Is there something I'm missing?
From the original Analog Industries archive. Some links and images from that era no longer resolve.
I’m continually stupified at the number of people that manage to do the following:
1. Look at the front page of audiodamage.com where every short product description says something to the effect of “US$39.00 for AU and VST.”
2. Look at each and every product page, under the heading “Download includes all platforms listed below,” where the iconography for Windows VST and OS X VST and AU are shown, right next to the text that explains what they mean.
3. Make a purchase, and after doing so, log in to their account and click the link that says either “AU/VST OSX” or “VST WIN,” open the resulting file, and install it.
4. Write me and say “I’ve tried restarting ProTools several times, and the plugin I bought doesn’t show up. What am I doing wrong?”
Oh, where to start. Let me just say this: it’s a good thing leaded gas isn’t available any more, because there’d be a lot of home studio users with fucked up catalytic convertors in their cars. That aside, is anyone in possession of an idea as to how I might dissuade ProTools users any further than I already do? (Noting item #10 in the first section of the AD FAQ and item #7 in the third section, which nobody apparently reads.) I’d rather not put a banner on the top of the front page that says “RTAS USERS TURN BACK NOW” or something, but quite frankly, I’m at a loss as to how to save these people from themselves.
And the first person that writes “well, you could just make RTAS products” obviously doesn’t know how happy I am to ban people that don’t pay attention.
10 comments
What is there to miss? Every small developer team just doesn't bother with RTAS unless its cost effective. Given the extra weeks you'll spend on each plugin to maintaining and updating all your plugins for this format alone, you wouldn't be able to sell them so cheaply.
Few solutions I know off:
1) Consider refunding these users as part of the routine.
2) List compatible DAW's for each product. Long list that may need a few updates as time progresses. Though one might assume that people who see this list might think "Ah, so it must work on PT too".
3) Put an RTAS icon with a big red cross on it with each product. Makes the most sense, nobody will have to assume anything. Thats why there's a UB icon, so people know..
This question is asked every few months on the Audiorealism.se forum. And some people do buy plugins because they assume an RTAS version is right around the corner. Nothing much you can do. If a user comes to your store after (unknowingly) having bought plugins that do have RTAS versions, they wont know any better and wont really see why your plugins wouldn't work for them.
How about adding something near the 'buy it now' button saying: "Compatible with all AU and VST hosts including Cubase, Logic, Ableton Live etc. NOT COMPATIBLE WITH PROTOOLS!!!!!"
sadly, without something clear and concise on the main page, as involver stated, you will have these issues time and again.
for the record, should you choose to institute a graphically catchy and informative warning symbol or txt line, you will still have these issues time and again.
Put a file folder that says "RTAS" in the download file. In that folder put an html link to meatspin.
I don't understand how someone who is presumably capable of the basic necessary comprehensive skills to operate a DAW like Protools are completely incapable of simply reading what's in front of their face..how can than be THAT friggin' dumb???? it doesn't make sense..but then, what does?!
Hey Chris, do you refund them or write an email to the effect of mwa-ha-ha?
Hello,
Thank you for your support inquiry. At this time, Audio Damage does not support RTAS or any other ProTools Plugin Format. You might consider using an RTAS VST adapter such as:
http://www.fxpansion.com/index.php?page=15
But please know that this solution is currently unsupported through Audio Damage. If you have any further questions, please let us know.
AD Support Tools
In support, unhelpful boilerplate answers keep me sane. I will work for plugins.
Maybe a combination of ideas might be best. Under your "AU & VST for Mac" and "VST for Windows" boxes, maybe you could include another box that reads, "At this time, Audio Damage plug-ins are not available in RTAS format."
Then, use the boilerplate "you're kind of an idiot" e-mail herrprof suggested.
Crazy that people will go through all the trouble of buying a plug-in and not even check that its compatible with their software. Maybe I'm exceptionally conscious of this, using Logic on an Intel mac (where 90% of the plug-ins out there aren't supported), but it's not a difficult thing to check. You just look for some initials, then either keep reading, or move on.
Have you tried drinking? That might help.
Just Rickroll them. It's the best you can do.
"Just Rickroll them."
Shit. I went to the Jonathan Coulton show at PAX over the weekend. He Rickrolled us. Live.
Twice.
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