I think this is absolutely fair. Music is a very subjective subject to be on, so it's hard to draw the line of you can or can't do this or that.
But I think for those of you asking overly specific questions - the bottom line is integrity. We are entertainers - if you can't 'wow' someone with the video you're submitting, focus, work on your craft, build something worthy of attention, and then submit.
Keep in mind, your music is your brand. Slander it once and the community remembers.
The one place where I slightly disagree is writing vocalists off as non-musicians. But as much as I don't agree with the idea, it doesn't really change the technicality between an open mic and karaoke. If this were a karaoke contest then it would be different, but it's not. If you are a singer and want to continue to profit off of Open Mic and can't play an instrument, cut in an instrumentalist and make quality live performances with the two of you. I mean damn, isn't that how music works in the first place? lol
Although I love and have utmost respect for the idea, I don't participate. Why? Because my voice is meh and my guitar playing is meh, and I would rather have a phenomenal reputation as a music producer than a meh reputation as a master of none.
I think the bottom line here is, if you can honestly say you're creating content with integrity and thought, then you're likely okay. But I can imagine how difficult it must be to sift through hundreds and hundreds of low quality videos that were made just to grab some upvotes off the tag.
I didn't say that.
It's just that almost all the people trying to scam this contest are entering either a karaoke or acapella entry. If there is musical value there, and it doesn't have to be a stellar performance as much as we all like that, and they are not just singing for 20-seconds to scam some rewards, then they will be included, but if not they will be ignored.
That's why there will be exceptions. Trust me guys, Open Mic is going to get better because of this.
I'm not trying to exclude singers at all and value their contributions. I'm just pulling some weeds that are growing in this contest.
You're right, you didn't - didn't mean to put words in your mouth. Apologies for that. Over the first read it had certain implications maybe that I misinterpreted but I should've reread.
But regardless, I do agree with you anyways.
Yea, some people started thinking we were banning singers. But no, just scammers. LOL