Initiative to help the less fortunate obtain legit software and help spread the love. Seriously.

[ntom]

I like the idea of 'pay it forward'. For example, I donate synths or samplesets and in return, I receive some cool presets to add to my products - everyone wins.

Mike

I'm no good at sound design though, thus is why I haven't created any banks for the 500 freeware plugins I use.

[Karmacomposer]

I like the idea of 'pay it forward'. For example, I donate synths or samplesets and in return, I receive some cool presets to add to my products - everyone wins.

Mike

I'm no good at sound design though, thus is why I haven't created any banks for the 500 freeware plugins I use.

You say that, but who says your presets would suck - some may love them, some hate them - everyone has an opinion and there are as many lovers are there are haters - it's all relative. Regardless, receiving 5 presets from 10 people gives me 50 presets to add to a product - which makes it more attractive to purchase. Surely someone has a few minutes to create 5 presets - plus, it's fun to do.

Mike

[ObsoleteAcc99]

[DELETED]

[Lotuzia]

Did not read all the thread.

I think that people who will receive the donation should actually make music (else I dont see the point )

So I wonder if, in return, those people should not engage to then produce a track and post it.

Just my 0.002

[gemada]

Hi,

I still use Cubase 4 LE, gently given by a kvr member (he even send it to me from USA to Brazil)!

I don't have much to offer, but i have some limited/lite versions for donation to the "winners":

EZ Drummer Lite
Samplitude 10 SE
Amplitube 2 Duo

Cheers

P.S.:I don't use any fancy plugin or host...i'm using almost 100% of freeware with some bargains from audio midi...in my case, freeware doesn't provide all I need and probably this happens with some others that can't afford something better...that's why i think ttoz idea is really great! (In my case, I would make a very good use of some full version of EZdrummer and a more powerful version of Cubase)

[synaesthesia]

I think this is a noble gesture that requires a few things ironing out, but I'm definitely in support of it.

I only have one loops library out there at the moment but am planning to do a few more over the next few months. I would be happy to donate copies to this cause in some way if it is useful to the project.

Cheers.

[Big Tick]

A noble gesture indeed - and I don't want to downplay it. But do you really think there are people who are so strapped for cash they have no other choice than using a pirated version of their host, but still own a computer and audio I/O that together cost more than 1000$ ? I don't think so. I think using pirated version is a choice, a very convenient one.

You don't absolutely need to have Cubase or Pro-tools to make music. Reaper's discounted license is 60$ only. Now explain to me how someone who can afford a computer and internet connection, can't afford 60$ for Reaper.

[TommyBear]

I haven't yet managed to read the whole thread, only a part, but the initial intention is good. However, there might be some big practical problems. For example: who is poor? From the point of view of living in my country probably almost no one in the USA or Germany is poor. I mean, I've recently read that the lowest lawful per hour rate in USA is $7,25 (probably that differs somehow, I don't know, but anyway). Now, that is like 33% more than an AVERAGE salary in my country and still, we're objectively not in such bad conditions.

I think advertising freeware developers is one good way to go. Also, wide informing about good decently priced software is proper (because why do people use warez? either that's the only soft they know exists or the want to 'sound like pros').

That's it for now. I've seen some ideas about presets etc., I need to read that more carefully later and then add something more probably.

Best regards,
Tom

[trimph1]

I really think this is a great idea actually. I'm in the midst of trying my so-called hand at doing some presets for some VST's I have here...things like the Arp200VA for example...

[gemada]

You don't absolutely need to have Cubase or Pro-tools to make music. Reaper's discounted license is 60$ only. Now explain to me how someone who can afford a computer and internet connection, can't afford 60$ for Reaper.

I don't think ttoz or someone else is choosing Cubase or Protools in specific...Reaper is a fine DAW but it doesn't come with any vsti, so maybe an "essential" version of Cubase, Sonar or Studio One offers a better package for the price (around $99). Also, I believe $60 is for the non-comercial license (maybe some will want to sell their songs in the future and in that case they will have to upgrade?). I only use legit software and I have a very old and modest laptop...If I had the money I would buy some good stuff that I can't afford now, in order to improve my sound or to improve my workflow. Anyway, just my 2 cents...Again, I do like and I support this idea
Cheers

[VitaminD]

A noble gesture indeed - and I don't want to downplay it. But do you really think there are people who are so strapped for cash they have no other choice than using a pirated version of their host, but still own a computer and audio I/O that together cost more than 1000$ ? I don't think so. I think using pirated version is a choice, a very convenient one.

You don't absolutely need to have Cubase or Pro-tools to make music. Reaper's discounted license is 60$ only. Now explain to me how someone who can afford a computer and internet connection, can't afford 60$ for Reaper.

Your argument is based around someone requiring an expensive computer and audio interface to produce songs.. when not all computers are expensive and some people could be using less 'professional' means of audio interfacing (onboard audio with asio4all for instance). General purpose PCs are very cheap these days as is internet connectivity (in some cases free @ hotspots).

I know as a student years ago without a job and dedicated full time to studies I couldn't afford a 60 USD host. If I had gotten a job, my grades would have dropped and I wouldn't have graduated. It was my situation. On the little free time I did have, I enjoyed releasing my stress through making music.

A lot of people in other parts of the world probably can't cough up 60 dollars either... we all aren't so fortunate. We must not make OURSELVES the bar line in determining other people's reality/situation. There are many realities not our own that need to be explored and considered.

I think there is a whole lot that still needs to be addressed. Actually all of it beyond helping.

[davidka]

nvm

[Tight Snare]

I haven't read the whole thread but here's my 2 cents anyway ....

- There is (as others have mentioned) loads of free (and trial) software already out there.
- Without wishing to sound too harsh being poor and having not much (and not very good) gear is kind of a healthy way to start out IMHO. It forces YOU to focus on being creative and innovative and have GOOD IDEAS yourself, rather than relying on gear.
- However, being poor and having no gear is also frustrating and it's always nice to help people if you can How about organising competitions with strict gear limitations such as only allowing the use of free software. Then contribute to (and ask devs to donate) software as prizes.
- In addition devs could run their own competitions (I think some already do) where they make one of their plugs available as a time limited demo and invite you to do a remix using their plug. The winner by votes wins the full version of the plug.

FWIW the years I spent with nothing more than a tape deck and some crappy mics, then a portastudio and lexicon reverb, then an 8 track..... (and so on).... these were highly creative times and I wouldn't go back and change it for anything.

Except of course I definitely would have upgraded sooner given the chance of free gear at the time ... but I bet I would have been less creative and not developed as much of a personal style as a result.

Relative to the old analog days 'young kids today' already have free (or cheap) access to unbelievably cool gear. Unthinkable amount of free/ cheap gear out there compared to even a few years ago.

I think the healthiest thing people can do (which would also help poor struggling artists and engineers more than throwing free plugs at them) is for people with spare time, energy and money to promote local new music in the real world (both live and recorded). Get a local bands/ DJs night going. Help to build up and promote a community of local musicians - this is as great a resource as any suite of plugs IMHO. Help to create a local scene.

Very old fashioned strategies I know .... and not so helpful for film/ TV composers admittedly.

Oh - the pips have gone. That's my 2 cents all used u

[Big Tick]

I like the idea of 'pay it forward'. For example, I donate synths or samplesets and in return, I receive some cool presets to add to my products - everyone wins.

I tried that in the past - and won't count the number of times where I never heard back from the guy. A lot of people act like spoiled kids, you know - they want the latest toy, but will turn away from it the second they get it...

Anyway ttoz, I am all for giving a little help to those who really need it. Actually, let me start right now. I don't want to hijack your thread so make sure you read this. You guys have 2 weeks to convince me.

[el-bo (formerly ebow)]

I've donated and bought software for other kvrians as well in the past.. it feels good to give to people you know will use the software and not let it collect dust.