Gary, I know that you are one of the more respected members of this forum, and deservedly so; however, much of what you said in your post, however true, makes me very sad. But first let me clear up one misconception (about me). Gary's statement "this is an arranger forum", implies that I disapprove of arranger keyboards. I don't, else why would I own two of them (three if you count my long retired I5M). I must truly say that I don't really approve of them for "live" performance but can see the practicality of using them in OMB situations. Since I use mine for compositional assistance and with my work with aspiring young songwriters, for me it's an invaluable tool. I'm sure OMB performers will say the same and I agree with them. What I object to, is using technology as a crutch so as not to have to learn your craft; using smoke and mirrors to convince an audience that they are listening to an ARTIST perform....well, in fact, they are....it's just not YOU. It's those trained and talented musicians that created those styles and midi files that's "keeping them up on the dance floor". What saddens me most though, is the attitude that "entertainment" is intrinsicly more valuable than the art form itself. It saddens me to hear excuses like "make a living and support his family"; but the fact is, there are many ways to make a living and support your family, you CHOSE music. Doesn't that require that you learn your craft (as much as a cabinet maker or master chef). There is story of a not very talented opera singer who was scheduled to play at a very famous opera house in Italy. Although nervous about how he would be received by such a sophisticated audience, he bravely sang his aria and was amazed by a standing ovation. After the third encore, he humbly begged off doing another when a man in the audience stood up, waved his fist in the air and said, "YOU'LL SING IT....UNTIL YOU LEARN IT". Hey, all audiences aren't idiots...better prepare for the day when you run into one.

chas