Increased website activity. Thats what I thought.

Been kept busy writing software and not enough time for the studio.

A few minor drips of work with more cancelled as Western Australia's premier decides what's best for us - geez I wish we had a referendum or that there was an ombudsman for out of control governments.

Still waiting for life to return to any form of normal.

It's been a while but I've been busy paying bills by working as much as I can.

Just when you think covid has had enough of us and governments might let us free from their artificial cages - Nope. Western Australia decides to go it alone for longer - maybe until February 2022.

So with almost all the work cancelled over the summer holidays I'm going back to the studio with some tracks to complete and back to the garden to get my hands dirty.

I would expect increased website activity over the next 2 months.

Just to be clear for everyone - I don't endorse people; in writing, on the web or for others to repeat in general conversation or in work applications.

Conversely, I do not expect to be endorsed by anyone else - so if someone says something about me make sure to check it out for yourself. You are welcome to make up your own mind about my work, skills and ethics by having a conversation with me or reviewing my previous work.

The only possible way I would pass on information about someone is by speaking with the concerned third party in person or in a phone call. Anyone who says "Paul says this" or "I know Paul and he gave me your details" or anything at all really, you should red flag the information.

Ring me and I will tell you straight up about anyone, but do not take anyone's word on who I know or what I think about them or their work ethic. Get my opinion from me directly.

And so after a few weeks mostly free, work starts arriving on the front door again. I don't know if it coincides with the change of season, but it feels like it. It is like the work balance is out of whack and has been realigned. I'm almost busy.

Over 10 Years of Heard of Audio! Hard to believe it has gone by so quickly and with little fanfare or acknowledgement. As a birthday, today I migrated the entire web and email server from a virtual Debian server to a hosted platform. Should make management of the behind the scenes bits take far less of my time. More time for work I suppose…

It has been a long time since I wrote anything here because I've been busy at work and play - and busy is extremely understated. Seven weeks went by without days off; working for the man. Next a two week much worked for holiday with family - fantastic break with immaculate timing. Then immediately into two weeks work for a large broadcast.

All successful too.

Careful planning and preparation are the keys to making every job go well.

Now - my garden is overgrown, weeds everywhere - I've a lot of work to do.

2017 - So another year and another large job is complete. Thank you to you all, without you the job would not be finished off as well as it has been. For your help, guidance, assistance and work I am indebted to you.

The changes made have been welcomed and are evolutionary - not revolutionary - which to be honest are the best sort of changes. I think everything worked, although there are more changes to be made.

Which reminds me of the lyrics from the Enigma album Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi! by Michael Cretu (which is by far and above my favourite Enigma album).

"Things are changing
But nothing changes
And still there are changes
Le roi est mort, vive le roi!

There is no teacher
Who can teach anything new
He can just help us to remember
The things we always knew"

Take care until next year…

Mike, it was a pleasure throwing your commentary fader for the last 8 years. Easy to work with, voice that sat easy in the mix and never too much trouble for a last minute microphone check. For me, you were the sound of the A League…A big loss, so early.

Drew, I hardly knew you. And it is so sad to see that you have gone. Ill never forget the watermelon joke from the 90's before your last Seven Network Perth AFL commentary broadcast in the channel seven compound at the WACA…Thank you for the great memories.

It's not often you find out someone you've known for over 20 years is a serial work place thief and a fraud. As shocking as it is, thinking back to all the little things I've noticed over the years it comes as no surprise - rather they all add up to a confirmation of the dirt bag that you know they really are. Suspecting is one thing though and I've kept shut about it for years as rumours spread like wildfire; but to be proved correct rights a wrong I've secretly believed all this time. You low life scum bag. You know who you are.

The website needed a change to to modernise the device support and to reflect the fact thats it's now 2017. I think it works well although there are still some changes and tweaking to be done.
Just like the broadcast industry changes that have happened in the past, the changes that are coming (sooner than a lot of us would want) will affect us all comrades. Make hay while the sun is shining.

Ok, just so we're clear - you can't go putting people on your resume as referees if you haven't asked them first. At first you might think it will get you the job - and you know what - it will. But then you get found out and the little world you've crafted will fail. Those who discover what has happened will probably not want anything to do with you anymore. A very sad, sorry situation that should never occur. Ever.

I know exactly what Michael is saying here and it's not good for the cheap manufacturers of condenser microphones. Shortcuts taken during manufacturing like those described are really inexcusable. Michael's article is definitely worth a read - Why Many Condenser Mics Are Too Bright and Sibilant by Michael Joly

or in case the original link disappears I have PDF'd it here.

In the freelance world, taking a job on means keeping your word. Once you sign up and agree to take that job, bailing out without negotiation can only end up working out badly for you. If you are booked for a job and something else comes up, you need to speak with someone; don't send an email or message declaring you're suddenly not available. Ask if they are able to find another crew member to do that job and if they get back to you with a yes then you've done the right thing. If they can't get someone to fill your place; remember that you agreed already to do the job; and by then fulfilling your agreed role you've done the right thing.

Do not expect them to employ you again if you bail on them.

From an employers perspective, once an employee bails they become unreliable and who says the next time that employee is booked on a job what stops them from doing the same thing and leaving you with a problem. There is also nothing worse than finding an employee bail on you and discovering that they've taken another job that runs across yours. That shows a complete lack of respect for you and the company you represent.

Always discuss the issue by speaking with someone.
Never, ever bail on your employer.

You won't be getting more work from them.

I started there in 1986 and worked there full time for 18 years and freelance for another 10. It never always looked like it did in the photo above. It had been added onto and changed around and I don't recall how many times I've said, "I'd like to see it razed to the ground". But I never believed I would see the day when it was really gone. And now it is. Whilst I really don't miss the old building, it was where my career started and for that I have to be grateful.

Yes, I wish I'd written this article that rings so true. I totally agree with the writer in all aspects. Everyone take note.

Why going to an audio engineering school is generally a waste of your time and money by Byron J. Scullin

or in case the original link disappears I have PDF'd it here. But please go to the website in preference to this file as he really makes an extreme amount of sense.

A response from FTI was received on the 26th May 2015 from Roslyn Walker. A meeting has apparently been organised for 4th June 2015 at the State Library to discuss sound issues in the state. The timing of this meeting has nothing to do with my letter, it just coincided with it. I wish the meeting well although I feel that mostly film sound discussion will take place at the meeting (my guess).

Very pleasing to see at least one of the educational institutions taking interest in what they're teaching they're students.

Ok, so to date (25th May 2015) no replies to the open letter I sent out out on the 11th May 2015. Why does that not surprise me? Institutional change is slow. Rightly or wrongly that is how it is. I have also sent the letter today to FTI as I missed them in my initial mail out. Maybe they will be more open to criticism of their course curriculum than the other institutions? We shall see.

I've noticed that over the lat year or so the quality of students coming out of courses at educational institutions is not as good as it could be. I feel very strongly about this as it appears that students are wasting their time. And I don't mean that impolitely or nastily. I'm just referring to the skill set they are given during the course is not the most appropriate as it could be. Maybe it needs to be updated? Audio skills are not the only things that need to be taught at these places of learning. In fact on the strength of my belief I've written an open letter to all education intuitions that I am aware of in Western Australia, being Edith Cowan University, Curtin University, SAE and TAFE.

You might like to read this letter as well; in the interest of openness and not hiding behind closed doors you can find it here.