Saveable or binable?

[Xan]

Ug.

Don't you hate it when you have a clear idea of a sound you're tying to make but you reach a point in creating it where you're a smidgen too far away from the goal? You can hear the sound in your head and are pretty sure the sound will function in the soundtrack. The sound you've got is close, but not quite right. There's a change you can sculpt it more to save it but would that waste time? Might starting from scratch be quicker? Either way, it's annoying when a deadline looms.

Or does that only happen to me?

If not, how do you normally address the problem?

[george]

I actually find it easier to come up with sounds under pressure. But I do know what you're talking about. It can definitely happen when trying to create something new, that you haven't created before and this is natural and falls under the "experimentation" category. If something isn't working I always rely on my instinct. Always ask myself "is it not working because I haven't implemented it right or is it because the sound itself just isn't right". I scrap ideas all the time... keeps things fresh too.

G.

[soundgeek2496]

There is definitely a threshold as to when it's time to either start over or try mix/alter the sound you're after to get what you really want, however there is never anything to waste, besides a deadline . Always save what you ended up with, because I can guarantee you will use it again in the future.

[Xan]

That's very true.

Recently I found a use for a (albeit slightly tweaked) set of sound effects I made over a year ago.

I guess what I've been trying to get around in my head is a rule for know at what point to start over. Like reading the weather or something... reading the signs.

My intuition tells me it's all intuition but I'm a staunch classicist so I prefer hunt for some underlying rule or guideline if at all possible.

... maybe a check list... haha. Just found this with a Google search:

Focusing too much on immediate results at the expense of thinking long term? John Graham provides 10 danger signs that you're immersing yourself and your organization in short-term thinking:

1. Insufficient planning, lots of talk, no follow-up, and inconclusive meetings.

2. Scrambling for sales through discounts or sales contests instead of developing, implementing, and managing a carefully crafted prospecting program.

3. Frantically jumping from one activity to another without a deliberate plan.

4. Operating in a constant state of crisis, making it impossible to stay on track.

5. Making decisions based solely on what the competition is doing.

6. Lacking knowledge about member perceptions and preferences.

7. Taking half-baked action because of failure to anticipate the results of an idea, program, or activity.

8. Confusing tactics, such as the design of a direct-mail piece, with strategy--why the piece is being done and who should receive it.

9. Failing to fully understand branding, which is much more than a snazzy logo and tagline.

10. Making mistakes on a consistent basis.

Something like that