Karaoke Forums

I've now posted over 40 songs on SS, and also listened to countless singers, made and received comments. It's certainly at times been fun I suppose, but it comes at a substantial amount of effort. Sometimes I wonder.. 'Is It Worthwhile'?

I mean I suppose I have a nice 9.8/9.9 ranking which is cool but I keep hearing it isn't real. I keep hearing that people post to be friendly and rank to be friendly, and almost all say the ranks are really meaningless. Hmmm....why are they meaningless?

Out of all this have any of us made any more money? Have we won contests from our efforts? Are we now on American Idol  LOL . No, probably not.

Serious artists and non-serious have mixed and what was the result? Is it a positive one? Could you categorize it?

And what of all the rancor I am hearing about lately that the whole format needs to change? People are apparently bashing other people senseless in there. This internet world is kind of crazy sometimes it seems.

I suppose we do get to listen to some good songs, and singers. We also get to listen to some that are bad - though no one will let them know. And along the way we build some friends. Fair weather friends, perhaps? Does anyone seem to miss you, or your subs if you don't sub, or even if you don't log into the forum?

I would like to hear others opinions on what is gained, or perhaps what is lost in being a part of SS. Are you a better person for it? What is your story, your take on it? Do you think it could be improved? How then, and in what way.

Bill

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The Truth Is Out There

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[shadow=tomato]If you want your significant other to pay attention to EVERY word you say::
  TALK IN YOUR SLEEP   [/shadow]  

Cindy youve said it all !!! I agree with all of what you said !! Youre so good at communicating...Thank You  :hug:  PS I love how you put KARAOKE in all caps too !!!  

Bill I am a better person for SS too, despite what happened in my ordeal. I have enjoyed sooo many people sharing the same joy I have for singing no matter HOW bad or good they sing. Not one person will make me question my joy for singing even though I am not an awesome singer. I wouldnt get so wrapped up in is it worth it just ask yourself if you ENJOY singing & sharing it too. And then keep subbing till your heart is content b/c EVERYONE is entitled to ENJOY this site.

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Kelley
Star Sounds Karaoke & Mobile Recording Studio


[shadow=black][scroll]You have to respect your audience. Without them, you're essentially standing alone, singing to yourself....KD Lang[/scroll][/shadow]

Hi Bill. You do have some interesting questions there. And you are quite a good singer. I haven't heard all of your stuff, but I know you nail the Neil Diamond for sure.
I can't remember why I joined SS as a paying member?
Oh, now I remember. I met all the nice people here who made me feel welcome, and possibly over-inflated my aspirations to become a mediocre karaoke singer....
I know that sounded sarcastic, but it wasn't meant to be, but it's the truth!!  LOL

Just recently, I felt compelled to vent a little bit in one of the poll threads about my take on the problems in SS. I expressed myself as though the things I mentioned were actually bothering me, but really, it just emanated from hearing so much banter relating to the disharmony in SS.
It seems that the really good singers are the ones who get caught up in the mayhem because they know that they're good, and some envious people like to ruffle their feathers for whatever reason on any given day.
I say it's not worth the mental stress or the heartache. Most people hear well enough to know if their own work is average or in need of some improvement, but will still get all bent out of shape if someone tells them the truth?
I am no authority to say get over it though, because I too seem to be a sensitive personality among the group.
Although, my sensitivity is derived from the heart in the form of compassion towards others. I don't believe in ripping someone to shreds about their singing.
I just contradicted myself a bit though, because I recently lashed out at bigdog here in the forums.
Ever once in a while someone gets my goat....nobody can claim total innocence.

Anyhow, on the ranking system, I think it is what it is....a friendly or non-friendly approach to categorize a singers talent. I don't use it because I already know I'm just average or less.
I keep hearing certain others say nobody here is qualified to give a critique or rank a performance, but, can we not hear with our own ears people? Surely, some listener will know a song that they hear well enough to be able to comment about the singer's performance, and maybe offer some guidance or a bit of high praise?
If you like the ranking system, keep using it. It's just a matter of how many singers can actually handle the criticism.

True. Serious singers and just having fun singers have mixed. I think this is where alot of the problems lie. Kinda like when you go to live karaoke.....the serious singers are so stuck up and full of themselves, they laugh at the awful singers making them lose their confidence to try.........maybe. I don't want to suggest that about SS, because I'm not here enough to know the story.
Kinda reminds me of a couple that I said hello to one night at karaoke.....I recognized them from the other of 2 gigs that I was trying to frequently attend. The dude always sang songs by the group Staind, but didn't sound much like the original artist. He was a decent singer though.
Anyhow, I said Hi, I'm Perry. I recognized you from the other place. They just kinda looked at me like I was stupid and went about their business.
I wondered......did they dis me because they don't like my attempted singing, or did they dis me because they did like my singing?
Some singers think every situation is of a competitive nature and automatically feel intimidated or superior for whatever reason. No fun in that I say.

Speaking of friends.....what is a friend? I mean really.....what defines a real friend? Do we really know our friends? Most people are just mere acquaintances. A friend has to stand the test of time. You have to really know this person. I know you've heard the phrase....."a friend in need, is a friend indeed".....right? That analogy is perfectly fine for me. I love to give when I can, but sometimes I might need something too. I'm referring to money I guess. I've parted with so many dollars to people I hardly know, and never really expected repayment....I was just happy to help. And sometimes, that helps to define the difference of fair weather or friend too!

I really believe that SS has been a good thing for me. And I never would've discovered this place if I hadn't been so enthusiastic about karaoke....my new communication enablement. And I owe that to a very friendly kj who had me believing that I could belong to such an enjoyable activity as karaoke. I mean for sure, I'm no big talent. I'm very limited to what I can pull off....that's reality my friend. But have I tried to accel? Yes. Did I achieve my goal? Not quite, but it's fun trying. I have lost interest a little because of some recent personal events unrelated to SS, but I know I will still continue whether it be on an infrequent basis or not.
And really, I don't consider it to be just whining when people have legitimate concerns like the ones I see frequently asked here at KS. Humans are sensitive creatures and sometimes need real answers to troubling issues.

I do admit that I've been neglectful to my acquaintances here at SS recently, but it wasn't intentional. I've been battling some problems for a few months now, and I'm still not totally up to being a regular participant here right now. But I do love this place for what it is.....a place where common people have a mutual interest. It can be good if we let it be.  :wave:

Geez!! Sorry for the book people!!

I enjoy SS greatly and Ive used it as a sounding board for test listens on original swing and blues lyric compositions Ive written and recorded(orignal lyric sets over karaoke or blues/swing/jazz cd instrumental tracks. Also on recording regular karoke recordings too. I dont know of any other forum where I could do that. Its benefited me by using it as a practice forum for demos whcih I then used to get me a gig with a live blues band(and which I just had my first ever in my life gig 3 weeks ago as  blues singerr). So I say the SS has great value--and judging by the number of peopel who participate that they do to.

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"You know that I sing the Blues and I do not suffer fools. When I'm on that silver mic, it's gonna cut ya, just like a knife"-The SWINGCAT

Bill,  They aren't meaningless.  It's to be fun, and be a part of a group that interacts.  When things are kept in perspective everything is fine.  I assume you realize that the likelihood of you being a 9.9 ranked singer  (in a real world singing competition)  after submitting 40 songs is how likely though ? assuming this were a real singing competition, Karaoke or not ?

It's meaningful in some ways.  It's why people play board games, computer games, compete online, play intermural sports, etc.   It's being a part of a team.   Sad thing is quite a few try to cling onto their high ranks in SS as if these are true to life gradings of actual ability that are carved in stone and unfairly being recinded upon. People lose perspective.

It's to be fun,  your rank at the end of the day is as worthwhile as monopoly money however.   THAT means nothing.  Sharing singing, and friendly comments means A LOT TO MANY, as it should !   As long as it's fun, and not overly important in competitive terms,  it's a great concept.  Rank however is just BS (everybody gets a gold-star for trying), it's not genuine.  Critiques are discouraged.  Aside from that it should be FUN,  and nothing more... NOT a competition.

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

Okay, I wont comment on that. You sir, need to take a shot of jack daniels or two, and chill out a bit. THIS is why SS is having so many problems.

Critique if you wish... don't if you don't wish. But stop bashing the whole site because you, personally, don't agree with the critique status. This is starting to get old.

Bill, hell yes it's worth your while. If you've had any fun at all in there that you considered "time well wasted"..... well, then, there you go.

I know I have. I'm not here much anymore, but I would never leave this place entirely... I love it here. I've made friends that I never would have met otherwise, I have learned SO many new songs. Heck, really, prior to coming here, my musical tastes & knowledge were pretty darn slim. Now I am familiar with alot of pop, rat pack, show tunes... all kinds of stuff I would have completely MISSED had I not have joined here. And that's god's honest truth.

And besides all that, heck.... I have learned to record & mix on my PC. (atleast, kinda, haha) When I first came here (dont you laugh) my first few subs were recorded with me standing in my living room singing onto a $150 karaoke box with only an echo knob for effects... and recorded onto "sound recorder" on my Win98:) It was truly icky. And now... while they still lack and I've got alot of learning yet to do, I can get some pretty decent recordings at times. (when I'm not being lazy, and I take the time to mix)

I rarely came here to the forums when I first joined. I'm thinking maybe there lies the problem. Things seem to go better when you stay on THAT side of the fence, and don't come in here at all.

Anyways, as I said, I'm not in there much. But I for one am glad you're a part of the showcase. When I am there, I do enjoy your music:)
(now go fluff me, Lmao...)

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KS would have been a hell of a lot less interesting without you Charmin. When I first stumbled onto this place whilst looking for reviews on cavs machine with usb, I spent some time reading and you gave me such a laugh...I wanted to become part of this just to be able to say [schild=random fontcolor=DC143C shadowcolor=FFD700 shieldshadow=1]YOU GO GIRL!!![/schild]

the people that make KS what it is are not necessarily the KJs, not necessarily the purists, its the colourful people, the ones that arent scared to question, or to stand away from the crowd. There so few people anywhere that are not sheeple.

For that reason I feel Big Dog would be missed if he wasnt here...yeah yeah he sounds like a cracked record...but who would the karaoke nazis send to hell and back if he wasnt here.
Steven is another colourful character who I miss when he isnt here
And have I mentioned I miss Keith?? Where is a chauvanist when ya need him!!

I know this is off topic, so I will get back on topic. THERE IS ROOM FOR FLUFF. Respect those that cannot and will not willingly hurt or upset another individual. There is also room for CRITIQUE. If someone subs under C and qualifies it with specifics then they have proved they want some good honest feedback.
For those who cant take the feedback then they have the choice to sub under J or L
The fault doesnt necessarily lie with the process, its a who's up who and who's not paying thing (translated means its not the subber its the friends who take exception to some comments)

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"Be who you are and say what you feel... Because those that matter... Don't mind...And those that mind... Don't matter."

Ok all of you, I've read all your comments and I have to say you all have some great things to say, and make some good points. Why did I create this thread? I'm not completely sure. I guess I wanted to hear and understand what other people were experiencing. I often have a 'question reality' type mentality it seems where sometimes I have to justify things to myself, or look for value / or improvement in things, events, activities, etc. Lots of times if I'm not pushing things in some way perhaps I get a bit bored. I like to grow. Example a couple of weeks ago I figured out how to diagnose and repair / replace some microchips in my Dad's Hi Def tv saving him lots of cash. I have tons of varied interests but also have a tendency to one track myself and just saturate myself in a topic or variants of it for a long time. This can lead to obsessive behavior. I've been into storm chasing for about 14 years but about 7 years ago I just emersed myself in it constantly studying meteorology, forecasting, computers and computer tools related to chasing, photography / videography - all related to that subject not to mention auto repair, etc. I was / am also heavily into forums and discussions on those topics with other chasers, meteorologists, etc. It's possible to really fall off the edge if you aren't careful. I suppose after my experience with all that and how it shifted my life focus completely away from other things during those times eventually you realize 'Hmmm....where is this taking me?'.

In that regard I was asking that question for SS and even for this forum. People spend a lot of time on this stuff. Some spend tons of their time, and so I ask many of the questions above.

I suppose everyone gets perhaps somethings similar but perhaps slightly different from everyone else, and people are here and participate in SS for different reasons. Whether that is good, bad, or indifferent can only be judged by the individual.

Steven mentions monopoly or other games. In the past I've played online games such as Unreal for hours and hours on end. Many times I come out on top with the most kills, and perhaps I win a number of matches in the night. When I shut down the computer from that virtual world what have I gained? I guess not much than acquired a skill and entertained myself.  That's not to say all of y'all are just virtual and perhaps that is the difference. You are all real people even if in most ways you just seem like voices from my pc screen, but as some have said these relationships are what you make of them and what you choose to do with them.

I guess I have somewhat replied now in relation to the whole KS forum, but I think SS and the KS forum and people on it are somewhat interrelated.

As Charmin mentions I have learned some cool stuff now that I think about it. I've figured out how to record songs to Dvd using my home theatre system then extract from Dvd-> AC3->Mp3. I've had the opportunity to try different songs and get some feedback though I am still unclear what that feedback might mean. Along the why I try and improve. I've met a lot of the rest of you and been exposed to your personalities. Though I will say that to read the volumes and volumes of posts in threads takes a very long time, and to then stay up and post with the rest of them and join in an intelligent conversation is difficult and time consuming. I doubt I'll be able to do that all the time.

I guess I'll keep pondering all this. The rest of you are welcome to chime in with your thoughts. Perhaps we will all learn something about ourselves, SS, and this forum. If not, well I guess we can all just watch Tv.

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The Truth Is Out There

I’ve been trying to stay away from this forum, but unfortunately I can’t right now because I’m knee-deep into this and I won’t back away when other people are depending on me.  I, like Charmin, have felt bashed quite a few times because I am a JFF’er (and please don’t confuse me with a fluffer).  When I give my comments, I give them honestly.  Because someone doesn’t agree with my liking a particular sub does not make me a fluffer, maybe I’m listening for things they don’t hear…like warmth and emotion that are not necessarily conveyed by staying on key.  

I commend Charmin for saying things just as she feels and agree with everything she said.  We are all here for different reasons, we’re at different levels of musical capability and it would be nice if we could live together in the SS world in harmony.  Yes, that was a pun.  

What makes SS worthwhile?? THE PEOPLE!! Like others have said here, I've met some *awesome* people that I wouldn't have otherwise.  I've had the honor of doing duets with them, laughing my butt off while all in the same thread cracking jokes, crying with some when they've been going thru some painful stuff as well as leaning on some of their shoulders when I had my own troubles.  These are people with HEARTS and SOULS, these are not just typed words.  The friendships are real and genuine and yes....I enjoy the SS for what it always has been to me: a fun place to spend time with people you like.

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Thank you.  
You don't know the times I spout off what's on my mind, then I leave and come back later wondering if I said too much, or it people took me the wrong way, and if I should have just shut up to start with.
But I hate to follow crowds, and I guess something will always just make me say whats on my mind. I get tired of hearing all the put downs. Not that I was put down specifically, it's all been a huge generalization. But I'm one of them... I sub too, I'm fluffed too, and I've spread my share of it. (what the serious people would deem as "fluff"). Who's to tell me I can't? I have fun in there. I give fair critique, when I feel it's suitable, and when I hear something I think will help the listener if I point it out, I do. Listen to a song 4-6 times and pick it apart with a professionally trained musical ear...??... No, I do not do that, nor am I capable. But they don't ask that either.  They ask for the opinion of other karaoke singers, and I am one, so I feel fully qualified to speak up. But, I don't generally give one anyhow. For the most part, a "C" sub is "how did I do?".... and if I come back with a "hey, you did great"... I don't call that fluff.



Very well said. That's my point. There's room for fluff AND for the more serious people. Listen to who you want, comment to who you want, rank when you want... and leave other people to pick their own choices. I do NOT think ONE set of rules is needed here for all to follow... it's nice that we all can be here and stick to what part they wish to play. To those who are having their fun in SS by subbing, listening, and commenting... LET THEM BE. Quit smacking them over the head with  a "critique bible".

I just... don't care to play a part in this bickering crap. It's wearing on my nerves.

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Thanks Luly. I had my shield up and was ready to battle over my initial post here:) It's nice to know others agree with me. I just... wish some of this could die down. I think if everyone made an effort, it could get better. Sure, there's things that come up... that's bound to happen when this many people meet in one place on a daily basis. But, I think we could handle it better. I mean, if we all could learn to put ourselves in the other person's shoes once in a while... maybe we could lessen the angst we feel and not get QUITE so intolerably mad over things... I hate when it escalates to the point that enemies are made, and people start leaving. We've lost many good members from stuff just like this.. and I miss them. I sure don't regret the day I first came here... even if this website came to a close, I've made some lasting memories and friends here.


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still dont stop me wanting a way to bannish some to iggy land  LMAO

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"Be who you are and say what you feel... Because those that matter... Don't mind...And those that mind... Don't matter."

Battle over it? Sounds like Lulu and you are somewhat relating this to the other threads on SS, but that wasn't really my intention though it is an offshoot of my thinking on that whole subject. Really this was a separate topic for me (and others) to explore what we are getting out of SS? I'm just kind of questioning reality. I suppose I am trying to also justify the time I spend there as opposed to doing other things. Maybe I just need a shot or two of Jack as you mention. Come to think of it I am due. It's been awhile since I went out. Heck how long since I did karaoke? September? Whoa...can't be that long can it? Hmm...maybe Tequila shots!

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The Truth Is Out There

I just meant... cause I spoke my mind about the SS issues.
NOT to take over your thread with bickering, not by any means. I just usually
get side swiped when I state my opinion, and I meant... I was prepared for it.
But I'm glad to see it didn't happen. (so far?)

 

Yikes, reminds me of New Years Eve night... I still can't drink Tequila, haha. Nor anything else for that matter. I've sworn off liquor for a while.

So.. have one for me:)



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As I commented elsewhere Bill,  It has it's own system and people that conform to it seem to enjoy it.  People that have Critiqued others invariably have run into problems when Critique has gone beyond "relatively light and friendly commenting". Reason being few know how to offer, or receive Critique in that particular site.  However those that have adjusted to Singers Showcase (as the majority wish for it to exist) seem happy.  If you are happy there, it works for you just as do the you mention, and that's what matters most. It wouldn't work for me, and it doesn't work for certain others that take Critique more seriously.  Those that have offered true Critique have been met with dissension.  All that matters is whether or not it is worth it to you !  It's a subjective call. *I* don't consider it "real" or even honest, but that doesn't mean it's not a fun site. In real there'd be more ranks under 9

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

Ok. Rock on all... I think I'm going to watch a Jet Li movie and just chill. Too much thinking about all this stuff. I need some fluff baby!

No new songs from me to SS for awhile as I've had a cold last 5 days, but almost gone now. I have some old recordings I could maybe post. We'll see. Have fun all.

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The Truth Is Out There

Nothing wrong with fluff, many want it..  It has it's time and place !   Enjoy Bill.

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

I like Bigdog, and miss Keith a lot too !

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

Yes and No.