I was convinced that I had reviewed other people's work before I posted my first song, so I've gone back and checked.
It appears I didn't. I did and introduction, posted a song but within a few minutes of this I did start reviewing other people's songs.
I personally don't think there's anything wrong with a gentle reminder on the first song but I think the key word is gentle. The tone in which it's said can make a real difference to how it comes across and if the reminder comes with a review as well, even better.
I quite like the fact that this forum tends to police itself, it adds to the family feeling. I also think it's nice when a reminder comes from someone who isn't a mod. It feels unofficial and like you've got away with it so better pull your socks up before you get caught. It also shows there's not a them and us mentality to the forum, just an us, we all play by and support the rules.
My view is also altered very much by how the poster comes across. Some people are clearly just excited to get there song up but others to me come across wrong from the off. For example, posting a song as there very first post immediately after joining, no prior introduction, no lyrics posted, no explanation, no p's and q's. To me they're not just eager, they come across as having no manners or being here for the wrong reason. Probably haven't read the rules or worse, have a disregard for them.
Having said all this, I absolutely understand Boydie's more tolerant approach and the reasons behind it.
I'm happy to go along with whatever's decided.
I would just add that, if a reminder of the rules is decided to be given for a first offence, I think it should just be from one person, not others joining in to compound the reprimand. I've seen this recently and I think I've been guilty of adding my opinion after the fact although I think the ones recently were for repeat offenders, which I think is different. Then I think seeing that more than one person feels the same is a good thing.
Also, the rules don't actually say that anyone MUST review other works before posting a song. I don't think they should say this either but if this is what people 'do' want, maybe the wording should be changed.
Maybe the sticky with the rules should be in red or a different colour to make it more obvious. They could even come up as a pop up or something that people have to read before posting their first song. Just a thought
Yodasdad