Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Modular Synth Panels

I have been loosely following this thread. I say loosely because I never intended on buying a panel from Scott or getting one made with FPE. I will make my own just like I did with my other big boy modules (Neural Agonizer and Doomsday Machine). So, from a mostly unbiased opinion, here's some thoughts and ideas:

1.- Bridechamber owes NOTHING to EM. EM took no risk in the manufacture of the panel. EM contributed nothing to the initial panel design, therefore they deserve $0 in return. Zero dollars seems fair since this is what I am getting. :)

2.- EM may feel they should get a cut because they host all the info (pics, docs, samples, etc.). If this is their feeling, then that puts Scott in a tough place. Bridechamber is a small company and we all love it. If Scott was to say "to hell with EM" this could hurt his business. I would guess some of his customers found him through EM so he may feel he owes them somewhat. Plus, as a small business, you have to be obliging to some even if it is an unjustified request on their part. Stepping on toes is usually a bad idea and I think Scott has been put in a tricky situation here. I feel for you, Scott.

3.- Future pcb / module designs should be hosted on the persons own site. Just use EM for links and discussion and have the docs, samples, etc. on your own site. This is not underhanded. If there was not a lot being discussed on EM they couldn't get the same money from advertisers.

4.- Scott, could you sell panels to EM at a discount? Let EM sell the panels with the pcbs. This would probably be more convenient from a buyers perspective anyway. Let's say EM would order 20 panels for $1800. They tack on $20 and the final price for each panel would be $100. Now builders could buy the panel for the projected price, EM would get their $20 per panel, and you would only have to make one shipment in exchange for the $200 discount.
I don't know what the profit margin on these panels is (nor is it mine or anybody's business) so maybe it wouldn't work. Also, EM might not want to take ANY risk since, as it stands, they will get their $20 for doing nothing!

I also hope that the buyers of the panel and pcb who are upset about this arrangement will contact the relevant person/persons at EM and voice your opinion to them directly. Maybe then a remedy can be found. Don't put this responsibility on Scott. He was good enough to clarify what this extra $20 is for. So...well...read between the lines and voice your complaint to those directly responsible.

I hope I have given some useful suggestions.

phil