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