Funny thing, opinions. As the saying goes, they're a lot like assholes - everybody has one. You frequently offer yours as though it were fact.
Yes, rather a problem of mine. Highlights bad points of my own, and disguises the good ones.. Probably the worst aspect of my personality I've shown at this place.
Alistair, in other circles you criticize Tom's work even more than you do here. I've seen examples of it. When you bad-mouth Tom's work so regularly, is it any wonder that he does not want your cooperation?
I owe Tom everything, with regards to music. I have the utmost respect for him. He's an awesome musician.. from time to time I make stupid comments, that is true. I don't think your first statement is true, though..
I'm not sure that I spend regular amounts of my time 'bad-mouthing' QuestStudios, either.. though I do agree I've said a lot of negative things in the past. Which, to be slightly fair to myself, are usually taken out of context.. but I have to be fair to what you're saying as well, and it's certainly not wrong, Marten.
In the past, I have expressed to you as politely as I can the importance of offering your commentary in a constructive manner. I have also extended favors to you, such as the DVDs I mailed to Australia at my expense, as an overture of peace. Yet still you attack Tom, recently calling his work a "disgrace," and then you accuse him of being uncooperative!
I'm fully aware, and you're dead right.
I wasn't aware those DVD's were an 'overture of peace', though.
I must be more wary of 'strangers bearing gifts'.. ;P
I don't know that I 'attack' Tom either (though it IS a fine line). Comments I make about certain specific examples of work aren't personal attacks, and are very minor criticisms. I make over the top comments in certain circles to illustrate points, rather than to attack.. if you know what I mean. I think I know where the disgrace comment came from. That was NOT calling his work a 'disgrace', and I resent the implication, because it's simply not true.. the dynamics of that particular comment were from a (basically) outside issue which did not reflect on music quality per se.. but anyway, this isn't the time or place.
It's certainly not the black-and-white picture you paint, John, where I reguarlly make baseless attacks on Tom. The guy's created no end of fantastic music/quality recordings. But he gets it wrong sometimes.. and I do feel I'm entitled to my opinion. But sure as hell, I need to be a lot more careful.
I get annoyed at things like QFG1, where he asked for opinions, I gave a list of suggestions, all of which were ignored, which other fans thought had at least some merit- end result, various tracks missing. That doesn't benefit me, that doesn't benefit QuestStudios.. you know where I'm coming from? I want what's best for the *fans*. That's always been my position, and don't expect it to change..
Clue #1: Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. In other words, if something is free, don't expect much credit for your complaints.
Well, I do see where you're coming from with that. Can't argue with that
EDIT: Actually, I don't like that reasoning very much at all, now that I think about it! That's a really poor argument.
Clue #2: Don't be a broken record. If you make a suggestion and Tom does not implement it (ie, track order), assume that it will continue not to be implemented and stop bringing the topic up again and again.
It's not like I make threads about track order, I usually mention it as a side issue (probably accidentally), but yes, again, you're right.
Clue #3: Actions speak louder than words. Nothing prevents you from offering up .m3u files to re-order the tracks in your preferred order. You could call them "Chronological Track Order" or something like that. Direct links to m3u files can be posted on the message board without breaking the rules. This might even be a more constructive way to attract attention to tracks you believe are missing, because you can create placeholders in the m3u file to stir discussion in a non-antagonistic way.
I'm a bit sceptical about this.. I certainly won't be doing it. I think we've done track order to death, and you've focused on it when I believe it's not the most important issue..
All I believe in is being able to have a voice that can dissent, that can say 'make that guitar louder!', rather than simply another useless pat on the back, another sheep in the crowd that isn't constructive or useful, someone who can listen to one track and say 'Tom, that piece is masterful!', and then say 'Wish you'd used this string variation instead of that one in the next piece, though..'
But, it's never done me much good, and not many other people either.. still.
I respect entirely what you've said, Marten, and largely it's quite fair and correct. Just try and view the whole picture.. some of what you've said is a bit concerning to me. I don't go around holding secret anti-QuestStudios chatroom meetings.. Something people always seem to lose sight of is how much I owe to Tom and how much I respect and value his work. Probably also how much I listen to it!
Anyways, thanks for that, got a few things off my chest and competently replied to your message in one.
I'm off to listen to some old Sierra tracks- one of the various with lots of Tom's good, old, recordings.
Regards,
- Alistair
P.S. I can dig up those QFG3 MIDI files on the weekend if anyone's interested.. I think I should have all the ones not included in the QFG3GM.MID file. About 5 tracks I think.
