Fantom G - We are responsible for it's future.

[robbie246]

I have found this forum invaluable with respect to tips, tricks, insights into resolving various questions/issues regarding the Fantom G. I am, however, perplexed at the amount of 'bashing' that some owners of this fine instrument seem determined to communicate to others and Roland. I am baffled that for some in this forum, the minuses must outweigh the pluses. And it makes me wonder what indeed are the intentions of some members of this group.

To me, the Fantom G (by comparison to the history of instruments that came before it) is a miracle in technology. From my experience with workstations (and most hardware for that matter), they all have flaws and/or are missing features we hoped or assumed would be there. But it seems we are so spoiled nowadays. Perhaps most of us don't remember the 'good old days' when synths were analog and were so unstable and limited in scope and flexibility. But we took the technology of the day, and tried whatever workarounds we could to achieve the one goal we purchased the instrument for in the first place; create music. Many were resourceful and successful at bringing out qualities in their instruments that even the creators of that instrument never thought of. Yes, we had to work at it. And that is, in part, what gave us the creative edge. We were forced to experiment because it was a given that the technology, while cutting edge for the time, was still in its infancy.

Frankly I believe technology today is way ahead of our maturity to work with it. Many have this sense of entitlement with regard to current technology and act like spoiled children who want to be spoon fed and assume that if they can't easily do something with their instrument, that instrument is terrible, and the manufacturer doesn't care. The fact that some users think that imperfections in hardware stifles their creative juices boggles my mind. It is a 'make my day' attitude. I do understand that this hardware cost us a lot of money and it is a struggle for many of us to come up with such cash.

Nonetheless, if I were Roland, the business message I would take away from many on this forum is "why should we continue improving on this workstation when the people who own one just complain (in an almost adversarial way) about what is lacking and don't seem to benefit from the features that are current." First and foremost, Roland is a business. Yes, their philosophy (and intention) may be to provide the most cutting edge and innovative technologies that money can buy. But customer satisfaction translated into sales is ultimately the determining factor for these products. After all, they want to stay in business. This is NOT a good/bad thing. It is merely business. Roland isn't a 'non-profit' organization. And if it is perceived that their customers are very dissatisfied with a product, they may be inclined to drop the product or address issues in a future product; not the current one. Why? Because perception is 98% of reality. If people bad mouth a product, others who are thinking of buying that product will think twice about it or simply buy from some other manufacturer.

The good new is, as a forum, we have significant impact on Roland's product directions (like it or not). We have a lot of control over their future. But 'with such power comes great responsibility'. We can create a self-fulfilling prophecy by bashing the product (it will not be improved and will sooner-than-later be discontinued), or we can create a positive outcome by praising the product and its good points, constructively pointing out the functionality we would like to see, but moreover, and thereby directly (and indirectly) encouraging Roland to improve/enhance the product.

I believe I understand what Roland's intentions are. What are the intentions of this forum?

-- rob --

[FatBrass]

I'll drink to that!

[Jabberwocky_]

Can somebody explain to me in a few lines why Roland should not fix the bugs ! I feel they have a certain responsibility of their released product (this is how business goes, believe I'm in)

I agree on design issues that it is upto Roland to decide when the time is /or product is right to do so. And how longer they wait with any ARX the better they will be I guess.

Thanks

[Flumpster]

No Jabberwocky... We must all now praise the Almighty Roland with untainted hearts for fear they might now not support their unsupported product.

Long Live Roland !!!!

[cyclops]

Flumpster: "I'll buy that for a dollar!" LOL

Oh I forgot: Let's say it all together, one-voice, one-soul:

"THERE IS NO BUG, THERE IS NO BUG, THERE IS NO BUG..."

In the end, we might believe it.

[apex]

Jabber.

A "bug" as you call it is is something that is wrong with the software....(for example each time I click yahoo mail, my browser completely shuts down) (this doesn't really happen, it's just an example)

if this problem is wide spread enough (and not just my computer), then it would be considered a bug that they would address.

but most of the things that I've read or heard people complain about on this forum is not at all a bug. But just functionality in the OS that they'd like to see...

example...
not being able to transfer multisamples between projects (without YASE), bug? of course not. among other things. there is plenty that people are complaining about. calling it a "bug". and it's not a "bug"!

[cyclops]

apex: Not being able to share multisamples with each other, means that there is not a file management system.
I don't care whether this is called a bug or not, I care about not being able to do a simple computer-style transfer.

[Jabberwocky_]

Yes Apex,
I agree with you. Although I was interested why Roland should not fix the bugs.

(i.e. why did Roland never fixed the bug RPS status not saved in the FantomX svq file, ok there is a workaround with your pc which you have to repeat each time you save this song... a workaround is temporary, not for ages ??)

[mega77]

Wow .

[apex]

CYCLOPS

I agree with you, but this is still not a bug. It's just something that is not in available in the OS.

Simple as that. And as much as I'd like to see it too, it should by NO MEANS be a deal breaker for anyone.

If you want a machine that has multisample transfers... then buy one. It's simple. (and I'm not trying to be ugly/mean/disrespectful toward you in any way)!!!!

But I mean it doesn't do it. I'd love to be able to connect and USB thumb drive in my Xbox 360 and view files on it (like I can on my PS3), but I can't. Does that mean it's a flaw in the OS. NO!!!! It just means that the 360 doesn't support it. I'm not gonna bash it cause of that. I'm just gonna play it and do with it what I CAN DO. or learn to do what it CAN DO. and then when I want to view media from a USB stick (through a console/on my TV), I'll just turn on the PS3 and go about my business.

[apex]

MEGA

what does your "WOW" refer to?

[mega77]

Jus cant believe we still on this topic .

[emenelton]

The good new is, as a forum, we have significant impact on Roland's product directions (like it or not). We have a lot of control over their future.

WOW! Really? I can't believe that, if I did I would also have to admit I was delusional.

[mega77]

WOW lol

[apex]

THE ONE MAJOR PROBLEM THAT I HAVE WITH THE ORIGINAL POST (NOT TO EVEN MENTION HE'S ONLY GOT 4 POSTS).... BUT THE OPENING SENTENCE TO THE POST

"I have found this forum invaluable with respect to tips, tricks, insights into resolving various questions/issues regarding the Fantom G."

ABSOLUTE LUDACRIS. IN A SENSE THIS TAKES ALL HIS CREDIBILITY....

AM I WRONG?