Been in Biz for 30 years. Dissapointed in Taxi.

[Ellwood]

"I invite you to drop in any day of the week (unannounced), and ask the screeners sitting at the computers what their credits are. I invite you to sit at one of their computers and crank out three critiques, and then let us post your work online to be compared with the work our screeners do. Let's see how the public votes."

Sounds like a challenge to me! ( is it just me or does it sound like we writers would not have the chops to write a worthwhile critique? na..probably just me being sensitive huh?) I would be up for it! but post it as if it where just another critique without the benefit of the public knowing you are not a in-house evaluator! I doubt that the "public" would know the difference (just supposition of course) oh and no need to take any of this personally Casey! LOL!

Later... I just saw this post: "You are debating this subject with people who have just spent large quantities of quality time together in LA at the TAXI Rally. If you are trying to win this debate, it's hopeles"

There ya go, it's almost like being on the payroll LOL!!

[mazz]

It's not enough for folks that have been successful with Taxi to come here and try to share their experiences. These folks are your peers. They have been to the Road Rally and know how beneficial that experience is and they are enthusiastic about it, they aren't trying to "sell" Taxi to anyone.

It's not enough for the owner of the company to come on the board and try to talk sense and explain how things work at Taxi and in the larger business world.

None of this will ever be enough for folks that want to hold on to their belief that the cards are stacked against them somehow. To try to have a conversation with such folks is fruitless, the willingness to learn and the openness to a different way of thinking are just not present, the door is closed.

I am a believer in Taxi because I have had quite a bit of success as a result of it, both directly and indirectly. If I come off as a salesperson or "on the payroll" to some folks, well, that's their opinion. I'm not here to convince those folks, they will probably never change their mind and my energy is much better spent elsewhere.

Peace,

Mazz

[Ellwood]

I hear you Mazz, and appreciate your point of view and understand why you hold the opinion that you do. I must say that I pretty much hold the same opinion of Taxi as you do. I must say however that having made my money in the engineering business, I have always understood why products and process are re-engineered every year, one because things can always be improved, and two that it is good business to listen to your customer base, not only listen but implement. Oh and by the way I have sold Taxi to 11 people as of this date, not a big deal but I think that demonstrates my confidence in the Taxi formula, but as in math any formula can always stand some mitigation...No?

[Nivek]

Deleted.......................soooooooo so so wrong........Kev

[Casey H]

I joined Taxi nearly 2 years ago.........and having joined submitted several songs and having recieved the critique's report, took everything as gospel. I did everything suggested and as a result recieved much better scores with later submissions. Now however I find it a struggle to even find a listing that will provide a critique. How am I to learn anything, when having spent a great deal of time sometimes thru the night, for a deadline, if I dont get anything back.
The Answer.................submit to your peers. You know the ones. The ones that describe peoples effort and talent as mediochre, and the songs that are not forwarded as lemons.
I'm beginning to feel that would be better than recieving a reply from the screeners who have just described three pieces of my work as TOO MOODY and TOO WISTFUL. Buy a dictionary and come up with something more suitable.
I would have preffered "your music just doesn't cut it. IT SUCKS." Then I'd be sure its a waste of time even trying.

Hi Kev

No one should ever take screener feedback as gospel. It’s best to gather multiple critiques, look for patterns, and see what sticks for YOU. It sounds like you DID benefit from screener feedback, improving your songs.

I agree that it would be better if more listings had critiques and were not Y/N. In the film/TV world, It’s getting harder and harder to find those. I know Michael has come on and discussed that before. I’m not sure what the answer is but I do make use of the custom critique service. For example, I have a Beatles sound-like song that has gotten mixed results—one good full review with an “almost” and some Y/N’s with boxes checked. I just sent in for a custom, asking for a screener that would be best for a film/TV Beatles knock off tune.

As far as “IT SUCKS”… What sucks for one listing might be genius for another. People write great music all the time, sometimes specifically for Taxi listings, which doesn’t get forwarded but later finds a home either through another Taxi listng or outside of the Taxi world.

And another thing..............I hate hearing how great the Rally was. How about holding one in Europe ? Give everyone an equal chance of meeting the moosic moguls and Mr Lasko.

When you hear someones attended several rallies and had conversations with Michael on several ocassions you cant help but think you're on the outside of the pocket and at a disadvantage.

Taxi is located in LA and it’s really not practical for them to hold the rally anywhere else. The logistics and cost would be way too much. I do empathize that it would be very expensive for you to attend. All I can say is people DO come from all over the world and always say how they are glad they did. Taxi does offer a lot of information outside the rally—here on the forum and with the weekly TV shows. Also, check out the Matt Hirt video series on making money in film/TV music. It’s publicly out there on youtube and I can come back and post links.

I’m the one who mentioned conversations with Michael. We’re talking a few conversations over 10 years—we’re not golfing buddies or anything. And just so you know, my forward ratio is VERY tiny. I just want to be clear that there is never any bias. Even the most seasoned members get returns and plenty of them.

I think some of you 'ole hands' could be abit more careful with your choice of words and phrases..........a lot like the SCREENERS.

One last thing TAXI. Do not send the endless stream of emails reminding me to renew my membership. You did that last year and I gave in and paid. Only to see Michael on his show no longer wearing glasses having had his eyes fixed and talking about his new television that he had to buy a pair of speakers for. You know you must remember that. It was the TV he put in his bedroom.

Not sure what you mean about the choice of words and phrases. Most peers give honest feedback in a very polite manner. What is it you want?

I guess you think the CEO of a very successful company which he built from nothing, having quit his job, shouldn’t spend money on things like TVs or eye surgery (God! Such opulence!!)… That cracks me up. Like Taxi or not, they are one of the FEW out there that have a well documented track record of giving members value for the money.

And far as emails, you can simply ask Taxi to take your email address off their mailing lists.

If you’ve read my posts in the past, I’ve made it clear that I am a happy camper with Taxi but acknowledge it’s not perfect (Nothing is except my wife) and not for everyone. And certainly no one’s arm is twisted to sign up.

Wishing you the best,
Casey

[Nivek]

Deleted soooooooooo..................ashamed. Kev

[davewalton]

I want Taxi to be what it was only 12 months ago, when you could recieve some useful criticism for your five bucks. Whats stopping them from maybe writing a full sentence on why your effort is being disregarded so you dont keep making the same mistakes. If we submit 3 tracks for a listing can we have a critique maybe on just one of them.

"All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI"

I searched for that phrase in the new set of listings and found 49 matches. That's 49 submissions that you could make where you'd received a full critique on each and every song you submit. That would be 147 critiques if you submitted three tracks for each listing.

The listings clearly say whether or not you'll get a critique. Only submit for those listings that offer a critique if a critique is what you're after. It's all open and very transparent. If you submit to a Yes/No listing you can't really complain about not getting a critique.

[Casey H]

I want Taxi to be what it was only 12 months ago, when you could recieve some useful criticism for your five bucks. Whats stopping them from maybe writing a full sentence on why your effort is being disregarded so you dont keep making the same mistakes. If we submit 3 tracks for a listing can we have a critique maybe on just one of them.

"All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI"

I searched for that phrase in the new set of listings and found 49 matches. That's 49 submissions that you could make where you'd received a full critique on each and every song you submit. That would be 147 critiques if you submitted three tracks for each listing.

The listings clearly say whether or not you'll get a critique. Only submit for those listings that offer a critique if a critique is what you're after. It's all open and very transparent. If you submit to a Yes/No listing you can't really complain about not getting a critique.

There definitely are lots of "S" listings with critiques. Sometimes it's worth submitting to one of these even when it may not be your primary target (e.g. such as film/TV) because you'll get a lot back for your $5. That being said, you have to be careful because critiques are generally in the context of the listing. So it's best to look for something close in requested style as far as the listing.

What I think Kev is saying is that for film/TV, there are few critiqued listings and that's where a lot of the action is nowadays. I don't know the answer there—only Michael can address that.

I hear ya Kev as far as the $20. All I can say is most critique services charge more-- $25-$35 a song and the Taxi guys do a great job, especially if you provide a list of questions. Keep in mind that what you learn from ONE critique could very well apply to other songs you have.

Best,
Casey

[Hookjaw Brown]

Hey Casey,

I think you hit the nail on the head with your comment about the questions you submit to a screener for a custom critique. I have found that the better questions I ask gives me better critiques. By "better critique" I mean more useful. I find that the screeners are very professional and knowledgeable about music craft. I get my 20 bucks worth.

[Nivek]

Deleted..........................incorrect