Reviews discussion

Actually, it's about exactly where it started. A new reviewer started the conversation after posting a harsh review in response to what he saw as inflated reviews for friends. Tony thinks he's right. Micah says the review is so over the top to arouse suspicion.

I appreciate ALL the reviews- good and bad.  Like I said, I didn't make an album to be on this website.  I didn't make it so it would be come a timeless masterpiece of prog.  I made it because I love making music- end of story.  If I lived alone on some unknown planet and could, I would make music.

As an artist, I am, however, on Prog Archives.  That means anyone can write what they please about it so long as it complies with the rules of writing reviews.  That means my album could have a 4.80 or a 0.84.  Either way, it's here, and anyone is welcome to buy the album and make a review.  As Micky wisely said, it's "fair game."

What I won't tolerate is people questioning the motives of people who genuinely like what I've done.  I would defend drwlf and his review the same because he clearly heard the album and expressed a good and honest opinion about it.

Tony, if Alex is disingenuous, then strip him of his prog reviewer status.  If you are not prepared to go that far, then keep your unfounded and vague accusations to yourself.

Epignosis wrote: I appreciate ALL the reviews- good and bad.  Like I said, I didn't make an album to be on this website.  I didn't make it so it would be come a timeless masterpiece of prog.  I made it because I love making music- end of story.  If I lived alone on some unknown planet and could, I would make music. As an artist, I am, however, on Prog Archives.  That means anyone can write what they please about it so long as it complies with the rules of writing reviews.  That means my album could have a 4.80 or a 0.84.  Either way, it's here, and anyone is welcome to buy the album and make a review.  As Micky wisely said, it's "fair game." What I won't tolerate is people questioning the motives of people who genuinely like what I've done.  I would defend drwlf and his review the same because he clearly heard the album and expressed a good and honest opinion about it. Tony, if Alex is disingenuous, then strip him of his prog reviewer status.  If you are not prepared to go that far, then keep your unfounded and vague accusations to yourself.

Why would I strip him of his PR status. It is neither within my power nor necessary. This isnt Admin v Collab it is member discussing with other members...

Tony, my point was simple: Either back up your accusations with facts, or knock it off.  Actually, you could start be clarifying them.

And Jay, does anyone need to explain their purpose for writing a review?  That seems unnecessary really- you write reviews to tell others what you think of an album.  Right, or am I missing something?

Negoba wrote: If drwlf had not explained his motive, I would have assumed it. It's not a balanced review. The opposite is also true.

Jay, a three isn't a balanced review.  It's a 3.  A balanced review is one that expresses the honest opinion of the reviewer.  I trust drwlf's review because he was specific.  He hated my work- that's cool.  He's not alone.  I don't need him to explain why he wrote it- if anything, writing a motive makes me less interested in what he had to say.

Negoba wrote: I hate POS's BE and I dislike Remedy Lane. I gave neither a 1.

I understand that.

But you gave Zero Tolerance for Silence a one.  Were you being honest or disingenuous?

Have you heard that album??? It's honestly pure noise.

Negoba wrote: Have you heard that album??? It's honestly pure noise.   www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnN7RX1RHes   I think that link will work.

Not the point.  I loathe Insurgentes, and I reviewed it to say so.  It got a one.

I don't review music for any other reason except my pleasure.  If it's good, but I don't like it, it may get a two.  That's pretty much how I roll in that respect.

p0mt3 wrote: Negoba wrote: Have you heard that album??? It's honestly pure noise.   www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnN7RX1RHes   I think that link will work. Jay, I actually kind of like it.

Phideaux wrote: Yum, I must say this is a delicious thread.  A lot to consider and absorb!

Yes, delicious.  I listened to the samples Epignosis put out and was less than impressed.  How anyone can give this a 5 is beyond my scope of understanding.  I think it is great that he was able to put together an album and fulfill his dream.  But when you are working on a 1-5 scale and rating real bands (I'm talking about the giants of prog, here) the same way as this album and somehow giving it a 5 and calling it essential is dicey.  I am going to pretty much dismiss any other reviews by anybody who does so.

I in no way mean to demean the album or the effort.  It is what it is and Robert, I applaud you for putting it out.   But after reading a fair amount of your reviews here on PA, I would think that even you would be a bit taken aback by the sheer volume of 5 star reviews Still the Waters has gotten.