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Old 7th November 2019, 11:31     #36201
MadMax
Stuff
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nich
It gets worse. I just got a call today:
"Oh so those invoices you sent. Look, we haven't won the work yet... so we've got to have a think about your invoices."

Fuck me, I'd love it if pursuing opportunities cost me nothing.
So I trust that the terms and conditions on the debtor application that they will have with you will keep you protected, along with the same on any supplied quotes. Oh, and that you’ve also done a credit check on them.
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Old 7th November 2019, 12:07     #36202
DrTiTus
HENCE WHY FOREVER ALONE
 
Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nich
Shitty client gripes
Stink buzz - how's the compressor?
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Old 7th November 2019, 12:15     #36203
Nich
 
I am happy to report that I did not let the smoke out.

It runs perfectly fine with a 220 -> 110VAC Transformer. Phew

Now I just need more time in the day (and less shitty clients) to spend time DAWless

My thinking is I have always been software-based (MAX/MSP, Ableton, recently started with Renoise), but also I spend all day looking at a computer screen. I am tired of "computer work" when / if it comes time to make music. So for someone like me, a collection of drum machines and synths is a better variation on workflow.
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Old 7th November 2019, 20:39     #36204
MadMax
Stuff
 
Programs placing shortcuts into Public Desktop
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Old 7th November 2019, 23:10     #36205
DrTiTus
HENCE WHY FOREVER ALONE
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nich
My thinking is I have always been software-based (MAX/MSP, Ableton, recently started with Renoise), but also I spend all day looking at a computer screen. I am tired of "computer work" when / if it comes time to make music. So for someone like me, a collection of drum machines and synths is a better variation on workflow.
Loving the bass for this reason. I can jam out with no screen in sight, and get my head/ears around different grooves way easier than with a keyboard. There's something ... musical... about an instrument that you play without a computer. I've had a MIDI keyboard for years, but never had the same connection. Been able to bust out 60 mins of relatively decent (YMMV) sounding shit way easier than on a keyboard. Still enjoying the drum patterns/rhythms of my pedal though, so can't knock a drum machine.
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Old 8th November 2019, 12:16     #36206
Nich
 
I hear that. I recently found out that The Flashbulb has a youtube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsh...50EZ5Ng/videos) where he reviews gear, talks about making music, and all that fun stuff.

He said his best instrument for making ideas is an acoustic guitar. Just noodle away, tune to anything, and do it anywhere until you stumble upon something. Then take that idea to the studio to contextualise it

Creativity separate from context / arrangement. That's my breakthrough of 2019: being frustrated that creative ideas have no context and go nowhere, and building arrangements that have shitty creative ideas and end up being infinitely automated / randomised to "make it interesting". No, the creative idea comes from getting messy and letting chaos reign, then the arrangement should accommodate/contextualise the idea.

Oh, and the other one from Martin Stimming: "Randomisation is nice, but music is not random."

I recently bought the following:
- Arturia Keystep (powered via USB)
- Modal CraftSynth 2.0 (powered via USB)
- 5V USB battery pack

Now I can pretty much compose evolving melodic sequences anywhere.

I saw this guy use Keystep, and I realised this was no ordinary midi controller https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElcD2rGi8Tg
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Old 8th November 2019, 14:00     #36207
Nich
 
It continues:

Me: "It's not clear that there is a cost centre for me to invoice against, so until this is cleared up I cannot do the work requested."

Them: "That's a disappointing position to take. We all need to work at a cost to win the work, then we all get paid. That's what you do for your own business, surely."

Me: "I choose to take a risk on opportunities for my business. Here, you are taking the opportunity risk on behalf of my business but do so at no cost."

Them: "The solution to this is to bring you onto the payroll."
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Old 8th November 2019, 20:14     #36208
Native
I... err - F*ck It.
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nich
Them: "The solution to this is to bring you onto the payroll."
Equal parts flattery and lol?
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Old 9th November 2019, 12:07     #36209
Nich
 
It is flattering, kinda funny how they don’t see it from my perspective (they need me more than I need them), but mostly it grinds my gears.

They took me for the whole package:
- my rollerdex and recommended specialists
- my skills
- my presence at tedious meetings
- the painful followup phone calls to run through the same shit over and over
- my time on weekends and evenings

Luckily it was all up only a few days work. But dishonour is dishonour, and theft is theft.
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Old 9th November 2019, 18:40     #36210
Native
I... err - F*ck It.
 
Sounds like a stand-up outfit.

They also probably wouldn't see how the demonstrated behaviour is exactly why nobody 1st tier would want to work with them.
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Old 11th November 2019, 16:29     #36211
Nich
 
Apparently everyone of their "Associates" works at cost to help them win work. I don't get it. If it's another company's opportunity, why would I pay to get in on it?

Anyway, it looks like we understand eachother now. No, I am not seeking employment and I don't care about being "employable". I imagine they are working extremely hard to make sure they don't need anything more from me. And my invoicing software is set to remind them to pay every 2 weeks.
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Old 11th November 2019, 16:59     #36212
Cyberbob
 
If they have to engage third parties in order to have the attractive service offerings required to win business, then that's their decided business model. It's an expensive business model, and it's bloody cheeky to then ask the third parties to work at cost in order to keep their costs down and avoid pricing themselves out of the market.

I highly doubt they're passing your costs onto their client with zero margin.

I guess they're depending on up & coming talent that needs them for the individuals CV/reel/coverage/exposure etc.
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Last edited by Cyberbob : 11th November 2019 at 17:04.
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Old 11th November 2019, 17:36     #36213
Nich
 
That's what baffles me. I am struggling to believe our mutual acquaintance (who matched us up, and who runs a reputable consultancy) would not see this as anything but harm towards his business. Anyway, I need to have a chat with him and see what his arrangement was.

But yes, they did say early on that working with them would "get some serious consultancy projects on your resume." That, and one of the first things said was "You can trust me because [reasons]"
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Old 11th November 2019, 18:27     #36214
Lightspeed
 
Sounds like bullies and suckers to me. I think your friend will appreciate the heads up.
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Old 11th November 2019, 18:47     #36215
Ab
A mariachi ogre snorkel
 
But the exposure
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Old 11th November 2019, 22:22     #36216
Nich
 
At one point they said "we're going to procure the kit, find someone to install and commission it, then we'll do the maintenance / support piece."

I said no one would bid on that work, and whatever sucker does bid on a "install, then fuck off" gig is not the kind of business you want to deal with. They nodded yes... but they probably thought i was describing the perfect "associate"
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Old 13th November 2019, 11:27     #36217
Native
I... err - F*ck It.
 
Honestly, it's encouraging to know this sort of BS happens at a senior level outside of my industry.

But equally so, it's disheartening and worrying to see this BS happen at a senior level outside my industry.

I prefer the stability of working for an employer, but on the condition that my senior managers aren't fools and the directors are at least willing to listen. I find this to vary year to year, but still with them.
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Old 13th November 2019, 13:13     #36218
Lightspeed
 
Senior management are the contemporary aristocracy. So many fucking idiots in positions of authority, it's obvious senior business is not a meritocracy.

No wonder our economy depends on exploiting immigrants.
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Old 13th November 2019, 21:58     #36219
Nich
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Native
Honestly, it's encouraging to know this sort of BS happens at a senior level outside of my industry.

But equally so, it's disheartening and worrying to see this BS happen at a senior level outside my industry.

I prefer the stability of working for an employer, but on the condition that my senior managers aren't fools and the directors are at least willing to listen. I find this to vary year to year, but still with them.
oh do tell!
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Old 15th November 2019, 09:57     #36220
Cyberbob
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lightspeed
Senior management are the contemporary aristocracy. So many fucking idiots in positions of authority, it's obvious senior business is not a meritocracy.
.
I've seen the Peter principle in action so many times in my years of corporate life.

Quote:
The Peter principle is a concept in management developed by Laurence J. Peter, which observes that people in a hierarchy tend to rise to their "level of incompetence". In other words, an employee is promoted based on their success in previous jobs until they reach a level at which they are no longer competent, as skills in one job do not necessarily translate to another.
So many managers that can't manage people, and so many senior leadership team members tanking companies while learning on the job.
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Last edited by Cyberbob : 15th November 2019 at 09:58.
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Old 15th November 2019, 18:21     #36221
blynk
 
Oh, maybe that is where I am going wrong.
I know I would not be good at managing people, and I know that I couldn't follow all the stupid HR practices that would be required. So therefore I know not to apply for manager roles.

I had a couple of opportunities when previous managers left, but it never ever interested me.

So basically I should have, and just been shit.
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Old 25th November 2019, 10:37     #36222
MadMax
Stuff
 
Service provider surveys.

We’re sorry to hear that you recently had a problem with your [service] ... we’d really appreciate it if you could just fill out this survey for us real quick ...


Ahhhh, now which fault exactly was that for? I deal with many such faults a week and I have no idea which one you’re referring to.
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Old 27th November 2019, 14:12     #36223
madmaxii
 
NZ Post grinds my gears :(

Expecting some goodies from China. Track and Trace says "In Transit to local depot". It's been saying that since the 23rd. Called them. "Yes sir, that parcel is on standard delivery, that has a delivery estimate of 10 working days". Bugger me, it got from Asia to NZ in 4 days, and now it's taking 10 working days to get from Mangere to Mt. Eden?
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Old 28th November 2019, 16:57     #36224
Ab
A mariachi ogre snorkel
 
OK Boomers

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/a...ectid=12289229
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Old 30th November 2019, 08:16     #36225
MadMax
Stuff
 
that's fucked. pretending to be tree huggers while just being bigots.

they'll give those that care about the environment a bad rep.
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Old 2nd December 2019, 16:43     #36226
Native
I... err - F*ck It.
 
These arseholes are in my suburb.

I think the word is overused frequently, but 'privilege' is a word I think frequently when I see this crowd.

There is FB community group and they have basically overtaken it for their crusade.
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Old 2nd December 2019, 17:25     #36227
Ab
A mariachi ogre snorkel
 
Paging stoolie

Quote:
To be honest, this whole Ōwairaka imbroglio is a direct result of encouraging pākehā to choose a mountain in their te reo night classes

https://twitter.com/BenThomasNZ/stat...30629658333185
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Old 2nd December 2019, 17:43     #36228
Lightspeed
 
Oof.

"I'm a person of colour. White is a colour."
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Old 2nd December 2019, 19:36     #36229
StN
I have detailed files
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ab
Pepeha
Crikey - now I'm not against it as a thing, I just think it's not really what I need my management team espousing two minutes after we talk about how to crack online passwords via social engineering.
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Old 16th December 2019, 10:05     #36230
Nich
 
It GMG that I am a terrible builder, but I am constantly compelled to find custom solutions to everyday storage, child-proofing, and furniture problems.

Exhibit A. We have this tall metal set of shelves in the kitchen area. One day soon, Hazel will no doubt try to climb it. So I set to building a corner shroud out of MDF. The idea being that if she can't see anything interesting, she wont go over to the shelves.

I measured the shelves twice, even accounted for how the MDF edge will fit to the wall surface. I spend the afternoon building a sturdy pine frame, and screwed down the MDF. My structure was complete: an L-shape MDF frame that stands 900mm high to wrap around the shelves.

I put it in place... and it looks like shit. The MDF, the screws, the cuts along the edge of the MDF. The structure now obscures 2 whole shelves and denies access to the items on them. What was I thinking!? I should have just fixed the shelves to the wall and been done with it.

The problem is I thoroughly enjoy my time in the shed sawing, hammering, clamping, and bolting shit together. That joy is evaporated when I see my finished product in place. I just need better projects, or ones that suit my skill level (I can build plywood boxes pretty good... maybe I'll just keep going on that)
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Old 16th December 2019, 10:36     #36231
Cyberbob
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by StN
Crikey - now I'm not against it as a thing, I just think it's not really what I need my management team espousing two minutes after we talk about how to crack online passwords via social engineering.
Ko kāri nama
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Old 16th December 2019, 13:07     #36232
blynk
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nich
It GMG that I am a terrible builder,
...
The problem is I thoroughly enjoy my time in the shed sawing, hammering, clamping, and bolting shit together. That joy is evaporated when I see my finished product in place. I just need better projects, or ones that suit my skill level (I can build plywood boxes pretty good... maybe I'll just keep going on that)
So true. The awesome ideas that turn out shit.
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Old 20th December 2019, 03:09     #36233
Ab
A mariachi ogre snorkel
 
Auckland airport is dogshit. What a poorly-designed user-unfriendly embarrassment.
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Old 20th December 2019, 06:54     #36234
pxpx
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ab
Auckland airport is dogshit. What a poorly-designed user-unfriendly embarrassment.
Need details, my last departure/arrival at the international terminal was great.
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Old 20th December 2019, 13:15     #36235
crocos
 
It's transfer service between intl & domestic is a tad shit.
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Old 16th January 2020, 10:33     #36236
Ab
A mariachi ogre snorkel
 
That I can’t walk into a kiwi fish and chip shop and get a paua fritter any more (based on a sample of 4 fish and chip shops)
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Old 16th January 2020, 12:05     #36237
MadMax
Stuff
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by StN
Crikey - now I'm not against it as a thing, I just think it's not really what I need my management team espousing two minutes after we talk about how to crack online passwords via social engineering.
Walk into a Vodafone store and ask about their mobile phone buy back scheme and how much your phone is worth. Ensure you get positioned with them at one of those workstations available for customers to conveniently shoulder surf.

You’ll get two opportunities to view their username and password.
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Old 19th January 2020, 16:18     #36238
StN
I have detailed files
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ab
That I can’t walk into a kiwi fish and chip shop and get a paua fritter any more (based on a sample of 4 fish and chip shops)
Hooking not a fritter here at the pub from a local just back from Kaikoura. Mentioned your dilemma and one bloke mentioned bans on gathering up north due to excessive poaching and the White Island rahui.
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Old 19th January 2020, 16:35     #36239
StN
I have detailed files
 
Update - these were from Stewart Island.

Last edited by StN : 19th January 2020 at 16:36.
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Old 4th February 2020, 21:10     #36240
MadMax
Stuff
 
Thought I'd give this new 105 number for the police a go to report a car left parked on the road outside our house with the window down. Nothing otherwise untoward but it had been there for quite a few hours already and with darkness falling it would be bound to become another crime statistic. Not to mention the approaching rain.

After a few minutes of waiting I get transferred then 20 minutes later I get report the problem. After checking if it was a vehicle of interest they weren't at all interested in contacting the owner of the car.

I pointed out to them that it'd be in their own interests to contact the owner to save a crime but was more or less fobbed off.

The weird thing is however despite that, someone who must have been the owner turned up several minutes later and left again after securing the car so the police must have made contact with the owner. Just daft. Why tell me there's nothing they can do when in fact there is and they did? I'm not convinced the owner suddenly remembered their window was down - they were in work uniform.

Had the same happen with a car that was left literally in my driveway. Police said it was a council issue. Council then said nah it was a police issue. I gave up then next thing a tow truck turns up and takes it away.
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Last edited by MadMax : 4th February 2020 at 21:11.
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