RD9
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Reflections on the "Early Access Program"
Dear Fellow Forum Users, Many of us remember the "Membership vs Subscription" discussions which wasted so much of everyone's time by perverting so many useful Threads. The Early Release Program (ERP) is nothing special and should not divert every thread for the next 6 months. One useful way to look at this ERP is that CW is formalizing what most of us already knew, which was; don't download the latest monthly update until enough time has passed for it to be debugged. This is a well know approach in software development known as "Post Release Beta Testing" or an "Open Beta period". In the case of Sonar it has been suggested previously that this period was from 10 to 20 days, or even longer in some cases. Sonar's motivation is clear, they want to reduce the number of negative customer experiences (and subsequent posts) which occur just after release. Those of us who do tend to wait really appreciate the early adopters because their unpaid effort paves the way for a more trouble free product. If you do feel a need to argue about the ERP, please use this Thread and keep the other ones clean. Thanks
post edited by RD9 - 2016/04/04 21:12:28
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Brando
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/03 19:18:32
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?
Haven't seen any comments at all relating to this - and it's been available for a few days now. Are you anticipating a controversy?
(Personally I'm waiting for the official release (next week?))
Brando
Cakewalk, Studio One Pro, Reaper Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL ASUS Prime Z370-A LGA1151, 32GB DDR4, Intel 8700K i7, 500 GB SSD, 3 x 1TB HDD, Windows 10 Pro 64
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RD9
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/03 19:41:47
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It would be unfair (and downright mean) for me to point to any single post which prompted this Thread. There are not many examples so far but it seemed prudent to bring the discussion into one place rather than dispersed into every Thread.
One thing I wondered about which relates to the EAP is how other Sonar users felt about CW formalizing release dates. For example, the Open Beta period could start on the 20th of the month and the actual release on the 10th of the next month. There are a number of Threads around the end of the month which relate to what is known as Anticipation Anxiety. Marketing people and Casinos exploit this human weakness for their own profit but it can really be a time waster.
Thanks
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jimkleban
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/03 19:49:03
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I agree RD, I think I posted something about how much I appreciate the EARLY RELEASE testers not only do they find bugs but they have reported on how to use some of the new features as well, which will save us all time and trying to figure this out for ourselves.
I for 1 really appreciate this program.
Jim
PS - I haven't really seen too much on the negative side of this program other than the feeling of being left out (but by my choice). And I eagerly await the official release of SPLAT. Based upon the info here, I have already upgraded to Melodyne 4 studio in anticipation of the TEMPO extraction tool.
The Lamb Laid Down on MIDI www.lldom.com Studio Cat Custom i7 with Thunderbolt (wonderful system built and configured by our own Jim R) Apollo Duo (via TB) UAD Quad UAD Duo WIN 8.1 x64 with 32 GB Ram 4 SSD for programs and sample libraries Splat (latest version)
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FanCake 
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/03 19:59:48
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And the silly argument is where is exactly? Didn't that happen ages ago? (as per usual).
Where is the big deal that inspired you to create this thread?
My pov, this thread is rather silly, do you run these forums?
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Anderton
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/03 20:06:56
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Pre-emptive strike, presumably based on knowledge of internet forums. 
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RD9
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/03 21:35:58
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FanCake
And the silly argument is where is exactly? Didn't that happen ages ago? (as per usual). Where is the big deal that inspired you to create this thread? My pov, this thread is rather silly, do you run these forums?
Good point FC, it is probably a bit silly (and bit sad) that I feel the need to start this Thread. I certainly did not want to offend anyone so I thought of trying to post early and corral the discussion into a single thread before there were a lot of posts (and posters to be offended). However, the use of the word silly was a bit judgemental and therefore would be construed negatively. Consider it a "marketing strategy" to get people's attention . BTW, Craig is absolutely right about my intent. No, of course I don't run the Forum, but like you, I like to read them and then comment when appropriate. That said, there is sometimes quite a bit of extraneous matter and tangential discussions which can take a bit of time to work through. Your previous posts have been quite helpful so please feel free to contribute to this thread if you have any other ideas. Thanks.
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eph221
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/03 21:55:24
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John T
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/04 00:50:26
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I've been too busy to download the early release. But I have been taking note of what's been going on, and I gather it's caught a bug already. So I think that's a success right out of the gate.
In one of the threads about update frequency, a few people were talking about the idea of having rapid updates, with an occasional stable release. This isn't quite the same as that, but I think it might end up achieving the same goal. Bold early adopters can shake out the early releases, and everyone else can use the formal releases. I suppose we'll see how well that works, but I think it looks promising.
http://johntatlockaudio.com/Self-build PC // 16GB RAM // i7 3770k @ 3.5 Ghz // Nofan 0dB cooler // ASUS P8-Z77 V Pro motherboard // Intel x-25m SSD System Drive // Seagate RAID Array Audio Drive // Windows 10 64 bit // Sonar Platinum (64 bit) // Sonar VS-700 // M-Audio Keystation Pro 88 // KRK RP-6 Monitors // and a bunch of other stuff
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ChristopherM
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/04 01:49:25
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OP got his retaliation in first.
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christian.landstrom
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/04 01:56:14
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Only thing that is a little annoying is that update center wants to update backwards, from v22 to 21. But minor issue, working great otherwise and I like the idea.
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FanCake
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/04 12:21:38
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There was already another thread about this and I think the reaction was good.
If I was to nitpick I would say make sure at least basic release notes get supplied simultaneously and don't be afraid to call it a beta rather than an Early Access Program. The ezine was supplied however within 24 hours of release. It wasn't a bad first run at it so QDOS to Cakewalk.
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John
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/04 12:33:54
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"Don't be afraid to call it a beta"?
It isn't a beta so it shouldn't be called that. All you are doing is confusing the definition of terms. That is not helpful.
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FanCake
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/04 13:30:41
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FanCake
There was already another thread about this and I think the reaction was good.
If I was to nitpick I would say make sure at least basic release notes get supplied simultaneously and don't be afraid to call it a beta rather than an Early Access Program. The ezine was supplied however within 24 hours of release. It wasn't a bad first run at it so QDOS to Cakewalk.
John
"Don't be afraid to call it a beta"?
It isn't a beta so it shouldn't be called that. All you are doing is confusing the definition of terms. That is not helpful.
I already said "if I was to nitpick" and now you edit that out to emphasis your point, make me look as though I am pushing it hard, and call me "not helpful" without giving any real reason whatsoever. Why can these forums be sometimes so aggressive? From my pov, there is nothing derogatory whatsoever about assigning a status. Calling it a beta does not make the product inferior, and that's why I said "don't be afraid". It could also be called a "release candidate" but that doesn't really encourage a call to arms. I observe fixes have already been put in place before final release, and that is to be expected and is actually very good news indeed. What actually matters is the final release. But as I said I was "nitpicking", I also gave a point of view, and you appear to think I should not be allowed to give it. I also said QDOS to Cakewalk, just in case you forgot, because I think they've handled all this pretty well. You decide however to make a "silly argument" out of it. Can we avoid this in future please as it is not constructive and a total waste of time. If you have another pov then fine, but there's no need to be rude.
post edited by FanCake - 2016/04/04 13:54:35
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notscruffy2
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/04 13:45:50
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And Ta-Da we have a silly one....
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tenfoot
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/04 13:55:24
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Bruce. Sonar Platinum 2017-09, Studio One 3.5.3, Win 10 x64, Quad core i7, RME Fireface, Behringer X32 Producer, Behringer X32 Rack, Presonus Faderport, Lemure Software Controller (Android), Enttec DMXIS VST lighting controller, Xtempo POK.
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FanCake
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/04 14:01:55
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John
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/04 14:08:27
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FanCake
FanCake
There was already another thread about this and I think the reaction was good.
If I was to nitpick I would say make sure at least basic release notes get supplied simultaneously and don't be afraid to call it a beta rather than an Early Access Program. The ezine was supplied however within 24 hours of release. It wasn't a bad first run at it so QDOS to Cakewalk.
John
"Don't be afraid to call it a beta"?
It isn't a beta so it shouldn't be called that. All you are doing is confusing the definition of terms. That is not helpful.
I already said "if I was to nitpick" and now you edit that out to emphasis your point, make me look as though I am pushing it hard, and call me "not helpful" without giving any real reason whatsoever. Why can these forums be sometimes so aggressive?
From my pov, there is nothing derogatory whatsoever about assigning a status. Calling it a beta does not make the product inferior, and that's why I said "don't be afraid". It could also be called a "release candidate" but that doesn't really encourage a call to arms. I observe fixes have already been put in place before final release, and that is to be expected and is actually very good news indeed. What actually matters is the final release.
But as I said I was "nitpicking", I also gave a point of view, and you appear to think I should not be allowed to give it. I also said QDOS to Cakewalk, just in case you forgot, because I think they've handled all this pretty well. You decide however to make a "silly argument" out of it. Can we avoid this in future please as it is not constructive and a total waste of time. If you have another pov then fine, but there's no need to be rude.
I don't care what your reasoning is its called early release. Nor do I care much about your point of view. All you have done is put that idea in the minds of the readers. Its so much like what went on when the membership program was introduced. It caused havoc and required constant education on what the program really was. This thread is meant to prevent that kind of thing from getting started. I believe that is your intention here. I ask you to act responsibly and refrain from posting false information. Instead try helping with a problem a member is having. Answer questions that you know the answer to. Be a helpful member. If that is not why you are here then you may be asked to leave.
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tenfoot
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/04 14:11:12
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FanCake
tenfoot
There was a link to basic release notes posted in the early release announcement thread before the Ezine was released.
http://forum.cakewalk.com/The-Early-Access-Program-is-Now-Live-for-the-Upcoming-Release-of-SONAR-201603-m3393487.aspx
I think it came out after release as it wasn't brought up in the other thread when it was being discussed. Regardless it doesn't matter if I'm right or wrong, I'm certainly not complaining, the release has gone pretty smooth which is the main thing and the all important big picture.
It was certainly there by the time I downloaded it but I am on the other side of the world so I may have been late to the party:)
Bruce. Sonar Platinum 2017-09, Studio One 3.5.3, Win 10 x64, Quad core i7, RME Fireface, Behringer X32 Producer, Behringer X32 Rack, Presonus Faderport, Lemure Software Controller (Android), Enttec DMXIS VST lighting controller, Xtempo POK.
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Anderton
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/04 14:50:20
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As to beta vs. early release vs. release candidate vs. whatever, the reason for any confusion is basically the same problem we had with membership vs. subscription - something was being done that didn't fit into a conventional definition. The traditional progression for a release is:
beta > release candidate > official release
Cakewalk has modified that to:
beta > release candidate > early access release > official release
Given the above, it's not really a beta, it's not really a release candidate, it's not the official release, and in theory, changes won't be made to an early access release (although in this case, they were).
So, I'm fine with doing the neologism thing and calling it "early release."
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ampfixer
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/04 15:13:33
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I think we are seeing something I like to call deadline creep. When a plan to execute a strategy starts to lose traction then there is a change to allow more breathing room. But the change has to be done in a way that nobody loses face, and it has to be done in a way that makes it look like it was part of the big plan all along.
This is how I see the early release program. Monthly releases were getting hard to do so now we have almost monthly releases supplemented by an early release program. When monthly releases started the message was that things were in place months before they were released. Now it seems that maybe it's not quite like that.
The monthly release is now a blurry deadline and that makes it hard to hold people accountable. What is considered as missing the target now? It's April 4th and no official release. Is it late? Depends on who you ask. Once you cross that line then you may as well change the policy to say that releases will be dropped as they become available.
I see this as a pure management issue. It's not a cheap shot at Cakewalk. I've been there. All we can say for sure, is that this release will come sometime before the next one.
Regards, John I want to make it clear that I am an Eedjit. I have no direct, or indirect, knowledge of business, the music industry, forum threads or the meaning of life. I know about amps. WIN 10 Pro X64, I7-3770k 16 gigs, ASUS Z77 pro, AMD 7950 3 gig, Steinberg UR44, A-Pro 500, Sonar Platinum, KRK Rokit 6
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stevec
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/04 15:13:57
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FWIW.... the company I work for also uses "EAP" for pre-commercial release builds. They used to be referred to as betas years ago, but as Craig pointed out the builds tend to come later during the cycle, hence EAP vs. Beta. Not necessarily something many outside of the software world might know though since the term "beta" has been around a lot longer. Either way, one of Noel's posts in some other thread mentioned a fix already based on some analytics issue someone found in the first EAP. I read that as a worthwhile EAP!
SteveC https://soundcloud.com/steve-cocchi http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=39163 SONAR Platinum x64, Intel Q9300 (2.5Ghz), Asus P5N-D, Win7 x64 SP1, 8GB RAM, 1TB internal + ESATA + USB Backup HDDs, ATI Radeon HD5450 1GB RAM + dual ViewSonic VA2431wm Monitors; Focusrite 18i6 (ASIO); Komplete 9, Melodyne Studio 4, Ozone 7 Advanced, Rapture Pro, GPO5, Valhalla Plate, MJUC comp, MDynamic EQ, lots of other freebie VST plugins, synths and Kontakt libraries
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bapu
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/04 15:15:20
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I'd like to call it Lucille. But John says I can't. 
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John
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Zargg
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/04 15:38:10
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bapu
I'd like to call it Lucille.
But John says I can't.
Do not anybody tell you what you can and cannot call it  You can even say it loud (to yourself).. What everybody else calls it might differ 
Ken Nilsen ZarggBBZWin 10 Pro X64, Cakewalk by Bandlab, SPlat X64, AMD AM3+ fx-8320, 16Gb RAM, RME Ucx (+ ARC), Tascam FW 1884, M-Audio Keystation 61es, *AKAI MPK Pro 25, *Softube Console1, Alesis DM6 USB, Maschine MkII Laptop setup: Win 10 X64, i5 2.4ghz, 8gb RAM, 320gb 7200 RPM HD, Focusrite Solo, + *
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FanCake
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/04 15:49:00
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FanCake
There was already another thread about this and I think the reaction was good.
If I was to nitpick I would say make sure at least basic release notes get supplied simultaneously and don't be afraid to call it a beta rather than an Early Access Program. The ezine was supplied however within 24 hours of release. It wasn't a bad first run at it so QDOS to Cakewalk.
John
"Don't be afraid to call it a beta"?
It isn't a beta so it shouldn't be called that. All you are doing is confusing the definition of terms. That is not helpful.
John
I already said "if I was to nitpick" and now you edit that out to emphasis your point, make me look as though I am pushing it hard, and call me "not helpful" without giving any real reason whatsoever. Why can these forums be sometimes so aggressive?
From my pov, there is nothing derogatory whatsoever about assigning a status. Calling it a beta does not make the product inferior, and that's why I said "don't be afraid". It could also be called a "release candidate" but that doesn't really encourage a call to arms. I observe fixes have already been put in place before final release, and that is to be expected and is actually very good news indeed. What actually matters is the final release.
But as I said I was "nitpicking", I also gave a point of view, and you appear to think I should not be allowed to give it. I also said QDOS to Cakewalk, just in case you forgot, because I think they've handled all this pretty well. You decide however to make a "silly argument" out of it. Can we avoid this in future please as it is not constructive and a total waste of time. If you have another pov then fine, but there's no need to be rude.
FanCake
I don't care what your reasoning is its called early release. Nor do I care much about your point of view. All you have done is put that idea in the minds of the readers. Its so much like what went on when the membership program was introduced. It caused havoc and required constant education on what the program really was. This thread is meant to prevent that kind of thing from getting started.
I believe that is your intention here. I ask you to act responsibly and refrain from posting false information.
Instead try helping with a problem a member is having. Answer questions that you know the answer to. Be a helpful member. If that is not why you are here then you may be asked to leave.
So there it is in your own words, I am not allowed to express opinion unless you agree with it. I've already stated several times these releases are a good thing and Cakewalk have handled it very well. It's a good step forward. I am a big fan of the release schedule as well, so none of the above is making any sense for me whatsoever. I also don't understand you banging on against being factual, what actual facts are actually being discussed here? I was expressing an opinion on how the release should be labelled. That has nothing to do with what I think of the software or facts?? I even called my OWN point of view "nit picking" because I regarded what I was saying as fairly trivial. It's a pity you didn't take it as intended and decided to make some big deal out of it. I assume you have some sort of big problem with people mentioning the word " beta" as though it is somehow derogatory, it actually isn't, it is a technical term and is often used for pre-releases. Please try to understand what I'm explaining to you and stop taking unnecessary offense when there is none intended. Beta software can actually be VERY stable. ... and now I am being threatened with a ban again? Really?
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FanCake
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/04 15:56:32
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Anderton
As to beta vs. early release vs. release candidate vs. whatever, the reason for any confusion is basically the same problem we had with membership vs. subscription - something was being done that didn't fit into a conventional definition. The traditional progression for a release is:
beta > release candidate > official release
Cakewalk has modified that to:
beta > release candidate > early access release > official release
Given the above, it's not really a beta, it's not really a release candidate, it's not the official release, and in theory, changes won't be made to an early access release (although in this case, they were).
So, I'm fine with doing the neologism thing and calling it "early release."
And I totally respect this opinion. Thanks for not breathing down my throat.
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notscruffy2
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/04 16:43:48
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I'm gonna go with process improvement. I feel no need to defend my choice. I think these guys are good. I was in commercial software dev. and in large corp orgs. Now I am just a retired hobbist "Walter Middy" type maybe. The constant ringing in my head makes me question my mixes so never trust me on any of that. I know a bit about process. They are good and for me (pre paid discount) they are cheap. I'm too old to be called a fan boy.
Improved customer interaction/input and increased definition for quality of an official release.
If your life doesn't depend on it try the first chance you get, just like always for my experience, only better.
Jerry
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cowboydan
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/04 19:05:33
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It is unbelievable that the beginning of such a thread would start firing up some anger and word twisting to the point of some members getting mad.
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Unknowen
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Re: Can we please avoid silly arguments about "Early Access Program"
2016/04/04 19:58:05
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I'm on the fence ;) Bata OR PreLease? Taamatooz Toomotooz
it's still not ready for the bakers to release it yet.
Seems the debate has started here in some way... ;)
Hay look, Somethings are not locked in stone... lol 3/18/2019
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