Changes to Music News
Album threads
Most of the old album threads have been closed for good. Album threads will no longer be used to discuss the artist in general. This type of discussion has been moved to the artist threads in Base.
To open an album thread, the following is required:- Title is known
- Exact release date is known
- Release date is less than a month from now
What can be posted/discussed in an album thread:- Track listing
- Reviews, thoughts about the album, both your own and those of critics
- First sales weeks, discussion of these sales
- Promo for the album
Album threads will be
closed a few weeks after release, at the discretion of the moderators. The shorter life span of the album threads should help keep the focus on discussing only the album. After the thread is closed, the later performance and sales of the album can be discussed in the artist's Base thread, and in the Charts section.
Single threads
Single threads can still be created for each single, but you need to provide a source that confirms the song was indeed chosen as a single.
What can be posted/discussed in a single thread:- Reviews, thoughts about the single, both your own and those of critics
- (Worldwide) charts, sales, iTunes and airplay updates
- Promo for the single, including the music video
Single threads will be closed by the moderators if the thread is at least two months old, and the single is no longer climbing on any of the charts relevant to it.
Most of the content in the single threads will also be posted and discussed elsewhere on ATRL (such as the album thread if it's still open, the Charts forum, or the Base forum). That is fine. The single threads will be the go-to place for up-to-date information about an artist.
New tracks
You can still create single threads for newly leaked tracks, demos and snippets. The only remixes that are allowed under this category are the highly publicized ones, created solely to boost a current single's performance (e.g. "S&M" featuring Britney Spears). None of these threads will be allowed to remain open for longer than two weeks. Mash-ups are not allowed.
Headlines
This category can be considered expanded, to include some discussions that formerly took place in the album threads. Important events before or during an artist's era can be discussed in a separate headline thread (e.g. "Beyoncé to perform at the Grammys", "Justin Timberlake lays down plans for 3rd studio album"). But be aware that the news has to come from an official source (record label or artist's official channels, press release) and not an unverified one (music blogs, random tweets). Discussion in the thread should relate only to the headline.
We are transitioning to a new ATRL, and most of the changes are probably still confusing to you. This is simply another step towards making ATRL a more organized place, where all types of music and pop culture fans are welcome. Rest assured, we are continuously assessing the effect of the recent changes, and will modify the new policies if necessary. Thank you for your cooperation.
Q&A
Q: So single threads are the new album threads?
A: Not exactly. With the focus having shifted to the single, it will be easier for the moderators to spot off topic posts, and to discourage them with Reminder and Off Topic warnings.
Q: You closed our album thread! Where can I discuss the current era with my fellow fans?
A: If the artist still has an active single, open a new thread for it, and discuss it in there. Else use the artist's thread in Base.
Q: My fave has three active singles on three different radio formats! Can I open a thread for each one?
A: Yes.
Q: Someone tweeted that my fave is working with Dr. Luke! This is big news! Where can I post it?
A: You can post this in the artist's Base thread. If the source is official you can also post a new headline thread in Music News.
Q: I made an iTunes overview for my fave, with all their current worldwide positions, both singles and albums. Where can I post it?
A: You can post this in the artist's Base thread, or the iTunes thread in Charts.
Q: What if the album is re-released? Will the album thread be reopened?
A: A re-release with new tracks is treated as a new album.
Q: Some trolls are hating on my fave in her album thread! Surely they should be warned?
A: Music News is not a fan zone. Different opinions are allowed even if you don't like them. Try not to be baited into fights.
Q: I don't get it, Music News, Base, Charts, it's all the same right?
A: These forums now all have a distinct purpose. Music News is to inform and discuss. Base is to socialize and to stan. Charts is to analyze.
Q: So much news is coming in about my fave's new album, but the release date is still months away. Can we open the thread early?
A: No. Keep it in the Base thread. For bigger news that has its own article on the web, create a headline thread.
