MOTM

On 6/16/03, Scott Juskiw put forth:
>Folks, please remember, only by the grace of Paul do we even have
>points in the first place. Consider ourselves lucky to get anything
>for free, no matter how long we may have to wait. Don't look a gift
>module in the mouth.

TINSTAAFL.  By any sane accounting, if there were not a point system, 
the modules would have lower prices.  Sure, Paul could get rid of the 
points system, but that would be the same as raising prices.  If the 
prices were higher, Synthesis Technology would sell fewer modules. 
The money has to come from somewhere.

While I think the points program is a fine incentive, it's 
implementation is arbitrary and nonsensical.  That only confuses and 
annoys the very same loyal customers the system is supposed to 
"award".

I'll give you an example.  Let's say someone is planning a cabinet 
that only fits 15 modules.  With every 14 modules you buy you should 
get one free module.  So he should be able to place an order for all 
15 modules.  Instead, he has to wait until those 14 modules ship, 
then cash in their points, place another order, and wait again for 
the remaining module to ship.  It's a lose-lose.  It wastes time on 
both sides.  If you include shipping, it even costs Synthesis 
Technology more money.

Even though I still wouldn't agree with it on principle, this would 
be much less of problem if modules didn't take so long to ship. 
Sure, no other synth manufacturer has a points program, but no other 
synth manufacturer takes over seven months to ship VCO's :/  While I 
completely understand there are reasons for that, there is no reason 
why points should be held on backorder.  If Paul wants to be truly 
gracious, he should allow us to use the points we have bought 
(regardless of whether those modules have shipped or not) in 
consideration of the ridiculously long shipping delays.  It would 
help loyal customers accomplish things sooner without costing 
Synthesis Technology any more money.  That's a win-win.