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Umm, not to want to lower the amount of competition or other, but I have a complaint about the inclusion of David Fang and James Semple in the 'Horizon' Category. I think the Horizon category should be kept purely for people who are NEW to this, who have shown a MARKED improvement. David Fang, for instance: "writing music for various video games such as Star Wars: The New Era, Andromeda Source and other medias such as Intex Digital Sound's FedCon XVII DVD . Currently he is the Lead Music Composer for Invision-games." How the hell is someone like me supposed to compete against that? Also, can you please link to my Macjams page, not my Myspace page? I never update my myspace page, and it doesn't give a proper view of my work.

Forum members themselves, including you, designed the Horizon Award to honor "new" talent in the field (i.e. from the last few years), who had shown marked improvement. The four nominees all qualified for those criteria. From what we were able to see, James Semple appeared on the film/game scoring scene in about 2007, and David Fang did not begin composing music until 2008, a shorter time even than you yourself, Miss Tinc. That both of these gentlemen have now composed for bigger projects is definitely a sign of "marked" improvement in such a short period of time.

I'm sorry, I missed that section of the biography. Fair enough, in that case. I guess I'm just bitter that yet AGAIN, my hopes are going to be dashed. I always do this - get my hopes up that actually, I'm progressing pretty well with my music, and tou know, I might actually stand a chance....then get put up next to people who have YEARS of training. And yeah, I know what you're going to say 'he only started composing in 2008'. Sorry, but that doesn;t wash. Those guys have musical TRAINING. Why not have a category, which is what I HOPED the Horizon award was going to be for, so that people like myself and Arcana Chronicles, who are NOT musically trained, who HAVEN'T been to music schools and done music courses actually have a bleeding CHANCE of winning something for once? I'm INCREDIBLY grateful that I've been nominated, don't get me wrong, and it makes me really happy that people like my music enough to nominate me. But have you any idea how debilitating it is to never actually get anywhere? Even though I know I'm progressing with my music, it makes me feel like I'm totally at a standstill and puts me off composing any more.

Updated with your MacJams address, check to see that it's correct! Perhaps we should gather after the awards in a forum thread and discuss and pick and chose the categories for next year. It's really tricky to draw lines between all categories as it is. I do also like to have a "lower" category for "home composers", but where do we draw the line there too? Should we exclude those who has the money to hire an orchestra for the final production? It's really difficult

Thanks, Elrond. Yip, that's correct. And yeah, I think we should - I'd like to hear other people's thoughts on this. You're right, it is difficult.

Wow ... I read those posts and then couldn't believe that it was Tincolindo... I didn't feel I had any chance against you! Haha ... it shows that everyone feels the same way. I'm going to be completely honest here and tell you my background. If people feel that I no longer qualify for Horizon award then I will accept it. I have been playing guitar since 1989 and have played in rock bands for many years. Under 3 years ago I decided to try and learn how to write orchestral music for film. I went in for the BBC Galapagos competition and bought some orchestral samples. I then enrolled on the Music for the Media course. I bought lots of orchestration tomes and scores to study. Effectively I am self-taught. To date I still haven't been paid for any composition work and I do this as a hobby. I am building a portfolio and I have just completed work on a community module for The Witcher. I scored a short film at the start of the year and am about to embark on a couple of bigger projects (a feature film and a short film with Richard Le Parmentier - Admiral Motti from Star Wars). If you wish to hear where I was a year or so ago compared to now then feel free to compare the tracks Battle and Epic Journey on my website. Personally I feel that I have made a big jump forwards in the quality of my tracks (just in production skills if nothing else). Still I will let the general consensus decide on this point. I do feel for Tincolindo here although I would have thought she was far more popular round here than I am. Kind regards James Semple

I really like James Semple's sample, but I have to admit this is the first time I've heard of him. Do you know what else he's worked on because I'd love to check out more of his stuff.

Hehe! And there's me thinking I haven't a hope in hell against you, James! But yeah, I suppose it does show that everyone feels the same way...

I feel really happy for being one of the four from the horizon category! Just being a part in the awards is a great honour.. so I just wanted to thank you for giving me the chance to compete with all those talented people! I don't care so much about winning an award (of course i wouldn't mind getting it), since pointing me out as a worth-mentioning artist is alreasy enough for me!! Good luck to me an Tinc since we are obviously the lesser ones in the category!! hehe

*High-fives coldnpale*

Good luck to you too! And yes, the nomination in itself does make me incredibly happy....

Congratulations to all the nominees in all categories! I think the nomination itself is the recognition of your achievements. http://bestsmileys.com/cheering/3.gif

Thank you so much!! It's an honor to be nominated! And congratulations to all the other nominees! Yours Pontus Rufelt

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Congratulations to all the nominees in all categories! I think the nomination itself is the recognition of your achievements. http://bestsmileys.com/cheering/3.gif Very well stated! I completely agree!

Wow, I'm speechless. I didn't realize I was even nominated. Thank you. I've read some complaints about my position in the "Horizon" category. A brief history about my music background: Since 6 years old I have been playing the violin. Ever since I have been participating in many concerts. I started to compose music during January 2008 starting off with very bare minimum recording and notation applications such as Garritan Personal Orchestra bundled with MakeMusic Finale 2007/2008. I still use both of these applications for notation. If I can, I'll usually complete several pieces once a week, ignoring outside distractions while closed within the confinement of the studio. Warning: Doing so will take a toll on your social life. Life as a composer can be quite lonely. Best Regards, David

I'm really pleased with all the nominations, we have a talented group this year. Congratulations to all nominees! HAVE YOU ALL VOTED YET?

I voted some nominees, but I'm still carefully listening to the nominated artists.

Well Tinc, in terms of success. Put it this way. The almighty and amazing Jahoclave hasn't a clue who the hell those other people are. He has, though, actually listened to your work.

*Falls over laughing* Thanks, Jaho!

*Pokes Elrond* It's almost June! We gonna hear any results soon?
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