Understood. Please know, though: recent “Finale refugees” are definitely welcome here! We’re happy to assist, directly and — as everyone takes the time to properly study the software and its design principles — by referencing good resources for further study.
If it’s any consolation, those few who have a brusquer tone have done so for at least the two years I’ve been active in the forum. It’s definitely not a unique response to recent- and new comers. And while I imagine we might all prefer a Marcus Welby approach to being helped, occasionally a Doc Martin does walk into the clinic/surgery— we still get excellent care, but it’s not necessarily “gentle!”
And, yes, this is the place for making (non-duplicated) feature requests. The Dorico team makes a note of them, and the forum members suggest alternative methods that might be equivalent and/or discuss how/why it might be in conflict with Dorico’s design. None of that discussion is intended as a personal “assault.”
I hesitate to add any more to this side-thread that managed to “hijack” your own OP, as it really feels like a separate one.
However, I feel I need to say a bit more in defense of the forum:
I fully suspect that some of the irritation you’re perceiving stems from the onslaught of new users over the past month (not all!!) who, after only cursory or no study of the software, started making “shouty” declarations like “why can’t Dorico…?!?!” and “Dorico SHOULD…!” about things that Dorico can already do. Not all were as polite and thoughtful about the request as you were, @kasky1, and didn’t even take the time up front to realize that the request wasn’t necessary. So please forgive us for some occasional lapses in responding gracefully — it really has been quite a month here!
I believe that if you truly pause and survey the activity here since Aug. 26 you’ll see that the positive from established members far outweighs the negative. I have watched with awe and admiration over these past 4.5 weeks as my fellow members and the Dorico team have “stepped up” to assist newcomers. Many have made extra time in their day specifically to do so, even forgoing their own work to try and help. And the Dorico team members have seemingly worked extra-long hours seven days a week to assist.
Just a few examples just from ''regular'' fellow users:
- @benwiggy made a special effort to create four dedicated getting-oriented videos during the first week after MakeMusic’s announcement.
- Ben also started a “welcome” thread (which, alas, quickly became invaded by negativity) for new users.
- Almost immediately upon the news breaking, @Mark_Johnson started a thread for users to share fond memories of Finale and even share some grief (which, alas, quickly became invaded by negativity).
- Many members spent time curating online manual and video links — and making their own mini-tutorial videos — to share in answer to new users’ questions.
I am genuinely saddened that you’re currently having such bad feelings towards the space, @kasky1. I can only hope that with more time and good experiences here you’ll find it a valuable place to come for help.