This JPF site is fantastic. FWIW - I found it through a book I picked up the library too, although I'm certain it wasn't "Songwriting for Dummies"...it was a different book but for the life of me I can't remember the title.

I have found this thread in particular to be very informative. Thanks to everyone for sharing. and it has pretty verified what I already believed.

The whole "internet music submittal" THING is kind of like moving from elementary to middle school to H.S. to college, etc. To really get a better view of who you are musically and what your chances are for success before wasting time, energy, and money....your best move is to start in "public school" (Garageband, etc) where it is free, you get thrown to the wolves, you get beat up at recess, and you start to get an idea what other kids like you or don't like you, and why.

You then move on to the private but affordable "secondary schools" like Broadjam, and are once again submitted to peer analysis, and you get a little better idea what "girls" (insert gender of choice) will kiss you with no questions asked; which ones let you know you don't have a snowball's chance in hell until you make the varsity football team; and which ones are definite maybes if you play your cards right.

Which brings you to graduate school, which to me is TAXI. If you can't get out of the like of Broadjam (or similar) or even GarageBand (or similar) with having been kissed a couple times....Taxi is probably not a good investment.

And then of course there's that whole "real world" thing after college and making money....

http://www.johnswansonmusic.com/