Ok, after catching up on this thread this morning, I'm overwhelmed by the responses supporting my activities here. Quite humbling & slightly embarrassing TBH. This is not a fuss I asked for or courted. I've taken a decision based on a lot of considerations, but those are personal to me. The one thing I absolutely don't want, is for my decision to skew or otherwise influence how people interface with this forum. Most specifically, how others involved in the industry do so.
I happen to believe that most here with inside industry interest have a great deal to offer. They're part of the balance that makes this forum different to others. So long as their input is as non partisan as it's reasonable to be, I don't see an issue. Let's take Bermuda as a prime example. We all know of his relationship with Ludwig, & he provides insights into activities & new stuff happening from time to time, but also notice how he's quick to point out failings too. That readiness to take a non partisan stance when it's clearly not in his personal interest to do so, engenders respect for his opinion as having value. If other drum (or whatever industry related wares) companies want to chime in here, I view that as being for the greater good. It's pretty obvious when their interest is in one direction only, & thus easy to ignore if you're so inclined. The flip side is that it opens up a direct connection to decision makers that many members may find useful, or at least, interesting. Frankly speaking, be grateful that busy industry insiders actually spare the time to interface with a forum in a meaningful way.
Then there's the subject of disclosure. Ask yourselves this. How many members of various forums actually have some commercial interest but don't declare it? Such members would be free to engage in constant subtle marketing activities without their motives ever being questioned. If you're seeking out "smart" marketing on forums, that's damn smart IMO. Let's also examine the cost vs. benefit of truly mounting an intentional program of marketing on a forum under the guise of general participation. There's no way that's ever going to pay off. When I think of the time I put into background assistance on here (the stuff you guys never see, generally via PM's with individuals), & the hard won technical features I actually let go freely when there's absolutely no benefit to me whatsoever, it's close to a one way street alright, but not in the direction you would first believe. Heck, I've even passed on proprietary R&D to members for them to freely pass on to the other drum company that's building their kit!
I'm glad, in some ways that this subject was raised. It's encouraged me to examine what I'm really doing here. My posts here have only ever been on the basis of being happy & enthusiastic about what I'm doing. The simple pleasure of sharing good news, & seeing others perceive value in it. No different to any other member sharing good news & experiences. From now on, I'm happy to pass on general advice if it's sought, but from Andy the simple rock drummer, not Andy the drum company owner. Nor will there be any further insight into new technologies/processes/thinking, or back stories. With the exception of a few close contacts & existing customers, anyone who's interested in what I'm up to can find out through the normal channels, just like every other company out there.
As I've taken this decision, I forego the right to post up pictures & other stuff that can be perceived as having an intentional marketing element. It's a shame really, but in light of a growing body of opinion I'm sensing, it's the only rational choice, & one that will benefit me for a change. This leaves me free to post as the drummer I am without having to think about perceptions outside of my credibility as a player, & frees up time for me to do things that actually benefit me & my company. To repeat, this is a personal decision, & should in no way affect others in my position who are contemplating contributions to the forum.
I want to close by thanking all those who have contributed to the richness of what we've created. Input from members here has been very useful, & I hope those who've contributed feel that value & our appreciation.
Andy.