I am starting a new thread for this to be more general than the "writing reviews for movin on" thread. I expect we will eventually combine some of that info through cut and paste - as it was already full of good stuff.

Some suggestions about writing reviews and leaving comments:

Be as objective as you can possibly be. Of course you are going to love it - but think through the merits of the song or music and comment on those specific things. If there is some small thing you would change - that's ok. For instance - in Movin On you may love the song, love the lyrics, love the voice, the artistry - but really not like the intro to the song. It's not a crime to say so. Try to write a review that an objective reader would find useful in determining whether to purchase the song or CD. An objective reader will be turned off by a zealot :-)

Keep usernames as generic as possible. Try not to use those with Elliott in the name or those that define age, sex, or the mom, grandma, nana status. It will be helpful for new readers and listeners NOT to have a preconceived notion about who Elliott's fan base is. Keep their minds open.

Try to stick to writing about the music, not what a great guy Elliott is - we are reviewing the music.

And this - I am sure - is preaching to the choir - but don't get involved in comparisons to other Idol contestants. Let's try not to talk about Idol at all - Elliott is Movin On and so should we. You may see comments or reviews where someone makes comparisons like this that you don't like - but don't feel obligated to defend Elliott - his music speaks for itself.

I know there are other message boards where the debates of one contestant over the other still rage - not here - and let's not further it in our reviews and comments. If others' comments get contentious, try to leave it alone to die a natural death.

Remember - the more focused on the merits of the music and the more objective your review or comments sound - the more credibility it carries with the reader.

Like someone said in another thread, this is an exciting time. It's time to let go and let the music and Elliott stand on its own - and that is both scary and exhilirating. We know we are in on the ground floor of something wonderful - we can't "vote" anymore, but we can encourage new listeners through reviews, positive objective comments and introducing Elliott's music to as many new people as possible. After that - our work is almost done - nothing to do but buy, buy, buy and pack the concert halls

:yes:

Very well said - bravo!! :rocker:

As the new single and CD become available, I will be adding links to places where you can rate or review the music. Check back for more - and please PM me if you see that I have left something out.

There will be opportunities at many of the internet sites where the music is sold - like ITunes, Amazon, etc. There also may be opportunities to respond to a published review online - like Entertainment Weekly, Idol Chatter, Rolling Stone, etc. Keep checking back for more info.

Good post Linda :)

Great post Linda.

Guess I gotta be nice to the crazy McPhans now so maybe they will buy his album.

This is all for you E, all for you!

Of course it's not a crime to say you don't like a certain part or aspect of the song, but I hope as fans we can leave that alone. I've already read the review by someone who doesn't like the clapping in the beginning and when it is all said and done someone will listen if his music grabs them somehow, not turns them off to aspects of it. I hope that his reviews come from a more organic place and not from a how to.

As a fan, if there's a part of a song I don't like, I'll leave it alone and review the aspects that I do.

For me, including any critical aspects in a review takes it out of the pure fan selling mode and into a real review which could garner more respect and attention. Sure everyone will have their particular likes and dislikes in a song, but I think the point is that we are truly reviewing the music and not just showing our allegiances and trying to convince others to buy. To me, that kind of review is very transparent. I feel that writing with more dimension can only help. This is coming from my own experience. I get way out of a true review on Amazon than from the "reviews" by fans who are trying to sell you on the object of their desire. Sure, there will be plenty of these types of reviews. Let's just add some that speak to the music first in its entirety.

I tend to agree with you SingItE. I've got to say, I have no experience whatsoever in writing a music review. I am a total novice.

However, when I'm reading an Amazon review of a new appliance that I am interested in purchasing, I definitely want to hear the facts. I want to know if there is a problem with how the appliance operates. Or with the warranty.

But, as subjective as music is, I'm not sure it would be beneficial for Elliott's fans to pick the song apart, listing areas that they think is not up to par. I'm sure, there will be plenty of non-fans doing that.Shouldn't our role as fans be to stress the positive and ignite an excitement in others, not necessarily to point out what we may think needs improvement?

An example would be pointing out the clapping at the beginning of the song. You know, if that is a weak point in the song (which I don't believe it is), won't it just make others aware of that weak area? Maybe it's something they had not even noticed, but after it is pointed out, then they say, "Oh yeah, I don't like that either..."

If I am wrong in my thinking here, please set me straight.

Agreed with Movin2, here.

I understand your concern, SingItE, but I think it's okay to be "negative" a little bit as long as the criticism is fair and constructive. It does help to balance out the overwhelming positives we're all likely to see when writing a review.

Now, having said that, I agree with you that if you strongly dislike a song or parts of a song, it's perhaps better not to post a review altogether. There's no rule saying we have to like every aspect of everything Elliott does. But there's also no rule that we're required to post our feelings about everything he puts out.

Case in point: From the clip alone, I'm not so much a fan of "Find a Way." I have my reasons, but am I going to post that publicly on general websites out there? No way. I'll focus my critiques towards the strenghts and weaknesses in the other songs I actually like.

I think it's helpful to have this discussion here. We're just mainly looking to avoid extreme posts--either the "Elliott is GOD" type (with no real reviewing going on) or the negative-for-negative's-sake type. We want to promote Elliott, but in an honest fashion that won't cause folks to dismiss your reviews as fanboy/girl-ism.

Sharon, I hear what you are saying - and I understand that picking the song apart is not the goal - but a way to make the review sound more objective and credible might be to say - "The opening didn't grab me right off - but 10 seconds into the song, I was loving the catchy chorus and amazing vocals. This song is obviously radio friendly and makes you want to get up and dance."

See where we're going here?

Can see your point, sharonburr.

If we stick to reviewing the fine points of Elliott's singing (not the music or songs themselves) there will be no weaknesses or disagreements, right? I don't think we need to shy away from reviewing how we feel about the individual songs. We are going to be able to honestly say the cd is great.

I notice most people point out the songs they prefer over others but it is all subjective opinion anyway. We have only heard one full song from the cd so it's a little early to form exact opinions on the rest. I would love to hear a remix of "Movin On" with a slightly heavier club beat somewhere in the future but do like the original version and his vocals, lyrics, melody very much. It bodes well for the depth of the rest of his cd that he can release this as a "teaser".

Even the best cd's by the best groups (like U2) only have 2 or 3, at the most 4 really good original songs on them so to expect every song of Elliott's to be of the highest caliber would be insane. If E hits anywhere near that mark (3 good/great songs) on his first cd I will be ecstatic. If he has one hit single or an overall good solid selling cd I would be happy.

I would also add - if you don't feel comfortable offering constructive criticism about a point of a song that you were not thrilled with - then don't do it. Only do this if you feel you can slide it into an overall positive statement of the music.

Yes, I do see what you guys are saying. The remarks are stated tactfully. I am always so blunt...I need to learn how to state a differing opinion or a not so positive remark in a graceful manner! LOL

The way you stated your example Linda is excellent:

"The opening didn't grab me right off-but 10 seconds into the song, I was loving the catchy chorus & amazing vocals...."

I would like to commend OhioGuy for writing a very nice review on ITunes for Movin'On.

If you don't know Elliott or his music, OG has written a review that will at least intrigue some others unfamiliar with Elliott to take a listen.

If you didn't know Elliott's music, what would get you to take a listen???

Sk8888

Already at AOL and starting tomorrow at pretty much every source where you can download the CD - there will be opportunities to leave comments or reviews. It's now really legitimate for us to comment on the whole CD since we've had a chance to listen to the whole thing.

Also - at some point this week, there will be an official review at USA today and Ken Barnes will do his track by track comments in Idol Chatter. You can leave comments at the Idol Chatter blog too.

I know it goes without saying - but I would recommend leaving comparisons to other Idols and their music out. I say this though because when I went to the AOL listening party this morning, the very first comment was terribly derogatory of Taylor and had many comparison of this CD to Taylor's. I know it wasn't anyone here - just sayin'

Happy reviewing!!!