HELLO PEOPLE---LIFE ISN'T FAIR...I'll say it again...life ISN'T fair...Anyone who has existed in this world knows that...IF I had entered the contest, personally, I don't care what was said or written there, I would have known in my heart that it likely wouldn't be fair, and I would have entered knowing that I had two chances...slim and NONE. Am I negative?? or realistic?? That's up to you to decide. Everyone who is SO disappointed about the contest because the AI people implied it would be fair...Did you REALLY believe that?

I take everything people say with a grain of salt...

Do you believe politicians when they tell you how honest they are??? and that they're gonna make everything great?

How about the news media?? Do you think you get an even keel picture of reality, or do you think they slant what you see to fit their agenda?

Ever take bids to have some remodeling done? They promise to be done in three weeks and it takes 3 months, right?

You get my point...what happened in this contest actually had a combo of fairness AND unfairness in it...The fact that Kelly's piano only song made it to the final 20 UNQUESTIONABLY means that there WAS some fairness to it. Was there some unfairness too? Probably...IS THAT SURPRISING????? If your answer is yes, I am sorry, but you are NAIVE...Is suing them going to accomplish anything??? I don't think so...Chalk it up and move on...one last time...LIFE ISN'T FAIR (especially in something as subjective as music)...and I know it from experience...does anyone want to argue that it is???

That being said, this is the most wonderful supportive community of music loving people in the world and how lucky we are to all be here together in this age of technology and discuss these issues as a community!!! To make friends with people all over the world is just absolutely amazing isn't it? We all would like to make money AND have fun with our music, but let's face reality...The money thing isn't likely to happen (to any major degree anyway)----therefore the emphasis needs to be on the fun!!! I believe this ties in with what Bill R was saying about kharma...

Cmon everyone, let's get back to having fun, not being bitter. Tammy, you have worked really hard and you are very talented...If you came to Chicago, nothing would stop me from being at your show...maybe next time WILL be your time...stay positive, and keep it FUN...Jeff said it perfect

Tammy,

I hear you, but I think you answered your own question. If you put your family first, then in my book you have already won. Congratulations.

-Jeff

We have all made similar decisions. The last point I'd like to make is that while alot of complaining is done about "insiders"---no one has touched on what THEY have given up to get there and be "insiders"--I'll bet they moved to music hubs and left family and friends behind---I wouldn't do that, would you? Can you picture the guy Agate was talking about not making money at songwriting in 15 years...Did he give up his marriage? Decide not to have kids? Will he be OLD and POOR? I have worked all my life and I doubt I have enough to retire comfortably...So the people that actually succeeded TOOK A HUGE RISK in their lives---I bet for every success story there's a THOUSAND sad stories...Would you have chosen your music over your life and risked being old with NOTHING...I wouldn't have---I'm just gonna have fun with my music and NEVER expect anything else.

Herbie

Herbie
JPF Chicago Chapter Coordinator
http://www.herbietunes.com