I remember there was a bit of controversy about someone�s demo recording not sounding good. If someone does a recording and the general opinion is it�s not up to snuff, should he be told? Should we be candid? Wouldn�t we do the person a favor by telling that person they could have done it better?

The only criticism that matters is that from those who pay for your work whether live or recorded and that criticism is like fertilizer it may stink but it helps the plant grow.

Criticism from peers and professional "critics" is nice but its clouded with ego and competition and should not be taken very seriously whether good or bad. I learned that along time ago working in a situation where both were routinely dished out. You cannot savor the good and discard the bad or vice versa. You have to just accept them as pure opinion from an individual with personal bias.

Money talks. If you get a lot of gigs selling CDs and earning a living nothing anyone says here in a negative or positive light will mean much. If you are not and have a specific problem it will be heard and agreed to by all and yes people will have different solutions based o their work flow and formal or informal musical background and/or recording experience and gear knowledge.In the end its all opinion...but you are selling YOUR opinion in the end.

The bottom line is the tools are available out there to make a GREAT sounding recording to the Average Joe for $2000....yep You don't need $2000 Pre Amps,$2000 mikes,$2000 interfaces....A Korg,Roland or Yamah Arranger will go along way to give you a great start out of the blocks.