This one aspect of the software has been as annoying as all get out since the very beginning, which for me was I think 2009.
I will just give one example, and I think that will illustrate what I find particularly annoying.
Open up PREFS. Then go to tab 6, which is MIDI Settings. The go to MIDI OUT. One of the options in that next panel is at the bottom, Send MIDI Time Code.
Doesn't logic say that if there is an option named "Send MIDI Time Code" that if you go to help there should be a corresponding entry called the same thing? And there is no such help file entry. Somewhere in there must be a section on the right way to send MIDI time code, but why do I have to look for it? Should it not be called "Send MIDI Time Code"?
As those help files have grown, new stuff is just piled on old stuff. It may be that at one time there was a help entry called "Send MIDI Time Code".
I like to use analogy, as many of you know. I look at this as if a home owner is repairing a wooden deck or roof. Rather than taking out old, rotting wood, he just lays new wood on top of it. Well, if something in help is no longer pointing to where it needs to point, just take it out and remove the clutter. That may or may not be the case here, but it is just odd that since there is no "Send MIDI Time Code" entry in the help files, now I have to try and guess what the language might be that DOES point me there.
I don't know the organization structure at PG, but as important as help files and documentation is, someone should be assigned that responsibility full time with no other duties. That may be the case and I just don't know that, but these manuals have now gotten so big and convoluted that it is near impossible to find anything without investing a whole afternoon. I will go upstairs in a minute here and do my best guess from past MIDI experience, but for a newb to walk in and try to figure out wiring and settings based on the manuals, wow.
Documentation has to be written so a total clueless newb who is also musically challenged to figure it out. When tasked with writing documentation at one of my IT jobs, my instruction from my boss included the sentence "You have to write this stuff as if you were talking to a mentally challenged 8 year old, because some of these users are so afraid of computers that's what it is like." I laughed when he said it but as I proofread my work I realized how much assumed knowledge I had included. It's hard to avoid that.
As I have said here often in making a point:
"A major chord is 1-3-5." "What's a 1?" "The first note of the scale." "What's a scale?" "The notes that make up the key you are on." "What's a key?"
It really has to be written at that level.
So when your menu says "Send MIDI Time Code", your help should include a section titled "Send Midi Time Code".
I am using the new 1040XTRAEZ form this year. It has just 2 lines.
1. How much did you make in 2023? 2. Send it to us.
Doesn't logic say that if there is an option named "Send MIDI Time Code" that if you go to help there should be a corresponding entry called the same thing?
I dunno, seems to find it for me .. didn't even get done typing it
See my reply to your other post regarding SPP etc
Last edited by rharv; 02/09/2101:47 PM.
Make your sound your own! .. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
I'm sure what I needed was in there somewhere. I just didn't know what keyword I would use to find it. And after this many years of buying new versions I have books all over the place I started digging through. I think maybe it's time to throw the 2017 and 2018 stuff away. It's not like I am going to revert to a 4 year old version.... But that's just my cheapness. I paid money for it, thus it had value at some point in time. I was raised by depression era parents who NEVER threw anything away.
I am using the new 1040XTRAEZ form this year. It has just 2 lines.
1. How much did you make in 2023? 2. Send it to us.
These are common issues for all the software I own. "what to call something". The same issue happens with an internet search. Highly advanced help systems are the hallmark of quality software. Most of us using consumer software would not have any interest in paying the cost of professional software.
While I think there are a good many non standard expressions in BIAB, I don't think it is much different than other software. I have the same issue with Studio One.
There are a lot of good videos on PG's site. There may be one that covers the topic Eddie is referring too. A quick look did not come up with anything.
Most of the time the information exist, much of the time it is difficult to find.
One would need to have more than a general understanding of MIDI to even know what "MIDI time code" is. It is a fairly involved subject in and of itself.
I don't think it is reasonable to expect that any software maker construct their help system to accommodate people who have no idea of the subject matter.
Billy
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