Boy I really think this is a great thread. I think constructive criticism is a very good thing as long as it really is constructive. We can always learn from a third party but just like getting contradictory critics at a gig you must carefully weigh the opinions and search for the truth that floats to the top. If ten people say the same thing then look closely at working on that. If one person in 100 says something then regard it cautiously.

And you always have to remember there are a lot of celebrity artists who have made their name in many different ways. With some it is their showmanship, others their talented songwriting skills and others ... believe it or not .. their musicianship. If you have all 3 then that is probably not you because you are far too busy with a career to bother visiting us all here But being talented in any or all of those areas warrants you putting yourself out there to try and attract attention.

I'm sure most of us are strong in one or more areas and strengthening those skills is always a plus. The main skill in helping eachother to develop is knowing how to express constructive criticism in print without it reading like a put down. You have all probably read some of the threads recently about perceived conflicts between members which really were about attitudes that were misinterpreted when they were read on the forum.

We can all help eachother improve but that can be done without crushing creative enthusiasm. Simply read through your posting responses a couple of times before actually posting. If you are unsure about something you have expressed you can almost guarantee others are quite likely to misinterpret it themselves as well. Take the time to recompose your response because being misinterpreted is a potentially very bad thing.


[This message has been edited by Nigel (edited 11-25-2005).]