I think the medium is poor and Nifer is probably not even using a proper microphone. Major contributing factors in process
I don't think there is a mic or medium on the planet that can make an in-tune voice become one with pitch issues.
Although its good to make brutal assessments I dont believe that people who want to do something should be discouraged
I don't think it's good to make deliberately brutal assessments. If an assessment is seen as a brutal one when that wasn't the intention of the assessor, does that mean it was brutal ?
I agree with you about discouragement. In fact, if I remember rightly I prefaced my first post with something about that. And I don't think I've said a single thing that is intrinsically discouraging. I've pointed out that some serious work needs to be done. And why.
Point is nobody is 'good' without training or practice
I agree. However, singing is one of those few exceptions in which some people are quite good despite no training. I know I keep banging on about it but I think the ability to sing {ie in tune} is something that comes to most human beings. We are musical beings. Naturally, we all differ for a variety of reasons at different times as to how well we do this. If one can't find the natural aptitude to do it then that's a different story. Singing is a bit like running fast.
Most people can do it but not everyone is going to be Usain Bolt or Valeriy Borzov. But the issue isn't whether or not everyone is going to be a Borzov or Bolt but whether there is some aptitude for running fast. You can train to get faster but not necessarily to get fast.
to rip them to pieces for simply having a go is not a good thing
I couldn't agree more. Remember though, there is a big difference between having a go and doing OK in the go you had and having a go but not really being able to in a way that will bring any pleasure to those hearing you.
There used to be a talent show in the UK in the 80's I think. One judge was a very successful record producer called Micky Most. His trademark was to be absolutely brutal to people. 'He' was well qualified. Did he do the right thing? I think he probably destroyed more than he created.
It was "New Faces" which started around 1974 or 75. I remember it because there were 3 judges that used to be regulars that were real bastards ~ Most was one, Tony Hatch was one and Katie Boyle was the other. Granted, some of the comedians and ventriloquists were pretty lame; whether it was nerves or sheer lameness, I can't say but quite a number got mercilessly treated. And the thing is, virtually all the singers that got slagged could sing. What they may not have had was 'star' quality.
Funny thing was, the 1976 winner of the grand final was a ventriloquist called Roger de Courcey and he went on to have a healthy career for a few years. I always thought he was lame. His dummy, Nookie bear, was never funny like Emu was funny and even as a teenager I could always see De Courcey's mouth moving !