique. Newbies or infrequent posters (those not in the cool clique) are given MUCH less attention than those who are cliquey, even when their work is of equal caliber.

I think its the Facebook phenomena: "If you 'Like' me than I'll 'Like' you. In any case, perception is that of a Mutual Admiration Society.

If it were truly a place where all-comers can post and "feel proud of their work" shouldn't we at least acknowledge the person's efforts? If this is the point, it seems heartless to let some languish in a corner wondering where the went wrong -- all while your posting flattery for an effort that is half as good (or at least an equal amount of work) as one of the clique members.

As far as actual critique goes let me share a story:

A while back I did an experiment. I wanted to know If I could get honest feedback from the "Showcase" posters. I took 15 minutes and created the WORST possible song I could create and posted it. I milked it in just the way I notice the clique do and posted a few positive comments on their work. Click Here to jump to the thread.

Voila! Unfortunate.*

I decided I wasn't going to post any "real" work there unless:

A: There was a paradigm shift on the "Showcase"
B: There was a new forum intended to help each other improve skill.
or
C: I was desperate for saccharine comments.

I'm sure others feel the same.

That being said, I support the 2 forum idea. Perhaps a "User Showcase" and a "User Workshop" It would be good PR for PGMusic to have a forum where the idea is helping each other improve their writing skill using BIAB and RB.


*[Side benefit: I laughed for days. I still get a kick out of it... it's become a family joke.]