Silly Semantics...Or Maybe Not

I have what I think is a very silly problem. But, hey, it's my blog and I can be silly if I want.

I don't like the word "feedback" being used in relation to evaluating a song. Something about that just bugs me.

And I think I figured it out: "feedback" sounds like it's associated with a job. 

It sounds to me like something your boss would say about your performance evaluation at work - a concept I abhor anyway: "I'm going to give you 'feedback' about your performance in the last twelve months." (I had a "performance evaluation" on one job that was so weird that I resigned almost immediately.)

I think I like the words "ideas" and "suggestions" better. Now, I'm not overly sensitive. You can tell me if you don't like something. That's fine. But the word "feedback" feels to me like the person giving it thinks their opinion is superior to yours. 

I once met a local musician for the first time who tried to "offer feedback" on my songs. I hadn't asked for her opinion, or anything like that. It struck me as a bit arrogant. I would have liked it better if she had said something like "Maybe we could trade ideas on songs, and how we can make each of ours better." Something that felt like more of a give-and-take between equals.

So, yes, this is my silly little problem. But I'll take responsibility for that. Just humor me...and use another word besides "feedback."