• Ernie Ball
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andynpeters

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Lately we have had quite a few new product threads, with some interesting insights into the development process for new instruments and even a new range. Whilst I am fascinated to see what goes on, it seems that these threads speedily become very unwieldy.

As soon as Sterling Ball posts a picture of a rough prototype piece of wood with an old neck attached, the thread is at once submerged with 3 types of comment;

1. The Cheerleader...”OMG that`s the most exciting thing I've ever seen, you are a genius, I worship this company, I need to buy 6”....frequently accompanied by reposting of the original photos.

2. The Pointlessly Detailed Question “What colour will it be, what's the name, what's the neck profile.what switching system will it have, can I get black knobs??”

3. The Negative “I don't like the shape, the neck the name, the balance....therefore you should not be making it”... inevitably followed by indignant responses from group #1

All perfectly valid points of view, no doubt, but they get very repetitive.

The result is that some of these threads are over 40 pages long and it becomes very tedious to trawl through for the latest useful input from the company (plus the last 2 types of post irritate Mr Ball leading to the closing of at least one such thread). Anyone coming new to the thread would probably lose interest long before seeing the finished product.

Might I suggest that new products are introduced on locked threads to which only company spokesmen can post? Then we could all follow the development process much more easily and appreciate the peek behind the scenes. Those who really must comment could always start a new thread to do so (or 3 new threads, one for each opinion?).

What do you think??
 

Grand Wazoo

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There you go the posts above mine are your answer, and it shows you exactly how people here perceives suggestions good or bad.

At the end of the day it has to be understood that this is Sterling Ball's own forum and he calls the shots. If he wants to make his threads open / public / closed, that is his call.

Then once he does set a thread open, those 3 categories of respondants will do exactly as you predicted and I am sure Mr. Ball had those eventualities well into consideration before he posted his announcements.

Your idea is a valid point but it might not necessarily be what Mr. Ball had in mind.
 

paranoid70

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Feb 9, 2007
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Long Beach, CA
IMO, it is definitely more fun and interesting with all the knuckleheads being active participants. I am sure some comments can be frustrating for the folks at EBMM though. However, I think they know what they are doing, and they do a great job of presenting the information to us.

BTW, I don't consider myself one of those sycophant "OMG, you are a genius" types.... but my collection speaks for itself: EBMM Guitars = 5; other brands = 0.
 

Slingy

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Aug 15, 2007
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Fair Oaks, CA
I wouldn't mind seeing all the pics in one place like at the top, but no big really. The discussions are really interesting. I was trying to tell someone to go and have a look and was like yeah check out the pics on page 4 and on 39 or 40 and I think theres some more on page 82, ah just check back after namm, lol.
 

Pundix

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Mar 18, 2005
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Cleveland, OH
Might I suggest that new products are introduced on locked threads to which only company spokesmen can post? Then we could all follow the development process much more easily and appreciate the peek behind the scenes. Those who really must comment could always start a new thread to do so (or 3 new threads, one for each opinion?).

What do you think??

But what color would it be???? Would it be a sticky thread, or an unstuck thread????

:D Sorry, I couldn't resist.
 

RocketRalf

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Dec 10, 2007
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Sydney
Not a bad suggestion, one to consider certainly. I would suggest instead that any new picture gets added to the first post, that way anyone new or anyone just wanting to check back some photo only has to see the first post.
 

Big Poppa

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Feb 9, 2005
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Coachella & SLO, California
we do that with the ball family reserve thread. May consider it with the new product stuff....Please understand I get upset when someone beats a dead horse....I ask that people be voyeurs and not try to be a chef in the kitchen....Its like watching a play its not interactive. If I thought that would help I would...I remember a camel is a horse designed by committee
 

DaPatrooch

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Nov 7, 2007
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Philly
I see your point and it's a pretty good idea. That said, I would just prefer it if the original post was edited with the new pics and info.
 

bugbus

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Aug 13, 2008
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Location
Los Angeles
What the OP is talking about has a name... it's called a webpage... or perhaps a blog. Forums are mostly about people blabbing about their hopes dreams and prejudices. For the most part it's meaningless banter... except of course when it coincides with yours, then it's wonderfully interesting.

Of course our common ground is our delicious obsessions with music man!
 
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