I wrote a blog post recently about my recent experience with the "openmic" here on steemit, which, if you have not read it yet I would suggest reading it before reading the present post (just a heads-up: posts are written in English, and at, I'd say, approximately an.. eleventh-grade reading level. Not trying to be funny, just seems that this is a real issue for multiple steemians. Last I checked, Steemit originated and still resides within the USA, whose "first language," at least at the moment, is... You guessed it: English! A lot of members seem to have a problem with this, for some reason (see below where a man wrote "at" me in Spanish). Not here to argue this point. Just a fact. Anyway. Here's my first post, please read:
https://steemit.com/openmic/@gjones15/steemit-open-mic-is-a-joke). Needless to say, my experience has not ended all that well. After getting into a confrontation with the "leader" (part of the problem right there) @luzcypher, who had some interesting things to say; and which, in many ways, revealed certain underlying motives to his not so "open" openmic.
After calling luzcypher out on the fact that he personally permitted at least two (that I counted without barely trying) participants that explicitly broke the rules to the contest (both happened to be Spanish speakers; more on why that's significant in a moment), while summarily rejecting at least mine and one other contestant's entries (who both happened to be American-English speaking) that did follow the rules, he had a few more tidbits to share.
After I apologized to luzcypher for having been a bit harsh after feeling attacked and marginalized by him, he took the opportunity to continuously belittle me for me "feeling attacked," gawking over the idea that I could be so silly to have interpreted his accusations "so wrongly" --a classic tactic used by marginalizers). He then tries to "address" my claim of unfairness in the contest by, again, marginalizing, and making excuses:
But the gem is when he reveals the "real" reason and purpose of the contest he has designed...
So there ya have it folks--luzcypher (and all the participants of steemit openmic, albeit unwittingly) have "done their job" if a family from Venezuela gets to eat. To which I replied: 
Perhaps this explains why there happens to be an inordinate amount of latin-speaking participants (let me re-phrase that: "accepted" participants).
I explicitly proposed this issue of the contest's possible prejudice in my first blogpost, which I know luzcypher read. He chose to blatantly ignore my questions surrounding this discrepancy, while if anything, revealing his prejudice. Still, he said nothing. (I guess this is preferable to denying i.e., lying about it... but, it seems he is silently agreeing with me!). If it is the case, that luzcypher has this ulterior motive, which, it seems obvious to me he does, then, that's fine! BUT, you are misrepresenting steemit, you are misrepresenting the openmic contest, and frankly, you are disrespecting all of the musicians--and music as an art in general--using us like this and not being upfront about what it is you are truly doing: Giving favor to latino--or as you said, "Venezualan"--families who participate in the steemit openmic, while ostensibly running an openmic "open to all." This is False, and people should know that when they hit that upvote for their favorite performer, it's not mainly going to "support the musicians". It's not about creating a "community where musicians can come together." That upvote and your money you contributed might not be going to the "best musician." Given what I've seen, it seems more about giving favor to certain people, incidentally, people that might not even have anything to do with steemit or its openmic whatsoever! Because, "As long as we feed a Venezualan family, (steemit openmic) has done its job."
Of course I have no problem getting food to hungry people, wherever they are. But don't tell me that dollar I gave you is going toward X, and then give it to Y. That's called "scamming." And also don't represent yourself as holding some "community" open to all musicians, and then freeze-out those you deem, because of some personal prejudice whatever it may be, and not expect to get called on it.
So, Luzcypher, my call to you, please change the name of your "contest" to something a bit more accurate. I propose... "Luzcypher's Contest to Help Venezuelan Families Eat," instead of, in a sense, "hi-jacking" something which should be held, in my opinion beyond such matters--i.e., music-- and use it to further some particular political end.
ADDENDUM PLEASE READ: I'd like to add here: I had also (unwittingly) submitted a song to another contest I found on steemit, called the "MSP Art & Curation Contest;" unaware this contest, too, was organized by one of @luzcypher's followers, @isaria. (I'm also pretty sure she had deleted my entry--which is how I found out it was the same person after I connected the dots lol). So I tried to find ANOTHER contest--and came across something called the "Steemit 'Talent Show"'. Much to my dismay, and frankly, my amazement, but this contest was ALSO Sponsored by @luzcypher! Interesting. So.. these folks seem to have the bulk of the Steemit "music scene" on lock at the moment.
I just see this as failure to enforce the rules perfectly and although I can see why you might have a bit of frustration over that. Calling him a scammer seems way over the top.
I think based on the number of people who are involved and quality of the participants I would say that "Open Mic" if not perfect is one of the coolest things happening on SteemIt.
Thanks man. We love listening to all this music.
Even this guys. In fact, after this surreal exchange where he felt attacked for asking him to follow the rules when I thought he entered twice and after realizing my mistake and apologizing, he accepted and then went on to say I attacked him and accused him of plagiarizing which I never did, he posted a performance of "Little Wing" again which I upvoted 100% to show him there were no hard feeling and that we are about supporting musicians. Perhaps that offended him too.
Here is the post I upvoted after the fact and still he's pissed.
https://steemit.com/music/@gjones15/cover-of-you-guessed-it-jimi-hendrix-little-wing
It's OK, some of my best friends are assholes sometimes. I any case, I did not upvote this post but I did resteem it so the community can add their two cents.
Love what you are doing. I don't participate, but I've watched it grow. You've done an amazing job with this project. I get that enforcing changing rules can be a bit of an "Art".
Hopefully, the OP will settle down a bit and look for the intent. Keep up the good work.
Absolutely.
I don't see it that way. I've been involved in this contest since the start and even won a prize at least once. Luzcypher puts in a lot of work and he's had to deal with people trying to cheat as it's grown. It's an opportunity for people to create content that can get seen by a large audience. In places like Venezuela a few dollars goes a long way. For others it may just buy a coffee. People can still manipulate the votes if they have enough supporters, but I don't think the organisers can do much about that. For most of us it's a bit of fun and an incentive to keep on making music.
It is a lot of fun, right?
Sure is. I'll look into doing a video for your latest post
it is a ton of fun. im just getting over Mono and was still trying to get the song out and recorded. on the fence about submitting this week because im still not so confident about the post-Mono vocals >.<
This is real simple. One man was inspired and had a great idea on a new platform. He started offering up this idea called openmic and people willingly joined in. There was so much participation that he infact had to get several other people to help him pick winners and go over ideas as it expanded. Then some guy decides he wants to enter as well amongst 800 other people and a slight miscommunication happens and the dude flips out and starts making all these lengthy ranty comments and posts screaming injustice. Mercy sak!! pull yourself together man, ditch this @luzcypher feud and smoke a joint... maybe have a beer. chill back and get on some good energy cause your zen is on the fritz.
A sum up here is you sound like an asshole! not trying to be a jerk here just pointing that out. might want to check that, your assholes showing type thing... kinda like your zippers down in public, im trying to do you a solid here.
LOL.
Lol and @soundlegion has spoken.
It's completely within your right to express yourself, but in my opinion this slander campaign is going to backfire in the long run.
Unless I'm missing something, you seem to stand alone on these ideas. Should that not mean something to you?
He doesn't seem interested in knowing about the community too much or hearing what they have to say. He just feels angry. I resteemed the post to see what the community thinks.
i say, lets just all get back to singing. amirite?! ;)
There's no "campaign." I've moved on . Just stated my experience. And yes, there are others who agree with me. For one, the post has received some upvotes; and others I have spoken with in private. BUt that's beside the point. And I believe there are still others who do agree, but just don't feel like saying anything.
Who said anything about a campaign? And while we're at it,
Who said anything about you plagiarising content?
Or "falsely portraying my work" as you accused me of?
or attacking your music?
I never said any of those things even though you say I have. Show me where I said that.
You will not find me saying that to you ever. You just imagined it in your own head dude.
I literally just said
and admitted I was mistaken about what I thought was a double entry.
You are the one making false claims saying I said things I never said.
Where is the quote of me saying any of that or even implying it?
Mmmmm.... @gjones15 , I think you are getting the whole point in the contest wrong , Come on ,@luzcypher even apologized to you for his mistake , you know how the judges have to go through hundreds of submissions each week? That in itself is a HUGE job and responsibility and sometimes things slip . I have been participating in the Open Mic every week for quite some time and I have never had any bad experience with it . All the judges are doing their best job. @luzcypher is clearly a great leader among them and also a leader for all of the music community here so I'll gladly ''put my hands on fire'' for him on this platform. He has helped a lot of people , TONS of people and I get his feeling that when he has helped a venezuelan household get through he feels he has ''done his job''. We all know how difficult it is for all our venezuelan brothers now and how much this contest can mean for them. I think the main problem here is that some users feel ''entitled'' to receiving a prize or attention just because they submitted an entry and if they don't get the desired feedback they get angry , let me tell you .. that attitude is not going to get you far here...
Long story short , is the Open Mic perfect? No... Is it one of the best and most honest contests here? Yes. Are @luzcypher and all the judges here being honest, serious and committed to growing the music community here? YES. Are they helping people? YES ... and I could go on...
Just my opinion . Cheers.
Thanks for all of the kindness and remember:
No offense. Hahahaha!
Misrepresent is subjective and relative. I mean, you represent Steemit, you represent Musicians, and you represent (or did) OpenMic. Communities.
As a musician I might tell you, buddy, I DO get you as a 'needy'. Yes. You NEED approval and that's one reason which made you into Open Mic Contest. But, hey! I do too. I am a musician and I want for my job and knowledge, my talent, to be recognized.
I am Venezuelan, friend. It is OK not to be ok, with Open Mic, for example, and so even with hunger.
I don't take YOU wrong. But it makes me scared.
PS: What about my English?
@luzcypher is one of the most helpful and respected members of the Steemit Community. The Open Mic contest is the longest running and most beloved contest on Steemit.
Luz and the judges work incredibly hard each week to help ALL Steemit musicians with this contest.
Do you realize how many entries they get each week?
Do you realize how many entries are from people trying to scam the system by stealing other people's work?
Mistakes happen.
Miscommunications happen.
No one is out to screw you over.
I run the Steemit Musicians Open Mic radio show on Msp-waves radio. I know for a fact that it isn't only Venezuelan musicians who win or place in the top 5. That's a ridiculous accusation.
You've only been here since January so perhaps try doing a bit of research before posturing with baseless claims.
I just made a Minnow University post today that explains the benefits of Steemit Contests that can help you understand the Steemit Community a bit better.
The key word here is Community.
You'll find that is a common theme here on Steemit.
Our community is all about helping each other.
As a relatively new user, Steemit Contests can help you by meeting people, making friends, and networking. Those are the things that will actually help you succeed on Steemit.
The least concern should be the actual prize.
Exactly @isaria. I tried to explain in an earlier post of his that the competition is not the main thrust of Open Mic and it is more about community but he doesn't seem to respond to comments like this or even to comments I have left him praising his music.
Oh well, not everyone understands what Steemit is all about.
First of bruh, I disagree with you!!!! I am black from Africa and if Lucifer was racist, I won't have been a winner twice on this show most of all, on my first try, in fact i am most certain, 75 % of the artiste here always forget to follow the rules out of sheer rush or anxiety to participate but guess what bro he still let us participate ,this goes to show that open mic really is about the music not bout the rules and color or race of the artist, well at the end of the day there's always freedom of speech, but if he's apologized to you what do you want ? I have learnt in my career over time that arrogance and outright challenge in this industry takes your art no where trust me!!! And your post reeks of arrogance! Take a chill pill on it.
Look up the definition of Racism, PLEASE. C'mon, people..... Jesus Christ in Heaven.
I get your point. But I love the open mic community for exactly these things. I don't take the aspect of competition here very seriously. People have a reason to connect. The reason is music. The vision is a kinder world. It's the values of these people why I enjoy being part of this. I am perfectly fine with getting to help someone in existential need and listen to a lot of great musicians at the same time. Just with an upvote everyone can be part of that. If someone expresses to have troubles to feed the family and a good song is delivered - why not for once get the money to where it's really needed? Since we kind of create money here and there will be more openmics...
That is beautifully put @melavie. Thanks for your words of kindness.
Why do I hate Latinos so much? Especially to Venezuelans? If you have a problem with someone, solve it with that person alone, not making an announcement like this and less taking out people who had nothing to do with your bad experience (I say it for the title so derogatory that you use) ... Of course in all your right to express yourself, you are free, but, I feel that more than one '' Telling my experience '' you are falling into a '' I want to draw attention ''. You have to think things through, we are human and we make mistakes .. I even think that @luzcypher was wrong with what he expressed, because I have seen many good musicians, so for an event to have grown so much, it had to be done with a base and an ethics, that believe me will not come to break it now ... I invite you not to make the mistake of falling into hatred, it is bad, whoever it may be; Latin, Jewish, African-American, Catholic, homosexual, etc ... WE ARE ALL HUMAN, no one is perfect. Greetings from Venezuela.
😊😊😊😊😊
I will say this once. I DO NOT HATE Latinos. I DO NOT HATE Venezuelans. I AM SORRY that, because of, for lack of a better term, a "language barrier," I see how it could INCORRECTLY be interpreted that way. I will also give you the point that the title to this post was, intentionally, "inflammatory," and yes, with the intention of getting attention--which is, from what I "learned in school," how to write a "good essay" ;)) . I am NOT a racist--or try not to be, at least. (I believe EVERYONE has their prejudices..) I understand that my words may seem a certain way--but, I promise you, they are not intended to be against any race of people, unless you consider the judges of open mic a "race" :)). And if you happen to interpret them a certain way, well, I can only be held so responsible for "translating" myself... You know? I truly wish someone would interpret my post(s) in Spanish so they could see that I am not the racist here--And, on top of that, this isn't even personal. Luzcypher, or whomever happened to be the "leader" --I also addressed this to the other judges as well-- It is simply an injustice I believe I experienced--and which I believe others have probably experienced. I documented it, that's about it. It's pretty "black and white." Also it wasn't just about ONE incident. It is the accumulation of multiple things I had posted /talked about. Which, for someone who English might not be their first language, I could see how my posts might be somewhat daunting. (I in fact considered asking someone to translate for / with me to Spanish, but then, I thought: why not... Arabic? or.. Korean? That was another "advantage" I noticied Spanish speakers had in the contest. Which is what this is about: The CONTEST. I am no longer participating in contest; hopefully others do not have to experience what I did in future CONTESTS.
So Again: My APOLOGY if YOU misinterpeted my post(s). Yes, the title is somewhat striking, even possible "distasteful," perhaps ( I already changed one title before, so I don't wanna make a habit of it lol.). But I'm not "against" any specific group... If the people receiving favor were.. martians.. I'd say the same thing!! (Maybe--unless they were crazy scary aliens with huge teeth and telepathic abilities..)
Your title is certainly more offensive that my comment of
which offended you so much you had to post about it.
It is also interesting to note that not one of the winners of the Open Mic contest last week was from Venezuela.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@luzcypher/steemit-open-mic-week-72-winners-see-who-won-open-mic-and-join-us-this-week
Leave this dude alone he don't know nothing bruh, in reality you are not even a good Singer, if you good bro you will make that top 5 list effortlessly, now rereading this post makes me angry, better go get some vocal skills overhaul it will help you. Maybe someday you will win! This is personal to me because now this isn't just an insulting post to @luzcypher and the open mic community it's an attempt to ridicule the prestigious hall of fame winners category, which i am a humble member of, if truly @luzcypher was oppressing you like you are screaming everywhere you won't even be able to use your damn account, because trust me when I say he got superwhales as friends who could just easily flag your account to oblivion and that's it, so suck it up and work on yourself till you get noticed, but I doubt you will because truth is these judges are not spirits they ve got human feelings, don't think any of them would Ever look at your material again because you are a spoilt entitled musician who took his time to undermine their work, if I am not too sure @krystle and @meno would agree. Mtcheew .
Niccur just been a jerk
This is by far the lamest excuse for a post I've had the displeasure of reading. Having never entered the open mic contest myself I am basing my words on fellow Steemians who have entered @luzcypher contest. I believe the Openmic contest was created specifically to bring musicians together NOT for some political motive. While you are entitled to your words and opinion (thank Steemit for zero censorship)... The solution to your problem is a simple one... Start your own contest from scratch and build it up over 72 consecutive weeks. Dealing with a myriad of contestants who actively try and cheat the contest on a weekly basis while trying to keep it fair.
Also you have to respond to crybabies crying foul just because they didn't like the outcome of the contest or didn't follow the rules that are clearly posted.... see simple solution.
Let's play devil's advocate though... Let's say he purposely voted for a Venezuelan one week and because of that, that put food on the table for a starving family. Wow that sounds horribly pathetic that the creator of a music contest would do that. Foreshame @luzcypher... foreshame.
There's a third possibility that you didn't consider as to why you may not have won the contest when you intially entered.... Your music sucks?
The reality of the matter is that someone is always going to cry foul when the outcome isn't to their benefit. Your argument has some serious tones of rascism as well. It doesn't matter what contest is being held on Steemit, he/she's creator should have the final say on who qualifies or doesn't period. I see you have a blistering 5 votes to your post, seems like the Steemit community agrees with you (sarcasm).
And another possibility is that there are a lot of Venezuelans entering Open Mic because a few Steem Dollars make a big difference there and in Nigeria, Phlippines, India and many other countries.
The part he left out about my comment concerning Venezuelans was that it was in response to his earlier post titled, Steemit Open Mic Is A Joke, which he later changed.
I was merely pointing out that even small earnings make a big difference in a country like Venuzeula (I could have just as easily picked a dozen other countries to make my point) and that the good Open Mic is doing around the world is no joke when it is feeding hungry people.
That was interpreted as I have a favorable bias towards Venezuelans. This whole conversation is a joke at this point and anything I say is being twisted into an attack on me and the Open Mic Team. All of this observation and documenting of his experience was initiated by the rude attack on his post when I said, please follow the rules. Even though I was in error, admitted it, and apologized.
The imagined victim is now attacking a lot worse than whatever slight he perceived was thrown at him. I guess my apology wasn't good enough.
In Nigeria 1SBD is so large that's about 1500# now, so even if i don't win I get paid handsomely from up votes every week, that makes me earn more than the average government worker here!!!!
Lol, I already said that, good music is like fire if it's good it will burn the whole place down!!!
Lol. I went on your blog @mithrilweed, to try and find your cover-version of Hendrix--ya know--to see what a "good" rendition looks like? crickets chirping
Oh, and, last I checked: "12" (this post's votes) is more than "6". Might want to add some math lessons in with your guitar class.
Honestly, I'm not one to get into these things, but this is really arrogant and annoying, especially because you're so new and have no clue what you're even talking about. My suggestion if you want to do well on the platform here is to get your head into a better space and let this go.
I think @luzcypher has been very gracious to field your concerns, upvote you, resteem this, etc. You're just making him look better and you look silly by continuing on this rant.
Won't be arguing this anymore, but needed to say this. People are pretty generous and forgiving here, but don't push them too far.
Re-enter this week and start fresh. Wipe the slate clean.
Who's "continuing this rant" The OP is four days old... Haven't really said much else about it.. YOU apparently are the one hangin on.. And I know EXACTLY what I'm talking about. I'm talking about... Well.. I wrote all about it above and in another post, which I highly doubt you have read. So now you (and whomever else) with "power" are going to essentially threaten me because I'm "new?' Gimme a break! That's where this whole problem started! People "taking advantage" of their power, and not using it fairly (in my opinion). So I decided to move on. The irony is killing me... The fact that "you" and whoever else are so upset, is if anything just PROOF to how right I am. Don't wanna be part of luzcypher's openmic, And idk if you know this, but, Luzcypher (et al.) doesn't RUN Steem, or, frankly OWN "Steemit Openmic." I don't need anyone's "generosity" if they are merely going to lord it over my head like this.. gimme a break..
"No clue what I'm talking about..." Wow. Who's the arrogant one??? PLease.. just go back to your kumbaya session. I could point out MULTIPLE other reasons why this is a bunch of horseshit ya'll are pulling, BUT, like you (allegedly) I have better things to do. Thank you, and goodbye.
Ok. Advice not heeded. Cheers.
lol "Advice not heeded" uh oh.. are you going to go get the "big guns" now??? Ya gonna "downvote me" into oblivion..?? What a joke..
Nope. I leave to your own pleasant company.
Thank you :)
I was imagining you channeling this frustration through your guitar rather than your computer, but after reading your tags I kinda like the idea of a complaint contest.
lol. BUt forreal, I think it would be good to have a "complaint" department, or something similar
You would be good at running a complaint department. Why don't you start one?
Lool, now this is just pure sacarsm.
I have to say this. I Dont want to talk too much. @gjones15 you can play that instrument so well its the plain truth.. But come on! I am still trying to understand what your anger is all about! Cause I was following your previous complaints and saw luzcypher apologize would it have been better for him to act like he didnt see those posts am sure it wouldnt have gotten to this.. You are taking things too serious, openmic is put food on my own table and a couple of others... @luzcypher isnt a racist and the judges are just doing their job and making sure to rotate the winners. How else and what else you want them to do... ??? Just asking tho. Cause I still dont understand what your use is about tho. Take a chill pill!!
Yes, @etemi, I apologize that it could be difficult to understand where I am coming from... But trust me, I'm right, and I'm going to stand by that, even if it "ruffles some feathers." You're still awesome and talented!
And all due respect , but, all the answers as to "why" are in my posts... read them.
Which performers do you feel did not deserve the win?
It is interesting to note that not one of the winners of the Open Mic contest last week was from Venezuela.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@luzcypher/steemit-open-mic-week-72-winners-see-who-won-open-mic-and-join-us-this-week
Trust me he's just been a jerk
I don't even know who won. Stopped paying attention. That wasn't the point.
Brother, esto se trata de seguir las reglas! no vas a ganar la competencia llorando porque nunca haz ganado, soy Venezolano y nunca he ganado y sigo participando, he visto competidores que graban con cámaras de muy baja calidad y cantan increíble y no solamente de mi país, también de España, Mexico, entradas INCREIBLES de estadounidenses y eso solo me motiva a hacerlo mejor la próxima vez. También he visto entradas horribles de gente de mi país que lo hacen solo por ganar cualquier cosa y ver que resuelven con eso, no precisamente para ganar y eso me da vergüenza, por otra parte dejame decirte que no es nuestra culpa que hasta el niño más pequeño ya domine 4 instrumentos y que nos enseñen a cantar con el corazón, aquí ser músico es como cocinar, respirar, bañarse, es parte de nuestra vida. Muchos quisieramos vivir de la música pero aquí resulta imposible, anoche un amigo muy talentoso fue a cantar 2 horas en un cumpleaños por 500Bsf. tienes idea de cuanto es eso? menos de 2$! @luzcypher nos está brindando la oportunidad de vivir de la música y no es justo que alguien con este tipo de prejuicios se atreva a señalar a alguien que esta haciendo un gran cambio para los músicos de todo el mundo. Mi recomendación es que lo sigas intentando, graba los videos de manera horizontal y no olvides darle upvote y resteem a la publicación semanal, de eso depende que esta actividad continúe, y te escribo todo esto en español porque si yo tuve la capacidad de leer y entender todo en tu idioma entonces no creo que tengas problema alguno para entender el mío.
Nice comment, compatriota.