Bentleyville Song Contest is not for one Songwriter

Some people ask me why I did not offer this song as part of the contest to find a song for Bentleyville (this song was published on YouTube prior to the contest) and I guess my answer is that I really don't like contests such as this as I believe it takes advantage of the creative resources of artists, songwriters and the like.



We would never think to ask any other professional (or aspiring professional) such as a lawyer, doctor, etc. to present their skills and talents in such a manner for little or no remuneration. But that's my soapbox preaching. If interested in more of my views on this you can certainly read where I speak of this on my webpage where I encourage songwriters (and artists) at www.terscott.com/bentleyville. I share the lyrics and the story behind how I wrote them with the music, plus I offer resources on songwriting and more. (Please know that the page is updated constantly so please return from time to time).



For those who fell otherwise and have submitted a song, I say "bravo" and hope you had "fun" doing so. As an instructor of graphic design, I always directed my students away from poster contests (and I feel the same way about this with songwriters). For instance, in one poster contest, the organization would ask for artists to submit creative artwork which regardless whether the artist "won", would become the sole property of the organization. Then, if the "fortunate" artist had his/her work selected would get a small sum; about $50 or so, and hundreds of posters would be sold starting at $100 each of which the artist would agree to sign each of them (making them more valuable). Even large sports organizations do this, choosing one of hundreds of submissions by artists, using one logo as the "main" logo, and then since they now "own" all other "non-winning" posters, they can use elements from each in their promotions; all free! In a song contest, all "non-winning" submissions usually become the property of the organization and they can use parts of songs as promotional pieces (audio and print) as well. With many contests such as this Bentleyville Song Contest, the benefits to the artist seemed unclear to me, and seemed to be weighted more to benefit the advertisers of the contest. Don't get me wrong, as an advertising consultant, I'm all for promoting businesses, and helping organizations; I just want artists and songwriters treated with respect and their works, skills and talents appreciated as with any other profession.



I really didn't want to talk quite so much on this as I just did, but I guess my thoughts carried me on.



If you'd like to check out my other original songs, please visit my webpage: www.terscott.com/sings.



Beautiful Bentleyville will be the featured song on my upcoming CD: Northland Carols. Look for it locally or purchase it on my webpage: www.terscott.com/sings.



Also, please leave your questions and comments after this article because I plan to use them in an article to help other aspiring songwriters, and artists.