Since I can't sleep, I'll provide my 2 cents' worth (I assume that saying is a little different across the pond...) to this discussion.
1. I'm glad to see the comment about all the activity in "Finished Songs", because I've been wondering about that. It often seemed to me many of those songs should be in "WIP". I seldom post in the "Finished" forum, because I figured a song isn't finished until it's at least mixed. I thought that forum was for feedback on the mix and production. And to reassure those who post there because it gets the most action...I almost always post my songs in "WIP", and I do get ample feedback there.
2. I really like the requirement to include the lyrics when feedback on the lyrics is desired by the songwriter. Otherwise, I suppose it doesn't matter so much, although I think I would still prefer to have them available. Having the lyrics already printed makes it easy to copy and paste the parts I'm providing feedback on. If we do get a "showcase" forum, I could see not requiring lyrics there.
3. My suggestion for cases in which the reviewer can't find anything good at all to say about a song is this: Don't give it any feedback. Just like your mama told you (if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all).
4. Since well-meant humor can be difficult to detect without the tone of voice to indicate the intention, it may be best not to attempt it. Humor gone awry can be devastating to the recipient.
5. And, to the song posters: Try always to assume the best intentions of the criticizers. If something you read comes across mean and nasty, assume it was
not meant that way. The poster was able to hear it as s/he wrote it and probably does not realize how it sounds to you at all. Instead, glean the useful info from the post and then move on.
6. One last comment. I
always read over my posts before I submit them. I recommend it. I usually use the "preview" function to do so. And I almost always find things that need to be changed or fixed before I click "Post". More than once, I am sure I might have offended someone (I hope I've managed to avoid doing that!).
I hope this is all taken in the friendly spirit in which it was given.
Vicki