Grinner From Another Mod's POV

I'm Jake Giossi, aka "AK-Jake" (formerly oakmozart) on these forums and also on the Avid Community Forums over at Avid.com where I serve as a Moderator for the XPress Studio and (defunct) Xpress DV products.

Grinner hasn't said a single thing that I've read that was out of line. In fact, he's SPOT-ON, and I share his sentiments. We're both cut from the same mold in this area (minus the whole "Hippie" part). I used to literally KISS the ground that Avid touched, and viewed Tewksbury as the Mecca of my world. I darn near idolized them (which as a Christian is NOT something I'm supposed to do!), interviewed for a job with them, and defended them at all costs...I'd stand up to ANYONE who was bashing them...and I'm not one who's fond of confrontation.

But no more. At least, not until Avid starts delivering again. Those who frequent the Avid forums know I'm extremely vocal about Avid, whether good or bad. I've been trying very hard to keep my mouth shut on negative comments about them, because I know and respect (and even downright LIKE) many of the people who work for Avid. People like Marianna Montague, Doug Hansel, Michael Phillips (who participates on this forum), Tim Wilson (formerly of Boris and Avid, now a driving force here at the Cow) and countless other Avid employees are a breed of people you just don't seem to find these days. The problem is, these people have bosses, and no matter what THEY want, if their bosses say "NO" then that's it. They get shut down as do we as customers.

Avid NEEDS criticism. I don't know how many times I've been told by countless Avid employees (ranging from Support folks, Engineering, and unbelieveably...even MANAGEMENT) that Avid looks for and respects criticism. It's what makes them better. The sad part is that Avid isn't LISTENING to the criticism any more. They're HEARING it, but they're not following-through on it...which means they're not listening. When they do, Grinner, myself, and all the other disgruntled Avid users will begin singing the praises of Avid we once used to sing.

Grinner keeps things lively and in perspective on here. He's a wealth of knowledge, is more than willing to put himself at the service of others, and isn't afraid to speak his mind. We should be grateful to have such a resource! And there ISN'T a single one of us on here (lurkers or active posters) who have the right to call for Grinner's dismissal from his VOLUNTEER job as moderator on this site (except Ron and Kathlyn Lindeboom...who own/operate this site, and they obviously love Grinner too!).

To the original poster of this thread, if Grinner's opinion bothers you, perhaps you'd be better suited finding another forum (good luck finding one that isn't filled with angry Avid users), or not taking part in the online Avid forums at all? I'm NOT trying to chase you away, and I mean no offense, but I just want you to realize that opinions like Grinner's are unavoidable at this current time...unless you're living in a cave with no internet access. :)

Don't go anywhere, Grin...you're too much of the heart/soul of this forum to lose.

Take care.