That's a nice idea Dave.

Its a nice idea Dave however, music is subjective right down to the genre and without categorization may leave a trail of discontentment. 
 
It would be far better to include 'All Contributors' (past and present) who have contributed at least i.e. 20 posts and at least posted 1 song in the Songs Forum. The list is in alphabetical order that simply includes: Name and Links (personal and social sites), plus a thoughtful header message of what the Song Forum should be about for example, 'supporting fellow writers/musicians'. I'm sure a 'Contributors' list will be a great inclusion to the Songs Foum. The Sticky post #1 will be the actual list, after that.... anyone who is eligible to be on the list can simply post their details (name and links), but they MUST use the forum's default font, color, size and correct format exactly as is on the list (to make it easier for thread manager to edit i.e. copy/paste) and that will be edited in (post#1) by whoever decides to manage the list.
 
This list (Contributors) can be expand by providing Top-10 Contributors, obviously this elite group of Song Forum dwellers will have the 'most' contributions (posts and song posted, past and present)! Anyway, IMHO a much more solid (fair) system based on 'actual contributions'
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sorry Greg, you've lost me there. Not getting that idea at all. Birthdays...?

jamesg1213
Sorry Greg, you've lost me there. Not getting that idea at all. Birthdays...?

No, not Birthdays, exclude that which was only based on an idea to compile a list.
 
I'll edit my post.

Wow!  Lots of creative thinking going on in here!  Good stuff.  But it sounds a bit complicated and intensive for someone to have to maintain a list (or whatever) of that scope and magnitude.  And the whole concept of "good song" is SO subjective.  Honestly, the music I create is primarily for me...and it's really cool if other people enjoy it.  It doesn't bother me at all if they don't.  And my PRIMARY interest in the Songs Forum (and maybe HERE is where creative ideas might be useful..) is how does my MIX sound?  I really don't care if you think it's a "good song"...but did I RECORD IT well??  (Of course this is just my opinion, but I think that's what most of the folks want to hear about in the comments, at least I do.)  For me it's about the creative, skillful, technical use of SONAR as our DAW of choice and what did we do with it today?
 
I have reviewed quite a number of songs in the past I really didn't like at all, but the engineering/production/mastering etc was a MASTERPIECE, and I said so.  Yeah, it's nice to receive praise, and everyone here seems to do that a lot I've noticed since I've rejoined the group, but I want brutal honesty about what the piece SOUNDS like.  And again, even THAT is subjective.  But if 12 out of 14 people say they can't hear the bass, or the guitar is behind the beat or out of tune, then THAT is constructive criticism and must be dealt with...to perfect my craft and learn what I need to work on.
 
My god... it's 5:40 and I haven't had my cocktail.....  lol

Thanks for giving it some thought, SongCraft. I agree, it could end up being a source of discontent. Seems pretty much everything upsets somebody these days.
 
There is a sizable subset of forum participants who are convinced their productions are first-rate because they simply lack the prerequisite experience and knowledge to be able to objectively self-evaluate. They don't take criticism well because they honestly believe their masterpieces to be flawless. Fortunately, they are a minority. Most posters are both seeking and offering helpful advice.
 
I'm not concerned about genre bias. Although I'm no fan of most contemporary genres, that just means I probably wouldn't nominate any EDM or hip-hop tracks. But then, if you're an EDM practitioner you don't want me judging your stuff anyway as I am unqualified. I'm confident that others who are fans would take up the slack and make sure their preferred genres are represented.

tbosco
...the whole concept of "good song" is SO subjective.  

I agree. But I think a song could qualify for distinction based on more than one criterion. It could be a mediocre song with extraordinary performances. The mix could show outstanding technical merit, or it could just have world-class lyrics or some imaginative synth programming. Anything that represents a standard of above-average quality in one or more categories.
 

Hi Tony,
 
You raise very important points. 
 
IMHO I believe the lines seem to be blurred between the Techniques and Songs forums so much so that they could be merged into 'one' forum. This would indeed bring more traffic, more participation, more focus on what would definitely be a very useful source of shared knowledge / information.
 
That said, if that idea goes ahead --- it be more convenient (not having to switch between one forum and another) and usually if there is a song or sample of a song posted it will have the OP comment for example. "Would greatly appreciate advise about the mix. Thanks".  That topic is clearly defined in itself. Therefore, I see no problems (no confusion)! 
 
Actually, the more I think about 'Merging the Two Forums',  the more beneficial and convenient for  everyone...  IMHO this is a great solution: Songs and Techniques (forum) AND......
 
What should be created is, Hall of Techniques (or Fame) (read only forum) this new forum is a collection of great topics (OP) moved from the Techniques forums.   Dave, I'm sure a lot of your contributions will be worthy.
 
So, what ya' all think about that idea?
 
 

bitflipper
 
... It could be a mediocre song with extraordinary performances. The mix could show outstanding technical merit, or it could just have world-class lyrics or some imaginative synth programming. Anything that represents a standard of above-average quality in one or more categories.
 

I agree.  But don't you think it will be a lot of work for someone to maintain the records?  So I question the sustainability of the Forum in that respect.
 
Look...I'm no rapper...I HATE rap music.  But my ears can tell me if the song is recorded well or not (I think, lol), and my comments on a rap tune in the Forum MIGHT be of value to the poster.  So don't put yourself down too much in critiquing an EDM tune.  LMAO- I like making that kind of music (EDM) because of the beat and the synths used, and maybe fun to dance to... but I don't know CHIT about it in reality!  LOL

SongCraft
 
 
...Actually, the more I think about 'Merging the Two Forums',  the more beneficial and convenient for  everyone...  IMHO this is a great solution: Songs and Techniques (forum) AND......
  

 
Playing devil's advocate here a little......  so if a person wanted to know how to more effectively use a compressor on bass, or learn what a Transient Shaper does, or ask someone how to get the Haas Effect, he would be in the same Forum as the 27 guys who wants everyone to hear their latest hit singles?
 
It's kind of like the Song is the sum of the individual Techniques...and a poster usually wants comments on that total product.  Whereas the Techniques are individual components or tools used in creating a song...and someone may just need an education in one of the Techniques.
 
Then again, if some panel thinks my Song is good enough, IN SOME ASPECT, whether it be uniqueness, recording quality/professionalism, lyrical quality, catchiness, or just plain like it a lot, it would be cool to have it recognized somewhere....
 
I feel strongly both ways...  LOL