Scott,
Loosen your laces, buddy. This is NOT about you.

First of all - I've mentioned before the idea of writing a book of "experiences" not a tech manual, and it's not a priority....just a goal for sometime in the future. I've kept running notes on interesting situations for a long time now ... they will probably sit for a longer time.

Second - Who cares if I write or you write or NO one writes? If you feel qualified or motivated to write a book ..... be my guest. What I do, or don't do is not an issue.

Third - My "idea" thread was not aimed at you in any way. I thought we could all share many diversified ideas in a common place. I still think we can all benefit from the experiences of others. (Underhanded ??? C'mon .... that was harsh)

You take things too literally, and you quote too much, and you research too much, and you just plain FUSS too much. You need to stop reacting like we're all addressing YOU personally. (and please - NO more about your precious Steinway "B" !!!)

I respect the fact that you have a passion for your trade, but you need to calm down. Unless I address a post to you - please don't assume that you are on my mind. I'm just trying to spread a little knowledge around so that others can get some "easy" lessons from what I've learned the hard way. That's all. You and I are NOT competitors.

I'm sure that in your own little world you are well liked and respected, but you are not the "answer" for all the future arranger users. I don't even like to think of myself as an "Arranger player" - I'm NOT - I'm a musician that USES an arranger keyboard. ( and not always either) It's not such a mysterious art form ... it just takes another kind of motor response to add to keyboard technique. I don't think the average musician is cut out to "arrange" an entire band (even a "band in a can"). Many of the players that I admire the most are NOT good at the solo gig. It's a different mentality, and it's one that needs a "born-in" knack to master. All musicians are not arrangers, just as all players can't be teachers. Reading a book will never make it easy to "lead the band" - you have to have the feel for it.

It's pretty obvious that something about me gets under your skin, and I'm sorry about that, but I have a lot of years in MANY different aspects of the biz to share, and you know what .........these little arranger keyboards are such a small part of what's important in the big picture, I just can't get that excited. Please don't drag this through the mud - it's not a challenge. You can still write your book - I won't stand in the way.

I just like to contribute what I know to the pot. If you've had enough of me - that's OK. I know I bring a lot to the table, but it's not for everyone's taste. I'm a WYSIWYG kind of person - no hidden agenda's - no secrtes. This is what you get. Let's not bicker - there's plenty of room for all of us to state our thoughts. It's up to you to act on what you think is right for you - that's all.

Still friends?