If you've been a songwriter for any length of time, or if you've just started out and haven't yet joined some kind of songwriting group or organization...there's a place on the 'net you should definitely check into.

rec.music.makers.songwriting has been in existence almost since the beginning of the internet phenomenon. Over the years, there have been many participants and visitors, including complete beginners, publishers, performing songwriters, lawyers (oh, oh!), and just about anyone you can think of involved in the craft and business of songwriting.

There are many issues discussed, including copyrights, publishing, and legal aspects of the business...and of course, the writing process itself. Many people post their lyrics for critique, not an easy thing to do at first! I have set up an RMMS page with links to the F.A.Q. and many of the songwriters who participate on a regular basis in this group. Please take a moment to visit and be introduced!

There is great value in building a songwriting community, no matter how great or how small. If you're anything like me, you find that you isolate yourself sometimes in order to do your very personal writing. That is a necessary aspect of any creative endeavour. But this isolation can be balanced out with a healthy relationship to others who share your love of songwriting. Some of us, especially in the beginning, can develope a bit of a chip on the shoulder, a super-sensitivity to criticism when it comes to our work. If you are to grow as a writer, it's necessary to learn to be open to other's interpretation of those songs...if you're writing them for someone other than yourself, then you want to make sure that the message is getting across!

This newsgroup is a perfect place to begin that process...you can lurk for awhile and watch what is being discussed, and then introduce yourself and your questions/lyrics/ideas. Like any newsgroup, there are occasional disagreements, flames, and undesirable visitors. But rest assured that there are many of us who have participated for a good length of time who try to discourage negative behaviour and encourage all the positive stuff!

Many of you visit my pages because of my postings in this newsgroup, but I would like to encourage those of you who have found this place by other sources to please take a moment to check into this newsgroup...and tell 'em I sent you!