I've got to admit to mixed feelings about promotions of wikiloops. While it would be wonderful for many more people to take advantage of this site and what it offers in terms of resource and learning, it is also becoming a very large community. It's becoming impossible to hear and enjoy all that's on offer. In circumstances of large numbers it's common to fracture into groups of players we know and like to hear and shutting out others...there just isn't time to hear everyone/everything. I've seen/heard some fine musicians come and go because they received little/no recognition for the wonderful music they play. To some, learning and just using tracks here to jam and practice with is enough. For those fine musicians Mark would wish to invite it may not be enough.
Some of you may know that I've got several memberships. I've used these (in the past) to undertake a social experiment in which they interact to various degrees with other members. There is a "control" in to experiment: I'm playing the same way, using similar tracks, etc. So the music is the same and only the level of social interaction is different. One membership follows others and communicates most. He has the most people following, thumbs, plays, etc. The member who communicates but follows nobody has far less, and the member who neither communicates much or follows anyone only gets comments from those whose tracks he has added to. This presents quite a clear picture of the social aspects within this site and how the quality of what's on offer is of less importance (in terms of gaining recognition) than social skills.
What does a new member want/need from this site? The answer will be as varied as the individuals signing up. However I think we can probably generalize about a few types: 1. The learner who comes to practice. They don't necessarily post anything and are realistic about their skill level compared to others they hear. 2. Intermediate player who has some skill (but maybe more ego than skill?) and wants to practice, post, and possibly gain recognition. It may, or may not matter to them whether they gain recognition as they are still honing their skills and will keep trying. 3. Experienced (pro?) musician who just wants to make music with others and have a good time. 4. Experienced (pro?) musician who requires recognition for their abilities and will quit if they don't gain recognition very quickly. Obviously there are lots of others out there like the delusionals who think they are great in spite of a lack of talent or skill.
What does Wikiloops offer to each of these types? More than enough for most, but certainly it certainly doesn't cater to type 4 or the delusionals. How would someone know if Wikiloops will work for their needs? We currently have descriptions and tutorials that are very matter of fact and utilitarian, but don't give a very human picture of what happens. There is certainly nothing that accurately describes the social nature of the site. Are these failings? Probably not as anyone keen will certainly find out what it's all about. Could that process be made quicker/easier. Yes, I think so.
Now, to get back to Mark's proposal...sorry about all that preface, but thought it was necessary. If you're inviting musicians to check out Wikiloops, then either you, or or the site could offer an introduction about what the site can, and can't offer. A video that shows people recording at home and then others taking that track and adding to it at their home, gives an accurate picture of what each individual does. A quick check list can then give them the other clues they might need.
Wikiloops can:
1. Provide tracks with a large variety of styles and instrumentation for practice.
2. Give the opportunity to post your contribution back on the site for others to hear or add to.
3. Be a learning experience and give the opportunity to learn by doing and/or interacting with others.
4. Challenges musicians to be creative as there are no “standards/covers” allowed.
5. Provide a safe supportive community to assist in growth.
Wikiloops does NOT:
1. Cater to individuals who wish to post complete projects (go to Bandcamp or others).
2. Promote individuals or provide a platform which will lead to being commercially recognized or even recognized within the site.
Wikiloops has a very strong community feel to it, which can be daunting to individuals wishing to gain recognition. It is an unfortunate reality that people with good social skills are more likely to gain recognition over those who may be better musicians but not as socially adept. There are strong similarities with other “social sites”.
The site is suited to all levels/abilities as long as those individuals appreciate being able have respect for other players regardless of their level, and have no expectations for fame or recognition. The act of playing and having a place to post your contribution must be its own reward.
Edited by
Wade on March 26 2017 03:19