Kevin, I guess it's a personal thing. My mama and papa always told me, "Son, if you can't say anything nice to someone, don't say anything". And I totally agree you should not be patting folks on the back if there songs aren't any good. i just don't believe you should talk down someones song in public. Even if in your mind it is constructive criticism. Again, most folks who post over there think there songs are "finished" and ready for public display, and just aren't looking for suggestions on how to make them better. Maybe, "courtesy" then?
I guess the point I was trying to make was, go listen to the open mic songs, and if there is someone there you like, invite them to come over here and join in the conversatioin.
Nuff said on the subject?
phil g.