On a Facebook page for Computer Music and Production I heard mention of a new program called Xhail. I haven't visited the site yet, but from comments it appears to do for full scores what BIAB does for songs. So far so good.

Remarks were predominantly negative. One guy said (with a cyber-sneer) that "programmers aren't musicians." Another said that "if people can't [compose and arrange] by themselves, they shouldn't try." Only a handful felt that it might be worth looking at, let alone useful.

Huh?

I used the word "Luddite" twice yesterday, once in that discussion, and again in another in which a marvelously incoherent guitarist opined that bands shouldn't use synths or effects beyond reverb and tremolo, basically because that's all his band had.

Guys, I've been around the block. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised at a medieval mindset, but I am. Especially because I encounter the same outlook when I try to share BIAB with nonusers. This has nothing to do with the program itself; instead I get remarks like "that's cheating" or "I don't need that"—without, of course, having actually looked at the program.

Okay, through venting. I am interested in your thoughts. Do you try to counter this when you come across it, or do you (as I do) just smile and keep on BIABin'?

"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."