In defense of TAXI

[Casey H]

First I have to say again that I am not a current TAXI member. I was for a few years, got a number of forwards, but in the end it wasn't right for me- due to my having a limited catalog of songs. I say that because I have no reason to write this post... i.e. to kiss up to anybody, etc. In fact, I will, on some posts, be critical, but be respectful and express it as constructive feedback.Of all the Internet-based (TAXI now is largely Internet based) music pitch vehicles, they are just about the only ones who can list any successes for artists. No, success is not necessarily a million dollar hit song, it could be a publishing deal, signing with a music library, and/or an actual placement. For many of us, one placement in film/TV for $500 is a heck of a lot more than we could easily get on our own.I got angry when Johnny made a rude post about TAXI's customer service. Even if I didn't like their forward/not forward decisions, their customer service was top notch! Any time I had a question or a problem they were only an email or phone call away. How many companies can say that? And a human answers the phone! Hmmmmm.... Would you prefer: "Hello.. You have reached TAXI, dial 1 to join... dial 2 to cancel... dial 3 if you are pissed off about your review..."As a dispatch member, I can't say enough about how helpful and friendly Chris Baptiste was. For example:Hey Charles,To answer your question about "Adrenaline." I think the reason that it hasn't been forwarded is that it hasn't met the specific criteria for the listings you submitted them to. Genre-wise, "Adrenaline" doesn't fall into the Modern/Alternative rock world, and it isn't "extreme" or energetic enough to be considered "hard" rock. It's a straight-ahead contemporary rock song with a good melody and vocals. You may want to to be more specific in your pitching of the song.If you have questions about certain listings and whether or not "Adrenaline" may be a good pitch, feel free to call or e-mail me. I'll do what I can for ya.Take care,Chris BaptisteDir. of Film & TV Music>Friends at dispatch:>>I love the dispatch service, but I have a quick question. I submitted >the song "Adrenaline" for quite a few dispatch listings, all not >forwarded. I know you do not give critiques for these listings, but I'm >wondering if the rejections are more do to the quality of the song or >the specific needs of these listings. That information will help me >decide whether or not to keep spending $5 at at time submitting the >same song to dispatch ads. (I normally wouldn't even ask, but this song >has received rave reviews elsewhere).>>Any information you can provide will be helpful.>>Thanks again!!!>Charles Hurowitz If you call or email Michael, he will personally get back to you. You have a direct line to the CEO.Now, this jazz museum thing... Take this easy test... If someone wants to approach a company to fund a venture they should:(a) Rip the company and CEO to shreds on their public message board(b) Write a proper letter to the CEO asking to discuss the venture with him(Is that your final answer?)Remember I said I didn't renew because my catalog was too small? I spoke with Michael about it on the phone and he actually tried to discourage me from renewing... No BS sales pitch... He honestly said that my catalog was just borderline as to whether or not TAXI was good for me. (I stayed on for one more year).If you are unhappy with TAXI you should respectfully make suggestions for improvements and/or ask for a refund. A friend of mine recently joined and easily got her money back.Sorry, long post... I'm sure I'll be editing it with more, Casey

[onoffon]

Yeah Casey - I really ripped the CEO to shreds...I have already apologized - sincerely - more than once. I know that TAXI isn't in the business of funding ideas like this. It was a mistake on my part to have mentioned it. I'm feeling very frustrated right now over my own helplessness.Thanks for moving on...

[Casey H]

No problem ONOFFONI know whan can happen under times of stress... We all do or say things we regret and I've done my share. Didn't mean to beat a dead horse....If you are very stressed and there is anything any of your message board friends can do or if you need someone to talk to, a lot of us are here for you."Life is very short and there's no timeFor fussing and fighting my friend"Casey

[onoffon]

Thanks for your encouragement, Casey...I have indeed painted myself into a corner and I have no one to blame but myself.I have sacrificed everything one can sacrifice for their art... I guess that's what artists do.But, somewhere deep inside, I still believe it's truly darkest before the dawn, I just can't wait until sunrise...

[nomiyah]

Social skills online are quite the new medium. Perhaps if we learn to master them we can initiate some new negotiation techniques to the United Nations and end the need for war. Now there would be a good reason to play music.(PS. I like Taxi.)

[nomiyah]

Great minds think alike? Today I read this (compliments of CDBaby) on how to write a good email:"Chill out. This is a rule that I've broken many times, and each time that I did, I regretted it. When someone writes you a pissy email, the irresistible temptation is to retaliate. (And this is for an inconsequential email message--no wonder countries go to war.) You will almost always make the situation worse."