I am glad that Tony Decap has once again started the debate on MIDI.
I have putzed around with player pianos and orchestrions for some 25
years but  it is only in the last four or five that I have increased
my interest or time dedicated to the hobby.  I guess since retirement
is around the bend a hobby, instead of working, starts to look good.

It seems that I was about 40 years old when these things called
computers started popping up on everyone's desk.  My first remark was,
"I'm too old to start learning something new."  I fought it and dragged
my feet -- until, of course I discovered the Internet.  The Internet is
where my interests stayed.  Meanwhile, the world passed me with what a
computer can do.  I am sorry to say that with a computer on my desk for
some 15-plus years, my niece, who has been exposed to one for probably
only six to eight years, can run rings around me with her computer
skills.

What does that have to do with MIDI?  The same concept.  I believe the
Old Timers, still trying to grasp the computer, were overwhelmed with
trying to learn on their own what was now being taught in schools.
Those who already had the computer skills just excelled when MIDI
arrived on the scene.  And as one becomes more familiar with computers
and MIDI, it's apparent what both can add to the hobby.

I accept and understand the importance to keep the older instruments
original, but I think reproducing orchestrions and band organs with
MIDI can only help with exposure to a hobby that seems to have had
better days.  I would assume that there are many people, who have
a piano sitting in their house now, that probably would never have
thought about it without the Pianomation system.

Perhaps the MMD readers could start to put together articles for the
archives, starting with the basics of MIDI, and touching upon the uses
of MIDI in the hobby.  Also perhaps an instructional article explaining
how to download MIDI music, and how fellow hobbyists can use it.
Perhaps Spencer Chase can also get involved?

Howie Jensen