That is a good question John!
Some really good points there OD.
So, here is my take. Earlier we were talking about how there hasn't been a lot of activity on this thread. OD and I commented that most folks on this site just want to use the open mic feature to "put their stuff out there". BUT, there is so much more to it than that! I don't think anyone can become a "songwriter", by simply "Putting your songs out there". You MUST write WITH the artist. OR a more extreme term; the ENTERTAINER. I have been thinking about our discussion on "putting your stuff out there" and have thought back in history to some examples. The Eagles, the Rolling Stones, Brad Paisley, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson. EVEN some of the "writers" I know, such as Will Nance, Alan Rhody, and even MAB. I'm pretty sure NONE of these folks started out wanting to be a songwriter. They all started out wanting to be entertainers. I'm pretty sure ever example I've given DID write songs. BUT not for others to record. They were going to record them for their careers. So, I have come to the conclusion if you want to "get your songs out there", you must also be willing to "put yourself out there". I would also argue, that means GET OUT OF THE LIVING ROOM! I guess there are a small handful of exceptions, where they got a lot of attention on you tube. BUT, even in those cases, the folks wanted to be entertainers. Not songwriters.
So, if there are any lurkers here that have "put your songs out there" on the open mic, I sure hope those recording are by someone who wants to be an entertainer. Whether that be yourself or someone you know who decided to use your song to get themselves out there.
I think it was Peggy who asked if she should send her songs to a radio station. The general consensus was, the radio folks don't really care who wrote the song. They're really interested in the artist/performer who recorded the song.
phil g.