[jamsmith]

1) Missing opportunity.

I related this story to a friend last night and this thread seem apt to repeat it. Back in the mid-80s, I had a tape given to Leon Wilkerson of Lynryd Skynrd. I was contacted about taking a guitar position in a new group that was being formed by him and Artemus Pyle. I was told at the time that it was a completely different group. At the time, I though my group was going to revolutionize the world. I believe we would have if not for the upcoming success of a similar group called the Red Hot Chili Peppers, so I turned the offer down. Of course 3 months later at Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam the new reformed Lynryd Skynrd was introduced and my heart fell out on the floor. By the time A&R heard our demo a few year later, Geffen's Vicki Hamilton listed for about 30 seconds and said "Oh, the Chili Peppers" and the was the beginning of the end.

That senario could have been much different. Even if wasn't going to be Skynrd, the new band was backed by MCA. I would have gotten arena level experience been in "Studio A", and met quite a few business-type in the upper echelons of the business. Sideman/replacement hires generally don't last that long and is a year or two, I could have had my own band singed and maybe even beat Mother's Milk to the market.

So moral of the story, don't let opportunity pass you buy. Even if seems you are abandoning your values or your friends, in the long run you can help both. I have a few more listens from major A&R, but no contract and never had the big-time offer again. I squandered the opportunity presented to me. Maybe Kharma doesn't let Opportunity knock twice.

2) Talking shit in forums.

I have seen a few people hear make some really harsh attacks on people in resonse to a post, even to the point of outright insults. What some hear forget is they are often promoting themselves with links so we know who they are and some people are hear are pretty big time, yet somewhat anonymous. I may be completely disconnected, but there was a time when I had a direct pipeline to some top A&R people. I was in a position to pass stuff I heard on. If you are being a rude dick in a public forum, who is going to bother passing your shit on?

3) Being un-self-critical.

I use to do a lot of hip-hop, of all genres, that has to be the one that has the least difference between artists contrasted with the belief in how unique they each think they are. Hype is a distinct attribute of rap-music which is cool in the booth or on the stage, but if you believe your own hype, regardless of what kind of music you do, you will never be self-critical enough to develop a truly unique style and reach your potential. Plus, since your really aren't "all-that", people will quickly get tired of hearing about it.