At a risk of appearing to throw a James style strop, I genuinely don't think I could take part in this contest if we continued with one big final :( I really struggled to listen to all the songs in the final especially when I like to listen to them all several times. It shuldn't make much difference I know but I really didn't enjoy the last contest as I didn't get familiar with the tracks

 

This is pretty much how I feel about it all too. I don't think you're throwing a james style strop at all. It's a geniune feeling and should be respected.

And vice versa if semi's continue I probably won't participate in the contest much longer either. I get frustrated enough with BJSC as it is by its obvious pop bias, but the idea of eliminating songs before they even reach the final just pisses me off too much. There is NEVER a 'reason for it'. A bunch of amazing songs miss the final because 70% of BJSC participants can't be arsed to sit through an indie song and need the instant gratification of a pop chorus. I felt like, in this contest for once, people sent what they actually wanted to send without caring about results and without a high result in mind. It's a competition but it could just get nasty before. :/

 

I mean, I'll probably still participate for a while longer but my interest in BJSC will literally be 0% when there are other great, better, and nicer options for sharing new music around the site (BJ CD Swap / Unknown Pleasures if it happens).

I really don't understand all the 'I don't have time!' accusations. I have been HELLACIOUSLY busy over the last few weeks, moreso than probably ever in my life, and still managed to find the time to judge 47 songs three/four times over. Do you people not have mp3 players or suh'in? :o

I did have a rather large post written out, but I deleted it because I knew most people here would literally foam at the mouth if they read it. It more or less echoed what Ben said above. I've always sent songs that I wanted other people to hear, not ones I wanted to do well. And that's the feeling I got from this current contest; that people sent what they genuinely liked listening to rather than what others wanted to hear.

 

Also, listening to 47 songs isn't a struggle. I listened to all songs three times (or more depending on if I liked them) and I was studying for exams (I'm in the middle of them now). It's just under three hours of music... and you've got two weeks to do it.

Edited May 17, 201015 yr by Cal

I get frustrated enough with BJSC as it is by its obvious pop bias, but the idea of eliminating songs before they even reach the final just pisses me off too much. There is NEVER a 'reason for it'.

 

Wikipedia:

 

Final = " the last or championship round of a match, game, or other contest. The final of a competition is the match or round in which the winner of the entire event is decided. The final is usually the last match in a tournament to be played, and the winner of this match is declared the winner of the whole tournament."

 

That's your reason right there. "Eliminating" participants/songs etc is by it's very definition meant to be done before "they even reach a final". (One big final isn't even a one big final -_- )

 

 

A bunch of amazing songs miss the final because 70% of BJSC participants can't be arsed to sit through an indie song and need the instant gratification of a pop chorus.

 

So you're saying that indie is the only genre that can be amazing? And you're calling the pop lovers narrowminded and that they have to get "out of their musical boxes"? :blink:

 

And just because someone that likes pop mostly, didn't vote for indie songs, doesn't mean they didn't take their time to give it a chance, even if they didn't like it. You seem so judgmental at times tbh..

 

 

I felt like, in this contest for once, people sent what they actually wanted to send

 

This I agree with :) but still, there could be other reasons for that, and there are solotions for making it fair even with semi finals.

Well, you know how I felt about it so Ill get right to the point.

 

I feel the new system takes the fun out of everything. The whole fun comes from qualifying, and I found it a huge chore to listen to 48 songs at once. I know its about as many as Id listen to anyway, but by the time I got to the end, I'd completley forgotten the beginning! I'm not going to lie, I hated the new format, I think it was a weak idea poorly executed, and if it remains Torchwood will not be continuing in the BJSC, because it took all the fun out of the contest and turned it into a chore.

I love the format. I don't remember being involved in semi-finals so maybe I don't have the full picture. I think there is a sort of purity about voting straight to a final without a semi-final. Both on the voting and the entry side I would think there is a more open mindedness to entering a song and also voting for it. In a way I would like to reduce the odds/prediction clutter. When I voted I knew my top two where not popular with other and thought about a tactical switched. In the end I didn't tactically vote but surely that is more of a problem with a semi-final format?

Anyway, voted for the new format, for all in one and for the new points system. I wouldn't mind having higher points for the winner and perhaps award points to the top20. I actually created a list of 1 to 46 so could submit more then 15 very easily.

The point of the contest is to find new music and in that respect it was fantastic.

Oh yeah, I voted NO, for reasons submitted since the idea transcended. I also voted "other" on the second part, as I liked the fact that people took a risk, and I DID enjoy the contest, just not as much as I would have with the semi finals being part of the contest etc.

Edited May 17, 201015 yr by Freeze

Seems that people are split on the format.

Perhaps there can be switching between one final format and semi-final format each month. That way you only have to wait out one month if you like a certain format.

Should the all-in-one format used in BJSC XXVI stay as a permanent feature? : YES

 

What aspect did you like the most about the new format? : Everyone was involved + could vote for everything

 

What feedback do you have on the new format? : Just the things that have already been said. EVERY song had the chance to be heard by EVERY participant, less work for hosts, etc.

 

 

 

Oh, and I don't really get this arguement:

 

I find it takes WAY too long to listen to all songs at once.

 

Don't do it then. You had two weeks to vote. Just listen to 5 or 10 songs each day.

Edited May 17, 201015 yr by zechhh

Should the all-in-one format used in BJSC XXVI stay as a permanent feature? : YES

 

What aspect did you like the most about the new format? : Everyone involved, new point system.

 

What feedback do you have on the new format? Now, despite what I've said, I have a few things to moan about. I left the voting until the last minute, but taking in 48 songs was really hard to digest in one sitting. I'm not very good at rating, I usually re-order my iTunes playlist as I go through but by track 30-something it starts to get hard to do an exact ranking. I had too many songs left from my first listen through and I didn't have the motivation to listen to them again. Luckily enough there were about 12 stand outs, so it shouldn't have had too much of an effect. But I'm not sure if it's a coincidence that my 'stand outs' included artists that weren't new to me. (Rox, Kelis, Katie Melua, Leona Lewis, Alexandra etc.) If we continue with this format I think a recap is crucial to make it a bit easier. That's my main issue with it anyway. I think the benefits outweigh my complaints though.

I actually really enjoyed the all in one final. It was easier imo. I also loved the new point system.

 

But I'm more than happy to go back to Semi's too as I did think although in general it was easier and better, it was a bit too much to digest all the songs in one, but that's why we're given two weeks to vote and stuff.

 

I think I'd prefer it if the host chose whether they wanted an all in one final or whether they would find it easier to do semi's as it would totally depend on them and whether they can commit themselves/the time to do a big full final or semi's etc... What can I say? I'm easily pleased and wouldn't mind whichever we did.

Wikipedia:

 

Final = " the last or championship round of a match, game, or other contest. The final of a competition is the match or round in which the winner of the entire event is decided. The final is usually the last match in a tournament to be played, and the winner of this match is declared the winner of the whole tournament."

 

That's your reason right there. "Eliminating" participants/songs etc is by it's very definition meant to be done before "they even reach a final". (One big final isn't even a one big final -_- )

 

Are we really arguing over semantics here? Okay, let's not even call it a final then. There. Now we can't use Wikipedia to justify eliminating songs. :)

 

So you're saying that indie is the only genre that can be amazing? And you're calling the pop lovers narrowminded and that they have to get "out of their musical boxes"? :blink:

 

And just because someone that likes pop mostly, didn't vote for indie songs, doesn't mean they didn't take their time to give it a chance, even if they didn't like it. You seem so judgmental at times tbh..

And when did I say that indie is the only genre that can be amazing? o_o You're not even interpreting me correctly when I think I'm making my point incredibly clear. I gave The Dolly Rockers points over a bunch of critically acclaimed indie acts (Jonsi, etc.), so please do not put words into my mouth. :/ I've been pretty open about my love for pop. I treat it like any genre where songs can be incredible (Kelis) to god awful (Sheelah). And I'm not judging anyone else for liking pop either, but let's be honest when it comes to BJSC there is an OBVIOUS pop bias. Most of the songs in the top 10 are pop or have SOME elements of pop to them. Not that an indie/rap/country/metal song can't go top 10 but it's rare. And it kind of sucks for people who tend to gravitate towards genres that aren't pop to have to spend hours looking for a song that could possibly appeal to pop fans / wondering if it'll qualify or not (instead of browsing the latest Swedish iTunes top 10). And no you shouldn't care how your song ends up doing, but if I sent my actual favorite songs of the week / month I would DNQ over and over and over and it would make the contest absolutely lame for me. I'm surprised countries like Utopia and Camdonia stick with it after having some amazing songs get written off and getting like 18 points because they were in the wrong semi / a semi in general. Like I said, I'd rather finish at the bottom in a big final, where at least everyone heard my song, than a semi. I'm not saying that by skipping over finals an indie track will do better, not by any means, but at least it got a chance.

 

People call me judgmental all the time on this site and it gets so old when my musical tastes are actually quite open. I feel like anytime people like non mainstream music / indie music / punk / older music / metal / whatever people just automatically assume that we think we're the coolest thing ever and we're up our own asses. It gets so old.

 

This I agree with :) but still, there could be other reasons for that, and there are solotions for making it fair even with semi finals.

 

What else was different about this contest besides the lack of semi finals? What other reasons could there be?

 

I sound so angry about all of this. Ultimately I really don't care. It's just an internet contest and whatever way the mods decide to go I'm fine with it. But I probably won't stick around too much longer if semis are implemented again. Which is not a big deal or anything, I shouldn't be given special preference or anything.

Are we really arguing over semantics here? Okay, let's not even call it a final then. There. Now we can't use Wikipedia to justify eliminating songs. :)

 

I did not say that to justify eliminating songs. You were the one that seemed to be so worked up about songs being eliminated in a previous stage before a final even taking place:

 

I get frustrated enough with BJSC as it is by its obvious pop bias, but the idea of eliminating songs before they even reach the final just pisses me off too much. There is NEVER a 'reason for it'.

 

Then you said that there would be no reason to do so, when there actually is, hence the definition being brought in. (Or did I misunderstood anything you said?)

 

 

And when did I say that indie is the only genre that can be amazing? o_o You're not even interpreting me correctly when I think I'm making my point incredibly clear.

 

I never said you said that. I'll try and explain my interpretation:

 

A bunch of amazing songs miss the final because 70% of BJSC participants can't be arsed to sit through an indie song and need the instant gratification of a pop chorus.

 

When you say that a "bunch of amazing songs miss the final" and link that event with indie songs not even being listened to - you seem to be saying that indie are amazing, and pop too simple/poor. You were also, in a way saying that 70% of the people that are participating here doesn't even have the courtesy to listen to the indie songs properly. And I am sorry if I have offended you, but that's the kind of thoughts that are deemed to be seen as judgmental. People in here could be open-minded/fair regardless of their voting pattern.

 

I gave The Dolly Rockers points over a bunch of critically acclaimed indie acts (Jonsi, etc.), so please do not put words into my mouth. :/ I've been pretty open about my love for pop. I treat it like any genre where songs can be incredible (Kelis) to god awful (Sheelah). And I'm not judging anyone else for liking pop either, but let's be honest when it comes to BJSC there is an OBVIOUS pop bias. Most of the songs in the top 10 are pop or have SOME elements of pop to them. Not that an indie/rap/country/metal song can't go top 10 but it's rare. And it kind of sucks for people who tend to gravitate towards genres that aren't pop to have to spend hours looking for a song that could possibly appeal to pop fans / wondering if it'll qualify or not (instead of browsing the latest Swedish iTunes top 10). And no you shouldn't care how your song ends up doing, but if I sent my actual favorite songs of the week / month I would DNQ over and over and over and it would make the contest absolutely lame for me. I'm surprised countries like Utopia and Camdonia stick with it after having some amazing songs get written off and getting like 18 points because they were in the wrong semi / a semi in general. Like I said, I'd rather finish at the bottom in a big final, where at least everyone heard my song, than a semi. I'm not saying that by skipping over finals an indie track will do better, not by any means, but at least it got a chance.

 

I fully understand (and respect) your view in music, as you've described it several times in here. There is no secret that probably most of us participants like pop/pop elements the most, hence those songs having the greatest appeal. It's unfortunate that more genres aren't represented, but what with the current demographics, it's only natural.

 

People call me judgmental all the time on this site and it gets so old when my musical tastes are actually quite open. I feel like anytime people like non mainstream music / indie music / punk / older music / metal / whatever people just automatically assume that we think we're the coolest thing ever and we're up our own asses. It gets so old.

 

Personally I don't think you are judgmental. I made a comment about you seeming that way/acting so on occasions. I'm only reading the BSCJ forum and just started to read around in the Personal charts forum, so all I know about you're view on subjects/people/thoughts etc are coming from this forum, and it's probably not representable, by all means, but if other people call you that, independently of each other, there's probably a reason for that.

 

I'm sorry but that's news for me anyway.

 

 

What else was different about this contest besides the lack of semi finals? What other reasons could there be?

 

I'll refer you to these two posts of mine:

 

 

You're strongest card here is that a one big final allows for greater risk taking/not missing any songs, but there is a reason for songs not making a final, not necessary just because of the format of the contest. And people could take their time listening to the songs in the other semi final that didn't make the final, and hey there you've probably discovered some new songs. Those songs are also available after the contest has taken place, so you have the time on your hands.

 

And if we take a look at what the countries usually send/vote for, and/or what they're currently sending, we could put those countries with elements of similarity into different pots and divide them into different semis (let's say FSR Rontvia and Ashton in different semis, and Mdice/Skall in different semis etc). Then making it 50% chance of a country making the final, which is still 100% fair.

 

Don't cut my head off though, just giving my opinion with some suggestions :drama:

 

And this:

 

Semis makes the contest more interesting/exciting, and adds more activity to the forum during the contest days.

 

By making it more of a challenge to make it to the final, you add that spice of competition which is a part of what this song contest is about.

Edited May 18, 201015 yr by Freeze

On another note (not Mdice-related), I'd also like to refer to this post. I think it describes the view on time quite correctly :)

 

I prefer having the semi-finals because its almost like a mini competition to get into the final and I like the excitement of seeing whether or not you are in the final or not. Also during each of the stages of the previous format it took less time in one amount of time to listen and vote for the songs. With the format used in the most recent contest you have to allocate more time in a shorter amount of time for more songs which may be hard on some people who may have other commitments like work, college/uni work etc...this may have an effect on votes that are cast.

However with the new format I did like the fact that everyone was in the final but it didnt feel like a challenge which a contest should feel. So yeah, I prefer the old format with semi's.

 

Although people experience the time issue differently, as I've noticed. So it might be subjective then, I guess.

 

 

And if just a handful of people (such as valuable veterans like Hendinia or Mdice) leaves the contest (if any of the alternatives stays permanently that is), then, would it not be better/worth trying one of the following solutions instead?

 

Seems that people are split on the format.

Perhaps there can be switching between one final format and semi-final format each month. That way you only have to wait out one month if you like a certain format.

 

Or this?

 

I think I'd prefer it if the host chose whether they wanted an all in one final or whether they would find it easier to do semi's as it would totally depend on them and whether they can commit themselves/the time to do a big full final or semi's etc...

Edited May 18, 201015 yr by Freeze

On another note (not Mdice-related), I'd also like to refer to this post. I think it describes the view on time quite correctly :)

Although people experience the time issue differently, as I've noticed. So it might be subjective then, I guess.

And if just a handful of people (such as valuable veterans like Hendinia or Mdice) leaves the contest (if any of the alternatives stays permanently that is), then, would it not be better/worth trying one of the following solutions instead?

Or this?

'Might' be? It IS subjective, like any personal opinion. Nothing is objective in this thread.

 

Oh and Hendinia are not quite veterans of this contest (so far) :kink:

'Might' be? It IS subjective, like any personal opinion. Nothing is objective in this thread.

 

Oh and Hendinia are not quite veterans of this contest (so far) :kink:

 

You know what I mean :P :drama:

I don't want to get into this big arguement which more and more is looking like a BJSC War III :kink: so i'll just say I completely agree with Ben and Cal and whoever else wrote long speeches defending the new system. :lol: I'm like Jonjo, terrible at wording sentences, even in my native language (especially in it!) :(

Seems that people are split on the format.

Perhaps there can be switching between one final format and semi-final format each month. That way you only have to wait out one month if you like a certain format.

 

I think this would be a great idea actually, I'd be willing to support something like this

I had a thought about switching formats each contest before and to be honest it sounds alright! :o Although i'm still for one big final with every part of my body :cheer: