In digest 980402 Terry Smythe made a number of excellent comments about
getting back to the original thread introduced by Gary Stevenson.
Gary's research and leadership in the area of a complete index is
unsurpassed, and if the CD project is ever realized his index will be
invaluable to the CD project.

We do need this index today and should support Gary in his research;
however, there were a few comments made that I would like to share my
thoughts on.  These thoughts are in no way an attack on Terry or his
ideas about the index and the future CD project.

Concerning the idea that different operating systems are a problem,
I would agree to an extent, but that has not stopped other publishers
from creating a CD version of their works.  Many of these CDs have
content for Mac or Windows operating systems on the same disk.  I do
realize that these other publishers have a broader base of income from
the sale of their printed material, but as stated the costs are coming
down and I feel that it is a realistic goal.

Concerning the comparison of archiving rolls on a computer and
producing a CD, I feel like there is a huge difference.  Yes we are all
learning and both projects are new to those of us in the field of MM.
I believe the big difference is that no else has ever created a system
for reading and archiving roll music, but others are archiving and
producing CD versions of their works.

(House plans come to mind.  Yes I realize they have the income to
support their projects and the sales of plans will help with the
initial cost.  These are two things we must work around.)

Let me say that I realize Larry was and is in no way is critical of the
CD idea, in fact he encourages it, and this posting is not a slam on
him or his thoughts.  I agree with his position.  I just wanted to give
my thoughts on a few of the comments he made.  I respect Larry and I
support 100% the work Gary is doing, but I fell as thought the CD
project is technically within our reach today.  Concerning the
financial aspect, well we have a little work to do there.

Have a great day,

Sam Harris
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ranch/9374