Do non-fowards make a you a better writer?

[grandmatarkin]

Non-forwards make me a better killer ...

[diogenes]

I definitely think the critiques have made me a better writer. I think where one should be careful is not to lose any of the unique qualities that identify you as an artist. Assuming these aren't song pitches anyway. I think you could easily get the impression that the only way to get a forward is to sound EXACTLY like whats on the charts. I'm not saying thats true, so don't jump all over me for it, just saying I sometimes get that impression. I am very glad I joined taxi, they provide a wonderful and needed service. One thing I have realized since joining though, is that this may be a race I don't want win.(i.e. I don't want to sound like Daughtry:) And of course theres no way to know this, but I'm pretty sure most of the bands/artist I listen to wouldn't get forwarded either. So I don't really take it all that hard when songs don't get forwarded, but I do use the feedback as a tool to improve my skills as a songwriter and communicator via music.

[asiabackpacker]

This is an interesting thread. I think the only thing I want to add is that with every skill I've ever worked on, I've always noticed that my biggest growth spurts came right after a point when I was ready to give up. Same with songwriting. When I've had a critique that totally shot me down, made me want to quit songwriting, those are usually followed by my periods of the biggest growth. This is just something I've learned and try to remember with everything I do, and whenever I feel the urge to quit.

[geo]

Hey guys, good string, I have to say yes ..... and no .OK, mostly yes. Although sometimes I disagree with some of the comments, it helps when I'm preparing to record any of my songs, I try to incorporate things I know they look for (prominant hook, appearing early in the song, etc) because, let's face it, we have to deal with them. Where I say no is I am still writing and producing my music for me, I haven't completed my transfer from writing music I want to perform to a more professional approach, writing for specific listings/genres so sometimes the parts or songs the screeners have the most problem with from a commercial POV are my favorites. Conversely songs which I wrote as a simple little XYZ song are the ones which have been received the best by screeners. But since I have been a Taxi member my songs have gotten stronger so mostly yes, they make you better... Geo