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My God! what has Apple done!
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[Jerry Hofmann] “Why release as it is? Maybe they didn’t think it would upset them all as much. Maybe they thought we’d have a more mature and professional attitude toward the new foundation (that’s how they presented it, and that’s how I see it). They were wrong apparently.”
According to one person who claims to have communicated with Randy Ubillos directly on Facebook, where Randy is indeed available, Mr. Ubillos was quoted as saying (I’m paraphrasing here) the reactions were not “unexpected.” So, I don’t think it’s fair for you to characterize the responses as immature and unprofessional if Apple knowingly allowed the situation to transpire exactly as it had anticipated.
David Roth Weiss
Director/Editor/Colorist
David Weiss Productions, Inc.
Los Angeles
https://www.drwfilms.comDon’t miss my new tutorial: Prepare for a seamless transition to FCP X and OS X Lion
https://library.creativecow.net/weiss_roth_david/FCP-10-MAC-Lion/1POST-PRODUCTION WITHOUT THE USUAL INSANITY ™
Creative COW contributing editor and a forum host of the Business & Marketing and Apple Final Cut Pro forums.
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Patrick,
I sent an email to you yesterday privately, did you get it?
David
David Roth Weiss
Director/Editor/Colorist
David Weiss Productions, Inc.
Los Angeles
https://www.drwfilms.comDon’t miss my new tutorial: Prepare for a seamless transition to FCP X and OS X Lion
https://library.creativecow.net/weiss_roth_david/FCP-10-MAC-Lion/1POST-PRODUCTION WITHOUT THE USUAL INSANITY ™
Creative COW contributing editor and a forum host of the Business & Marketing and Apple Final Cut Pro forums.
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[Dave LaRonde] “… But please don’t insult the intelligence of a base of professional users with even the slightest hint that Apple’s introduction of an incomplete FCP X, coupled with the simultaneous abandonment FCP 7, was either wise or was not a display of a disgustingly arrogant, take-it-or-leave-it attitude.”
Thank you, Dave. That really is the whole point in a nutshell.
Likewise, as Chris Jacek says in another thread:
https://forums.creativecow.net/readpost/296/15244?wfid=335&wpid=4974“… Consider this analogy. Imagine if Microsoft released a brand new word processor, called say, MS-Word Vista. The new MS-Word Vista would not open any previous MS-Word documents. On the same day, Microsoft removes MS-Office from the stores, and removes the MS-Office updater from their web-site. You can only choose between two page sizes: letter and tabloid. This is not THAT big of an issue, because the new MS-Word Vista does not allow you to print your documents. Microsoft justifies this by saying we’re moving to a paperless society, and everyone is emailing their documents anyway. Microsoft tells you this is all okay, because MS-Word Vista has an AWESOME new autofill engine that is revolutionary.
We aren’t angry because we FEAR change. We LIKE good change, but not all change is good. Re-inventing the wheel to make it square is not an improvement. We are angry because Apple is being arrogant and presumptuous. We are angry because Apple is not merely abandoning us, they are actually attacking us with their irresponsible choices.”
_Great_ analogy!
Here’s my take:
FCPX may in fact be the greatest thing since sliced bread — the jury will be out for at least several months before we know the answer to this — but as of today I feel Apple’s release of FCPX is one of the worst-handled software product transitions in recent history.
Aside: My theory as to why FCPX was released now (instead of 4-6 months from now) is because of OS X Lion’s pending release. My guess is as the two software dev projects converged Apple decided FCP-7 would not be adequately-supported under Lion for very long, so the decision was made to release FCPX and kill FCP-7 “early”. But this is only a guess on my part. Yes, I’ve heard that FCP-7 will “run” under Lion, but I’ll believe it when I see it, and I have strong doubts it’ll be a reliable combination, especially when 3rd party driver & plugin configurations — e.g.: real-world installations — are factored in. We shall see.
It’s OK with me if folks wish to defend what they think is good in FCPX, but please don’t discount the valid criticisms raised by many pro FCP-7 users.
Here’s my list of the most important errors Apple has made with the FCPX launch:
1.) Apple’s decision to immediately stop sales of FCP-7 was a huge mistake, especially if FCP-7 allegedly runs well under Lion. There are many, many very good reasons why users would want to continue both buying new copies of FCP-7 and to continue using their existing FCP-7 installs for the foreseeable future. That includes running FCP-7 _reliably_ under Lion.
2.) Apple’s decision to not include a feature in FCPX to enable it to read & write FCP-7 project files was a huge mistake. There’s a l-o-n-g history of software apps which include this sort of capability, some successful and some not so successful. I simply don’t believe that Apple with its _billions_ in cash could not make this work in an above-average fashion. Technology/architecture/AV Foundation … blah, blah, blah. Crimmy, it’s just software. It should just work.
3.) Apple’s decision to not offer a free trial version of FCPX — so folks could take it for a spin at no risk before deciding whether or not to buy it — is a huge mistake. If a free trial version of FCPX was available at launch, Apple may have avoided quite a bit of the venom currently being spewed in their direction. Apple’s App Store refund policy & procedures are no substitute for a fully-function, time-limited free trial version of FCPX.
4.) Apple’s decision to release FCPX without a in-depth statement of direction or “technology road map” is a huge mistake. In its absence we have the current endless speculation, almost none of which is productive. Apple often communicates with stellar clarity. However, the FCPX release has not been their finest hour, not by a long shot.
As a longtime FCP-7 user* I look forward to learning more about FCPX, but I’m in no hurry to spend $300 for the privilege of taking it for a spin.
Cheers.
* I’ve been using Final Cut since it was KeyGrip, starting when I worked at Macromedia in tech support. I’m a FC fan, but by no means consider myself to be a FC expert.
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[Jerry Hofmann] “Bill get used to Apple being silent.”
Yeah, because that is exactly what they’ve trained their fans to do. This is simply rewarding bad behavior, and wouldn’t be tolerated by any other company.
Time to stop being sheep. Time to demand answers and satisfaction.Scott Sheriff
Director
https://www.sstdigitalmedia.comI have a system, it has stuff in it, and stuff hooked to it. I have a camera, it can record stuff. I read the manuals, and know how to use this stuff and lots of other stuff too.
You should be suitably impressed…“If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.” —Red Adair
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Apple hasn’t trained anybody. Apple has been the most secretive company in tech for at least 20 years. Nothing new, and it’s not gonna change. If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen… that’s all I’m saying. They will never ever become as open as you’d like.. and from Apple’s point of view, it’s smart business. It has served them extremely well for years and years… hey 65B in the bank and no debt… They didn’t get there by saying Next years iPod will be this or that… otherwise they’d hurt the sales of THIS years iPod, right?
They are so secret there is a whole industry in rumor sites about the company. (don’t see that with the companies whose road map is public) It gives them so much publicity when they DO announce something. When a new product from Apple comes out they get so much free press it’s stupid… why? Because they don’t talk unless they are releasing something new. Nothing new there, and since they are and will continue to be extremely successful, I doubt they will change their M.O. If FCP X isn’t bought by anyone, and FCP simply dies, Apple’s revenues won’t miss a beat… we are a tiny portion of Apple’s base of customers. TINY… they’ll not be changing company policy for us… ever.
I battled with your problem for years until I realized it only raised my blood pressure. Give it up I said, and I’m a lot happier with the situation now. I just don’t care and look to history to repeat itself. Apple has a traceable history as we all know… that’s about all that can be counted on. History repeating itself with them… It did too. They came out with a preview at NAB and a release in mid-late June. They’ve done this many times with FCP… Then they updated it, upgraded it on a similar schedules… it will repeat most likely. We all know that there will be an iPhone 5, we all know there will be new Mac Pro’s soon because history with Apple repeats itself a lot.
Jerry
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“You called this product “AWESOME” having researched Apple’s manual, and you wonder why I question that advice to someone here on the Cow seeking reliable, professional advice for their television station?
Perhaps if you research Apple’s marketing brochures you’ll find other helpful words of advice for those in need of help?”
Wow David… you’re a very smug a$$hole. I realize its not kosher to name call but you brought that on yourself. You of all people CONSTANTLY tell others in need of help to – “read the manual.” Yet you critique me – for READING the manual before making a purchase of a product. Which I believe is the wise thing to do. I’ve seen what I need to see regarding the workflow I would use. And again I’ll say its AWESOME! And yes, I’m downloading it now.
I’ve been editing on FCP since the first version professionally. Avid for 4 years before that. And before that movieola’s and KEMS. With over 400 commercials under my belt, several feature films and documentaries, and over 600 hours episodic television. I KNOW I’m qualified to speak about what I like or don’t like about this AWESOME new version of FCPX and if I feel compelled to share MY OPINION what is it to you? If you don’t like it (my opinion or FCPX) that’s fine. But posting your smug rude comments is completely unnecessary and UNHELPFUL!
Sincerely,
Reed Black -
[Reed Black] “I’ve been editing on FCP since the first version professionally. Avid for 4 years before that. And before that movieola’s and KEMS. With over 400 commercials under my belt, several feature films and documentaries, and over 600 hours episodic television. I KNOW I’m qualified to speak about what I like or don’t like about this AWESOME new version of FCPX and if I feel compelled to share MY OPINION what is it to you?”
Sorry, but all of your above qualifications are meaningless in this case – if you’ve only read the manual you are not qualified to judge the awesomeness of any product, and to argue otherwise is ludicrous and a losing battle.
Furthermore, when anyone has to revert to name calling, it’s as good as admitting they’ve lost the argument.
And as far as my “CONSTANTLY” telling others to read the manual, the Cow archives are available to you if you’d like to count the number of times I’ve written that; which I would estimate to be maybe twenty times total since 1991. As the #6 poster of all time on Creative Cow, with 14251 posts, and as the #7 most tagged poster of all time (that indicates a helpful or meaningful answer), with a well-documented record of providing reliable help and information for decades; occasionally telling a person to read the manual is pretty much a right I think I’ve earned. In your case Reed, I’m happy you’ve read the manual, now go to the next level so the judgement you defend so vehemently actually means something.
Meanwhile, have a nice weekend.
David
David Roth Weiss
Director/Editor/Colorist
David Weiss Productions, Inc.
Los Angeles
https://www.drwfilms.comDon’t miss my new tutorial: Prepare for a seamless transition to FCP X and OS X Lion
https://library.creativecow.net/weiss_roth_david/FCP-10-MAC-Lion/1POST-PRODUCTION WITHOUT THE USUAL INSANITY ™
Creative COW contributing editor and a forum host of the Business & Marketing and Apple Final Cut Pro forums.
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Sigh… whatever David. Thanks, you have a good weekend too.
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[Jerry Hofmann] “Apple hasn’t trained anybody.”
And then you go one to say this:
[Jerry Hofmann] “Apple hasn’t trained anybody. Apple has been the most secretive company in tech for at least 20 years. Nothing new, and it’s not gonna change. If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen… that’s all I’m saying. They will never ever become as open as you’d like.. and from Apple’s point of view, it’s smart business. It has served them extremely well for years and years… hey 65B in the bank and no debt… They didn’t get there by saying Next years iPod will be this or that… otherwise they’d hurt the sales of THIS years iPod, right?
They are so secret there is a whole industry in rumor sites about the company. (don’t see that with the companies whose road map is public) It gives them so much publicity when they DO announce something. When a new product from Apple comes out they get so much free press it’s stupid… why? Because they don’t talk unless they are releasing something new. Nothing new there, and since they are and will continue to be extremely successful, I doubt they will change their M.O. If FCP X isn’t bought by anyone, and FCP simply dies, Apple’s revenues won’t miss a beat… we are a tiny portion of Apple’s base of customers. TINY… they’ll not be changing company policy for us… ever.
I battled with your problem for years until I realized it only raised my blood pressure. Give it up I said, and I’m a lot happier with the situation now. I just don’t care and look to history to repeat itself. Apple has a traceable history as we all know… that’s about all that can be counted on. History repeating itself with them… It did too. They came out with a preview at NAB and a release in mid-late June. They’ve done this many times with FCP… Then they updated it, upgraded it on a similar schedules… it will repeat most likely.”
IMO you sound like you’re indoctrinated (trained) to accept this as being acceptable business practice, because it is practiced by apple. That is ironic, because it is exactly what I’m talking about. You couldn’t have illustrated my point any better if you tried.
[Jerry Hofmann] “We all know that there will be an iPhone 5, we all know there will be new Mac Pro’s soon because history with Apple repeats itself a lot.”
I’m not sure who this “we” is?
I don’t know if there will be an iphone 5 or not.
I don’t know if there will be a new generation of MP or not.
Does “we” mean you and apple? How are you so in the loop to know this with any certainty? Would you care to elaborate or expand on this a bit? Did ‘we’ all know FCS3 would be pulled without any warning too?
To me, there is no suggestion of a future for any apple product update release based solely on past performance. And that being dropped without reason or warning would be just as likely. Are you privileged to inside information on this? And if so, how?Scott Sheriff
Director
https://www.sstdigitalmedia.comI have a system, it has stuff in it, and stuff hooked to it. I have a camera, it can record stuff. I read the manuals, and know how to use this stuff and lots of other stuff too.
You should be suitably impressed…“If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.” —Red Adair
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Seriously Jerry you should give your head a shake YOU are not the only experienced person here … writing to people like you know more than anyone and have done more.. You are dancing around the issue here and you know it. Politics might be your future endeavour. Call a spade a spade Jerry… this is not a useable piece of software and not worthy of Pro application designation.
David LaRonde is 100% correct as are the others who are shocked at Apple’s utter arrogance.. Yes you need to migrate to 64 bit but not leave your users stranded and having to work in a bubble and throw out all industry standard
Apple did not INVENT editing Jerry and as you likely know Apple did not even write the original code for FCP, it was Macromedia. They bought Color, Shake and Logic and have canabalized those applications or threw them out.. Face it Jerry Apple is a Marketing company with consumer software divisionYou need an attitude adjustment Jerry and a big one indeed !!!
There are companies that have built entire facilities around FCP and now Apple has summarily trashed all support and not allowed any user to import its own previous projects into this grand debacle.
It is entirely understandable that they are pissed off and that does not make them immature or unprofessional.
What is so elegant and ground breaking about FCP X.. a magnetic timeline… linking video to another piece of video… After 25 years I can safely say I have never had any sync issues and those who expect a piece of software to keep everything in sync are deluding themselves.
Calling the same old things by different names does not make this software elegant or sophisticated or ground breaking… it just makes it a dupe .I guess ALL the pros are wrong Jerry but you are absolutely correct. We are reacting in the same way any professional would react.. hardly childish .
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