"Take a pill, Nigel. You'll live longer."

Now, I wouldn't say something like that to you or anyone else on Mudcat. Even if I did think they were talking shite. But thank you anyway. You're too kind.

I go to a writers group. We each read extracts from our works-in-progress and them we all criticise what we hear - some positive, some negative, but all intended to help each one of us get better at what we do. And you know what? It works. The end of my recent (unpublished) novel is far, far better written than the start.

Unless I've misunderstood, by your logic Bruce, there should not be a review section in any magazine or paper. Fine, if you don't want the publicity. Because if we censor the reviews that say such-and-such an album is a waste of good vinyl, we should also censor the ones that say "you've got to hear this fantastic record". To have the one without the other invalidates the whole process... and you can't tell me no-one ever in the history of recorded music has made a bad record.

Slag - unless I've misunderstood you, you seem to be suggesting there should be no independent opinion, just cunningly disguised advertising. Not sure what use that would be to anyone, including, ultimately, the artist.

And Bruce (again!), the thing about having far better taste than anyone else was a JOKE - yer good ol' English irony... I was 'pretending' to be as arrogant as some of the other posters on that thread. I actually don't think I'm the 'last word' in anything... and I don't believe I've ever said this, so please don't accuse me of it, ok? All I do is state my opinions. Too bad if you're offended by them - that's not what I've ever intended.

FINALLY... Here's an example (by lil ol' me) of criticism: Subway Review ... I'd be intrigued to discover in what way something like this is a heinous crime against music or musicians.

I'm out of here. For now.

Nigel