There was an interesting article in today‘s Washington Post. Just as the U.S. has fallen behind in gas mileage, we‘ve fallen even further behind in Internet speed. Americans invented the Internet, so how did we get so far behind? If you‘re curious about why we‘re still watching online video in itty-bitty windows (while people in Japan watch full-screen, broadcast-quality programming on their computers) and paying more for the privilege, you’ll find this article an eye-opening read.

While perusing the always informational KVR Audio site, I found a rather off-color, but spot-on post responding to a litany of negative comments about various software-host programs. Although I won’t use language as colorful as was employed in that KVR posting, I agree, for the most part, with what it was saying. Its main point was that rather than expending energy dissing audio apps that you don’t like, or trying to annoit one host as the “best,” focus instead on mastering the one that you do use. In my position as an EM editor, I have had the opportunity to work in virtually all of the major sequencing programs, and I can say with confidence that they’re all very deep, powerful, and able. Sure, some have strengths in one area or another, and they offer different types of user experiences, but you won’t go wrong with any of them. The most important thing is to find the one that fits your work style and become a power user of it. Rather than wasting energy on negativity, put that effort into really mastering the program that you have. (One way to really increase your productivity is to learn the key commands for the features you use consistently. You’ll be amazed at how much faster you’ll be able to work.)