John Howell wrote:
[snip]>
My conclusions? The state of the art of music copying, engraving and page layout may be extremely high among the power users (many of them on this list) who have taken the time and trouble to learn their programs thoroughly and who know what is acceptable, but it is in pretty sad shape among those who (a) do not understand the basic rules (such as they are) for producing musical scores by any method, and (b) use Finale or other programs straight out of the box, having neither the time nor the inclination to become tweakmeisters. And at least some publishers seem to want product fast and cheap, but not necessarily good, and probably don't hire editors who might actually know the difference! Oh, and if composers or arrangers can't produce professional quality engraving on their own, they should be smart enough to hire engravers who can!!
Your anecdotes provide a reminder that it doesn't matter what the technology used, whether pen and paper or computers, if a person doesn't understand the traditions of music notation and engraving/manuscript, no amount of technology can save them from producing trash.
The unfortunate thing is that it does enable more inept individuals to spew forth difficult-to-read junk!
Glad you survived, though! Isn't it amazing, the quality of work that people actually get paid to produce? It is sometimes very sad!
Enjoy the rest of the holiday season, you've earned a rest!
-- David H. Bailey [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________________ Finale mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.shsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/finale
