Yeah, the critique subject comes up here often, maybe not often enough. I agree with Bill, state your intentions with the song. If you want to know about commercial viability, the critiquers should offer an honest assessment.

Lots of folks here (including myself) just want others to hear the song. That's when the back patting happens. Nothing wrong with that, but I don't see a problem with being honest if the song is out of whack, even if the poster didn't ask for it.

Sometimes I write a song just for the sake of writing, and don't have future plans or dreams for it. I have that type of song on the MP3 board right now. It's a "here it is, do you like it"? type song. If I wanted to get serious about it and try to sell it, I would indicate so.

We do have people here who I don't want to name, who do give honest critiques. It's a two way street. Be honest enough and unafraid to write what you really believe, and if you're on the receiving end, grit your teeth and be ready for the truth in others eyes. Even the best music has some flaws in another persons mind.

When the consensus has a high (honest) positive, the song may be ready for the next level.

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=400209
http://guitar.answers.com/guitar/playing-a-right-handed-guitar-left-handed-upside-down
http://lefthandedguitarplayer.blogspot.com/