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Songwriting
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,179
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,179 |
Just keep it a forum. No need to turn it into a transient fast scrolling social media page. And bump away … I’ll take a bumper over a dumper any day!  Bud
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
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Songwriting
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,061
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,061 |
David,
Your asking great questions and this has been an interesting conversation to follow. I've been surprised at how positive and consistent the responses have been.
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Songwriting
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 745
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 745 |
I think it is a balancing act. I am relatively new to songwriting. I also have been playing off and on for years.
There is nothing more disheartening than posting something, lets say in Facebook, and have no response at all. (Not even from my sister.) On the other hand, if you get your heart torn out of your chest it is just as bad.
As for constructive criticism, isn't it different for a newbie vs. someone that has been writing, playing, performing forever? The newbie would be thrilled with "great for a first try. Here is something you may want to consider." The more seasoned performer would be happier with something much more advanced.
...Deb
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Songwriting
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081 |
I post songs and people can give me as much or as little feedback as they wish and, while I do appreciate tips on the mix, etc., once I post a song it usually is completed as far as I can take it. My recordings are basically the roughest of demos. I do not pretend to be a musician, vocalist, or production engineer. My main talent is writing lyrics.
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Songwriting
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
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Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
David, Like HTL, I thought the User Showcase was/is meant for FINISHED songs.
I also thought this one would be used by songwriters wanting what you describe. I'd like to see this divided or stickied some way so all the helpful links posted wouldn't swamp those kinds of posts.
Josie
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Songwriting
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,514
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OP
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,514 |
Thanks Josie. I think you are right, and we should keep thinking about good ways to do all of this. In most of my in-person songwriting groups (or even Zoom groups) there is a real collegiate atmosphere and you are with people you respect and trust because you have heard THEIR songs. (The same applies with many friends I have made here, including you. I have heard you, so I know you know what you are talking about.) The only wild card with Internet forums is sometimes you will have crackpots flying in out of nowhere spouting all types of blowhard stuff, but you will never, ever hear a tune from them, so you have to just bite your tongue. But that is a fraction of the population. CONSTRUCTIVE criticism from true colleagues is invaluable. Blowhard remarks from psychos is hard to take, but we don't have much of that here, as I say. So, let's keep thinking!!
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Songwriting
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,285
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,285 |
I rarely post a finished song until it's been in the Showcase forum, and elsewhere, so I've had some comments, suggestions and crits to mull over and experiment with.
I usually post a song when I've brought it to listenable stage.
I ask for comments and I try suggestions.
I'm looking for things my ears, skill level or biases don't give me: perspective, accuracy, a good ear.
Work In Progress was my initial thought too, Mark.
BUT to make that work I'd need to know certain ears are going to visit the page.
Knowing a person's work and recent interaction certainly helps sort the useful comment from the pleasant one before reading.
I enjoy the convivial, conversation, congratulatory pat IF the songs is at that stage.
I enjoy listening to the work of others and offering commentary that might improve a song posted by another forum member. That also ties in with my keenness to collaborate...learning/feedback/perspective etc.
I've also made the mistake of commenting on the track of a thin skin or someone who doesn't want any suggestions. (dcuny gently made aware of the forum's custom and practice...that those who want it will ask).
There are times when I'm REALLY confused...when a song is posted that is a decent idea but poorly executed or has some other problem like a voice that, like mine, travels through several key changes in a bar yet folk actually rave about it. Even if that poster has asked for feedback I'll hold off as I don't want to kill the thrill. It does leave me wondering about my ears, taste & doubting my sanity.
It's problematic, it's cultural and we need to do what our "druthers" would have us do in the forum as well if a cultural change were to be effected. I was taught, early on in my working life, that the way toward improvement often needs to served in a sandwich: praise - a staple to nourish the person, some sauce to add spice through a suggestion or through a constructive criticism and finish with something of solid substance - the daily bread but not so thinly sliced that it's transparent.
I certainly don't like mayonnaise on a sandwich.
Last edited by rayc; 09/06/21 06:47 PM.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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