I mean, mostly when making threads, you're luck to even get 1 person to reply
This place used to be so awsome, what happened? :<

And as a note to all, Miho Fukuhara's "Let it out" (Fullmetal Alchemist ED) is a beautiful piece <3

Well, since you asked so nicely.
The main factors are we have so many sheets availible that fewer people are forced to request the sheets. Fewer wow-factor songs are coming out and forums get seasonal trade.
Speaking of trade I got my christmas bonus so where's that donate button. Hint hint.

I just started registering here, I didn't know this site had a forum before. SO ... I guess in total, that makes 3 O.O"

Yes, Let it out is an amazing piece. :) But anyways, I dunno about everybody else, but I usually just read threads and don't reply, because I don't usually have much to say.

As of the time im posting right now, 4,351 people.

;D

i come here quite often if only for the fact that this is the place where i grew up :X
edit: as sad as that may sound

i come here quite often if only for the fact that this is the place where i grew up :X
edit: as sad as that may sound

I know that feeling >.< I don't come here half as often as I used to, mainly for the reason that most people are like 12 and I'm not anymore. Also, face it, and people will agree with me, it's not what it used to be like when there were the meets and virtually everyone on here knew (or knew of) each other. Any time I tend to come on it's like oh there's no one to talk to- it used to be that you could come on any time of the day and have a nice gossip with *someone* you knew. I guess a lot of people I used to know on here have grown out of it/had live get in the way.

I first came here searching for sheet music through google when I was in Jr. High. It took me like 5years to realize that there was a forum haha. I am no graduated from university and I still come on once in a while. Although many times I'm like Kryshana. I just read and don't comment.

I know that feeling >.< I don't come here half as often as I used to, mainly for the reason that most people are like 12 and I'm not anymore. Also, face it, and people will agree with me, it's not what it used to be like when there were the meets and virtually everyone on here knew (or knew of) each other. Any time I tend to come on it's like oh there's no one to talk to- it used to be that you could come on any time of the day and have a nice gossip with *someone* you knew. I guess a lot of people I used to know on here have grown out of it/had live get in the way.

Fits me to a "T" aside from the meets (because I couldn't quite make it to England as often as others can. . .)

It saddens me, but true. I came on here when I got started with music and composition. It helped lots. Now people will come on here who weren't as aspiring maybe just even three years ago. That, all I know, is the big downfalls of the composition department. :/

Fits me to a "T" aside from the meets (because I couldn't quite make it to England as often as others can. . .)

It saddens me, but true. I came on here when I got started with music and composition. It helped lots. Now people will come on here who weren't as aspiring maybe just even three years ago. That, all I know, is the big downfalls of the composition department. :/
Don't forget that the average new member who posts in the composition forum is probably 14-15 year old people who write music for fun. They're here to have fun, and maybe get some tips and feedback and help each other out.

Just because you're older and more experienced now doesn't mean you have the right to talk down on them like that one guy did to the entire Compositions forum.
In fact, specifically because you have more experience you should be helping them out rather than talking down on them.

Zero, my friend, I was not talking down to them. I was only stating my observation, experience and my personal opinion.

From the experiences I've had with trying to help some youngsters, composition-wise, I would give advice and attempt to help them see where improvement could be used, yet many a time I would receive comments such as, "Thank you for the advice..but--" and the "but" was what really turned me off to the new community.

All I was saying is that many of the people who are starting out don't really want to hear the criticism, nor use it. I'm not here to talk down, at all. :)

Zero, my friend, I was not talking down to them. I was only stating my observation, experience and my personal opinion. The way you stated your personal opinion did come across as derogatory to the composers. You might not feel like you're talking down to them, but that's how it came across, which leads me to this point...


From the experiences I've had with trying to help some youngsters, composition-wise, I would give advice and attempt to help them see where improvement could be used, yet many a time I would receive comments such as, "Thank you for the advice..but--" and the "but" was what really turned me off to the new community.

All I was saying is that many of the people who are starting out don't really want to hear the criticism, nor use it. Maybe you need to use a different approach. People who are new or starting out need encouragement as well as soft critique or feedback. They need to know what they're doing right, and what they can do better without feeling like they're being criticized or that they're not good enough. Not everyone can handle poorly delivered criticism. Delivery is key when you're giving advice.

Hmm. I don't know... On the one hand I want to agree and say, yeah, be gentle to new composers, but on the other hand, I can see the point about being frustrated when they don't listen to, or even want, advice (despite ostensibly wanting it, by posting asking for it). If the composer seems to be hurt by legitimate technical or structural critiques, then maybe they only wanted praise? In which case, they should probably just post it on soundcloud or youtube and say "Hey guys, please listen to my tune" instead of posting here and asking for a review. Not that I've seen that lately, where people are only seeking praise, but it happens.

You both make good points. And Mazeppa might not be intending to be unwelcoming towards beginners. But, as you said, Zero, it's good to also praise what's done well, rather than only post about what's wrong. I think a lot of us forget that sometimes, so it's good that you're reminding us to add some positivity when reviewing.

This matter has been discussed between Zero and I via PM.

However, it is good advice for all. :)

the problem I have with the composition area is and always has been a stylistic one. it is as true today as it was in 2004 when I joined. pretty much the only person here I have ever been able to talk composition with is Mazeppa and pretty much ever since we started talking outside the forum I haven't bothered with it.

I am going to try to express my views here in the least derogatory yet honest way I am able to. In terms of my own composition I have a wide range of influences none of which are anime soundtracks. Therefore, I have never really found it a place in which to flourish. For many years I was churning out Debussy style pieces which I would post only to receive either what was effectively 'it sounds nice' or 'I don't know about this style of music', which as a developing composer myself at the time I found quite annoying after all the effort that had gone into it. The few people who did give advice effectively wanted more bog standard Classical conventions in my work. So there was a clear stylistic barrier there.

Equally, this barrier worked both ways. Having no interest or real knowledge in the styles other people here write in, I have never felt 'qualified' to make any advice of worth so I haven't. This is hopefully where I can point out that I am not being derogatory it has just always been the fact that there was little stylistic understanding between myself and other composers here.

That was when I was younger though. Now, I just don't even bother with posting my own works. A few years have passed and I am nearing the end of a music degree for which composition carries the most weight, so I have well and truly outgrown this place compositionally. That is not meant to sound arrogant, it's just a fact, and after paying all this money for a degree I would seriously consider giving up as a composer if I hadn't moved light years ahead of my previous compositional standards. I am probably now more able to help new composers out, having tried out a much wider range of styles myself. I just don't have the time right now with uni work; when I do have the time I will be happy to share advice.

I don't know if that went a bit off topic, but those are my views of composition in relation to these forums.

edit: Last attempt to sound non-derogatory- when I say outgrown this place compositionally, I mean personally in relation to my own standards. I am not saying I am too good a composer to be bothering with this forum. Just clarifying that.

To Thorn: I feel that it is just as you say. People have different preferences when it comes to music. These stylistic/genre differences make it difficult for people who are unfamiliar with a certain type of music to give or receive criticism. Also, since many people here are at varying stages of acquiring music degrees, and some know more than others when it comes to theoretical and technical aspects.

Btw, I personally saw nothing derogatory. You weren't disparaging in any way, nor did you lambaste or castigate anyone, so I think it was a very astute observation of the situation. Again, I think you're absolutely correct in saying that it's hard to give critiques or want to receive them if there's a lack of exposure to certain types of music in the potential reviewer(s).



In regards to the thread topic (addressing this to all thread viewers): When it comes to the lack of active, or new, members, I think a lot of people won't stay long if this place doesn't offer them something they want.

Some people come to find sheet music, some to just hang out/chat with people of common interests (common among the older set), and others to get reviews/critiques of their music compositions (or visual art). I'm sure there are more reasons too. But anyway, I guess it comes down to how well the desires of these people can be fulfilled, which determines how willing the members will be to participate and be active. I feel these are the big factors which shape the overall activity of the forum.

To start with, I think new people who come here will, many times, be looking for transcriptions of more recent music from games and anime (like stuff released within the last 5 years), and if they can't find it, they'll probably leave quickly. So it could possibly help to encourage transcriptions of more recent stuff (although older stuff is also still requested, somewhat, too). I feel that the more people who are willing to learn to transcribe, the more healthy and active this place can become. I know that a few methods have been tried in the past, to help and encourage new people to learn, including answering questions, and written guides. Beyond, that, I'm not sure what else can be done. In any case, enabling and encouraging people to try to learn to transcribe is an ongoing effort.

It might be a good idea to start encouraging a more welcoming attitude, especially towards the under-18 set. From what I can tell, a lot of people first got here when they were in middle/high school, which still seems to hold true, and (this is just speculation on my part) perhaps some of them are put-off by certain things, like vulgar words and caustic attitudes and such. Maybe it would prudent to at least consider some form of cuss-control, as silly as that might sound to some. Even though the forum allows swearing, maybe it's about time to consider changing that (just an idea). Is filtering certain words really such a bad idea?

Also, making sure that posted visual media (pictures/videos) are safe for kids eyes (or at least have a required disclaimer with spoiler tags), because otherwise, the kids who visit here will have to be wary of being caught stumbling upon something questionable when their parent walks in. An example: Linking to videos with scantily-clad anime characters (without some kind of warning) should probably be discouraged. Youtube allows a lot of stuff that many parents might have a problem with their kid seein, especially younger teens. I'm just thinking it might be good to make this place a bit more family-friendly.

Next up is respect. From what I've seen, if two or more people have an issue, instead of trying to solve it peaceably, they'll often publicly ridicule or castigate the other person, and won't hold anything back in their criticism. In other words, just let loose without thinking of the other person's feelings. And it'll often be done in the most demeaning way, for maximum effect/chest-thumping. Also, it's a frequent occurrence that people will jump to conclusions and assume bad faith/intention (as opposed to assuming good faith and giving people the benefit of the doubt). And there's a lot of guilt to go around when it comes to this. I'm definitely aware that I too have been guilty of some of these things, and I think a lot of the older crowd tends towards bluntness/antagonism as well, if an affront is detected.

I'd like to hope that we're all trying to better ourselves when it comes to interacting with other people. In any case, I feel it's an attitude problem endemic to this place, mostly because of a lack of rule enforcement, and also the fact that some of the people running the place (I won't name names) seem to set a bad example, which teaches the newbs that being a jerk is okay and not discouraged by the higher-ups (since they do it even to each other). Many newcomers probably see what goes on and think "Wow, this place looks scary. I sure don't want to step into that minefield." and then turn around and leave. I think this was all brought up in the general chat thread too, and Hopeless Composer made a good post on it. Basically, because of this "toxic environment", the longer people hang around here, the more likely they'll take on bully-like characteristics too.

So, step one: encourage mutual respect
Two: encourage private conflict resolution between parties
Three: bring in a mod/admin to arbitrate if the two or more parties can't resolve it on their own
Four: If none of that works, hand out temporary bans/suspensions (because maybe if the parties cool their heads, they'll return with a more reconciliatory attitude, once they're permitted back on the forums)

Another thing is misinterpretation, especially of jokes. I see this a lot, where someone will write something, and then another person will be quick to interpret it with a negative meaning, even though no ill-will was intended (and I've been guilty of this too, misinterpreting "playful" words as being hostile). This mostly happens in the general chat thread, but has happened elsewhere too, where someone says something jokingly, but the other person thinks they're serious. So maybe it would help if people who make sarcastic jokes give more hints that it's sarcasm, or maybe just try to not make jokes that could be taken the wrong way, or done at someone's expense, and so on.

Speaking personally, I -frequently- have a great deal of trouble detecting sarcasm, especially in written form, which lacks the verbal cues of audible conversations. Consequently, in the past here, I've sometimes taken non-serious words seriously and responded based on that assumption. So, like I said, it might help for people to try to make sarcasm to be a little more obvious, or more use of qualifiers in post (such as "j/k" "*joking*" "*sarcasm*" or a winking smiley ;-) or something like that). You know, just... something to make the sarcasm a little more conspicuous can go a long ways towards preventing a spat/squabble. Again, not everyone is able to detect sarcasm through text (especially non-native English speakers) so if anyone is thinking of just saying "people should lighten up" doesn't really apply (just in case anyone was thinking that).

And also there is the reviewing factor, which we've already gone over in these last few posts. As Zero said, we should remember to praise good parts and not only criticize what we feel is bad. I feel this can't be over-emphasized. It's so easy to forget to put in praise, and I know because I've forgotten too (I did the last time I tried to critique a piece on here). So I guess in instances where one can't think of anything positive to comment, it might be better to not post at all, rather than just post only a criticism. And I guess that kind of goes along with just being more respectful towards people, and trying to consider things from their perspective, and not just our own.


Those are my thoughts/opinions on how to attract/retain more members anyway.


P.S. This post is probably way longer than it needed to be, lol. I tend to repeat things unnecessarily when I'm trying to get all my thoughts across, so... sorry about the rambling.

lol, and I thought my posts got long at times xD

Lots of good points though. Some things I can't really comment on having not experienced that side of the forum (such as visual media stuff).

I think people who only come to the site looking for transcriptions/sheet music will leave quickly even if given what they want. I am like that myself on another forum (with sheet music, I transcribe anything I want myself) like I literally only go on there if I want something then to check if anyone has posted it, I don't think a single post on there of mine isn't a score request. You do get people like that on sites like this, it's an inevitability and there's nothing wrong with that. People like that don't have much interest in the forum community as such unless it has something outside the free sheet music to offer them.

I feel awkward commenting on the next point about swearing/vulgarity looking at my own sig and the fact a lot of the old lot call me dildoman >.< I am unsure on my own views as to what it does towards welcoming people. Skipping towards a later point about it being in the way things come over when we type, I think that applies.

I'm going to merge this in with the next point about respect. Basically the site has been going for a long time now and you get a lot of people who like azn said practically grew up here. Like I said in an earlier post, there was a time where there was much more sense of a community with everyone talking to each other and the meets etc, and I guess because of that people became really lax about the fact that some of us swear and some of us are vulgar etc. I suppose in a sense there's not so much respect about that towards younger members and a kind of 'we've been here so long we're part of the furniture we'll do whatever the hell we like' attitude? I am not in a place to really comment on how new/younger people feel about the place because I've been here for what 6+ years.

Interaction and people running the place. Personally I am usually blunt about things but try never to be antagonistic. Respect is something that has to be earned, it's never given freely. You can demand basic levels of respect in that people curb the bitchiness or that there's no outright bullying, but anything more than that has to be earned. This is a good time to breach on the touchy subject on any forum of the people running it. People can develop a habit of treating them like some kind of god and tiptoeing around them and that encourages them to develop inflated egos and to act like they actually are god and to start being twats to everyone. I get on with some in the admin/moderator group, others I think are total idiots. But to all of them I have always had the attitude of I am going to treat you like I would anyone else, if you have a problem and ban me then go for it I have most of the people I like on msn or facebook or something so whatever. With that kind of attitude you've got more chance of getting respect from them than if you put them on a pedestal.

I think the 'toxic environment' comment is a bit harsh? I have never found this place to have a bullying characteristic. Maybe I should frequent general chat more to get an updated view of how it is right now...

Misinterpretation happens. I think this is largely about not jumping down someone's throat. Example, if someone makes a comment that could be taken as sarcasm or as being a bitch, respond as if it's sarcasm. That saves possibility of you being the horrible one when you take it the wrong way, and equally if they did mean it in a bad way and you respond to it as if you thought they were joking, it squashes an arguement before it can happen; it's like stopping something before it can start and is the more adult thing to do. Lesson here= don't take the bait.


Pretty pointless post on its own, more of a response to the last one. I think I'm going to venture outside the music boards for a while and get a better idea of how things are atm so I can better comment.

I think people who only come to the site looking for transcriptions/sheet music will leave quickly even if given what they want. I am like that myself on another forum (with sheet music, I transcribe anything I want myself) like I literally only go on there if I want something then to check if anyone has posted it, I don't think a single post on there of mine isn't a score request. You do get people like that on sites like this, it's an inevitability and there's nothing wrong with that. People like that don't have much interest in the forum community as such unless it has something outside the free sheet music to offer them.
Yeah, that's true. I guess my hope is that for the ones who do stay, they'll find the place less objectionable after certain things change.


I feel awkward commenting on the next point about swearing/vulgarity looking at my own sig and the fact a lot of the old lot call me dildoman >.< I am unsure on my own views as to what it does towards welcoming people. Skipping towards a later point about it being in the way things come over when we type, I think that applies.
I suppose my point was that there are younger folks who come here, and also people who'd just plain prefer not to see crassness on a music site. And honestly, if one can't get ones point across without curse words, then is it really such a good point? That's why I'm in favor of filtering of vulgar words and consequences for trying to circumvent the filter. As I said before, I'd prefer the place be more family-friendly.

I understand that a lot of members who know each other well have no problem using curse words and joking with each other (I do it too). It's just when cursing becomes visible to potentially younger folks. In other words, if people want to joke with each other and use swear words in private convos or PMs, fine, just not in publicly viewable areas of the forum, where people outside the conversation can see it.


I'm going to merge this in with the next point about respect. Basically the site has been going for a long time now and you get a lot of people who like azn said practically grew up here. Like I said in an earlier post, there was a time where there was much more sense of a community with everyone talking to each other and the meets etc, and I guess because of that people became really lax about the fact that some of us swear and some of us are vulgar etc. I suppose in a sense there's not so much respect about that towards younger members and a kind of 'we've been here so long we're part of the furniture we'll do whatever the hell we like' attitude
I'd agree that that is partially it, but I personally feel it doesn't cover the whole spectrum of the inherent problems on the forum.


blunt about things but try never to be antagonistic.
"blunt" was the wrong word on my part. The way I wrote it, I intended blunt to mean "lacking in civility", even though that's not the right definition. So, yeah... Improper word usage on my part.


Respect is something that has to be earned, it's never given freely.
When I say "respect", I just mean, treating people with basic human kindness and consideration. The way any person would want to be treated. Basically, the golden rule.

I think you're using 'respect' in as in 'esteem' or 'admiration'. In which case, I would agree that 'admiration' has to be earned.

So, I should have said 'courtesy' or 'kindness', rather than 'respect'.


I think the 'toxic environment' comment is a bit harsh?
Well, I was quoting someone when I said that, but I basically agree with what they said.


I have never found this place to have a bullying characteristic. Maybe I should frequent general chat more to get an updated view of how it is right now...
I suppose it might depends on how one interprets or defines bullying.


Misinterpretation happens. I think this is largely about not jumping down someone's throat. Example, if someone makes a comment that could be taken as sarcasm or as being a bitch, respond as if it's sarcasm. That saves possibility of you being the horrible one when you take it the wrong way, and equally if they did mean it in a bad way and you respond to it as if you thought they were joking, it squashes an arguement before it can happen; it's like stopping something before it can start and is the more adult thing to do. Lesson here= don't take the bait.
I was trying to cover the sarcastic comments that are either mean-spirited or contemptuous or intended to goad/antagonize another person, or at least can be easily interpreted that way. Those are the types I feel should be discouraged, as they violate the "treat every member with kindness" principle that I'm trying to promote.

I realize that people who've known each other a long time understand each other well, but that doesn't make okay to set a bad example for others by razzing each other publicly. I believe that new members will see it and get the wrong impression. Or if people do it to those they don't know well, who might not get the joke, and take offense, that's also not okay in my opinion. In other words, I think people should keep the potentially offensive jokes (like I said with the curse words above) and snide sarcasm private or in off-site areas (like facebook and other such sites).

In regards to the swearing and things..we do have an age limit on the forums. Anyone found to be under that is usually dealt with pretty prompt.

Not saying this means we should swear more..just, that the rule is in place with regards to age. My brother is under the age limit for here and he uses more swear words than I do..

I just read this entire page. And you guys said it, you guys said it all.

I am humbled. I have much to learn myself.

Just a suggestion :

Maybe this thread should be moved to the General Chat section, or something similar to bring this to the attention of everyone else?

Just a suggestion :

Maybe this thread should be moved to the General Chat section, or something similar to bring this to the attention of everyone else?
Nobody else cares about the music section. =P
That's why they're burning the GC section down, to force all of the lazy members like myself to post in the music section instead.
And it's working. Ughhhhhhhhhhhhh. XD

Just kidding. Hello, my friends from the other side of the Great Wall. I should be frequenting the music sections more frequently from now on. Working on a piece I'm excited about right now! =)
So yeah, you can add one more person to the ranks of music section regulars I guess, OP.

And Thorn, you say you've outgrown this place, yet you have time to write three-page-long essays on why you feel you don't need to post here any more. If you've got time to do that, you've got time to post your works! So please do, and help vary the musical styles represented in our Composition forum. I'm sure there are other people around here who enjoy the same types of music you do! =)

In relation to curse words, I think it should be curbed rather than filtered. The odd one here and there is fine but maybe there should be more in the way of looking out for people who use it every other word? To be fair, I don't think anyone does? Though I am totally desensitised to swearing, I swear like a trooper... Also picking up on Gek's point, age doesn't mean a lot; I also have a younger sibling who swears more than I do; equally I know people a lot older than me who don't even like the odd fuck or something slipping out. I don't think it's as huge a problem as other things...

The whole spectrum of problems on the forum I'm hesitant to comment on to be honest because I have a lot of friends from the older generation and don't want to offend anyone. I think the most diplomatic thing I can say is that the place is still run by the ones who have always run it which doesn't really allow room for new ideas, particularly as a select few tend to ignore any suggestions that don't complement their own views. Not saying have a complete overhaul but finding people such as yourself, Solaphar, with new ideas about changing the place and bringing people in could go a long way. That's as far as I'm willing to go with that topic.

Respect, I did actually say in a basic sense of common courtesy everyone deserves it but anything more needs to be earned. With sarcasm/bitchiness my point was if people didn't take the bait in the first place it would diffuse everything. Yes some people are argumentative and make horrible remarks; if the "target" just ignored it then there wouldn't be an arguement. I'm not saying the target should sit there and shut up but just continue posting in the thread ignoring whoever is being a twat.

Zero, I have always gotten on with you we used to talk on msn all the time, not that I've been on there for years...

I think moving this to general discussion would be a good idea, however like has been said I don't see it happening.

Hopeless Composer, I said I have outgrown the place as a composer. I am at a university surrounded by professionals who I get one on one time with who understand what I'm trying to do and help me in any way they can. Like I said in a previous post, I tire of posting things on here just to get a 'that's nice' or 'i don't get it'. I don't really compose much outside uni assignments as I don't have time, but I'm happy to share those, I'm working on a few right now. I transcribe in my spare time but it's orchestral stuff or songs by bands I like- I don't think there'd be much demand/interest in that!

Also back to an earlier point, this is turning into an actual discussion with no one throwing insults or getting pissy. It shows that not everyone is a bitch which I think is an important point to remember =]

And Thorn, you say you've outgrown this place, yet you have time to write three-page-long essays on why you feel you don't need to post here any more. If you've got time to do that, you've got time to post your works! So please do, and help vary the musical styles represented in our Composition forum. I'm sure there are other people around here who enjoy the same types of music you do! =)

Hopeless Composer, I said I have outgrown the place as a composer. I am at a university surrounded by professionals who I get one on one time with who understand what I'm trying to do and help me in any way they can. Like I said in a previous post, I tire of posting things on here just to get a 'that's nice' or 'i don't get it'. I don't really compose much outside uni assignments as I don't have time, but I'm happy to share those, I'm working on a few right now. I transcribe in my spare time but it's orchestral stuff or songs by bands I like- I don't think there'd be much demand/interest in that!
Even if you don't get reviews that help you improve, it's nice to share your stuff so others here can enjoy it. I was looking at the beginning of that really old thread "post you playing" or something like that. But when I clicked on your links, I wasn't able to hear you playing, and that made me kinda sad at the time. =( So I certainly wouldn't mind hearing a composition or you just playing something. =)


In relation to curse words, I think it should be curbed rather than filtered.

Also picking up on Gek's point, age doesn't mean a lot; I also have a younger sibling who swears more than I do; equally I know people a lot older than me who don't even like the odd fuck or something slipping out. I don't think it's as huge a problem as other things...
Well, maybe. As I've said, I'd personally prefer them filtered in public areas, and permitted in PMs and such, but that's just my opinion and I don't want to press it too much more, since I already posted my reasons for it ad nauseum. But I will say this much more: Ignoring the issue of younger people, I think curse words, on their own, have a tendency to immediately raise the tension level of what could otherwise be a standard conversation. It has the potential to make people more alert to otherwise benign things that follow, If I'm making any sense? X-| So, perhaps the context in which the word is used should also be considered?

In any case, it obviously needs further discussion before some kind of massive change is implemented. So it's good that we're talking about it.


The whole spectrum of problems on the forum I'm hesitant to comment on to be honest because I have a lot of friends from the older generation and don't want to offend anyone. I think the most diplomatic thing I can say is that the place is still run by the ones who have always run it which doesn't really allow room for new ideas, particularly as a select few tend to ignore any suggestions that don't complement their own views. Not saying have a complete overhaul but finding people such as yourself, Solaphar, with new ideas about changing the place and bringing people in could go a long way. That's as far as I'm willing to go with that topic.
I already replied back to your PM which (sort of) repeated this. You can feel free to repost parts of, or maybe all of it if you wish. There's nothing in there I'd feel embarrassed about you sharing.


Respect, I did actually say in a basic sense of common courtesy everyone deserves it but anything more needs to be earned. With sarcasm/bitchiness my point was if people didn't take the bait in the first place it would diffuse everything. Yes some people are argumentative and make horrible remarks; if the "target" just ignored it then there wouldn't be an arguement. I'm not saying the target should sit there and shut up but just continue posting in the thread ignoring whoever is being a twat.
Yeah, it's true the it's best for the victim, and others, not to take the bait. However, I disagree about everyone simply ignoring it. I think that, at the very least, a mod or admin should intervene and say something (i.e. give a verbal warning), to discourage the behavior. Since baiting is rude/discourteous and encourages negative antisocial, rather than positive social behavior. That's how I feel anyway. Or the mod could just do the standard, PM warning to offender and edit offender's post. I see this technique used in other forums. That has the benefit of removing the inflammatory words rather than just leaving them there.


Also back to an earlier point, this is turning into an actual discussion with no one throwing insults or getting pissy. It shows that not everyone is a bitch which I think is an important point to remember =]
Well, everyone's human. Everyone has their own personality, and even though I've said it before: I like to hope we're all trying to improve ourselves. =)

Even if you don't get reviews that help you improve, it's nice to share your stuff so others here can enjoy it. I was looking at the beginning of that really old thread "post you playing" or something like that. But when I clicked on your links, I wasn't able to hear you playing, and that made me kinda sad at the time. =( So I certainly wouldn't mind hearing a composition or you just playing something. =)
This. And I'm sure there are at least a few composers on here who could teach you things, anyway. But you may feel their advice isn't worth the trouble, since you have good advice so freely available already?

Still, if you start posting, that might lead our other more experienced composers to post more often, too. I'm sure we'd all appreciate your contributions, even if they are just things you've written for class or whatever. =D

But of course, it's up to you whether or not you want to post. If you don't feel it's worth your time, we can't really force you, hahah. X3

This. And I'm sure there are at least a few composers on here who could teach you things, anyway. But you may feel their advice isn't worth the trouble, since you have good advice so freely available already?

Still, if you start posting, that might lead our other more experienced composers to post more often, too. I'm sure we'd all appreciate your contributions, even if they are just things you've written for class or whatever. =D

But of course, it's up to you whether or not you want to post. If you don't feel it's worth your time, we can't really force you, hahah. X3

I don't think people really care about what the comments are.When someone shares something and they get a comment, as long as its not something vulgar, they will be happy about it. It's an acknowledgement of the fact that someone listened to your piece and it interested them enough to spend 30sec of their time typing a comment in. Whether the comment is a simple, "good job" or a long review, it will all make the post-er want to share more. Obviously they will be overjoyed if they get a long worthwhile critique, I know I get happy just seeing a positive comment on my thread as well. This is me preaching because I know I rarely comment on other people's works even when I do like them:hey:.