Birmingham has a problem, I think. It doesn’t have enough people doing enough to point out the good and the bad. There’s lots of stuff going on, sites like Created in Birmingham and LiveBrum will take care of you finding out the what’s on. There’s a lot of space for preview, and not that much review. But how does a committed creative city emerge? How do you decide what of the what’s to spend your time and cash on? I think you know that because of reputation. Some artists (in the widest sense) or promoters or venues have worked hard over many years and been able to do build one of their own, but for smaller or newer happenings that can only come through recommendation, word of mouth or association. And that can only happen if there’s talk about whether things are good or not. Above all critical comment (using it’s proper meaning: comment on the value of something rather than ‘criticism’ being about pointing out failings—a huge 10 out of 10 is an act of criticism) is the bedrock of any ‘scene’. It’s how something gains perceived value. Critical comment both helps promote good gigs, promoters, venues, comedians, band, artists and reduces the...
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