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[David Glasses]

Folk Alley should consider eliminating the song ratings system.  The obvious pettiness by which people give songs a "1" in order to lower a song's rating and improve their own song's standing is really disheartening.  Few songs deserve a 1, and it's very strange when you see a song receive a 4 or 5 one minute and a 1 the next.

[Ann VerWiebe]

Honestly, we talked about taking down the rating system in almost every meeting.  In the near future, we plan on switching to something that allows listeners to applaud a song they like.  That way, interactions will be positive or not at all.  Please have patience with the slammers in the meantime [insert reason here that would only get me into trouble].

[JoLynn]

That sounds like a great solution Ann. Thanks to all of you at Folk Alley for continuing to care about this issue, and for coming up with a workable plan.
Positive reinforcement is always good, even in a critique.  Will we be able, still, to communicate with words  in a comments/discussion forum on individual songs (a very important feature in Open Mic, in my opinion)?

From an artist's standpoint there is nothing like hearing from appreciative folks who discover your  music  in the Folk Alley Open Mic feature - I've discovered some real jewels there and a few  who have actually become friends over time.  If it had not been for the comments section, I might never have made the connection, or have the ability to follow their progress with new projects/albums, etc.  This is especially important for the independent, self produced artists who may only  play regionally, but write for posterity or perpetuity.

Folk Alley Open Mic is the glue which keeps us connected to all this great music from all over the world.  It's too great a thing to be mired down in petty school yard bully-like, back-stabbing competitiveness. (We can look to the major marketplace for that any ol' day.) I'm glad you are "fixing" this problem.  I look forward to the new set up.

[acadien]

Competitive nonsense is all it is and hardly any listeners except for the artists themselves seem to be at the root of it. I'll take mine down and look for other avenues to share my music.

[Jim Pipkin]

I've never liked the ratings system, or the negative energy and mindless accusations it generates. I do, however, LOVE the concept of a system that allows me to offer my listeners a free download with just a mouseclick, and opens up a community of other writers and musicians.

I'm not throwing the baby out with the bath water, but I was bummed enough at the silliness to take my tunes down for a bit. Ego was all it was, and once I got past that I reposted and ignored the slams.