I can't add much, Tom. Im happy they comment on my work as well, but Im not one who trust experience as a determinator of truth.

I always approach everything philosophically, because that way I can think about and adjust the way I react to my experiences. It makes it a lot easier to make the neccesary adaptions and changes in attitude towards things.

Basically, I don't believe you can buy yourself a place on a work of art (say a record). You can however improve your craft until you get so good, that others would WANT you to contribute. Taxi helps me with a framework for improvements, and have some people who can get other people to listen if they judge me in. I think there can be two-three links more to reach a decision maker, after a Taxi forward.

I write for the listings (instrumentals, for the most part, but also 'genre' songs for tv/film), and when my songs are good enough (and 'good' means that they match the specs and are broadcast quality - VERY tangible), I believe they'll get licenced and used. Taxi helps me clarify the criteria MY music needs to meet, in order to be marketable.

I also write country pop/rock songs, and hope to reach a level where I can visit Nashville, do a few performances and start making connections. That's a whole different ballgame! And Taxi does not really work for me to follow that particular lead, but they DO help me assess the quality of my own demo work.

That's just how things work for me, at this particular moment in time. Others are in different circumstances, and other things might work for them.

One thing about Taxi that's not getting enough attention, I think, is how much FUN it is to try to nail a listing, submit your best attempt, and get feedback in return. All from the comfort zone in your livingroom at home. I love that!

I would say the fee to Taxi is worth it alone for the entertainment value (think about how much crap you pay for in your daily household, that you get nothing in return for!). But you get so much more..