As a composer it’s easy to think our work is great. Our latest is probably the best work we have done so far, so it makes sense. But no matter how good it is, when it comes to synchronizing it to media, it’s about whether or not it will work with picture.
It can be very frustrating to hear that our latest “masterpiece” was rejected by a gate keeper. Because it doesn’t work for the opportunity or perhaps for any opportunity. After all: “it’s my best work! 
:/“
On the flip side, what if a publisher says Yes to it, and then it sits on the shelf because it’s not usable. What would the reaction be? Ecstatic at first because it was accepted. But then annoyed later on because it’s not getting any placements? Or because of the submit forget repeat mantra, do we just move on, and are happy to keep getting that initial high from the music being taken in?
I like dopamine as much as the next person, but one thing I do know: If we are not getting honest feedback on our work we will not grow. And I see this pattern not just in our industry but in life in general. When people can’t get what they want to hear, they will look until they find someone that will give them what they want, even if untrue.
Now that I run my own publishing company, it is a daily struggle. I can read the frustration of composers at times. But I have to keep it real for everybody’s sake. Taking something that doesn’t work will hinder everyone involved.
One thing that Taxi.com provides is a great first buffered experience in dealing with rejection. The yes/no and feedback is specific to the listing they are running which can really help you dial things in. And yes sometimes the screeners don’t get it right. But if something was not a slam dunk with the screeners you can bet it won’t make the client’s shortlist anyway.
Ultimately it boils down to doing the work. That dialing in of things, requires real effort, research, time, etc. And one must be willing to do it. It’s a matter of choice. So we should be as clear as possible on what our goals are. Then focus on them 100%. But whatever that focus is, be open to feedback from people that want to help you in that path. It may frustrating in the short term. But you’ll prefer it to being frustrated long term.
Just keeping it real,
Pedro