Commentary etiquette
Sometimes things get heated.... most of the time it's utterly unnecessary.
There is a website called the Muse Songwriters where I've had to actually ban 8 members because of their hatred for anything Trump or with a Conservative nature. I call them the "hateful eight" because of their nasty and arrogant rants against my song content. But that's not the worst of it. In their arrogance, they will never concede one nasty, foul remark while the dozen, or so, moderators let it fly. I've been posting on the Muse since 201, when it was a fun and healthy site. Lately, I'm just ignored.
I bring this up because this site moderator, Owen, is having a hard time handling the emotions being put out here in full display. I've got to say, this is nothing, compared to the Muse.
In my opinion, our discussions that veer off any criticizing from the structure and melody is what actually gets to the heart of the song. As songwriters, everything about the song is important. Do we watch a movie only because of its technical aspects, or do we want to see a good story, combined with a great soundtrack and directing, for example.
Those four pages I got with "Take On The Fire" was one of the best threads I've ever had. All the chatter surrounding the song, and all the chatter elsewhere was really great.
Same with "Let's Make America Great Again". I love the bantering, as long as we are all adults.
Unfortunately, the Muse is made up of too many self-absorbed pseudo-intellectuals that think that their opinions are the only ones that matter.
Fortunately, we have Owen and a huge number of adults that don't take it too far... IMHO.
Comments
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This needs to be in the general comments section
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I didn't want it to go unnoticed!
People need to read it. it can be moved later to the dust bin of ignored words, later...... please!
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No, you have to follow rules. this section is about lyrics. this goes into the general discussion forum.
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[Moved]
Tom, I hear you about wanting this thread to be noticed, but I think people will still find it here in the General Discussion.
And I'm happy to hear your views. I used to be a member of other websites, but I'm not any longer, so it's interesting to hear how others operate.
As long as people are being reasonable, I'm usually happy to let discussion flow. The exception would be where people have marked it with the Sensitive Topic text. In those cases we need to respect the poster's wishes and keep strictly to commentary on the song.
I think we do go off track sometimes, and whether that's a good or bad thing depends as much on the Original Poster as it does on those commenting. Sometimes it's an amusing distraction, other times it feels like filling up the thread with junk. Not sure there's a policy I can use that's going to fit all occasions.
Fortunately, most threads are positive. We have decent people who understand their own view isn't going to be universally shared.
And thank you for the nod!
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@RainyDayMan - Thanks owen.
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To me, the Sensitive Topic text should be treated as sacrosanct. Any disregard of this instruction should be treated with a response that recognises the O.P. rights, not the disrespect of those ignoring it.
First fault on the thread: warning to all those involved
second fault on the same thread: 1 week suspension
third fault on the same thread: find yourself another forum!
drop the carrots, your dealing with narcissists!
This is a forum for songwriters, not a platform for extremists, decent people don't mind rules, apply them!
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Thanks Owen
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if you have a post left to open comments, that's fine. but what's been happening lately is that political, sociological and religious comments are being made where the OP specifically requested the subject kept the lyrics themselves. And in one instance the hijacker thought it would be funny to see off topic posts go into 2 pages, specifically in the post where the OP requested comments to be kept to lyrics only.. that is being disrespectful. It has gotten so bad, that I had to block somebody here, because I got tired of every time I open a post, there was one of the three items I mentioned before in a post where it didn't belong. this isn't a site about politics, religion or sociological issues. it's a music site and the conversations in the lyrics section should be kept to that. However, If you write a hot button topic and want an open discussion, have at it.. but if somebody writes a hot button topic and requests that comments be kept to lyrics, then give them that respect. freedom of speech doesn't grant you the right to step on somebody's request and say what you have to say, regardless, you still have to be respectful. There is also the General discussion section available to talk about any subject you want.
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OK
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No sense of humor . Some of these rants are funny
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Got that right
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I think the case for posts including the "Sensitive Topics" text is clearer. There we need to respect the OP's wishes. There's also an onus on me to intervene earlier with a warning to keep things on track. I think generally people respond favorably once they realise they're overstepping the mark. So I take that on board. And if not, there is a stronger case for any disciplinary actions. Also, to be clear, we need to avoid off-topic comments here as well. The ask is to strictly comment on the songwriting. That can feel awkward, especially if the content is topical, it can feel like: well what is there left to talk about? But that's the ask, and there is always the option not to comment, or to post your own song, or a general discussion thread.
On normal posts, I am going to play these by ear. I don't think hard and fast rules apply. I would say however, to be mindful when you are posting in someone else's thread. It's very easy to derail a conversation and the OP misses out on valuable feedback, which is what they posted for. Especially, try not to introduce sensitive or controversial topics into a thread that didn't start with them. These can easily get out of hand, and in the worst cases I end up closing the thread, and the OP misses out on the chance for any further relevant feedback. That's unfair. But normal conversations do wander, so there is some leeway there.
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Wander ? Well that happens on political songs I've noticed
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The other option is to simply block them, like I have 3 people now.. if they can't be respectful and want to scratch whatever itch they have, and continue to be insulting, then I don't have to deal with their non-sense.. problem solved.
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Elvis, I think you're the king of ramblin' conversations! 🤣
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ha ha ha , to much coffee
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I didn't think anything Elvis or myself said derailed anyone's thread.
But rest assured, I've taken notes. Thanks, all!
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Laughter is science proved good for your heart and you will live longer
I don't take things to serious anymore
My buddy watches all them news channels and wonders why he can't sleep , well duh
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I've never had problems sleeping......And I sleep even better know (obvious reasons) 😁
I sleep like a baby. Be it fishing or songwriting.... it's all about the hook.
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Well I watch funny cat and dog videos , I get the broadcast from my buddy on politics , he's loves that stuff . Aren't you worried he asks ? Not really , He's a devout liberal . When this Calif warms up , back to fishing Tom
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"Well I watch funny cat and dog videos"
Oh... you're one of those 😗
Went fishing last evening...... the bass are in early... yippie!!
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I watched Trump to congress last night for while , Will see
Yes I'm one of those . less stress
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So did I. There was a lot to see.... and it was very "telling".
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If they can get groceries down and gas , I'd be happy . Dems weren't to happy , par for the system
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No taxes on tips, SS, and OT would be a great help!
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That won't help me , since I still work . he's got some good ideas , let see how it pans out
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How about no tax on OT (over time)?
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I never worked by the hour in my life , Seems like a good deal though for folks that do . The no Tax on Social Security , still might help me , I'm not sure . Wild fires effect taxes , not sure how yet , why I have accountants
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Same problem , no unity between parties
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Why on earth should there be no tax on tips? Same with overtime? It makes no sense.
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Howdy, Stranger!