Herb-  Lots of good points.  I myself think such a Forum will be hard to sustain.  A lot of work and time to devote.  Might take a dedicated Baker to keep it up.  LOL
 
Karyn-  Totally agree with you about the focus of the Techniques forum.
 
T Riggs-  Thanks dude!

Instead of making it a huge collection of songs.... perhaps only the most recent 10 ...or 5.... or 3.... with new ones in pushing the older ones out.

AND.... the committee (assumes there is a committee choosing the songs on their merits) that chose a given song for that spotlight should have to write a detailed report as to what specifically was extra good about that song. Commenting on EQ and use of FX, production values, musicianship, writing, lyrics, and all the other things that go into the decision to spotlight that song.  In other words... "splain yourself on why this song is so outstanding"....
 
I agree that we don't want it to be the cause of division amongst the fine folks here. By keeping it as a rotating short list with explanations, those who don't have the chops in recording can learn from the comments.
 
Although, it could also be argued that this is currently happening already in the existing SONGS FORUM to one degree or another.....
 
Just more random thoughts....

Karyn
 
The intention of the Songs forum is as a showcase for your hard work.  This often includes Works In Progress
 

 
Hi Karyn and Tony,

My point is, Support

Knowledge along with experience is the key to attain a solid foundation -- The best source for knowledge and techniques is the Techniques forum: 

Forum description: Discussion based around different techniques (production, engineering, scoring, songwriting, etc.)

So, eventually all the knowledge a person seeks (and they only need to ask) will eventually lead to the point that all those components together equals the final sum = the Song.

Which lead us to the next step;

Songs Forum
Forum description: Post links to your latest songs or projects.

These songs are usually published (released/uploaded online) unfortunately millions of songs are released/uploaded online every day, problem is, over saturation.  So without a lot of support no matter how great the song, performances and production is.... the real problem is, the next step.  

This is how the Song forum should be....
 
The best form of acknowledgement is to 'actually' get Support = more plays/streams, more shared links and if they really, truely love the song? Purchase it.

As the old saying goes.... "Action speaks louder than words".

But meanwhile, in the Songs Forum most comments will often mirror similar feedback... Great mix! Outstanding! Well done! Nice! Cool! Dig it! Kudos! Its like, hmmm what should I say that others haven't said so far? Awesome!

All minor criticism (which is often the case) should be considered with great care to not undo (ruin) other elements of the song. Most people would say, take those types of 'minor criticism' with a grain of salt. Sometimes the OP might decide to not make changes. Either way, that's fine!

Hi Splat,
 
Unfortunately, giving someone 5 Stars doesn't do enough in regards to support. This is why the best form of 'Acknowledgement' is to actually 'Support' = more plays/streams, more shared links and if they really love the song? Purchase it.  
 

dcumpian
Voting and stars won't let the poster know why. That's a big part of what the songs forum is all about, in my book.

Regards,
Dan

Funnily enough you can vote and post comments. It's not an either/or.

@Songcraft Yes you could vote, write comments, listen and even buy the song later I can't see how voting functionality would change the situation.

Voting encourages engagement, makes things a little more exciting and it's a big success in the enhancements forum right now.

dcumpian
 

Splat

dcumpian
Voting and stars won't let the poster know why. That's a big part of what the songs forum is all about, in my book.

Regards,
Dan

Funnily enough you can vote and post comments. It's not an either/or.

@Songcraft Yes you could vote, write comments, listen and even buy the song later I can't see how voting functionality would change the situation.

Voting encourages engagement, makes things a little more exciting and it's a big success in the enhancements forum right now.

Here's the thing about voting, or any other easy-to-do Internet activity: there will always be douchebags who one star everything because they can. If the only feedback that can be given is a comment, then it at least forces the commenter to consider what he/she is going to say. Yes, there are abusive comments on occasion, but it is pretty rare.
 
I'm not against voting in and of itself, but I would like a comment along with any vote just for clarity.
 
Regards,
Dan
 
 

Plus, IMO, when given an option to simply add a star with an optional comment, you'll have a lot more people start to be lazy and just rate the song with the star and not leave any comments.  that will likely get worse over time, too.

It agree with dcumpian and Beagle. Great posts.  IMHO, the 5 Star rating is moot, kinda like the Grammy Awards lol
 
So, I've participated in the Songs Forum, listened to a lot of songs. There is plenty of activity, more than I thought. Clearly all great talent on display and I feel they're all worthy of achieving much more in regards to acknowledgement (see my post #38) --- Another point I need to raise; There's quite a noticeable very disappointing trend in regards to the music sites these songs are hosted on.  That is the issue --- Almost all those posts do not include links to retail or paid streaming, its as if all these songs are freely given away, and Royalty Free to boot.  Point is, I much rather give you guys real support such as, paid streaming, purchase, share on social feeds as I have done before.
 
Most of my comments on i.e. Twitter are in support of other bands, there is mutual benefit in this that goes well beyond a quick comment in the Songs Forum.  This is the trend in the Songs Forum: Comments will often mirror similar feedback such as, Great mix! Outstanding! Well done! Nice! Cool! Dig it! Kudos! Its like, hmmm what should I say that others haven't said so far? Seriously, I'm sitting there for a while, I have trouble coming up with something to say and Star rating just compound that same ole issue (as explained) its all moot and as others pointed out... can be abused. Actually, the more I think about this, the more depressing, as if there's no hope for anyone, which is really sad!
 
And even if songs are released, people will still have minor criticisms which are based on their own opinion since music is subjective, unfortunately you can't please everyone.  All such criticisms should be taken with a grain of salt, and as I always say... I set out to better my last performance, to write better songs and to capture it all faithfully!
 
Aww heck, compared to what I've heard in the Songs Forum, there is much worse listed on so-called official music charts and yeah as I said in regards to the Grammy Awards {eew}
 
I also agree with Strummy in regards to 'Collaboration' (great idea) and I believe that 'Finished Works' should be posted in the Song Forum and actually give 'Support' (as explained)! The best form of acknowledgement = Support!
 
The above including other posts is why I feel so strongly strongly in matters that would be of great benefit for everyone and the idea pointed out by Strummy, yes it would be nice to have a new forum i.e. "Music Works in Progress" <--- (including collaborations) or use the Techniques forum to hone those skills until the work is ready for release.
 
The music business has changed, over-saturation is an issue that also affects the potential for new bands gaining exposure (i.e. media new groups), there is not enough discussion in regards to "Pitching to Media, PR, Marketing Strategies, EPK/PK, Video and Photography". Millions of songs are uploaded daily yet almost all of them fall short of that next step. The easiest way to get a kick start in marketing is to include that (Kick-Start Marketing) in the Distribution --- this requires an additional fee of about $100.  Whatever concept / strategy is use it must be planned well in advance, to allow media time to receive and submit, to coincide with peak point of release and thus keeping the momentum rolling. Releasing singles is not a bad idea for new bands because you seriously think a music journalist is going to wade through a dozen songs? They don't have the time because they get hundreds of submits daily, therefore you would have far greater chance with the kick start option and once the ball rolls, keep that momentum rolling --- See my post #38 i.e. best form of acknowledgement.