Let’s assume that most people here are creators. Many are here to learn more about the possibilities that Cubase offers and quite a few of these share their work. The latter means being vulnerable enough to let others hear what may be very personal and there are those who showcase exquisite talents.
Why, however, do we pass by so many offerings without leaving a comment?
I understand that we all have our preferred modes of music and, like in the whole industry, we have our favourites and those we feel more comfortable engaging with. Surely, though, the Lounge is a place where we can give more, especially to those who are starting out. Sharing is hard enough without the fear of receiving no feedback at all which, to me, is the worst outcome.
Constructive criticism is helpful. It may well be that some of us can’t take it but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t offer advice if we have the ability to do so. Importantly, there are plenty here who do.
Plus, there are those who won’t comment on others work if they don’t receive comments themselves. Well, that’s a recipe for going nowhere.
So, a challenge to you all. Find the time and the grace to listen to a ‘made-with-steinberg’ post and make a comment – good or not so. Then challenge yourself to do the same once a week or as often as you can. Then, perhaps, the Lounge can move forward with confidence.
I agree. The Steinberg Lounge offers a great opportunity to share songs and to exchange constructive criticism. I’m with you.
Truth be told, I am one of these users who tend to be very careful with feedback. I find it difficult to pick the right words not knowing who’s on the other end and where they are coming from experience-wise. There are a lot of things that need to be taken into account if a feedback is supposed to be constructive in my opinion. But that’s probably just me.
Moreover, don’t forget: The number of visitors in the Steinberg Lounge is quite low compared to other branches within this forum. Yeah, maybe this could change. Nonetheless, many users focus on technical aspects related to their soft- or hardware. So that’s another thing to keep in mind - there are just not as many people around here as there are in the Cubase forum for example.
Nonetheless, I think that you have raised an important and relevant question here, Jonathan . Much appreciated.
I would love to hear how others feel about it!
EDIT: I took your advice and left a comment on “made with Steinberg”. Tiny steps..
I will admit and agree that the “Lounge” has always been sort of a dead spot in this forum. There just doesn’t seem to be a lot of off-topic chatter like you find in other forums.
As far as other members showcasing there music and requesting feedback; most of what I’ve seen and listened to is mostly music that is not in my taste’s radar. I have commented on a couple of submissions and sometimes even when the style has no interest to me I may comment on the recordings technical merits. But I guess the main reason I don’t comment more is that most of what I see posted isn’t something that I could tell if it was good or if it was bad.
Actually, expanding your taste radar can make your own music even better. And, developing an opinion on work which you’re not so sure about can be validating for the creator. Acknowledging others’ existence is important. A response makes that happen.
Understood… but if we all felt that way then no-one would make a comment on anything which would make everything pointless.
I was once (very long ago) accused of being precious when I made a fuss to a fellow band member about having a song worked on. That person spat the dummy and walked out as if I wasn’t worth their wasted effort. On reflection, I was a bit quick to say something but only because I had been given no warning. I turned up to a rehearsal and heard the big changes being made to something very personal. I always wondered if I had been more patient then maybe the song and the band would have developed further.
It was a really good lesson for me, though, about being open to suggestions and, hopefully, I’ve listened better ever since. I’ve certainly learned more from taking in other points of view.
That’s the absolute benefit from sharing. None of us are really immune from a critical review but if we are genuine, we will learn from it. In the end, I’m asking Some Composer to take a step forward and share a thought. You never know, you just might be the key to helping someone make a great song or piece of music. If, on the other hand, there is an issue, then the reality is that it’s the receiver who has the problem, not you.
All the best
Jonathan
Ahhhh yesss, bands, humanity’s most elaborate sociological experiment. I get it, band wise, of course, you have to say something (with consequences , most of the time), but here is the Internet…I don’t know these folks here, and I don’t want to sound like a smart***
Also, there are some people here that are doing this for fun, and I judge from a professional point of view, where do you start and where do you put a limit to what you can say? It’s tricky.
Pro or amateur, serious or fun, I try to treat everyone the same way. Praising is fine but even the least skilled among us wants to know how to make their work better.
Many Cubase users use the Cubase category of the forums rather than the Steinberg Lounge to explore what Cubase offers. The “Lounge” is not only for Cubase users.
“we” sometimes listen and just don’t have a feeling one way or another. “we” sometimes just listen and it’s not the type of thing that “we” feel comfortable making a comment about, although “we” might have enjoyed the content. In these cases, a simple “like” of the post seems to be a good thing to do.
You seem to assume that everybody posting something that has been “Made With Steinberg” is in search of some kind of professional evaluation. I think this mindset is exactly why more folks don’t share their work. Just my opinion, of course.
I enjoyed the last generation of the forums more when the Made With Steinberg was it’s own thing apart from the Lounge.
Anyway, the Lounge will never be what it once was (for better or worse, I’m not sure). I’m going for “worse”, though! Damn, I miss those wild west days!
Opinions differ, of course …
Anyway, the interest just isn’t around anymore. Sad, fast moving times. Take what you can get. Don’t try to force others into a situation. Blah, blah, woof, woof!
Blah Blah, indeed. All valid, I suppose. It just seems a bit weird that people post work for a comment but don’t feel that giving one is as important. Modern times etc.
Well, I’ll keep at it.