This is a general overview from a board member who has been a member for the better part of the last year.
When I was new, I was impressed by how friendly everyone was...which went a long way in making me welcome. I'd had a previous negative experience on a Korg Triton focused board, which just added to the bad taste I already had for all things Triton, lol...
Perhaps as someone else suggested its just a slow time. Maybe the bar has something to do with it, although I don't personally think so. Something does feel different in the last few months around here.
There will always be newer members of course, which is a good thing. On the other hand, there has been a number of postings that may be technically about using arrangers, but not in a way I can identify with. Some of the samples I've listened to in the last few weeks seem sooo far away from what I'm doing I just can't relate. I'm not trying to put down anyone personally...but some of this stuff is way, way different from what...it seems to me...most of us do.
Some of the stuff may be super intense and creative, but its not my bag...so I'm not going to exert much energy about trying to figure it out. It is art? Is it creative and cool? Is it self indulgent and trite? Who knows, who cares?
Throw in some youthful defensiveness and sometimes the site can turn me off.
I participated in the Esh/Alone & Forsaken thread because I thought it had degraded into a silly level. When I asked what I felt were some basic questions, I got a smart-ass response. I have 3 kids of my own who can give me smart ass answers, plus my wife who lobs one my direction every know and then for good measure. I sure don't need them from some guy who's work I'm having a hard time taking seriously.
Before I'm labled an "Esh Apologist", let me say this. Do I like him? Yes...Jim is a talented, smart & experienced musician who has been very generous in answering questions or offering advice. Do I think his personality might rub people wrong sometimes? Sure. That said, I don't find Jim mean spirited in the least, but simply a guy who is very frank and candid and if it means telling you something you might not want to hear, well so be it. One could argue convincingly that valid criticism from a source like him is often more useful than blanket approval from somebody else. If he was the problem as a few have suggested, he'd have been shown the door long ago. Obviously that hasn't happened.
I'm not sure of what kind, if any, of reputation I have with my other synthzone peers. I try to be friendly and helpful when I can be. If I don't know the answer to a question, I try not to float WAGS or hunches. I would be surprised if any of the long term members thought me to be a negative contributor or one who is prone to personal attacks. I do music for my living and am happy to help anyone who asks me something that I can help with. Wanna know how much I earn? Fine...Wanna see my set lists? Just ask, etc, etc, etc. I've had several enjoyable chats, emails, phone calls with some of the members on the forum and for the most part, found everyone very pleasant. I'd love to sit down at a big table and have guys like Scott, Jim, Donny, Don as well as a few other long-timers there with us. The amount of knowledge and experience at a table like that would be terrific. A master class for arranger users, if you will.
If you notice, the postings from the above mentioned group have slowed down significantly in recent times. I do think that has something to do with the change with the feel of the board in general.
I owe many members here thanks for their helpfulness, suggestions and encouragement in switching over to using an arranger full time.
I also think that once we find our way back to the mature, on topic postings that we're most comfortable with...don't be surprised if Jim and some others return to a more active status.
Bill in Dayton
[This message has been edited by Bill in Dayton (edited 04-12-2005).]
Previous Topic
Index