I have a question. Is a songwriter who hasn't found their 'voice' and hasn't figured out exactly where to 'pitch' their work considered less than serious here?

If so, I find that discouraging since I consider that a beginning songwriter may be every bit as serious and ambitious as someone further down the learning curve.

Many months ago I gave an 'in depth' critique (actually it was more of a copy editor's type critique with several minor suggested changes) to a seasoned writer here.

Several 'old-timers' came 'out of the woodwork' and gave 'back pat' after 'back pat'. Apparently I'd overlooked an unwritten, cardinal rule that when someone posts something 'personal' it should not be given an 'in depth' critique.

At the time I was quite new here and I can't tell you how much that embarrassed me. I hadn't meant any harm but was trying to please the many posters who'd already made it clear through "natural" communication here, they wanted 'in depth' critiques.

It left me with the distinct impression that liberty to post had more to do with who you were than what you posted. Perhaps I misinterpreted the 'polite indifference'. At any rate, I chose to rise above it and keep plugging along.

Also, some seemed to imply that if a new or less experienced poster/writer doesn't agree with most of what is offered surely they must have 'thin' skin. I disagree. I remember making a light hearted comment after receiving one of my first critiques, that "at least here I knew the folks were honest" or something to that effect. I meant it as a COMPLIMENT. But it was perceived as a complaint by the poster. I didn't know exactly what to do at the time.

Now I wish I'd explained myself but at the time I was a bit confused, not knowing the person very well. I would have tried to clear that misperception up if I had it to do over again.

Me, I'll always ask for the toughest critique any RESPECTFUL writer is willing to share. I don't get my acceptance from JPF. I get it from my Maker. Do I have to agree with all the advice I get from those with more advanced skills or understanding of the 'commercial' music world. No. And I'm not always going to be wrong when I don't. Many times with gospel, there's going to be some huge differences of opinion as to the content.

In cases like gospel, the most helpful critique is the one that says, "this is not making sense to me" or I don't follow your point here in this phrase/verse etc. I appreciate knowing that. It's very valuable to me. Specific word changes or vague comments aren't quite as helpful but I hope I never begin to "look a gift horse in the mouth". That's something I was taught not to do.

rd

edited to add: I have never emailed Brian concerning any of these perceptions. This is the first time I am discussing most of them. And I do appreciate being allowed to share this within a safe context for the benefit of future new members. I value each of you and thank you for ALL you've done to help me grow as a writer. The benefit from the majority of what's shared here FAR outweighs any frustration or embarassment in the overall scheme of things. So, please be assured I don't hold a grudge against anyone. Perhaps my perception was a bit distorted by the nature of this 'beast', online communication, which is why I thought it might be helpful to mention at this particular time.

Of course it goes without saying that "FLAMING" is never considered helpful at all. However, it does seem to be tolerated here (by default) more than any place I've ever been. That's too bad IMO.



[This message has been edited by royaldghtr (edited 11-30-2006).]