Re: Avid -

I have used avid systems since before the Meridian days. Mostly though Media Composer running on adrenaline and Nitris DX boxes. I guess this makes me something of a new by but with around 10 years of daily avid usage I consider myself relatively seasoned. 

I was one of those who became increasingly frustrated with Avid, as was the trend, at the turn of the century. I looked to systems like discreet's (now autodesk,) media 100,  and even the evil adobe premiere 6.5. 

My reasons were the same as everyone else's. Avid had become arrogant and untouchable. Support was horrible... and horribly expensive and the media composer updates continually failed to impress. 

Along come final cut pro with all the "coolness" of apple behind it. It turned out to be great... editors liked and could afford it... an the rest is history. 

Avid, The tides have shifted and the ball is now in your court. So many great things can be said of your company and new attitude... especially since around the release of MC 3.5. You have been responsive and proactive in turning your company around and I thank you for that. But just remember that you can be the king for a day but a whore for a week. 

I know many shops that are looking to turn off the FCP switch. And if you play the cards right your won't lose to adobe.

Man, Avid I'm rooting for you... but  neither mine, nor most professional editors, allegiance lies with anyone. I sure as hell would love to be a fly on the wall during the avid marketing meetings. 

Thanks Fellow Bovines,

Justin Gray
Senior Editor/Motion Graphics Artist
Encore Multimedia
web.me.com/grayplanet