The art of music criticism (and it is an art) is different to asking a friend, or colleague, or just anyone on a forum what they think about your song. That's just an opinion, and like a certain body part, we all got one......

Criticism, in the true sense of the word, DOES imply some authority. When we read what the NY Times music critic, or someone from Rolling Stone, has to say about an artist or a performance, we are willing to accept the article's views as more important than, say, our Aunt Edna's (unless she IS the critic from the NY Times!!) because of the body of work of the critic, and his acknowledged credentials.

Some of the most respected composers and musicians have, at one time or another, worked as critics. They earned that right. But when anyone chimes in with an opinion of your work here at SZ, or anywhere in the anonymous WWW, you have to take it as exactly what it is...... the opinion of someone you probably have no idea whether they know a damn thing, or would recognize great playing or composing if it bit them, well, you know where!

So, what you are asking for is an opinion from an unknown, and if that opinion upsets you, perhaps you are taking their opinion FAR too seriously unless you know them, and their body of work and experience.

Critics, the real ones, that is, can sometimes be VERY harsh, and have ruined many a young artist's dreams. But they have earned the right to be that brutally honest. Those of us that post here with a reply to someone's request for an opinion of their song HAVE NOT earned that right. We are still only delivering an opinion, and as such, should have the tact and sympathy to deliver our opinions in less than insulting terms.

Anything less should be beneath us.