MP3 Software Market Changing?

[Cpt Rick]

From the Just When You Thought It Was Safe Dept:

So, my software's been selling well for a couple years now, but, the newer generation wants something totally different.

They don't seem to want to mix?!?

More and more calls I get these days are from people who want everything automated, and don't want to deal with a crossfader. Now, I like automation, but I think, as I do in most areas, that in order to be able to use the automation properly, you need to know how to do it the old-fashioned way first.

It's kinda like going into a convenience store, and when the scanner stops working, the clerk has no clue how to add up your products. I usually end up doing it for them.

In response, I've written a new, mostly automated product, which will be testing for a couple months before I release (so far it's pretty neat, but some kinks to work out).

So, my question: If the newbies are coming in to the market, and only know how to use the automated software, what happens when the computer breaks, and they have to fall back on CD players and their mixer?

Is the market headed in the right or wrong direction in this regard?

Your thoughts please...

[ October 31, 2002, 08:10 AM: Message edited by: Cpt Rick ]

[Steve Fernino]

Great post, Rick!

I think that automation can and will be a very useful feature for some situations.
However, in most cases, I would still prefer to do it myself. There are many reasons. The biggest is that no computer can mimick anyones personal style and ability. There is an on-the fly ability level that I feel needs to be there if you want the best segues.

I also think that relying solely on this or any technology is foolish. Choose your favorite way of doing things..but educate yourself in how to do it more ways than one.

For instance, I advocate learning to be interactive. While it may be something that you feel you will rarely or never use, You may just need it to fall back on one day for whatever reason. Whats wrong with pulling something out of your bag of tricks when you need to?
if you never have to use it...no big deal.
But, not having that skill means you will never have it at your disposal!

I am a CD jock. I have also used MD (denon 2300) and am starting to use mp3 via CDrom with the Denon 9000.
I have no need to use vinyl, right?
Well, I learned to spin and mix vinyl anyhows.

One day I had to fill in in an emergency at a club whose CD went down unexpectedly and Vinyl was my only option! I fell back on that skill.

I think the automation should be included in the program because of the possibilites, however, I personally feel it is foolish for ANY DJ to not learn how to do it the tried and true way, as well. It will only make you a better DJ or Entertainer...and who knows when you will ever need it!