There’s a sucker born every minute? Is this your customer service program?

[s2_Audio]

There’s a sucker born every minute, or so PT Barnum was misquoted as saying. What Barnum actually said was; “Men, women and children do not live on bread and water alone. In their lighter and gayer moods they need to be entertained. Those of us, who do so with honor, are working within the plans of the author of our nature”. This is a powerful statement for anyone who is in the entertainment business for the right reasons. The right reason, if you’ve missed it so far, is the audience. ...

...The biggest challenge for creative people is to understand on a fundamental level exactly who they are using their talent to craft for. We are in the business of delivering to the client an aural product laced with subjective qualities, which should be guided and judged by the customer or their representative. Those people by the way, may or may not know the best way to achieve the job you do day in and day out. ...

... Here’s an old studio proverb that applies:
“We the willing, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful. We have been doing so much for so long with so little that we are now capable of doing anything with nothing at all.

...The hard reality is that the average annual earning for a recording engineer in the Seattle / Tacoma area is the same as it was for a Los Angeles area recording engineer 40 years earlier.

Why? Isn't it obvious?

more later ...

s2

s2 audio engineering

[John Suitcase]

According to Wired, that quote was actually from Joseph "Paper Collar Joe" Bessimer, though attributed to Barnum.

I think you make a good point, but there's something more at work here.

The customer often has no real idea what they're trying to achieve. They know they want to sound good, they might want to sound like some other recording they've heard. But they don't have the objectivity or experience to see the bigger picture.

I think that you're right about the audience. But our job as recordists is often to help the artist to understand that, too. And to be honest about whether we think their vision is one that makes sense. Maybe we come around to their way of thinking, or they come to ours, or we don't. In that last case, it might be best for the artist to work with someone else.

Keeping your eyes on the final audience for the recording (not the band, or the label, or the radio programmers, etc) is probably the best approach, though ignoring all of the politics and people who need to say 'yes' to your final output can be a little self-defeating!


You seem to be leading to something here, I'm curious to hear what you're getting at.

[joelpatterson]

So many of the battles in this sphere (and life in general) seem to come down to an endless twilight struggle between two irreconcilably opposed forces: the Short Term vs. the Long Term.

In the Short Term, the best possible thing, obviously, is to have your customer whistling as he skips out the door, brand new CD in hand, elated and gleeful that they've got a magnificently competitive product that is just like they want it.

The odds that this same CD is fit for the Long Term, the merciless scrutiny of a public that cares little about the artists impressions or quirks or snap judgments... maybe not so good, kimosabe.

And this all boils down to an affair of the soul, really-- who are you, what are you doing, and which side are you on? You want to please people and indulge their fancies? Or do you want to craft timeless music that will hold up?

History will be the judge of that, and there is no option to appeal the verdict.

[s2_Audio]

The quote came from one of 60K copies I have the honor of owning and read of 'Struggles and Trimuphs, Forty Years Recollections by P.T. Barnum' (Entered according to Act of Congress, In the year 1869, by J.B. Burr & Company). I'm sorry sir but I don't know the person you refer to. I got the quote from this book sitting right here next to me.

... actually uttered by David Hannum, spoken in reference to Barnum's part in the Cardiff Giant hoax

... most of the hoax was a sub contracted promoter error as is told by Barnum himself in my book. Sorry, I don't have a page number for your own reference but my book is a first edition ...Barnum bought the plates and destroyed them so no second and thrid printings exist ...smart business, anyway it's 141 years old and I don't tromp through it looking for page numgers. You'll just have to trust my first hand information my friend, my intel is derived directly from the source.

To your first point, okay the customer mostly knows what they want ... yup. Do they know how to get it most of the time ... nope. Do we ... yup. Do we more often than not impose our values over theirs because we "know better" or how ...yup. Is that good customer service ...nope. The "impose" part is the act in question here. There is no way you can tell me you would enjoy someone imposing their values over yours when you believe to your heart and soul that your values are right. Nobody does. I discuss this in Surviving 40 years in the Studio Business. It's called balance.

That is where I'm going, or trying to anyway, and that is one of the reasons why pay scale is low and engineering innovation, on an operations level, is declining ...in my humble opinion, based on wayyyy to many years of observation and participation in this business.

By the way John you're right, the record companies, producers, radio guru's or whoever else the client sends into our world as their representative must be yielded to in consideration and respect. Covert opeational skills come from such times don't they??

Thank you very kindly for your response bud.

s2

[s2_Audio]

Hi-Yo Silver Joe, you are exactly right: Time is the judge you can not appeal. This is why the average life span of a new audio engineer entering the business is, and has been forever, 5 years.

[John Suitcase]

Well, I appreciate your elucidation of the quote's origin!

I think it's a fine line between pursuing the artist's vision, and trying to guide/refine that vision. A lot depends on the artist themselves, and what they're going for, if they know what that is.

I think what Joel touched on is the question of originality. The tendency of most bands is to try to sound like some popular artist, or the essence of that genre. The great records, though, often flew a bit in the face of popular trends (not totally, there's a balancing act there!)

Talking to bands and getting to the essence of their vision, and trying to extract the part of that vision that is distinctive and original is part of our job, at least when working with bands that don't have a producer or when we're working as producer.) Also, I find that mix gigs benefit from that thought process, even if the band is asking to sound like some particular popular track.

Not sure if I'm conveying my thinking very well. It's just that it's hard to make an impression when your record sounds like some popular band, only not as good.

[s2_Audio]

I don't know if it was Geoff or Donny who first used the 122 Leslie horn mic'd in stereo with a send feeding BGV's to the C-3 pre amp for "Ya, ya, oh yeah what condition my condition was in". I know Geoff did it on one of John Lennon's songs, I just don't know when or if the idea crossed the pond. I was young, cleaning ash trays, floors, getting coffee, washing cars for talent, you know ...new guy stuff when that bit of innovation came to life. I was also there when Jay Graydon first brought in his voice box (nothing more than a carboard box with a female 1/4" jack and a fish tank air hose coming out of it). We were working on the HUB album with Rare Earth. These things became "popular trends". Listen to "Tell me something good" then listen to other records of it's time. That should make the point aurally.

I preach over and over that great recordings are not necessarily sonic masterpieces. We are bridge builders ...right? We couple the artist to the audience. We should be helpful and resourceful (imaginative) to those who employ us. If you serve that up on an emotionless plate garnished with respect ya got me in your court.

s2

[Greg Curtis]

Originally Posted by s2_Audio

The quote came from one of 60K copies I have the honor of owning and read of 'Struggles and Trimuphs, Forty Years Recollections by P.T. Barnum' (Entered according to Act of Congress, In the year 1869, by J.B. Burr & Company). I'm sorry sir but I don't know the person you refer to. I got the quote from this book sitting right here next to me.

... actually uttered by David Hannum, spoken in reference to Barnum's part in the Cardiff Giant hoax

... most of the hoax was a sub contracted promoter error as is told by Barnum himself in my book. Sorry, I don't have a page number for your own reference but my book is a first edition ...Barnum bought the plates and destroyed them so no second and thrid printings exist ...smart business, anyway it's 141 years old and I don't tromp through it looking for page numgers. You'll just have to trust my first hand information my friend, my intel is derived directly from the source.


Thank you very kindly for your response bud.

s2

I'm interested in researching this quote, because if what you say is true it will finally settle the matter, once and for all, for all of mankind. It may also earn some fame, I admit.

I also have a copy of this book, so, if you could kindly lead me in the direction to enlightenment, or, if you are in the spirit to boon such a princely gift as to whisper to me the actual page number, I would appreciate it. I do not have the fortitude to read all 780 pages tonight, and I am very inclined to solve the mystery!

If I recall correctly, Barnum bought the plates to the original 1855 J.B. Burr & Company plates, and then he re-printed them, with a little editing and additions, as an "Author's Edition in 1871." I have this edition, as well, so I will cross-check the quote.

Thank you

[joelpatterson]

Originally Posted by s2_Audio

... helpful and resourceful...

Something I see all the time now: words carved into rocks. You can find booths at carnivals where they have whole tablesful, in specialized fonts-- I used to think, "Ah! The advent of commercial lasers, to do pointless shit!" But it could easily be a new generation of tungsten drill bits, for all I know. There's a huge rock with a flat face on my driveway, I'd love to get "MOUNTAINTOP" carved into it if I could find one of these artisans who travels.

Anyway... the word that the angels carved into my skull as I was being born is the word "sonority." That's when you achieve a special blend that's the utmost in palatability and soothingness. That's what I'm talking about. It's something that a mix engineer, and the public at large, is attuned to, but that your average artist is, frankly, oblivious of. I don't want to swipe the brush too broadly, but admit it: never-- not today, not tomorrow, not ever-- is the artist going to have the objectivity to experience his/her music like your average listener is. They will always be too wrapped up in their intentions and second guessings.

I can believe in my heart and soul that my values are right-- still, I'm not going to try to tell my heart surgeon (or soul surgeon) how to do their job.

[s2_Audio]

Wow, outstanding news to find another book owner. It has been a number of years so page numbers as you say are many. If I may wander through memory it is in the chapter regarding the wild west show in NJ and the boondoggle creaated by transporting the audience by ferry (which I do daily so it strikes a chord).

If it's all mankind Greg, I think we are both charged with finding the correct answer. Don't you? Got the princely gift handy and am inspired to dig in. May take me awhile Greg but thank you for the challange.

The story regarding the plates is as I've read too. You're a gentleman after my own heart sir. I look forward to hearing what you find.

s2

[s2_Audio]

Ya know funny thing Joel, I told 2 heart surgeon's that something was wrong with my heart. One I told while having level 6 chest pains in his office on a tread mill test. Both blew it off to "gas".

Thank you Redmond Fire and Rescue who came into my control room to rush me into emergency heart surgery. Hummm, that one is close to the chest for me bud.

[joelpatterson]

Lucky you, the exception that proves my rule!

[joelpatterson]

Upon reflection, though... sounds like these guys could have had ulterior motives... either of them owe you money?

[s2_Audio]

Okay Greg, good gracious all mighty I've been misquoting Barnum. What I was refering to can be found in chapter 5 "My start as a showman" pg 72.
" ...this is a trading world, and men, women and children, who can not live on gravity alone, need something to satisfy thier gayer, lighter moods and hours, and he who minsters to this want is in a business established by the Author of our nature. If he worthily fulfils his mission, and amuses without corrupting, he need never feel that he has lived in vain"

...end of paragraph 2. Dang Greg ...Barnum speaks ...writes, so much better than I. Another "Secret of surviving 40 years in this business" ...I truly love being the dumbest guy in the room cause there is so much to learn from so many great people. Thanks again.
s2

[s2_Audio]

Joel, nope ...my family and I just asked that they listen to their patients in the future, not just hear them talk or respond to the dials and meters of a machine. Guess that's the point, huh brother?

[joelpatterson]

I hear you.

Let's find some different analogy, where I can be right.... what about a car wash? I don't try to tell the attendants how to load the soap in... I'm afraid of this story....

[engelen62]

Just a comment: I hope music is more than just entertainment.

[s2_Audio]

Sorry Engelen62. Until Anne McCafferys 'Dragon Riders of Pern' becomes real life and Harpers (songsmiths) become the repository of historical information (teachers) ...it's really just entertainment.

Don't mean to burst any bubbles here but ...ahh, where in survival does listening to music come into play? It moves the soul, it enlightens, it does not house or feed the body unless it is your business of trade for such things.

I believe I have heard it refered to as "a harsh toke off the reality bong of life".

It has indeed been more than just entertainment to me, it's been my means of sustaining my family for four decades.

Good luck my friend, please let me know if you find more.

[s2_Audio]

No Joel you don't want to hear the story of how the car wash explitived up my 99 Roush, want to see the pictures? Contact me through my web site and I'll send them to you.

Dang brother you really are working hard at this. Why?

http://www.s2audio.com

[s2_Audio]

Well this has been fun but some what disturbing. So where are the comments regarding improving customer service? Where are those ideas?

We have heard from folks who want clarity on 200 year old quotes, thank you for that by the way. One gentelman who was concerned that there should be more to music than pure entertainment and others who seem to be concerned about ...ahh, loosing control of something you really shouldn't have control of in the first place, the artist's vision. To this point: you've always had the control, it is just tacky to show it which leads me to; Focus, Focus, Focus. This is about customer service.

Taking something away from a customer because they, to paraphrase, don't really know what they want. Wow! Is this how you would want to be treated as a customer, anywhere, really?

Customer Service as the Esinberg brothers said so well; it's simple really, just not at all easy. Focus, Focus, Focus. Customer service is viral marketing. It will define your business. Anyone with the right tools and ears can get a great sound. Not every business can provide great customer service. Who would you choose to trade with if all was equal aurally?

s2 audio engineering

[John Suitcase]

Well, I for one am 100% about customer service. I offer a money-back guarantee. Not something many studios or engineers seem to do. Never had anyone ask for their money back, but if they did, I'd honor that guarantee, of course.

And while I agree that this is a service business, the question becomes, "What is the service we provide?"

Owning and knowing how to operate some recording gear isn't a reason to have a studio these days. The bar just isn't that high. Not to mention there are hundreds of places already around who can meet that need.

The service you provide is to take someone's vision, help them clarify it, elevate it, then realize it.

If you're not doing that, then you're just providing a commodity, with declining prices, and working ever harder to get and keep clients.

If a band comes to regard you as a member of the band, albeit a paid member, your place is more secure, until they feel the need to move on, which can happen, too. But if you're contributing, helping them get to a higher place, they'll be reluctant to lose that voice.

I'm not saying you don't help them get their vision, or that you place your knowledge or experience above theirs, but you align it with theirs, and use them together to amplify their uniqueness and greatness.

If they insist on doing things that you think suck, maybe you should tell them you're not a good fit for the project. I don't think smiling and nodding and keeping your mouth shut serves them, even if does get you paid in the short term.

[s2_Audio]

Well said John, very well said. The smiling and keeping your mouth shut thing is always the tricky part isn't it. It is a dishonor to yourself and to the client you care about. That is the hard and to some like myself, the unacceptable part.

In my youth, honestly ...sometimes today, okay most often, my diplomacy has been defined as a 20 lb sludge driving a thumbtack through cork. Me mates say I get the job done quickly but tend to leave a mark.

yeeahhh, I've learned about customer service the hard way I'm affraid. I can only hope to share some lessons so others may improve on my ...umm, research.

[joelpatterson]

Originally Posted by s2_Audio

... Why?

You might be amazed at how easy it is, really... I barely have to think about any of this... it just kind of happens, on its own, almost!

The long answer: I do alot of printing out artwork for CD duplication. You need to feed the glossy pages in, one at a time... so that gives me alot of leisure time... and Gearslutz is the devil's playground, so they say....

[s2_Audio]

There is nothing that inspires me more than honesty. Thanks Joel, you rock!

s2

[s2_Audio]

... the question becomes, "What is the service we provide?"

Dreamcatchers are an authentic American Indian tradition, from the Ojibway (Chippewa) tribe. Ojibway people would tie sinew strands in a web around a small round or tear-shaped frame--in a somewhat similar pattern to how they tied webbing for their snowshoes--and hang this "dream-catcher" as a charm to protect sleeping children from nightmares. The legend is that the bad dreams will get caught in the web.

This is the closest I could come on a short term to answering your question John. We catch the bad parts of our clients dreams and make them palatable for all. We give their dreams a voice so others may be converted to the intent of the Author.

Man, too early on the West Coast to answer with more bud.

Great Question!

s2
s2 audio engineering

[12ax7]

Originally Posted by joelpatterson

... and Gearslutz is the devil's playground, so they say....

Yeah, I've heard that.

I'm just not sure to whom I should attribute the quote.

(I think it was either Grammah Pyle or Benjamin Franklin.)

.

[12ax7]

Originally Posted by s2_Audio

Time is the judge you can not appeal.

(Just thought that needed to be quoted.)

[12ax7]

Originally Posted by s2_Audio

...ahh, where in survival does listening to music come into play?

It moves the soul, it enlightens, it does not house or feed the body unless it is your business of trade for such things.

One quote which comes to mind is "Man does not live by bread alone."

...But I kind of like the way Frank Zappa put it:

"Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid."

.
To put it in more "scientific" terms, music and art are necessary for good mental and spiritual health.

...And good mental and spiritual health are necessary for survival.

.

[joelpatterson]

Originally Posted by 12ax7

...And good mental and spiritual health are necessary for survival.

Really? Then how do you explain [insert favorite cultural nemesis]?








.

[s2_Audio]

..we call this a rat hole.

These are customer service ideas? Come on. Maybe this is one of the reasons you can get a recording engineer in my area for $10 hr, this is a serious topic that has ripples all the way down to the people you trade with for food and housing.

Really, if man could survive by feeding his soul where would Pro-Tools be? Can you show me on Maslow's hierarchy of needs where feeding your soul comes into play.

I'll help you out. It is towards the top. It is called the Love and Belonging level and goes up from there. Physiological and safety needs must be meet first. Sorry not my idea, you'll have to take that up with the Author of our nature.

Focus, Focus, Focus ...see, simple really just not easy.