SoundSpectrum Update!

jerohm · Post by **jerohm** » Tue Nov 10, 2015 8:21 am

So what is IMNSHO in English?

In My Not So Humble Opinion - but that is just my best guess

I agree with BTT. For 99.9% of the users, a 'content' release would have sufficed, and really should have been delivered. Myself, I am always looking for better performance and more robust functionality, a slightly higher hurdle to accomplish, but again, that is just ME.

GF is ONE GREAT PROGRAM, but for the majority, is no more than a passive, albeit exceptional experience. Little exists to encourage/facilitate the ease of audience participation/program involvement.

I am also well aware of the time and effort development requires. There is just so many hours in a day, and without enough resources directed at an endeavor, burn out is a real issue for those with the ability, left to actually do the work.

strumsky · Post by **strumsky** » Sun Dec 06, 2015 3:56 pm

I believe Jerohm is right on track with his assessments. Good comments. A 'content' release would be enough to encourage re-upping subscriptions... However much that might be revenue significant.

Maybe our continuing support isn't as important, currently, as getting new product out, the boost from that.

Which is like putting all your eggs in one basket, one of questionable size. Meanwhile some of us eggs are dropping out. 'Sustaining memberships' are obviously important... just not *that* important to SS.

'Burn out' is an issue with subscription revenue/renewal too - those who have already bought the product.

SS is/was a creatively dynamic program, symbolically in so many ways, was so viable that many of us kept renewing just to support what would come next. I've been delaying my own renewal currently because it seems obviously such a moot point to SS.

HOWEVER... BTT, if you've come up with a new batch of colormaps then I for one would be more than happy to purchase them. They make that big a difference in my own 'consumer experience.' If I were SS I'd consider that to be even renewal significant - SS could say something like "Now with new ColorMaps...," etc., and that would be enough to get many to resubscribe. Or they could allow you to offer it on the side, in their pay scheme.

FrankN · Post by **FrankN** » Mon Dec 07, 2015 5:19 pm

Hi Strumsky,

Your support is very important to us. We really do have the best users in the world. I can promise you that we are trying our hardest to make new content and new products at the same time. I just want you guys to understand that we aren't ignoring you.

strumsky · Post by **strumsky** » Mon Dec 07, 2015 9:57 pm

Thanks, FrankN, really appreciate your responding and your response. I didn't think you were ignoring us, just thought I'd nudge the discussion further along and not remain invisible.

Post by **BTT** » Mon Dec 07, 2015 11:24 pm

Hello strumsky

HOWEVER... BTT, if you've come up with a new batch of colormaps then I for one would be more than happy to purchase them. They make that big a difference in my own 'consumer experience.' If I were SS I'd consider that to be even renewal significant - SS could say something like "Now with new ColorMaps...," etc., and that would be enough to get many to resubscribe. Or they could allow you to offer it on the side, in their pay scheme.

Something worth considering although I am not sure it could be done using SoundSpectrums web site. I see no reason why I could not have my own site and offer ColorMaps, and maybe some new WaveShapes too. What sort of price do you think people would pay for say a pack of forty new ColorMaps?

I will need to give this some thought and will most likely have a conversation or two with Andy as it would be much better if we could keep things all on the same site. Definitely something for the New Year.

strumsky · Post by **strumsky** » Tue Dec 08, 2015 11:46 pm

Hello BTT,

BTT wrote:Something worth considering although I am not sure it could be done using SoundSpectrums web site. I see no reason why I could not have my own site and offer ColorMaps, and maybe some new WaveShapes too. What sort of price do you think people would pay for say a pack of forty new ColorMaps?

I will need to give this some thought and will most likely have a conversation or two with Andy as it would be much better if we could keep things all on the same site. Definitely something for the New Year.

Just to add my 2 cents' worth (and will add considerably more than that, should it happily come to that)... You could do it from your own site but who of us would see it unless you were able to direct people from here, make it linkable. I have musician/composer friends who sell downloads of their music using Paypal (people make a donation and then get emailed a download file).

I still like better my idea of SS giving you a portion of the renewal price ("Now with exciting new color maps, wave forms, etc., graphic enhancements!"). Renewal because it would retain old members who would be their base for new products, announcements, etc., a readymade audience of like-minded folks. (We all do have something unique in common, not least that we searched out if anyone at all is doing software like this and, as users, enjoy music and graphics combined. Enough to pay for it.)

That makes SS users unique enough and scarce to target; valuable enough in their own right but especially best to keep hold of that and not let that group drift off as they've perhaps done. I endorse the "first adopters" rule, that they sway others and their influence is usually greater than average. All this marketing talk to lay out the advantages to SS so they'll recognize more the cost-benefit ratio.

What sort of price? $10-15 would probably be perceived right for ColorMaps, especially if sweetened with new WaveShapes; sold after-market. (Bundling that with the upgrade price, not so sure.) Not sure how many people realize what these do, such a new concept... Nor how much they'd enhance the experience. But it's like getting a whole new paint job and set of tires - makes cruising to tunes whole lotta more fun.

Apologizing if "my 2 cents" got stretched more than its worth. Hope it sweetens the pot and more of us weigh in.

FrankN · Post by **FrankN** » Wed Dec 09, 2015 2:40 pm

This is definitely something that you'd have to discuss with me and Andy (probably via email). If it's a reasonable business plan, we'd be open to at least considering it.

Post by **BTT** » Wed Dec 09, 2015 7:52 pm

Hello Frank

Your last post, is that directed at me or strumsky?

jerohm · Post by **jerohm** » Thu Dec 10, 2015 11:27 am

"I just want to say one word to you. Just one word.
Are you listening?" - The Graduate (1967 Movie - too obscure?? )

'Content' - jrm

(actually 'Engagement' is just as important)

FrankN · Post by **FrankN** » Thu Dec 10, 2015 2:27 pm

Hi guys,

BTT, the comment was directed to both of you, and was meant to address to the concept of those few messages.

Jerohm, I'm sorry that you don't feel like I'm engaging with you! Is there something else that I can do? I answer questions as fast as I can, frequently post screenshots to our Facebook account, am available to chat most of the time between 11-6 EST, and I comment on threads here when it seems like I have something to add. But, be ok with the possibility that I won't use your suggestions. After all, this is a company with thousands of customers that don't use these boards and 12 years of history, so there are many things to consider in any decision.

As for content, I feel like this issue has been addressed many times before, but I'm happy to re-iterate if you'd like. Keep in mind that we have purposely made our software very open so that you all can make your own content. It also helps us by showing us what kinds of content you're interested in!

I hope that this doesn't come off as confrontational or in any way negative. We really want to give you guys the best product possible. I'm looking forward to your constructive and non-confrontational responses!

Post by **BTT** » Thu Dec 10, 2015 7:40 pm

Hello Frank

FrankN wrote:This is definitely something that you'd have to discuss with me and Andy (probably via email). If it's a reasonable business plan, we'd be open to at least considering it.

Before I start work on a business plan I would like to know who I am dealing with. I have always believed that SoundSpectrum.Inc was owned solely by Andy O'Meara, and he employed you to look after sales, and support, Are you able to confirm this?

Who are the following people, and what if any involvement they or others have in SoundSpectrum.Inc?

Key Compton
Licensing & Sales

An entrepreneur several times over, Key is the lead business contact for Gâ€“Force, WhiteCap, and SoundSpectrum Darkroom licensing and sales. Key is also an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for skiing and photography.

Gary Gluck
Business Development & Licensing

Gary is the lead contact for commercial partnerships and strategic business inquiries. Gary has an entrepreneurial background and has co-founded and managed technology and media-related ventures. His favorite pastime is being with his family.

Anton Shevchenko
Operations & Engineering

Having held several challenging positions in the software and web-technology industry, Anton leads SoundSpectrum's online and back-end engineering and operation. In his spare time, Anton pursues travel, film, and photography.

FrankN · Post by **FrankN** » Fri Dec 11, 2015 7:36 pm

Hi BTT,

This isn't really the proper medium to discuss this, but you just answered your own question. Those people's roles are listed beneath their names. If you would rather contact them, you're welcome to. The main reason I said that you needed to contact me is because I am easy to contact and can bring it to Andy's attention and make your case for you.

It seems like my offer to hear your idea out has made you upset. I apologize.

Post by **BTT** » Fri Dec 11, 2015 8:21 pm

Hello Frank

FrankN wrote:It seems like my offer to hear your idea out has made you upset. I apologize.

You have not upset me in anyway Frank, so need for apologies.

ozbeats · Post by **ozbeats** » Sat Jan 02, 2016 1:21 am

Happy New Year Everyone at SoundSpectrum and the Forums,

Here's to hoping optimistically that Frank or Andy may chime in with some newer updates, product update release schedules,
plus an estimated timeframe for any new updates to existing products (9 months later) and the progress report for Tunr......

I'm not asking for a miracle or an over-ambitious plan, just a realistic and honest outlook of what to expect from SoundSpectrum in 2016

Thanks, Alf

FrankN · Post by **FrankN** » Mon Jan 04, 2016 12:47 pm

Hi Ozbeats,

Thanks for asking. While we've had a few setbacks (Rdio closing, a few other things), we're very excited to push forward on Tunr. Right now, we're on a short post-Christmas and New Year rush break. But, the answer is that we have high hopes to enter the beta phase of Tunr soon, and hopefully get it out soon after that.