Thanks, Shayne... for an interesting thread.

You certainly know how to get songwriters "stirred up" and there have been some interesting replies. I tend to fall squarely in Big Jim's "camp" on this one. Jumping through hoops, facing twang-town during evening prayers, paying dues to a flawed fraternity... No Thanks! I'm content to "go it alone" and write what pleases me.

Sure, I realize I'm probably never going to "hit the big time." I started way too late in life and I have no connections of any significance. I'm not young, don't sing or play too well and have no aspirations of being a performer. Songwriting is what I strive to do and I'm fairly prolific. Over the years, I've learned that quantity means very little. If the truth be known, few, if any of us, will ever have our work recorded by anyone who really counts. Still, the thrill of the chase is a significant part of the "game" and I'll be chasing the dream until they drag me away into the nursing home.

My advice is: Do what pleases you first... learn the ropes, practice humility, co-write if you find like-minded writers and performers, practice the art of songwriting on a regular basis... daily if possible. Smile alot, keep your chin up and open up a "can of tenacity" every morning. Don't ever quit... 'cause all it takes is ONE!

My best to you all,

Dave