Choices

Thought For The Day

I was reading about Graham Nash yesterday and how he left The Hollies and came to America because of artistic differences. The article pointed to the Hollies other members not being willing to record The Marrakesh Express and Teach Your Children because it didn't fit their style. That sent Nash on the road and he ended up in Laurel Canyon with a teeming lot of artists including David Crosby and Stephen Stills who, it was said, made only a periferal pass through the music before they recorded it. The rest, as they say, is history. I have been a fan of Crosby, Stills and Nash from the first time I heard them.
It just proves that no matter how skilled you are at your art, someone will find it distasteful or lacking in appeal. So the question becomes, who is really lacking? Would that be you or your critics?
Let us not overlook the value in criticism offered when sought or by people who have a vested interest in your success. Just remember that ice cream makers have been making chocolate and vanilla for a long time. It only opened the door for more ways to be happy.

Herb Ratliff, April 3, 2012, All Rights Reserved