Feel free to say what's on your mind, Rex. Most of the parody writers here (or possibly just me) submit parodies to see how other people respond to their ideas and parodies, not just how other parody writers respond. And you won't be a newbie for long, making friends with both Arwen and MooRocca on the same thread. Nice.

Are you interested in writing parodies, and if so have you written any yet? I know when I first started out on the site, no one knew me so I had to comment a lot more than I wrote and get my name out there. If you are interested in submitting stuff here, commenting (besides showing the author that you not only read their work, but took the time to think about it and respond, a huge complement) is also the best way to get known

Go ahead and tell people what's on your mind.  I think most mature adults can take the heat.  Of course there are some people who will get really defensive...



I agree with Arwen.

If you think something about someone, but don't tell them because you think this truth about what you're thinking might upset them, you're not only being dishonest, but arrogant as well

because you're assuming (ie. judging) that the other person isn't mature enough to handle the truth

;)

The longer I´ve been here the more I have come to apprechiate comments over votes, but when they come together it´s even better.

Comments with so called constructive criticism are actually more rare than one would think from how often they are asked for and said to be apprechiated, and in that regard I´m as much a culprit as anyone else. What you can do, and what we IMHO have a slow but general drifting towards, is to make comments with a pun or two, related to the subject of the song, the original artist or possibly some other comment above yours.

Also, if you see a song with a topic that you like but doesn´t know the original song you can either download it to check it out (preferred) or come back the next day to see how well people you´ve come to know here as fair has judged it on pacing, take them for their word and judge the parody for yourself on funny and overall (second alternative, but another way for a newbie to show that he´s taking interest in learning from the veterans).

Are you interested in writing parodies, and if so have you written any yet?


I've posted two so far. I have a backlog of parodies I've written over the past mumble years and will be gradually posting some of them. Many of the parodies I'm writing now are for a CD I'm working on with a friend's band, so I'm keeping those under wraps for now.

And I appreciate everyone's comments. I will do my best to provide good honest feedback to the parodies I look at.

Hey, look! I made it to two stars!

As a relative newbie to AmIRight, I've been hesitating giving "constructive criticism" to some of the parodies I've seen. I start wondering if the author:

1. will appreciate it

2. will ignore it

3. will track me down and kill me

Anyone have any experiences with giving a less than stellar comment to a parody writer? (By the way, if I get negative comments I just nip off and shoot myself. Fortunately I have bad eyesight and keep missing.)


I personally appreciate it, and echo the comments made by the other authors on this thread.  As long is a comment isn't a personal attack, I have no problems with people commenting that a parody might not be my best, suggesting improvements, places where the pacing might not work, etc. 

I love all comments and ratings, good or bad, as long as they are somewhat accurate. Many times, the people who hate a parody for its content alone will rate pacing or overall quality low just for spite.  >:(

I have been known to give "constructive criticism" to a newbie right when they jump in--some have taken offense to it, some not. At least I try not to come off mean-spirited.

I personally appreciate it, and echo the comments made by the other authors on this thread.  As long is a comment isn't a personal attack, I have no problems with people commenting that a parody might not be my best, suggesting improvements, places where the pacing might not work, etc. 


Nice call on the personal attack bit, Jeff.

People put their work on the site in the name of scrutiny.  If they didn't want people's opinions, they wouldn't publish it.  And if they are that concerned with getting negative comments, then they'll choose to not allow comments.  So...I say...commenting on parodies is free reign.  I also think that commenting on comments is free reign.  If someone says something in a comment that I disagree with...you can bet that I'm going to tell them as much.

I will be the first to admit, however, that I will get upset, and rightfully so, if a person chooses to attack things having to do with my personal life, and/or things that have no relevance to the site (or my place on it) at all...

I used to struggle with the feedback issue myself.  I realize that while everyone of course says they appreciate honest feedback -- "as long as it's constructive, and not vindictive" -- the reality is that some of us welcome "honest feedback" only when it's telling us how brilliant, funny and/or talented we are.  In the end, all you can do is try to be honest while still being supportive, and realize that some people may get their noses out of joint and exact retribution on your parodies.  But that's just the breaks -- not everyone can be a grownup.

Of course, you can always leave your honest feedback under a pseudonym, if you're worried about it.  ;)

I used to struggle with the feedback issue myself.  I realize that while everyone of course says they appreciate honest feedback -- "as long as it's constructive, and not vindictive" -- the reality is that some of us welcome "honest feedback" only when it's telling us how brilliant, funny and/or talented we are.  In the end, all you can do is try to be honest while still being supportive, and realize that some people may get their noses out of joint and exact retribution on your parodies.  But that's just the breaks -- not everyone can be a grownup.



exactly, Leo - as always, it all simplifies down to motive - that's where the truth always is

because if you don't look straight at the motive, you're only left with interpretations, which are driven by your own personal factors

They will end up clouding any exchange.

I've chattered enough on this topic...so this will be my final thought...

1.  If you feel justified in saying something, say it...

2.  ...but be aware (as any intelligent person should be) that some things are hurtful regardless of the motive...

3.  ...but again, you said it because you felt justified.  Stand by it.  Do not waffle. 

4.  People's feelings are just as valid as your opinions.  Even if you think they are being overly sensitive, or immature, or ridiculous, or irrational...they have their right to their reaction just as you have your right to state your opinion.  I have probably been in more fights around here than most people...and I've been on both sides.  sheesh happens...sometimes it's fixable...sometimes it's not...

5.  ...so, if you HAVE upset someone with a comment...then accept it.  You can apologize...but you can't guarantee that you'll un-upset them...so if they want to hate you, let them.  If they are going to get over it, they will do it in their own time.  If they aren't going to...nothing you say will make them change their minds. 

i'll throw in that we had MAYBE the weirdest comment left on us a couple years ago. Some...thing left an entire shania parody as a comment about how we don't wear pants... interesting to say the least.

personally, I would LOVE to get some more comments. The best way is to give them yourself and people will start to recognize you.

i'll throw in that we had MAYBE the weirdest comment left on us a couple years ago. Some...thing left an entire shania parody as a comment about how we don't wear pants... interesting to say the least.

personally, I would LOVE to get some more comments. The best way is to give them yourself and people will start to recognize you.


yes - give and you will receive - I can't believe that's not more obvious to the people who whine about these things

I've chattered enough on this topic...so this will be my final thought...

1.  If you feel justified in saying something, say it...

2.  ...but be aware (as any intelligent person should be) that some things are hurtful regardless of the motive...

3.  ...but again, you said it because you felt justified.  Stand by it.  Do not waffle. 

4.  People's feelings are just as valid as your opinions.  Even if you think they are being overly sensitive, or immature, or ridiculous, or irrational...they have their right to their reaction just as you have your right to state your opinion.  I have probably been in more fights around here than most people...and I've been on both sides.  sh** happens...sometimes it's fixable...sometimes it's not...

5.  ...so, if you HAVE upset someone with a comment...then accept it.  You can apologize...but you can't guarantee that you'll un-upset them...so if they want to hate you, let them.  If they are going to get over it, they will do it in their own time.  If they aren't going to...nothing you say will make them change their minds. 




yes, waffling is ridiculous, although clarifying isn't - and I agree, guarantees are pie in the sky

On my parodies, I want people to be candid and brutally honest. But only if they include the word "masterpiece." All other comments will be reported as inappropriate.

xoxox
Spaff

Rex
As a relative newbie to AmIRight, I've been hesitating giving "constructive criticism" to some of the parodies I've seen. I start wondering if the author:

1. will appreciate it

Kim:
That could go either way, but if you do not at least make the attempt you will never know for sure.

2. will ignore it

Kim:
Again, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

3. will track me down and kill me

Kim:
Stick close to the waters edge. I hear that penguins are excellent swimmers. Walking, or to be more precise, waddling on land makes you an easy target.

Rex:
Anyone have any experiences with giving a less than stellar comment to a parody writer? (By the way, if I get negative comments I just nip off and shoot myself. Fortunately I have bad eyesight and keep missing.)

Kim:
I have not given a negative review here on this site. I have done so with a couple of story sites, and even then it is rare for me. Here is what I usually concentrate on when giving a review to a story (it should work pretty much the same way for a song).

1. I pretty much stick to the content of the material.

2. I never call the author names (that is just plain rude).

3. Mention those things I did not like, but not try to be mean about it. Analyze it,
    explain it, but always maintain a certain objectivity. That may not always work,
    but it is a bit more humane.

4. I will try to mention positive things as well.

Ultimately you have to decide whether you feel strongly enough to make a review that an author may not like. It is easy to say you like something, or that you hated it, but it isn't so easy to say why. Explaining why you feel the way you do about something will help those authors who wish to improve, and they will most likely thank you for your thoughtful response. Of course there are those you mentioned that will hunt you down and kill you. Just to be on the safe side, I'd stay close to the water. :D

Kim.

I love all comments and ratings, good or bad, as long as they are somewhat accurate. Many times, the people who hate a parody for its content alone will rate pacing or overall quality low just for spite.  >:(

I have been known to give "constructive criticism" to a newbie right when they jump in--some have taken offense to it, some not. At least I try not to come off mean-spirited.


For the record, your comments to this newbie were accurate and fair. When you did see something in one of my songs you liked, you did not hesitate to mention that as well. You were one of two reviewers that made me re-evaluate and revise at least one song (I still need to re-work a couple of the others). :)

Kim.

On my parodies, I want people to be candid and brutally honest. But only if they include the word "masterpiece." All other comments will be reported as inappropriate.

xoxox
Spaff


You forgot to mention the words genius, gifted, and brilliant.

Kim. 

On my parodies, I want people to be candid and brutally honest. But only if they include the word "masterpiece." All other comments will be reported as inappropriate.

xoxox
Spaff


:D LOL! That explains sooo much! And the implication is of course that if we payed EVEN MORE attention to your songs subpages we would - occationally - be able to sometimes see a negative commment before its quick removal?  :P

Yes, Peterchyd, MORE attention. Or, as Billy Idol would say, MO MO MO MO MOWWW. That's what it's all about.

And Kim, I appreciate your commentary above. And you're definitely on the right track with this...


the words genius, gifted, and brilliant.


...but I'm sorry - it's either "masterpiece" or DELETE DELETE DELETE.

xoxox
Spaff

All we are saying is give us feedback............

Sorry, got caught in the moment of a very corny parody.

Rex,
I believe you should have nothing to fear. I, in fact, love criticism; unless it says 'suck', 'improvement', 'crap', 'amateurish', 'immaturish', and 'wow, you said that there was a time you were good, when was that?'

Aside from those words (and phrases) you're all set to go.
But beware you shall get feedback for whatever feedback you dish.


I fear the power of the elf.


who doesn't?

I am becoming more and more aware that I have stumbled upon a community of talented and generous individuals. I no longer worry about being tracked down and killed (well, except by Arwen  ;)). Thank you all for your comments on this and my other postings.

Oh, and Spaff -- masterpieces! Every one! Really!  ;D

I believe clarity is the key! There's a big difference in "Hey, your pacing's bad!" and "I think the pacing's a little off in your second verse." One's specific (and semiconstructive) and the other is just... not. I think you can see the difference.

If people are jerks don't read their stuff. Well... I won't say that; they may have a good one someday (hahahahahaha... right) But you don't have to feel obligated to like it ;).

The only people I know who might hunt you down are those government types. You know the ones!

-E²

I used to struggle with the feedback issue myself.  I realize that while everyone of course says they appreciate honest feedback -- "as long as it's constructive, and not vindictive" -- the reality is that some of us welcome "honest feedback" only when it's telling us how brilliant, funny and/or talented we are.  In the end, all you can do is try to be honest while still being supportive, and realize that some people may get their noses out of joint and exact retribution on your parodies.  But that's just the breaks -- not everyone can be a grownup.

Of course, you can always leave your honest feedback under a pseudonym, if you're worried about it.  ;)

I agree with you Leo....I freely admit that Amiright can be a great ego-stroker, and it can be a bit tough getting any sort of criticism...I don't mind as long as it's done in a constructive and supportive way. I'm not averse to giving my honest opinion...I gave Alvin a 4 for "funny" the other day and indirectly got called a nimrod (not by Al, of course)...and I like giving new writers tips or advice (bighead that I am) on how to tighten up their work. In the end, everyone's different; go with what works for you.
And of course, use a pseudonym if you want...mine's "Michael Pacholek".... ;)

I no longer worry about being tracked down and killed (well, except by Arwen  ;)).



And Rex, you REALLY gotta worry about that! I once failed to use the work "fantastic" in one of my reviews of Arwen's parodies....apparently, not even the FBI relocation and protection program can save me now....

And of course, use a pseudonym if you want...mine's "Michael Pacholek"....


Oh yeah, admitting THAT's going to win you a lotta love, Kristof!  Hee hee!

Seriously, MP gets a lot of flack for his comments, but from the very first time I submitted, I've always looked very forward to seeing what, if anything, he'd say about my submissions. 

And Rex, you REALLY gotta worry about that! I once failed to use the work "fantastic" in one of my reviews of Arwen's parodies....apparently, not even the FBI relocation and protection program can save me now....


LOL! 

Way to make me break my "I'm not going to post on this thread anymore" promise, Kristof!


Oh yeah, admitting THAT's going to win you a lotta love, Kristof! Hee hee!

Seriously, MP gets a lot of flack for his comments, but from the very first time I submitted, I've always looked very forward to seeing what, if anything, he'd say about my submissions.


Right on, MooRocca.

Except...when I first started posting, I couldn't figure that Mr. Pacholek out...he didn't automatically love me as the rest of the world usually does.  But eventually he came around...he's one of my favorite guys these days...

Always honest, yet always smitten with me... ;)

Oh, and Spaff -- masterpieces! Every one! Really!  ;D


Your training come along good, Grasshopper.

xoxox
Spaff

Your training come along good, Grasshopper.


Ooohh... new song idea! "Grashopper" at age 83! Race ya!

It's so easy to win when the other party doesn't know about the race!  ;)

Tune: "It Was a Very Good Year"

When I was 17
I was a Shaolin trainee
And I learned about life from Master Po and old Master Kan
Each morning at dawn we would all convene
When I was 17

When I was 21
I put my arms around a pot
That burned images of tiger and dragon into my skin
I was Shaolin, but it came undone
When I was 21

When I was 35
I wandered through America
Searching in vain for Daniel Caine, my brother they said
With a price on my head, dead or alive
When I was 35

And now so few recall
The greatness of the Kung Fu brand
And at age 83, I’ve got to pee twelve times a day
And my martial arts display is not in demand
Come snatch this pebble from my hand

It's so easy to win when the other party doesn't know about the race!  ;)

Tune: "It Was a Very Good Year"

When I was 17
I was a Shaolin trainee
And I learned about life from Master Po and old Master Kan
Each morning at dawn we would all convene
When I was 17

When I was 21
I put my arms around a pot
That burned images of tiger and dragon into my skin
I was Shaolin, but it came undone
When I was 21

When I was 35
I wandered through America
Searching in vain for Daniel Caine, my brother they said
With a price on my head, dead or alive
When I was 35

And now so few recall
The greatness of the Kung Fu brand
And at age 83, I’ve got to pee twelve times a day
And my martial arts display is not in demand
Come snatch this pebble from my hand



Very funny stuff. ;D

My only personal problem with it, and please understand it has nothing to do with your parody in the least. It's just that I couldn't stop hearing William Shatner singing the original song "It was a very good year". He so mangled that song, "Lucy In the Sky" and "Tambourine Man" that I…simply…can't…take his voice…and ERace IT…FROM my MIND!

I actually can visualize Captain Kirk, with his sleeves rolled up, screaming in agony as his arms make contact with that iron pot. Not a pretty site let me tell you, poured the contents of the pot on the master.

Kim.

Yes, Peterchyd, MORE attention. Or, as Billy Idol would say, MO MO MO MO MOWWW. That's what it's all about.

And Kim, I appreciate your commentary above. And you're definitely on the right track with this...

...but I'm sorry - it's either "masterpiece" or DELETE DELETE DELETE.

xoxox
Spaff


Masterpieces, every one of your works, of that there can be no doubt.

I particularly liked the one "Superfrog (It's Not easy to be green)." You managed to take that wonderfully sweet Kermit and present him in a simply whimsical light with a song that was originally a somewhat serious. You pulled it of as if it were the easiest of things to do, yet, I marvel at the talent that pulled off such a feat.

I curtsy to the song parody master.

Kim.

I actually can visualize Captain Kirk, with his sleeves rolled up, screaming in agony as his arms make contact with that iron pot. Not a pretty site let me tell you, poured the contents of the pot on the master.


KIRK: Spock! What have I done!

SPOCK: It appears that you have emptied a large pot of burning coals onto an aged Chinese gentleman.

KIRK: Bones! Can you save him!

MCCOY: He's burned pretty badly, Jim. But burns are nothing to 23rd century medicine.

KIRK: Master! Are you all right!

MASTER: Hieeeeeeeee-yah!

EVERYONE APPLAUDS.