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Things I learned the hard way:


Collect and reflect on as many opinions as possible and reflect on them. See if what they are saying has value.

Sometimes suggestions or rewrites are offered. Even if they aren't exactly what you need, examine them. They may act as a springboard to other ideas. The suggestions may not be suitable but the fact that the reviewers thought something needed to be changed may be a red flag to reexamine the areas they thought needed changing.

Consider the writing style of the reviewer. Some "rules" are specific to certain genres. They may not suit the genre you intend the song to fit. What doesn't work in Country may work very well in Rock. Consider that before making any changes.

Some people say content shouldn't be critiqued. I feel it's a good idea to look at the emotional reaction of the reviewers to the content. The response to the content may reflect how some of the listening public may respond. A good thing to consider if your target audience will be general rather than specific.

Look at the critiques reviewers give to others on the board. Do they usually praise the works you think are inferior? It could be that they just like to encourage people or that they are not as particular as you.

Some people want to show support but really don't know how to tell you that your song isn't quite cutting it. If you see that they are trying to avoid direct comment on the song, that may be a sign it needs work. Of course, it may be a sign that the reviewer is not taking the time to really examine the work and is putting in his or her quota of responses for networking purposes.

Sometimes a reviewer's style is a bit abrasive or seems harsh. Try to overlook it and see what they are saying. They may be good critics but tact challenged. Be careful not to read "attitude" into the written word that may not be there. Give them the benefit of a doubt unless they overtly prove themselves otherwise.

Don't take reactions to your songs personally, especially when posting. Sometimes our first reaction is disdain, resentment, or irritation because the reviewer failed to see our "artistic genius."
"Hmmmph. What do you know?" Cool off a little before you respond. They may actually be right.

Don't assume your song is a loser or that you are an inferior writer just because people have found some flaws. I have seen songs riddled with flaws, but with correction they become exceptional works. It's the polishing that makes them shine.

Some people have great ideas and write a song with potential but they aren't good at editing their work. When suggestions are made by a good editor, remember that the song is still your song and wouldn't have existed without your creative idea, so you should feel free to take the ideas offered. If I were cooking a stew and somebody said throw in a few herbs and a pinch of salt, I would still consider myself the cook. The herbs and salt would be nothing without the basic ingredients.

I guess some songwriting workshop teachers tell people to be prepared to defend their work but I have a feeling many people take that the wrong way. The work you present needs to be so good that you can easily "defend" it. There is no defense for obvious and glaring flaws. When someone points out what they perceive to be a flaw, check it out with an open mind and see if it is. There is nothing so tedious as people defending every thing they wrote in a song. If what they wrote is perfect and unflawed, why do they need a critique?

If people say your song is confusing, be careful not to assume the people aren't bright enough to understand your concepts and write a page and a half of explanations. They are often trying to say you wrote in a confusing way, not that they are confused. (Of course, sometimes they really are confused, LOL.)

Find a way of acknowledging people for their support. If you take everything under consideration (whether you dismiss the suggestions or not) you can truly say that you will consider the suggestions.

Finally, don't be mislead by the number of posts next to your topic. Some people feel it's polite to thank each reviewer in a separate post, some like to bump their topic up near the top by thanking them individually, and some people are actually having conversations that has nothing to do with the song. Some like to consolidate their acknowledgements so their topic doesn't bump others down too far. Do the math. If you have 10 -15 replies from people reviewing your work (not counting your own replies to them) you are getting a great response.

Consider, reflect, then decide. It is up to you and reasonable people won't get upset if you don't take their suggestions.

If you consistently get less than glowing reviews (especially from "gentle" reviewers) it's possible that a little more objectivity may be required.

Take care,

JeanB

[This message has been edited by AKA JeanB (edited 02-13-2004).]