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

[Vintage73]

I like the concept, but I wouldn't want to reward anyone who downloaded even one piece of warez.

What about, instead of targeting people who want to be legit but don't achieve that 100%, you create an initiative for people to DO remain warez-free?

I would imagine that there could be something set up something like the One Synth Challenge, where people can only use free or very inexpensive software for projects that are then voted on. That way you get people that are genuinely interested in making interesting (subjective, but "good" is TOO subjective) music, or even, as Michael said, sound designs.

No, you wont have all of the great features of a higher-end host, but people can still make music on free or inexpensive hosts.

I just don't think that any use of warez should be rewarded, even if they say their hearts are in the right place. If a person's heart is in the right place, they wouldn't use warez to begin with.

An initiative to keep people from using warez in the first place should be the goal.

[ObsoleteAcc99]

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[ntom]

count me in, I don't have a single pricey plug in in any of my music because I am too damn poor.

Didn't realize we were counting hosts too...though, then again, my DAW only cost me $65

and anyone who has been around the form long enough to see any of my posts can probably vouch for that. Also note whenever I ask for a specific type of plugin I more-often-then-not make sure I ask for a free one, not a commercial one. But I have learned to get by with my free/cheap stuff (most free)...in fact, I am rather proud of my music.

[JJBiener]

I am a bit dubious of this whole endeavor. It isn't just software that is required. A person would also have to have a reasonably powerful computer, an audio/MIDI interface and probably some kind of keyboard or other controller. Most interfaces come with some software. If not, Sonar X1 Essentials among others is under $100.

I think it is a noble gesture, but I have trouble seeing it having any significant or lasting impact.

[ObsoleteAcc99]

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[ntom]

It isn't just software that is required. A person would also have to have a reasonably powerful computer, an audio/MIDI interface and probably some kind of keyboard or other controller.

Bull Hockey, My computer is a 32x operating system, and it wasn't until a month ago I finally got a hardware controller. I did all my work with my mouse. Perhaps you are just spoiled with your fancy toys. I took much, much time in my creation since I had to do the ever-so-slow processes of clicking and drawing the MIDI notes. Recording is still...not really available to me. I do have a 4 channel Behringer board, but it plugs in my computer by using a 1/4" to 3.5mm converter then plugs into my mic input on my computer.

You would be surprised with the work that can be done with just software.

[Meffy]

One possible way to reward those who show themselves to be willing to put something in -- a matching arrangement, half and half or some such arrangement.

Obviously I have no say at all in this. The initiative is Theo's, and those actually doing it should make the rules. Just throwing out an idea that might or might not be of use.

[glokraw]

well if it doesn't work it doesn't work.

My experience with charity startups, is to start it one on one,
in your town. You find someone with confirmed financial distress,
preferably not due to perpetual mismanagement (druggie or other addict)
and perhaps someone confronting medical complications.

No need to spend a dime, your time and instruction are priceless,
and Native Instruments have 30 minute demos, Diva has only quiet crackles,
Alchemy has a good free player with enough editing for beginners.
ZebraCM, Zebralette, and TripleCheese, give a good taste of Zebra,
which itself runs for twelve or so minutes before only a reload
is needed to find middle C again.

You could cold-call a school music teacher from a locale that was wiped out
by recent floods, wildfires, or earthquakes, and ask for a student with
more potential than money.

If you have a knack for it, keep it going, brick by brick.
Cheers

[pinbot]

Just to let you guys know, I think this is a topic that should be turned into a sticky.

[Xenos]

Hell yeah! I'd be up for donating to such a fund if we could refine the idea a bit and iron out the flaws.

[xamido]

Agree with meffy. Make it a requirement that the one who got the plugin needs to submit an arrangement with the plugin they received afterward. At least, people know that the plugin is used immediately.

I believe in 'soft loan' like that, not giving away too easily which people often take for granted.

[ObsoleteAcc99]

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[ObsoleteAcc99]

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[ObsoleteAcc99]

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[Karmacomposer]

I'd be willing to help out. I cannot do it for everyone, but for those truly in need and want to make music, I can offer some of my products in this arrangement.

As far as DAWs, if they can scrounge up $16 USD, they can buy a copy of Computer Music magazine - which has a pretty amazing music making set of plugins, sequencers, etc - all for the price of the magazine. If you simply do not buy 4 packs of cigarettes or not drink a few cups of coffee, you can afford this magazine.

I do feel that this should be for those non-offenders who have not turned to warez and now wants a free hand-out. The moral obligation needs to be a reward, although there simply is no way to prove or police this - it truly is on the honor system.

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