Regarding Tube Based Electronic Instruments

[Fraser, Colin J]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: McIntosh, Malcolm [mailto:mmcintos at ball.com]
> Sent: 18 May 1999 15:16
> To: 'synth-diy at mailhost.bpa.nl'
> Subject: Regarding Tube Based Electronic Instruments
> 
> Right now, Eric Barbour is in the process of launching a new 
> business making
> a totally new synthesizer.  It very tough to do this, and I 
> am sure a huge
> amount of effort, time and money has gone into creating this unique
> instrument.  Everyone should let this happen with a minimum 
> of criticism.
-snip-
> So, in closing, everyone, understand where Eric Barbour is 
> coming from,
> understand that there can't be a "solid state is better than 
> tubes" issue
> regarding sound creation, and maybe - if you want to (and 
> feel adventurous)
> - try to make some tube based stuff!

Why should everyone let this happen without criticism ?

No amount of hard-work on Eric's part justifies his obnoxious and unprovoked
posts to the list.
Looking at his web-site, he comes across, too put it bluntly, as an
opinionated arsehole, who believes himself to be the smarter than the rest
of us.
Having said that, as I read more of it, I get a sense of someone with a wide
knowledge of, and passion for thermonic devices, with a chip ;) on his
shoulder because he feels they are unjustly overlooked.

IMO the only way to rectify this situation is with persistent *polite*
correction, and helpful advice.
Piping up every so often to say "I don't have time to answer your ignorant
questions about tubes, but don't believe the bullshit everyone else spouts,
especially one normally helpful long time list member who I seem to have
some kind of personality clash with", will just lead to people seeing you as
a crackpot, and ignoring the message you're trying to spread.

An important lesson to learn in life, is that even if you *are* right, and
you *are* smarter than everyone else, no-one will pay a blind bit of notice
unless you can show others the same respect you expect them to show you.


Colin f