4. telephone ringing
I have no idea what you are talking about!
I must question your logic though as I do not think it is the "sound" or sample that is the issue
It is how it is applied - in exactly the same way as the "cliche" that was discussed a while ago
If it is just "stuck on" at the front or end then I agree that it can sound a little "tacky"
However, if it forms an integral part of the track then I wouldn't even consider not using a sound because it has been used a lot before?
Prince's track "Thunder" uses a thunder sample that helps set the atmosphere of the track
I also recall our very own Mr Nighthawk using a wave sound to great effect in a recent track
There was also the genius use of a telephone ringing in a track recently
As with the cliche discussion I think the same points apply - as long as you are aware you are strying in to or close to cliche territory you should be fine
Using a track with one of these samples thinking you are the first to do it could be a little tricky to pull off!