Inventor
Stream Operator
Joined: Oct 13, 2007 Posts: 6221 Location: near Austin, Tx, USA
Audio files: 267
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Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 8:44 pm Post subject:
DIY Skills Registry Subject description: An idea for helping the DIY community |
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Before I begin, let me be very clear in stating that what I am describing is specific to the electro-music forum and it's members. Any efforts along these lines outside of electro-music are not within the scope of this post.
I've been here at electro-music doing product development for three years now, and I've noticed some things that I'm piecing together into this post. The DIY community has got some wonderful talent that is currently underutilized due to financial and time constraints. Also the musician community has their roots deep in DIY from the very beginnings of electronic music. Yet there seems to be a disconnect between the two groups.
We often get posts from people who want to buy music synths and have shopped around for commercially available synths. They usually want a unique sound to add some zest to their music, yet the only obvious choice they consider for getting that unique sound is to buy some commercially available synth. Is that really the way to get new sound?
I say no, the way to get new sound is to harness the available talent pool of DIY enthusiasts. If we can set up some central location such as electro-music for not-so-technical synth musicians to develop working relationships with DIY enthusiasts, then the needs of both groups can be better met.
Naturally we'll need rules and guidelines, especially some statement to the effect of this is an at-risk adventure, and also some list of things that customers want (like enclosures!). We'll also need a Skills Registry with bio's where DIY customers can peruse our available technical backgrounds with an eye to piecing together a low-cost run-off.
In most cases the profit to be had here will be small or just extra parts or something, but it may be just what you need to kick a project off the right way, rather than relying solely on your own time and resources.
Gathering together like this is nothing new to electro-music. We have some existing products and some new ones coming out that are fantastic works of DIY professionalism. What I'm thinking is just that if we organize a little bit, that aspect of electro-music can grow into a thriving component of the site.
And I'll repeat once more: this is an electro-music only project, intended for electro-music members to work together on DIY projects. Any other attempts at organizing DIYers is outside of the scope of this post.
Personally, I've found my business partner for now. So I'm not doing this for myself so much as a perceived need or opportunity in the community. This thread is for posting your thoughts, your DIY synth wants, your skills, your bio, or whatever else you feel makes sense for this topic. I welcome your responses.
Les _________________ "Let's make noise for peace." - Kijjaz |
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Inventor
Stream Operator
Joined: Oct 13, 2007 Posts: 6221 Location: near Austin, Tx, USA
Audio files: 267
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Posted: Thu Feb 03, 2011 2:29 pm Post subject:
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To get things started, I'll make the first entry:
Hi, I'm inventor aka Les Hall. I'm a retired electrical engineer with circuit design and software programming skills. I took to music DIY quickly once I discovered electro-music, and have done a lot of experimentation in the past three years. My three major accomplishments during that time are the Boolean Sequencer, the Karplus Strong circuit, and the Own Your Tone guitar invention.
I can do analog and digital circuit design, circuit board design, building, testing, and general product development. I also do software prototyping of my circuits in the ChucK music programming language.
At this time I have a business partner who is making good use of my skills, however I do make myself available to people who have questions.
Thanks for reading,
Les _________________ "Let's make noise for peace." - Kijjaz |
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