Member
Posts: 5771
A recent exchange got me thinking, is SHS an independently researched source for the works, performances, etc. on site or is SHS simply a site that compiles and archives the data found on other sources and sites?
Other than offering a "one stop shop" for cover songs documented on various other sites, what value is added by the efforts of SHS?
The situation that triggered this pondering is a performance that was only sourced from an "official" database, namely no audio available to confirm or documented editor "ear witness" to audio that's no longer available. In other words, our research was merely coping the info from one site to SHS. In a case like this, SHS can't be a source that attests that Artist covered Song but only that Source attests/attested that Artist covered Song. Where is the actual editor confirmation? In that case there's no audio, no images of the release other than the cover art. Where is the value added to elevate the SHS entry from a simple copy/paste to an independent source?
I seem to see relatively regularly entries made solely on the basis of song titles and/or writing credits that turn out to be incorrect, Physical releases have incorrect credits and typos. Do "official" sites simply document what's printed on the releases, etc. or do they confirm?
Frankly, in the vast majority of (if not all) cases, I can't see how SHS can justify adding a performance without either an editor having some audio confirmation or "ear witness" testimony from a trusted contributor. There may be cases where a combination of trusted sources and available images may provide some rare exceptions.
Anyway, just some thoughts....