Another Side to My Experience
The following entry was prompted due to a conversation I had yesterday, with readers and friends of mine who are not members of Songstuff. Some of these people are not musicians, so keep that in mind.
As many of you already know, I consider myself as being a loyal member of this place. And while Songstuff DOES have its ups and downs, there is no other place id rather be. But there are also downsides to this choice. I am known for being relatively candid, so I thought it could be interesting to share with you guys how this conversation went down. Some of the questions and answers will be simplified for the sake of providing more convenient context.
So lets get right to it! we`ll start with the easiest question to serve as premise.
Question:
"VX, You have been a member of Songstuff since 2019. However. You have only started to actively participate and engage community members in the last few months. Is there any particular reason for that? or were you just busy?"
Answer:
I`m always busy. I have two jobs and many other responsibilities. Music is not the only production which I am involved in. Though in regards to my "sudden" surge of activity, there are a few misconceptions about that. The biggest one being, the fact that the majority of my activity has always been "in the shadows". So to that end, its not that I "disappeared" and "re-appeared". But rather, it was simply a matter of choice and wanting to try new things. All my old friends left the forum due to lack of activity and interests on their part. So it was either me starting to engage with new people, or continuing to stare into the abyss of the critique section 😅
Question:
"Are you suggesting that providing input in the critique section is a waste of time?"
Answer:
In many cases, absolutely. I mean, sure, some members do learn as they go, and take initiative and improve through engaging in conversation and honing their craft. I`m NOT saying that ALL cases are the same, and we DO in fact have many knowledgeable and helpful members that do contribute and can assist people on all kinds of production aspects. People like @john @Mahesh @Peggy @Steve Mueske @Popthree @Old Technology @Mind of Thorus @GregB just to name a few! those guys ARE trying to help!
* Hi Old Tech! I know that this is random, but nice too meet you! you seem cool, which is why I mentioned you 👍 *
But... without rattling the boat further, when it comes to many of our posters, I feel like many of them are simply posting songs to receive compliments or to get more "clicks". Which in my opinion is unfortunate because the whole point of critique is to engage in a meaningful discussion for the sake of betterment. And, sadly, only a handful of members here ever gave me the impression that they are interested in that. Perhaps you guys (my readers) have had better experiences than I have. But this Blog is all about MY perspective, so.. 😅 and like I told my boy @Steve Mueske, I simply don`t see much point in trying to help every single person. In other words: I think that only those that show that they are interested in critique, should get critiqued. Otherwise, they are simply wasting people`s time. This is just my opinion mind you!
Question:
"Do you think that most of the musicians in Songstuff have a chance to succeed? Do you think this place has objectively good music?"
Answer:
Those are inappropriate questions! Normally I wouldn't answer something like that. However. Its been a while since I made some provocative content that might trigger people 🧐 I fear that my regular readers might fear that I have "gone soft"! so I will answer those questions as candidly as I possibly can! I would also like to give credit to @James Anderson for inspiring me to address this topic through in some form. Though do I look forward to when you decide to write about similar subjects! i`ll be tuning in!
The short answer would be: This place does have a lot of good musicians that make good music - there is no shortage of talent. But I think that - in most cases - its never going to go beyond the point they are already in. Its like, lets hypothesize for a sec that all musicians in here would achieve great commercial success. We talking, like, RIGHT NOW, at this moment. Lets say we have all magically become celebrities, overnight - You woke up in the morning and had to deal with millions of followers (both fans and haters), and you had to both answer and account for - all the responsibilities that comes with that. This is your new life. JUST. LIKE. THAT. Would YOU be ready for that? RIGHT NOW? just something to think about! 😵
My point being - while its true that each person is different - it is logical to assume that if a person would souly rely on the experience they have gained through an online forum (and nothing else) - than they would likely be overwhelmed. I have mentioned these specific circumstances ("breaking through" via online promotion on a forum, without having prior experience in the entertainment industry) in an attempt to explain why I think that most people that come here - are probably satisfied with where they are at currently.
In other words: I think that most people that come to Songstuff are not interested in being famous (myself included!). This is a cousy place, a comfortable and controlled environment. So to that end, the real question becomes: Its not about who could succeed - But rather - Who should? and i`m afraid that is a question I am unable to answer. I mean, sure, I could sit here and tell you whose music I think has great potential, and whose music I think is never going to go anywhere. If you don`t believe that, go ahead: TRY ME! 👍 But anything I say, would just be my opinion. And I could be "objectively wrong".
Question:
"So would you tell me, or any of your other readers, if you think that their music sucks?"
Answer:
I don`t think that would serve a meaningful purpose. Though.. I suppose if someone REALLY wanted me to do something like that, than id start by making a poll that asks: "So who wants me to take a shit on their music!" . That way nobody could blame me if their feelings get hurt 😅👍 Seriously though, id rather not do something like that!
Question:
"Do you think that people on Songstuff like you?"
Answer:
I think some of them do. The majority are probably either mildly curious or completely indifferent. Though I do know that some of the people in the forum dislike me. Which is cool, you know? i`m very quirky and that`s not everyone's cup of tea. I can also talk for day`s, which is also off putting for some people.
Question:
"Would you be willing to collaborate with someone from Songstuff?"
Answer:
Ironically, I come here to escape my responsibilities as a musician and producer 👍 meaning, that Songstuff is my chillout place. Though if we talking making music just for fun, because we can, with no written agreements and no bullshit business attachments? than yeah absolutely! if anyone wants to do something with me - contact me in private and we`ll see what we can do!
Though unfortunately, as always, I need to cut my writing short because something came up. I wanted to continue to write, but I can`t right now 
though before I leave, I will address the questions I myself have raised in my previous post! now you`ll see what I meant when I said that my replies are boring, @john!
BONUS QUESTIONS:
* Do you feel like people care about the music you share on Songstuff? *
Not really, no 🤣 I mean, sure some of them might have enjoyed it. But I can`t imagine most people listening to my stuff for fun. Most people here are into different things that I am. I mostly make Metal/Classic/Electronic hybrids - how do YOU think that crosses over in a general music forum? I also work on Soundtracks, which is kinda like glorified elevator music on steroids. Even I don`t listen to that shit, more than I have too! 👍
* Have you made any real fans here? *
I don`t think I did. Though I HAVE made a few stalkers, if that counts!
* Have you made any real friends here? *
I hope so!
That`s all the time I have for now. Peace! Let me know what you think in the comment section below! 
Oh wait. Before I forget. Someone on SC "dared" me to Tag someone random as "proof" that we have active members. No problem. Here. This is @Jim622. Sorry for tagging you, dude. You probably have NOOOOO idea why you have been tagged, especially at the bottom line of the entry, where you`d have to go through all of... THIS, just to make sense of things. I`m sorry though I do hope you enjoy the read. My Blog is a bit of a roller coaster at times. If you like this sorta content, your welcome to share your insights. I remember you!
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