Hi Gang.

I have been away from the forum for a while, so the last thing I want to do is to upset or annoy any members, but I wanted to give some honest feedback.

The cover songs, and original songs sections, used to be a simple forum, where we introduced our songs, and maybe gave a small explanation of which style and voices we used, and maybe if it was "played by ear " and so on , but now, its almost like a computer workshop analizing each upload down to the most complex procedures !

The reason I am bringing this up, is because I'm finding it a bit off putting, as I havn't a clue what's being talked about half the time, and maybe that may also be putting off potential members who like Me , are not so technically savvy

Just a suggestion here, but maybe on the actual song forum, just a basic overview would be better, with a link to this forum to discuss the more complex issues ? .

I hope everyone accepts this critique in the spirit it is meant .

Regards
Gordon

Hi Gordon
As probably one of the culprits I think you raise a valid point. I try to explain how I get from A to B so members can understand how some arrangements can be achieved and there's more to arranger keyboards than "think of a song, pick a style, quick record, that'll do - upload it" . The problem is where do you draw the line, I think your suggestion of perhaps just supplying basic information and a separate technical post for those who are interested is a good one.
The fact that there is too much information with some songs at the moment may deter someone from posting as they think this might be the norm.
Cheers
Spike

Hi Gordon, I thoroughly agree, I dont understand most of it any, I had to ask what a DAW was the other day, it all goes over my head...Pam

Hi Gordon,

Feedback, good or bad, is always welcome here.

Thanks for raising your concerns. I agree, it's not fair to expect members to wade through long, techy posts before they can make a post of their own.

Taking your idea on board, why don't we have a sub forum of the Workshop, we could call it something like 'Song Discussions', or whatever you guys come up with.

The member would then post an upload in the normal way, (in the Covers, Originals, or Vocal forums), write a short explanation on how the tune was constructed or recorded, and then link to a new thread in the 'Song Discussions' forum only if he or she wanted to add specifics about the song.

In fact, Mark's already done this with one of his tunes. So, his 'discussion thread' would make a good candidate to start off the new 'Song Discussions' forum.

I think it's best we don't mix up these song discussion threads in the main workshop so if we have them all in one sub forum, that'll help to keep things neat & tidy.

A lot of people use the site search button, so I think it will help if we name the song discussion thread the same as the thread with the upload in it, but with (song info) added.

e.g. New thread in Covers forum named Moon River. The thread in the song discussion forum would then be Moon River (song info). The reason being, if any song titles then come up in site searches, this will help the person searching to find the correct thread and cause less confusion than identically-named thread titles.

I think the issue at the moment only really applies to a handful of people, myself included, but I'm always keen on finding ways to make information accessible and neatly boxed somewhere.

Over to you, the members. Any ideas you have are always welcome.

Cheers

Paul

Hi Paul
We could always call the section "Behind the songs" or something similar
Spike

Hi Guys.

Paul, I think some form of sub forum would be great, and Spike's suggestion of "Behind the song" seems a perfect title for the link .


By doing this, I think it will revert the cover song section to being more of a fun atmosphere again , and hopefully attract more members to post their songs .

Regards
Gordon.

OK, no point hanging around so I've set up a new sub forum of the Workshop named: Behind the Songs

Here's the link: Behind the Songs - The Lone Arrangers Keyboard Forum

When Mark pops back in, I'll ask him if it's ok to move his threads to the new forum. Be a good way to get the ball rolling.

Can you all help spread the word about the change of procedure, as and when necessary?

Cheers

Paul

Yes Paul, you can move my posts... I am sorry, if I got anybody upset. I really have spent a lot of time figuring all this out. It was not my intention to offend anyone.

Nothing to apologise for Mark, as I'm sure Gordon isn't just referring his comments to you but is making a general point. I'm just as much to 'blame' as I've made a few lengthy posts following song uploads.

It makes perfect sense to transfer the 'how's and why's' about song creation into the workshop, and keep the general comments separate.

Your 'Notes on Recording' content makes a perfect fit for the new forum, and I hope others follow in your footsteps, and consider posting there also. I certainly will from now on.

All the best

Paul