Hi Brian and everyone!
I've been following the different threads here and this is my first chance to put some thoughts down in print.
First of all, I have to thank you, Brian, for everything that has gone into my even being able to sit here and find a platform to express not only my lyrics but opinions on other people's work - Just Plain Folks is a wonderful place for all of us!
You will find me dubbed a Casual Observer, having only recently joined JPF. I think it might be good to remember that in a cyber place where you don't really know that much about the people who are sharing their thoughts and inspirations, even intimating that there are people who think of others as "jumping on the bandwagon" could be counter-productive.
Building a sense of community amoung songwriters is a bit like gathering a flock of birds (some of us are strange birds, to say the least!) displaying that kind of attitude has the potential of being like someone beating on a metal pie plate and the results are obvious.
My experiences posting have been extremely positive and constructive and have encouraged me to step out more and more in sharing VERY newly written lyrics - Judy, Wyman, Vondelle, Deb, to name a few have really been a tremendous encouragement to me, even though I have been writing for 30 years and have had top ten records in Europe.
As a songwriter, you never outgrow your need for community and input from others, it's an invaluable asset and one that needs to be nurtured just the way you all have done it here - I have felt like I was coming home in many ways.
And you who have mentioned acknowledging those who give you input, even when your pride may have taken a hit, are totally right, it's not easy to "pick and shovel" on someone's song!
Anyway, this has been a great time, working on this lyric contest, thanks again!