I thought I’d start a thread in response to Owen’s first post here.
I hope you join me in wishing Owen all the best in his new role and begin the dialogue we need and welcome to make Pianobook the best it can be.
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Peace, sir. Your post on the website is exceptionally encouraging. May your new role bless you and those who use the pianobook resources.
Welcome Owen and congratulations Christian on retaking control of Pianobook!
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Welcome Owen! I’m one of the early and now longtime “samplists” with almost 20,000 downloads of my sample packs to date. I’m in Canada.
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Thank you, both of you!
Pianobook deserves to be alive!
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oh that’s soo cool!! congratulations OBOLIG!
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Hey welcome Owen! Great to see that mix of technical skills and musical taste!
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Congrats Owen, I’m sure you’ll make an impact on this exceptional community!
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You go Owen. Programmers are unsung heroes!
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Congratulations, Owen on the new role! Wishing you all the best as you step in!
As someone who (at one point) had the most demos on Pianobook (over 600), I’ve always been really invested in the platform.
But honestly, it often felt like the people contributing demos and reviews didn’t get the same kind of support or recognition as the developers of the libraries. The SoundCloud playlists helped a bit, but had their own limitations too. That disconnect was part of why I eventually stepped back from doing demos.
Would be happy to jump on a chat if you’re up for it. Always open to sharing thoughts as you start shaping things going forward.
I really want to see Pianobook become something that supports everyone who contributes.
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Welcome, and huge Congratulations, Owen!
Welcome Owen, Pianobook is in safe hands.
I can relate to this (DaFingaz’s comments regarding demos). Although I didn’t write as many demos as yourself, that was my main contribution to Pianobook. The monthly playlists were a real objective and confidence boost.
Don’t get me wrong, the process of composing all those bits of music was thoroughly enjoyable and there is no doubt that writing and submitting them was nothing but a positive. However I do see your point that maybe a little more of an outlet for the demoists would be nice. The much talked about idea of an associated music library was one that always excited me but sadly didn’t come to fruition.
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Yeah, there were a few ideas mentioned to help elevate the composers of the demos. Christian did discuss this a little when I was able to join a live a few weeks ago.
Hoping there is something in the future for the demo creators. Fingers crossed!
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Congratulations Owen. Christian has placed his trust in you and that’s good enough for me. I’m sure you will do a great job. All the best buddy.
I agree. One of my main focuses is analyzing incentive for each type of Pianobook user. There are downloaders, library creators, and demo creators like yourself.
Pianobook is free, making it easy to incentivize downloaders to take part in Pianobook. It’s more difficult to incentivize library and demo creators to provide services. We have to get creative. I’m able to think back to what motivated me to want to post libraries. We can implement related tactics to give others a reason to post.
I am not a demo creator though, so it is more difficult for me to put myself in your shoes and think “What would make Marcus want to post a demo?” That’s why I would love to talk to you. You’re someone that was once very active, but no longer feeling incentivized to post demos. For good reasons. This makes you the perfect person for insight on how we can improve the site so you feel support and recognition.
Demos allow downloaders to quickly determine the sound of a library without having to download it. As an engineer, I value efficiency and user experience. Demos improve both of these factors for Pianobook. Your work is massively beneficial to the overall quality of the site.
I’ll reach out to you tomorrow about hopping on a call.
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Welcome Owen! I’m confident that you’re going to be the person who moves PB forward and helps it reach its fullest potential! Best wishes to you!
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Welcome! look forward to the changes and new energy you will bring to it!
Please be open with everyone about this. I know I would like to understand the demo process and if my attempts might be worth offering on the instruments that appeal to me, especially since I can’t always afford even a small tip. Maybe it would be a way to give back. Thanks.
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Hi Owen.
I’d like to jump on this thread to say, all the best with Pianobook.
To add a quick comment about demos. What incentivised me initially was the idea of sharing some music for the first time in 20 years of writing. Then people listened, then I got on a monthly playlist and received an Originals for my efforts, then I challenged myself to get tracks on more playlists and eventually I think I managed nearly a years worth straight. So it was setting little personal challenges facilitated by Pianobook which got me writing more. The possibility of hearing something I wrote playing in the background of a Pianodrop (once) was a motivation.
From a compositional point of view, I, along with others I imagine, suggested the ‘Surpise Me’ button because I enjoy the challenge of reacting to things creatively, in this case sounds I had not consciously chosen. The vast array of sample packs available most certainly led me to write things I never would have done if not for the uniqueness of the instruments I was demoing.
I’m now - not very successfully - trying to pursue other avenues, but I most certainly wouldn’t be doing that if it weren’t for Pianobook demos and I would like to think I have not posted my last.
All the Best.
JB
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