A modest proposal...

[OOO]

To Whom It May Concern (specifically, Solace),

Hi there, Mr. Solace. You're looking rather good today. Have you been working out? I hope your Arcade Fire site has been going well, financially and spiritually. Are you enjoying autumn in minnesota? I hear the fall colors are beautiful near the Mall of America.

 

Anyway, now that I'm done buttering you up, I have a suggestion that I was wondering if you would consider. Every now and again, in the "Someone Else's Song" section (and some others), someone signs onto the board and posts links to their personal band that no one has heard of. Some people like this and enjoy hearing new music. Other people view it as spam and sleazy advertising. Additionally, a lot of regulars and/or fairly new posters also like to show off their music that they are creating, but they feel sheepish and/or scared to do it anywhere. There are a lot of music people on this board, as I'm sure you know.

 

Here are some examples of these sorts of thing:

 

http://forums.viachicago.org/index.php?showtopic=31304

http://forums.viachicago.org/index.php?showtopic=31363

http://forums.viachicago.org/index.php?showtopic=31271

http://forums.viachicago.org/index.php?showtopic=31254

http://forums.viachicago.org/index.php?showtopic=31113

http://forums.viachicago.org/index.php?showtopic=30914

http://forums.viachicago.org/index.php?showtopic=30694

http://forums.viachicago.org/index.php?showtopic=31349

http://forums.viachicago.org/index.php?showtopic=19939

 

And these are just the ones in the first few pages of their respective sections. So anyway, what do you think about making a new section in the "Short on Long Term" Forum, so that the "Someone else's Song" people don't have to get in shouting matches with people for spamming links from their band?

 

As far as a name goes, it could be something like "Shouldn't Be Ashamed", because you shouldn't be ashamed to advertise yourself in that forum.

 

Respectfully yours,

Oblivious T. Myself

 

P.S. That picture of the frog with the headphones is classic. You're so humorous and benevolent!

[mountain bed]

I will second Mr. Oblivious' proposal. A very good idea me thinks. In spite of the fact that OTM is obviously a brown-noser of the worst kind.

[kidsmoke]

I'd personally prefer that people not post these sorts of post, but rather just put something in their sig line like, "My band...the Soft Prunes...check this link!"

That way, interested persons can investigate. I'd rather not have more forums, though I understand your suggestion.

[TCP]

I think that's a good idea. People can post about up coming shows, get advice, etc etc.

[Golden Smoghead]

I'd personally prefer that people not post these sorts of post, but rather just put something in their sig line like, "My band...the Soft Prunes...check this link!"

That way, interested persons can investigate. I'd rather not have more forums, though I understand your suggestion.

I can totally understand why you feel like this, and by and large I agree.

 

However in some forums (like SST, where I post most often) it is kind of a natural extension of the conversation to have people post a particular song they are working on or an example of a gear setup or mixing technique, etc. So basically, sometimes/often nobody is really "pimping" or promoting any product or website, but actually is looking to their fellow VCers for whatever. (Maybe feedback, maybe tips, maybe encouragement, who knows)

 

I think OP's idea is good / interesting, but even if we could get a little clarification about WHERE you would prefer us songwriter-types to interface with one another if we so choose would be helpful. If you don't want it on the forum altogether, obviously that's a-ok as well and good clarification -- obviously this kinda thing isn't in the core mission of VC at all. But I, at least, really would like to get an idea of you / the leaderships' perspectives on these things.