Alan and Bill,

you are actually hitting on something here that is what we esentially do in Nashville. Peer and publishers always give pats on the back publically,then when you have private time, you share critiques, opinions and more "realistic" things in private.

I think encouragement is very important. But it can't be just blindly "That is a really good song." that helps no one. Being specific is the key when it comes to critiques.But there is a time and place for it.

For me, that is when people should make use of the PM factor. There is no use in getting in arguments or hurt feelings in the larger public, when you can do it much more quietly and specifically in private.

So it should be a combination. A public pat on the back and privately a little more realistic.

MAB