Why do people do this?

One of my favorite longtime "pet peeves" is people who buy some item, and yet have no idea how to use it or why they need it. Please note that I am a "semi-professional" computer nerd, and gadget fan. I am adept at technology and can usually figure things out. I also like to have a justification for a new "toy", rather than just buy it because it's new.

A continuing culprit seems to be the person who buys an Apple Mac computer, because they were told it is something they need. I frequently run into someone who tells me "I don't know why I bought this because I don't even know how to use it". When I recently walked into a local Apple retail store, I was shown all of the "cool" features of the new Mac computers. When I would ask the salesperson "why would I care about that feature", the blank stare was amusing. My point is, the Apple sales people were pitching "cool" rather than functional. So, consumers are buying a machine they have little experience with, so they can go home and do "cool" stuff. I have a friend who bought a Mac computer with his home recording studio software, because he was told the Mac would be the best audio choice (no argument there). Trouble is, this friend was not familiar with the Apple operating system, and has trouble simply getting around the system. Another friend of mine was trying to import a video from his camera, and the "simple" Mac program was not cooperating. I think it was because the Apple operating system only wanted a specific video format. I had another person ask me if I could help them create a website on their Mac. I asked what software they were going to use, and again I got the blank stare.

I've often heard financial planners tell me that I shouldn't even invest in any stocks or funds that I do not FULLY understand. Don't buy into anything you cannot explain to someone. And yet, these same people seem to have no problem buying technology that they do not understand.

I am generally ignorant about automotive repairs, and am not the best at household repairs. However, I do at least understand how to put air in my tires, check oil level, and put gas in the car. I also understand how to replace filters in my furnace, check electrical breaker switches, and replace light bulbs. In other words, I may not be an expert, but I have a general idea what is needed to be an effective owner of the product. There are many who do not see this connection with technology.

So, don't buy an iPod if you don't know how to even download the iTunes software (which is free to all, and available in both Windows and Mac versions). Don't buy a digital camera if you aren't sure how to get the photos off the thing. Don't buy an iPhone if you can't get a standard cell phone to work. And don't buy a computer without having an idea of what they can do for you, or why you need it.

If you are desiring to buy the latest technology, please realize you need to spend some time researching your options and reading the instructions. From my experience, the only difference between a novice and expert is that the expert has read the manual. The guy who cracks out his iPod and starts trying to synchronize it, finds out right away that there are some rules you need to follow. The person who buys a digital camera without some prior research can find out they don't have the right port on the computer (is it USB or Firewire?). The person who buys the new computer and finds it a bit more complicated that promised, needs to plan on taking some time to get "acquainted" with the features and functions.

Most of us have had decades of experience where our purchases were easily understood items. I mean, how complicated is a toaster? Can-openers were fairly simple. TVs were a bit more complicated, but still intuitive (off - on - change channel). Video tape recorders were a bit more complicated, and needed some simple programming. Video game systems were fairly simple (set TV channel - turn on - inset game cartridge). However, now there are hundreds of functions available on TVs, computers, video recorders, microwave ovens, and even refrigerators with computers in the door!!

So, please, please, I'm begging you, spend some time thinking before buying something that you think you need. If you can at least explain how it will make your life better, that's enough to get started. If it's not going to make YOUR life better, what's the point?

Until next time,

Tim

Good News - Bad News

Time for some updates for those of you stopping by:

Good News:

The company who makes the Pro Tools software (Digidesign - www.digidesign.com) has been selling a "plug-in" virtual drummer called "Strike". I purchased this "plug-in", when I recently upgraded my Pro Tools LE system. Digidesign also recently provided an "expansion pack" free download for recent customers. Although I have had little experience with other software virtual drummer packages, I can honestly say that "Strike" is simply amazing. Unlike any other drum machine or software I've used. The software does only work within a Pro Tools session, so it's not compatible with other DAW software. However, for the Pro Tools user, "Strike" is almost unbeatable (pun intended). Options within the program allow you to adjust the "complexity", "intensity", "timing", "groove", and a ton other options. You can literally customize just about every element of the drum studio. Various mic options are available, all based from samples created from actual studio sessions. A complete mixer within the software allows you to further tweak your drum session, without leaving the plug-in. The "Strike" software is supposed to assume the time signature and tempo of your Pro Tools session. I have experimented with the tempo option, but haven't tried a different time signature. I've read there are some minor issues when working with odd time signatures, but I'll check that out later. I would have preferred the ability to adjust tempo within the "Strike" software, but I can understand why a "plug-in" would need to defer tempo control to the Pro Tools session. Still, kind of a pain. The drum samples are fantastic and exceed anything I've heard from other digital drum systems. The ease of creating a "typical" drum part is just what I was looking for. Although it's not the cheapest software on the market ($299 list) and does require Pro Tools, this is almost a "must have" software for the Pro Tools user. Simply amazing. For more info, check out the Digidesign website (Strike is under the "A.I.R. Virtual Instruments" section, in the "products" menu).


I have finally jumped into the world of the iPod. Granted, I'm primarily a Microsoft guy, but that doesn't mean I have no appreciation for what Apple offers. What has moved me to get the iPod was a desire to reduce the amount of CD "clutter" that has a tendency to accumulate. I am one who tends to have frequently changing moods for music, so I change out my set of "in circulation" CDs regularly. By getting much of my collection onto an iPod, I now have just a single unit that can satisfy my changing moods at a moments notice. I went with the 160GB "Classic" model. I have loaded up probably over 200 CDs so far, and still have only used just under 20GB of space. The unit can also play videos, which I know many use for watching TV shows while traveling. I do not have plans to make much use of this function, but there is a coming trend of DVDs including "digital" versions of the product. This "digital" version is supposed to be designed for easy transfer to an iPod type device. For now, I'll just stick with working at getting the music loaded up. Feel free to drop me a question if you have any.

Speaking of DVDs including "digital" versions, I just want to state my support for this idea. The recent release of Family Guy's "Blue Harvest" episode, includes the first "digital version" DVD. It is no "extra" charge, and is supposedly already encoded for easy upload to an iPod (I haven't tried it yet). Personally, I think this is a good idea, as it does offer the consumer extra value, which is always a good thing. My hope would be that the studio provided version would be of better quality than what you would get using some third party software. I see it as a good idea, and like the trend.


Bad News:
This week marks the end of the "Artists For Hope" website. In the spring of 2005, I put together a compilation CD of local independent Christian music. The disc was to primarily be a fund raiser for helping with relief efforts in areas impacted by the Asian Tsunami of December 2004. A secondary goal was to help build some awareness of the available local Christian music. While being successful as a fund raising project, the entire world had contributed much to the effort. This allowed the relief and rebuilding to take place at a much faster pace than expected. Also, the USA hurricane season of the late summer of 2005 created a whole new set of emergency situations, inadvertently taking focus off the Tsunami issue. These various issues, along with a reducing level of interest in the compilation, has resulted in the choice to no longer continue renewing the website. The project was a success, and I am grateful to all those who helped make it happen. There are some of the CD still available, and I am now offering them "free-of-charge" to anyone interested. Some of the bands are no longer active, but there are many which are performing and creating new music. Drop me a note if you are interested in obtaining any copies of the CD.

So, that's some of the latest that's been going on. There are some new opportunities coming up for me musically, but I need to keep those quiet for now. I appreciate all those who are reading this, and thank you for taking the time.

Blessings,

Tim
www.timhamm.com