Jarsve
... I believe that those who think that they make music just for themselves are fooling themselves. Because you always make music for others to listen to. Sometimes it’s really obvious like Beethoven’s piano pieces. All were written too girls. The best thing is to be honest about it. ...

 
Regardless of what I say, you are not going to like it. Hopefully you can see that there are different people, and that many of them do it for different reasons.
 
Your statement is incorrect. And, on top of it, you are insinuating that all artists and the like are too stupid to know what they are doing, and why. There are just as many folks out there, and before us, that did not do this for an audience, and I believe you are confusing a means to an end, and because of it, you are adding a quandary to your inner self ... the freedom you want, you do not believe you can have with an audience, and at that point, you think that with your guitar crowing, you will stand out better and get more attention! And play the songs they want!
 
There are more failed folks out there because of the ego side of things, check out Hollywood, if you don't believe me, than there are folks actually taking their inner self seriously and doing things so they are not enslaved by a system that is predicated on robbing your soul. The proverbial "city of lost children" ... where your dreams get stolen!
 
And you make a statement that supports that system!
 

Jarsve ... Another thing to consider. If someone is depressed. Don’t say they just have to buckle up. That makes it worse. Like putting even more bad self-esteem and load on the shoulders that carry too much already. So please don’t do that. Just try to be nice and patient. ...

 
You are mis-interpreting it badly. It was not designed that way, and you can not see the difference.
 
If you want my opinion, ask, otherwise, this is not worth the hassle and discussion. Your examples are very poor, and an excuse to not discuss your own inner disposition ... this is about you, not anyone else, and you have to make a choice ... but remember, it will change your point of view on this subject!
 
Stop looking "outside" for an answer will be your best friend forever! Specially as an artist! Because anything else you look around for with be all over the place and more confusing than helpful. REMEMBER ... the "source" is inside you, not outside and that has NOTHING to do with an audience, and this is what you are confusing!

So, Lincoln was right?
 
“You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time”.

Although I'm sure there are and have been artists out there who have never once sought to share their art with or have it recognized by others they would be outliers. Of course many or most of us do it out of love and enjoyment of just creating it first and foremost but almost all, if asked (and answered truthfully), would say they'd like to have their art appreciated by others.
 
I think that was the point being made. Not that all artists FIRST motivation is success. More that on some level everything we create is, in some way, on some level, created for others to enjoy (or perhaps revile or simply acknowledge exists) as well.
 
We are a social animal hardwired to interact with our own species. Even art that is intended to repel, disgust and infuriate others is created to interact with those "others".
 
Even a Bhuddist or Hindi creating and destroying something like colored sand art in total isolation isn't necessarily doing it in a personal vacuum. It may not be for other humans to see but there is the idea that somehow the universe is an unseen spectator appreciating the effort and beauty.
 
And even the artists who TRULY have NONE of those external motivations are still trying to garner some appreciation from/deliver enjoyment to a conscious entity. Themselves.

Good post Beeps.
 

And even the artists who TRULY have NONE of those external motivations are still trying to garner some appreciation from/deliver enjoyment to a conscious entity. Themselves.

 
Very nicely put.

Thanks, but I feel we have strayed WAY too far off the Coffee House mission statement.
 
BECAN!!
 
and sometimes munkeys...
 
;-p

I'm not drunk. I just love hitting the helpful button!
That was precisely my point Beepster. I'm not good at words, but you nailed it. Thank you.

I can only assume that English is not your first language (being from Norway and all) so I think you do pretty darned good, Jarsve.
 
If you asked me to be as articulate as you are in my own second language (French) I would fail miserably.
 
Cheers, buddy.

Moshkito I think that we talk about two different things. So when I consider your possession and wives I agree with you.
 
And the last point in my post you referred to was not meant to you. It was just a reminder to all that depression is more than just feelings. And we all should remember that. I know we say we are depressed when something bad happens. That is not depression. Its jus bad feelings. Depression happens out of nothing when you should be happy. And when your life seems to be top. I was referring to that. Not people feeling bad for some reason. And it was not for you for being anything. It’s just a friendly reminder that we all have to think different when we encounter people being depresses.
 
And by the way. I don’t like self loving egos. I try my best not to stand out like that.
 
I am just not as smart as you guys. And when trying to say something I tell something else.

Depression is a complicated illness. It has a mental component but it can also have some real physical symptoms also. Fatigue, aches and pains are very common. I wish you well in getting it managed. Where there is life, there is hope.

Thank you!