We feel we are overly generous in what we've provided our feed broadcasters in the past and what we will continue to offer.
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Went back a couple pages to get this on Mr. Blanton's reply.
I am a member but not a feed provider, so I have no horse in this race. It is certainly Mr Blanton's site and he has the right to do as he pleases.
That being said, the above quote reminds me of discussions with bosses in the past. You know, when you ask for a raise because your bills increase but your salary hasn't in ten years. Or when asking for benefits that are not provided like healthcare. Then the boss replies that he feels they have been "overly generous" in allowing me to work for them for all of those years. Interestingly, this was a cheap *** attorney who made money the old fashion way, he inherited it!
My point is simple, that most of us do not believe Mr. Blanton to be anything but a gentleman. However statements that have been quoted throughout this thread to the extent that "this is the way it is so take it or leave it" seem out of character. The quote I have above was seriously arogant sounding and it offended me. While he has more than just a right to whatever opinion he holds, that simply gives an appearance that I believe is misleading. I believe that he cares, but statements he's made contradict that.
It would seem the simple solution is one suggested several times about simply giving the feed providers the choice as to which subscription they desire. Why is it that the simple solutions are either overlooked or disregarded?
I would disagree with grumpyguard however that programming is just as simple without the premium subscription. I am sitting here looking at five high end scanners and have several other handhelds as well and one in the car. The software for programming these is not inexpensive either. (Much of this was purchased through Scanner Master BTW; although I knew of Rich through his books, I was not aware of the whole business until I found RR) and trying to do them all by hand entry into the software would be a nightmare. While the DB is not always correct, fixing that after downloads is far easier than the alternative. I applaud those who find the time and patience to do these newer radios by hand, but many of us feel this is better and are willing to pay.
Clearly those who provide some of the feeds feel this is an important perk/incentive, and ought to have the choice as to this or the one currently suggested. Frankly, I don't see the issue here. It's in its planning/early stages and it would seem simple to change this decision. Is Mr. Blanton seriously that intransigent? One would hope not. To me it seems a simple thing to change, and for the PR alone, probably worthwhile. It would also prove to us all that Mr. Blanton really does care about what his "clients" think and act accordingly.
Lots of good arguments on both sides. Many bad as well. But the bottom line in my opinion and the one that made me post, was simply that Mr. Blanton gives what I believe (and hope to be) the wrong appearance of an arogant, intransigent attitude, that IMHO requires adjustment. I hope he understands this is not a personal attack (again because I think it perhaps an ill planned group of statements at the height of passion, which does not reflect his true feelings...or at least I hope this is the case) but it may well be the impression which many of us have as a result of reading some of the posts.
While I think the new venture is a positive one, the implementation requires some work. I don't think it's too late, it hasn't yet come out. In this case try compromise.
But then again, who am I?
