I have no problem paying for critiques from people/services I trust, and the reason I'm willing to pay them for their feedback is that they are "in" the industry and look at my work the way the industry will -- and this is an extremely important perspective for me to get if I want to be successful at providing commercially viable music.

I also very very much value the feedback available to me from other songwriters/composers on forums such as these.

For example, I might write a song, make a worktape, get some feedback on a forum. Then I might rewrite using some of those thoughts. Then I make a new worktape and get a pro critique (depending on the genre) from Pat Luboff or John Braheny, etc. Then I might be ready to spend the time (and money) to make a demo.

It's never black and white. I don't see the problem in paying a few bucks for a pro opinion on commercial viability. I do see the problem with paying to demo songs that will go nowhere.

And no, it's never an exact science. But I prefer to use the resources available to help me assess the potential.

Vikki Flawith: Songwriter/Composer, Singer/Voice Teacher

12Feb10- *NEW BLOG: "BE YOUR OWN GURU ;)"

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