bapu
jsg
Well, that's great for you but my policy is I don't comment on other people's work because between composing, producing, teaching music to others, and family life, I don't have time, nor do I have the inclination to offer my opinion. The purpose of this forum is to share work, if it's a tit-for-tat game for you, that's your choice. You'll miss out on music you might not hear elsewhere.
JG
www.jerrygerber.com
Are you suggesting that people just listen to what you present and not offer any input?
I've always assumed that not only do we share here but we do so under the premise if someone listens and has something to say that might be helpful or supportive it's would be a better all around community for that.
Bapu,
You've opened up a real can of worms here. I post my music here so that people can listen, and hopefully enjoy listening. I believe my music is worth listening to and in many ways unique from much of the music here. The poster "Mr. Bull" suggests that if I don't comment on other's work he won't listen to or comment on mine. Fair enough, that's his choice. But to be artistically honest is difficult without offending people, which I have no intention of doing. I don't criticize the work of others because I don't find it enjoyable or profitable to do so. As an instructor of composition and music production, of course I offer sincere feedback to my students. But they are working hard for me, they are paying me and they care about my opinion and I care about their progress. How could I possibly feel that way about every stranger on a music forum?
Most criticism is nonsense to me, not just criticism of my work, which I pay no attention to (any good composer learns this sooner or later) but criticism of other's works as well. What education, background, experience, listening skills, musical talent and motivation determines whether criticism is valid? Most so-called criticism is simply subjective opinion, sort of like my opinion of spinach (I don't like it), it has nothing to do with the intrinsic value of spinach and everything to do with personal taste. Also, much criticism is driven by envy - go to a site called The Composer's Forum and you'll see what I mean. People envy other's talents, careers, income, reputation - and I want nothing to do with any of that miserable mindset. If criticism really helps others to create better music, great, they should seek out and accept criticism. but that's not what helps me be a better composer or music producer.
I try to be supportive on Cakewalk forums by posting helpful hints regarding the use of Sonar, and also helping people resolve issues they are having, many of my posts through the years have been marked as helpful. As far as supporting the work of others, again I must be honest. I don't support the work of others unless I believe their work is unique, outstanding and really competent. At the same time, I don't feel the need to tell others what's wrong with their music, or what about it doesn't move me. That's for them to figure out. Nobody is as much of an expert on one's own music more than the composer who wrote it!
Of course I appreciate when others like my work and say so, but that's not why I write music and not why I post music. How can I be responsible for the reactions of others? I cannot. As I said, this is a touchy topic with many ego and self-esteem issues being triggered. Trying to balance tact and tolerance with authenticity and honesty is not always easy. If people feel offended by what I wrote, that is neither my intent nor my problem. It's easy to attack someone when sitting behind a computer screen typing away oblivious to the reality of the other human being. People are so much more polite in person, but also more unwilling to risk confrontation. Go figure...
Jerry
www.jerrygerber.com