JPF Home Page Forums General Messages General Message Forum What is going on?

Short rant. Why does everything in here lately seem to be about reality television contests and AI? Those aren't the only threads, but they seem to be the only ones with any traffic. I am a bit surprised given that most of the people I know here are mature enough to not let the the Hollywood glitter emanating from their big screen TVs damage affect them, and yet that is all anyone seems to be talking about. I understand in the case of the guy who has a song in the finals wanting to talk about it, and I do wish him the best. But what actually happened to last year's winning song? Was it ever cut? Did it chart? Or was it forgotten? Unless the prize for winning one of those contests was a guaranteed cut and single release on a major album, I would pass no matter how many people watch the show each week. By next year, nobody will remember? ..... Taylor WHO?

OK! I am not criticizing anyone in particular; just one of those days, I guess. I am sick and depressed and broke and can't breathe because of massive congestion. But even if I were not, I would never go on one of those stupid reality TV shows. All those shows do is ridicule real people for ratings, making them do things they wouldn't otherwise do (like eats worms on the Fear Factor) just for the promise of fame and/or money, when the ones making the REAL MONEY are the ones doing the exploiting.

I cannot speak for the Reality TV shows; but here is my opinion about American Idol and why it is a hot topic. First, it is a music oriented show, regardless of how you view it. This is a music oreinted site. So, the two have a bit in common. it is the highest rated show in the country and has been since its inception.

A lot of folks don't like it. But, obviously, quite a few more like than those who do not. When you have that huge of an audience appeal, it is going to generate interest and discussion. Those who do not like the show feel the excess attention is a foolish waste of time. Those who like the show find the discussions interesting. Thus, it simply boils down to what one's opinion of the show is.

I absolutely LOVE baseball. My father played in the minor leagues. I grew up with. I watch and read just about everything i can about it. I am not a big football fan. Ihave watched 3 Super Bowls in the past 12 years and almost never watch regular season and play-off games on TV. It simply does not interest me. therefore, it is a waste of my time to watch anything football related. The folks who are obsessed with football and do not like baseball feel just the opposite...baseball coverage is a waste.

But, I do not mind if those folks do not like baseball. I do not try to convince them that they are wrong or that I am right. I just accept that we have different interests and that's okay.

That takes me back to the American Idol discussion. Why can't those who enjoy just watch it and have their fun. And why can't those who do not like simply watch something else and don't worry about those who do like American Idol. If a person does like Americam Idol, join in the discussion. If not, move onto a different thread that is a topic of interest to that person.

Just my thoughts.

Al

I'll just post the blog I wrote earlier today:

"It's easy to get overwhelmed with the dysfunction in the world. I feel the only way we can make a difference is to become consciously aware in our own lives and work to remove ego & negativity from what we do and say. If we treat the people we meet with respect, if we have integrity to look & and work on ourselves from the inside out, then we are part of a movement to become more consciously aware of life and living. If we treat each moment as precious, then the light within us is like the ripples in a pond… spreading out to others. If we work to develop our own creativity, then we are open to the flow of inspiration and that might inspire others as well. If each of us does this in our own lives, then gradually this positive energy will grow. This is what I believe.

I can't change what my government is doing, I can't change what is happening overseas. But I can make an effort to be a good mentor to my students and others, I can make an effort to see the good, and appreciate the gifts I have been given, I can work to be consciously aware in the present moment. I can try to let go of the pain of the past and the worry about tomorrow. In my own small way, living from the inside out, I hope to lift and lighten those around me."

and what Al said. I've never understood boxing, or wrestling, or survivor

Hummin'bird

PS - AI will be over by the end of this month, anyway.

It probably does not help but you have many that totally identify with you in every way and share in your rant!

But... Hummin'bird has waxed profound and quite eloquent. I want to thank her for taking the time to post those words. Now THAT will lift you up.... and she probably is right too!!!!!

You may not take much stock in this and that is cool but I'm (as the song says) going to do it anyway. Will pray for you tonight that your day tomorrow will be a lot better and that your depression and congestion will get better.

Thomas

Thanks, man.

Depression is usually not a really big issue for me. I tend to stay quite positive regardless of how much my life might suck at any moment. It has just been a very tough year. I was unable to work last year because of health issues and was not able to conduct much of a job search (for the kind of work I do, there is a hiring season). I have something lined up for the fall but it is a long way until then. Plus I have been having very severe chest pain, mostly from a broken left arm I sustained last May, but I also have a history of heart problems (2 stents four years ago) and the pain mimics the pain I had from that so it is quite stressful. I am FAR TOO YOUNG for this.

The only positive thing that has gone on with me during the past year is that I have written some amazing songs and have no doubt that I could be in the running for a possible staff writing deal if I had the money to get them professionally demoed. I am just struggling to pay the rent at the moment.

Anyway, sorry if my original post seemed too negative.

Sounds like you are having a tough time. Sorry to hear that. Hope things get better soon.

hugs
Vikki

That's debatable

I am with you in wanting the boards to be "buisier"..but, I, for one, have had nothing really new or exciting to report.

I don't know if that's what it is. Maybe no one thinks anyone else here wants to discuss what is on his/her mind.

I have been tempted several times to post random/off topic stuff about my kiddos and parenting, but have thought beter of it, as I am hanging with some real "pros" in my mind, who really could not care less!

So maybe everyone feels this way, and it is causing a lull. I dunno.

For the record, I have noticed you posting some more topics, and I appreciate your attempts to stir up the convo here!

-Jamie

PS I hope you are feeling better, soon! Financial worries are the pits. I can't imagine combining that with the physical ailments you are describing.

I will add my prayers to Thomas's.

I see it like this now... You don't talk with friends about religion or politics, or try to bestow the vitues of AI, 'cuz there are none!

new artists who don't write thier own music can't possibly be a bad thing for songwriters. i've personally met several people who have written songs that past idol contestants have cut...i won't drop names but 2 of them made over a million bucks on a single for an ex-idol now country star female. they were pretty happy about it, but weren't dwelling on it, they were already working on getting that next cut with another great song, that's our competition. those young non-writing artists need songs, and hey, i just happen to be a songwriter so to me that can only be a positive thing, especially with so many of the established artists writing for themselves and snagging a co-writing credit if you get a good song in front of them...an artist who needs me ++++ that's my take....moker

I think there's a little bit of truth in what everyone is saying here...

My take on why the conversation continues on American Idol is that aside from the entertainment factor (which I won't debate at this juncture), it is an on-going process. Week to week, there are new topics to discuss (Paula's flubs, the various conspiracy theories, who's doing well, etc.). PLUS, I think it's a subject that anyone can comment on.

On the other hand, if there was a thread on say, the pros and cons of a given musical technique...I think first of all, a person would have to have some experience with the technique...and then likely, if you did, you'd probably say your piece and move on. Not that a conversation couldn't ensue about it...but it's more of a cut and dry topic.

For the record, I've enjoyed the show, as I've made clear in past posts. I've made a lot of good contacts thru the AI forum, and have become quite friendly with one past Idol and his family. But, as they say in Latin class: "de gustibus non disputandem est" (loosely translated: "to each his own"!)

Anyhoo, hope you're feeling better. Can appreciate the distress about ongoing medical situations...

Take care,
Beth

No...not to negative at all... just real.

I've battled depression before and it does not fight fair and it is very real.

Right now I'm out of work in an extreamly difficult to find a job area of central Georgia. I'm partially dis-abled from diabetes but not enough to qualify for disability. Right now we only have my wife's income which is only about $1,200 a month. We get some help from family but that is limited. We are renting a little 2 bedroom duplex in a bad part of town. It is all we can afford. The State of Georgia says we should be able to get by with $120 a month for food. I guess none of them have been to a grocery store of late! lol

I'm trying to do anything I can to make some money. Anything legal that is! That is why I posted a question here about what to charge for transcription services. Seems there is a need here and there for some of that and it is something I can do. There are days that the money issues just get to be way too much to deal with so as they kids like to say... "I feel you!" Man... I can't believe I wrote those words!!!

For us, anyway.. and I respect that this does not do it for everyone... it is our faith that keeps us going. I can honestly say that in the midst of our serious trouble we are not giving in to despair and we have a great hope for the future. Sometimes we just wish it would hurry up and get here!!!

Sorry for the long wind here... just hoping to let you know that you are not alone and there are people that can identify with your experience and wish you a quick recovery!

Thomas

I have been struggling recently too, and I feel for you all that have it worse than I do.

Vicki, your words are beautiful, VERY true, and inspirational in a REAL way. Thanks

Hey, just to answer the original poster's questions about the winning song. It will be on the album of the winner and will be released as the first single. Last year's song, as I recall from reading, hit #15 on the charts.

My song in the AI top 20 was a rewrite of another song I had written called "Dream Again." Somehow the original "Dream Again" song seems applicable to some who have posted in this thread. Hope you don't mind if I post the lyric:

Dream Again © 2008 Perry Smith

I know you’re not where you planned to be
Sometimes life has a way of crushing all our dreams
You can’t let it own you
You have to live again

(Chorus)
No matter what you’re feelin’ now, you can’t give in, don’t let it keep you down.
You gotta dream again.
Take the lessons learned and move ahead, let go of the past, forget regrets and dream again.

I don’t pretend to know just how you hurt
And what I say may sound like nothing but empty words
But I hate to see you broken
When you have so much to give

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
A part of you feels dead inside, can’t get out of bed, can’t stop the cryin’, you’re afraid the sun may never rise again

You’re not the only one to feel this way
Others have made it through and I know you’ll see the day
When the tears will disappear
And you will dream again

(Repeat Chorus)

Hope things get better.

Perry

RBlight,
I agree... total waste of time, and sadly the only ones making the "real" money are the ones doing the exploiting.

Unfortunately there's a sucker born every minute, but that doesn't make such exploitation ethical, moral or do anything to help raise the standards of society. It's all going down the "tubes" with these crazy wacky shows. It's only about "entertainment" from which little or nothing can be learned.

Maybe someone will write a good song about it?
Michael

Thanks everyone for the concern. I can tell you that when things are going bad in your life, there is nothing that can lift you out of your depression, with the possible exception of morpheme, like song writing and the creative process in general. You never feel as alive as when you are in the process of creating something that wasn't there before. I saw an interview with Paul McCartney when he was in the process of recording his last album and he said basically the same thing. Like everyone else, I would definitely love to get recognition for my work, but whether or not I ever get a single TAXI forward, the day I stop writing is the day I die.

The Eagles came pretty close in a cut on their new cd.. Long Road Out of Eden.... The song... Failed Grasp on the Big Picture... wow... lyrics are out of this world on target for this.

Thomas

Not to belittle this in any way, but clinical depression doesn't work like that. In my case, I was clinically depressed for several years. I couldn't write music, hell I didn't even feel like picking up my guitar. Sometimes, medication is the only answer, and even that doesn't work for everyone. Even while on the various medications, you can experience the feeling of thinking through a fog. I was fortunate that after finally seeking help, being diagnosed, and going through six months of trying different medicines (through my doctor's direction), I was able to break through the depression. Not everyone is that lucky.

I don't want to hijack the thread, but I do want to make everyone aware that depression is a serious problem, and while I know the comments were made with good intentions, they do a disservice to persons who may have a very serious problem.

I do not suffer from clinical depression. My sister does, however, so I can understand where you are coming from.

I wasn't trying to make light of 'depression'.