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Comments
I really & truly do not think it is anything to do with either the format or yourself. I think it's a great idea executed as well as it could be.
From a personal point of view I keep meaning to do it but I just usually either forget amongst a load of other work or I don't get or allow the time for it. Although I am determined to put in the effort to do something for the Rank Stench challenge.
The one change I would suggest (and like to see) is anonymous entries, with only the winners and runners up names announced after voting has finished. It takes away the possibility of voting becoming personal and those who may feel nervous or lacking confidence to be able to do their best and if they win it's fantastic and if not they don't feel too exposed or can receive praise or critique knowing it's imparted neutrally.
Supportact said: [my style is] probably more an accumulation of limitations and bad habits than a 'style'.
I miss lots of posts because I can't get access at work other than on a very weak signal through my phone. So I tend to just visit the bits I'm interested in. Lots of others probably have similar habits.
So maybe up to 45 seconds may be better? I don't think it will make much difference to finding the time to listen through (unless we suddenly start getting hundreds of entries).
Sticky reminder would help me remember.
Length - would anyone be excluded to going slightly over? So long as it's in the spirit and obviously a riff not a song I'm sure it's ok so maybe word it to be approximately 30 seconds.
I quite like the idea of it being anonymous until it's over and a "winner" is chosen - might add to the fun.
I don't think the time limit for entering is an issue - if you extend people will just stretch the dithering, so keep it monthly imo.
Agree that 40 or 45 seconds might work better.
I wouldn't really want any themes etc - I prefer being able to pick what I want to have a go at each month.
One thing I've noticed is the volume of the clips can make a difference to how they sound next to each other, so normalising them might be a good leveller. I'd be happy to help with the soundcloud uploads / normalise them with mp3gain on the way if that would help?
1. The Fretboard challenge/riff of the month needs its own section. At the moment is gets lost in 'Playing/making music'. I was talking to a friend of mine last week who also posts on this forum. He didn't know there was a riff of the month or a Fretboard challenge - he never visits the 'Playing' section.
2. I haven't entered the riff of the month yet as I don't tend to play metal so 30 seconds is quite short for me. I'd opt for a no more than one minute rather than a fixed 30 seconds.
3. I think people should be encouraged to offer feedback. I've been involved with a number of these challenge-based tasks on other forums and a key to success and survival is to make it inclusive. Encouraging beginners and critiquing their entities [positive advice rather than slagging them off] ensures that the entries aren't just confined to a small number of accomplished players who put people off from entering - I'm not saying it happens here but it is something to be aware of. If you're a beginner/intermediate player with little hope of winning why would you enter? Getting some feedback will encourage people IMHO.
4. I think a sub section on how to record would be useful. I remember that when I started out recording at home I hadn't got a clue what I was doing. Tips, tricks and advice will pull people to the forum and engage them with the challenges.
5. Maybe a Facebook page to promote the tasks.
6. Going forward if the numbers improve than we could have categories that remain fixed - best metal riff, classic rock riff, indie riff, jazz riff, blues riff, acoustic riff etc. It won't work at the moment as there aren't enough people involved but we could consider starting with two categories - electric riffs and acoustic riffs.
Remember, it's easier to criticise than create!
Using the other FB is a good idea too. We're very low profile over there, partly because we didn't want to create cross-over between there and here, but perhaps we could use it as an announcing platform.