Chicken Systems - File Format Converter

[pboss]

http://www.chickensys.com/translator/

I have to tell you guys about this company. There are a lot of people doing upgrades to new machines or new operating systems. Some people are moving from a PC to Mac or vice versa. I bought software a few years ago to convert a ton of files that played in one system so that they would play in Logic's EXS as well. I used it successfully and was pretty happy.

Now, I am doing some upgrades and realize that there are more files I would like to convert. This company converts a TON of filetypes to a TON of other filetypes. For example, Recycle or Gigastudio into EXS, or into whatever you fancy.

The reason I am posting this topic now is because I was having some trouble with a new conversion task I wanted the translator to perform, and so I called the company today (toll free number, but they're in Minnesota). I was impressed because while I was on the phone these things happened:

1. He realized my request was something they don't do currently and told me they would implement the idea as a few feature. And he said, "oh, that will probably just take a few days". cool right?

2. He had me look at some info on my current version of their software, and he realized there was a mistake or bug, and he said he would fix that tonight. It related to how to get the newest release 6 which is FREE for current users.

2. He walked me through their website pages to the info I needed (buried way down there). The User Interaction to find info on their site is kind of convoluted, in my opinion, but hey.

3. He offered to mail me a new physical CD disc for free of the latest version of their software so I can put it onto my new computer.

All of this was done when he, Garth, could have easily just called me back the next day, because it was around 7 or 8 PM his time. But he chose to call me back 10 minutes after I left a phone message.

How many companies operate this way? — very few. This is how you get people to tell others about a product and how you gain long-term loyalty. The software itself got my loyalty previously.

[jazzstan]

W.E. Deming - the father of modern statistical methods in manufacturing said (per his protege Dr. Kosako Yoshida): "Quality is the most efficient thing you can do." It's probably also the most profitable long-term strategy a business can have. Glad to hear it's still alive a well with Garth and this company!!!!

[pboss]

W.E. Deming - ... "Quality is the most efficient thing you can do."

- I had not heard that quote, and find it very interesting. In fact, I'm so tired of cheap plastic / cheap metal products breaking too soon after purchasing, that this past year I have started leaning heavily toward spending more and seeking out products that are made to last.

For example, the $18 dollar garlic crusher broke, and even though it lasted a few years when I bought the new one recently, I opted for a $45 one (that was described as "kitchen jewelry") It was German-made and I could see how nice it was. My thinking was, that I could spend the regular 20 bucks, and have it break again after a year or two, or I could spend a bit over twice that, and this sucker is going to last, much much longer than that. And in the end, that quality will save me money, and allow the company making the quality product to have made the sale. Food is very important in the making of music

[Len911]

W.E. Deming - ... "Quality is the most efficient thing you can do."

- I had not heard that quote, and find it very interesting. In fact, I'm so tired of cheap plastic / cheap metal products breaking too soon after purchasing, that this past year I have started leaning heavily toward spending more and seeking out products that are made to last.

For example, the $18 dollar garlic crusher broke, and even though it lasted a few years when I bought the new one recently, I opted for a $45 one (that was described as "kitchen jewelry") It was German-made and I could see how nice it was. My thinking was, that I could spend the regular 20 bucks, and have it break again after a year or two, or I could spend a bit over twice that, and this sucker is going to last, much much longer than that. And in the end, that quality will save me money, and allow the company making the quality product to have made the sale. Food is very important in the making of music

oh dear! I discovered one of those kitchen meat hammers is more efficient than a garlic press, just use the nubby side, and they're easier to clean, not to mention how difficult they might be to break, and you probably have one already,lol!

[pboss]

.. kitchen meat hammers ...

Yes, those are great and I use that first. After the 'shells' fall off, I put them into the press. The press is so amazing that it almost self-cleaning. I should become a rep. "rep, sell, forget, repeat". "Meat Hammer" new band name.

[pboss]

I am adding a comment to this post because in trying to use their version 6.0 build 9 of the EXS-24 converter on Mac Lion OS 10.7.5, I have encountered many issues where the product either appears to have a bug or does not act as expected. While they successfully did add the feature I requested and I was able to use it in some cases, and while they have responded to my inquiries, there are currently too many functions that I'm finding aggravating, and so, I demote the previous gold review to a mere.. say, nickel. Nickel still has value as a metal, but not the same shine. They're still a good company, but need to QA releases moreso, in my opinion.