Mr. Whitney,

I have been in the music industry for over 50 years. I have had varying degrees of success as I have played in 30+ bands, 12 genres and have toured all over the world. But at my age I certainly don't have anything at all to prove to you sir. Success in music is relative to the artist. One artists success would be anther's failure. Success is individually perceived. Just because us little songwriting contest winners have not won your elitist J.P.F. contest, it does not make us lesser than you in any way. Personally, I was not even aware that JPF had a contest. I have been a member for many years and have never received any advertisement for it. So, competing against you great songwriters has never even been a blip on my map.

But, it seems that maybe you misunderstood my post. I am not trying to say that I am the greatest songwriter in the world. I will leave that kind of hype to you great people. All I am saying is that I have won money and services worth money by competing and winning in contests. The fact that I have won so many could be just plain luck or a certain appreciation that a few people in this world have for my work. In any contest its is always about someones opinion. I definitely would not compete in the JPF contest now as their opinion is probably tainted because I dared to disagree with your illustrious opinion. Whatever!!!!

Man, I don't even know why I am waisting my time debating you on this issue. Your insulting way of challenging me to some stupid songwriting dual is preposterous and unworthy of an old mans time. Well, at least this old mans time.

But I will say this. I have made over hundred times in winnings proceeds compared to the amount of money I have invested in songwriting contest. Yes, I have had music in film and TV. Yes, I have had radio play of my solo music as well as music I played in a few bands. No, I have never been on the Billboard charts. I never claimed to be some Grammy winning artist. My only claim is that I have won contests and gained revenue from it. But I have nothing to prove to you or the JPF. The hundreds of thousands of downloads of my music is proof enough for me that I am a decent songwriter/musician. Anyone (including you) who has no respect for that is definitely entitled to their opinion.

It just seems to me that the Just Plain Folks seem to be more interested in portraying themselves as being better than all the other musicians out there. At least that seems to be the vibe that I get from you. Also, why have a success stories link if when someone posts what THEY consider to be a success, you folks come along a poke wholes in it, degrade it and publicly declare it not to be a success at all.

As a mentor, teacher and dedicated musical artist, I am in the business of building people up. Not tearing them down.

You Don't Have To Respect Me Or My Accomplishments!

I Could Care Less! Your's is just another opinion blowing in the wind......