Chris,
Tekker's got some great stuff!
I think if you read through the posts in the recording and song writing sections you'll not find *any* negativity at all. People will voice their opinions, offer advice ..... in the *spirit* of genuine helpfulness.
If you ask for an in depth critique, you will get one.
If you are going to write melodies and lyrics, the first hurdle you have to get passed is your own mental thoughts on "what will people think". This is what they will think. Some will think it stinks. Others will praise your abilities. Some will offer advice. Some will say nothing. Some will like it. Some won't like it.
So what.
In the final analysis, it's what you garner from what people say and offer. It's what you take away from it. It's up to you to learn from the information given. Getting offended or feeling like your work is not worthy is the worst thing you can do. All that does is stifle your abilities. Every writer had to start somewhere and with your background in poetry, it's not a far leap to lyric writing. Draw on your poetic days.
Lyric writing is hard work. Add melodies and it's that much harder!
But it is all worth it. Good, bad or indifferent, with each lyric you write you get better at writing a lyric.
Go, Team, Go! Sis, Boom, Bah!
**
LC