Jim Deserves Better

[Gavin Greenwalt]

. So I wouldn't get bent out of shape that when in 2006, Red announced that within one year they were going to make a digital cinema 4K raw camera and sell it for $17,000, that smart people were skeptical, even cynical. I was! It had nothing to do with the principles, we all knew the technology was possible, even inevitable, but considering the three to five year R&D cycle that most electronic manufacturers deal with, one year seemed unlikely to me.

I would point out that some of us such as myself were skeptical... and then were proven correct when RED completely missed their projected schedules and usually ended up shipping in a normal time frame. If we all remember correctly RED shipped the RED One... and then essentially recalled all of the first 6 months worth of cameras to fix them. REDCode was really bad for the first year or so too. It wasn't until B17 or so that things started to resemble the quality we see today.

The RED One shipped as a beta camera. After the LA Red Test I said as much and Jim skewered me for saying it. 2 years later it was the gospel truth that RED One shipped beta and how "revolutionary" that was that people were able to contribute to its development etc etc. I think that story encapsulates my frustration with RED. You will say something that isn't entirely glowing and Jim in particular would completely lay into you for suggesting that everything isn't perfect. And then a year or two later, they would fix it and praise themselves for this breakthrough "enhancement" which amounts to making it the way it should have been from the start. It makes offering constructive criticism impossible. They'll attack you and your character if you suggest something is imperfect and then pat themselves on the back for their genius when they fix it.

Even in Jim's goodbye 'speech' he talks about how amazing RED One's free updates were. Of course they were free! The REDOne shipped as a buggy incomplete prototype that was getting field testing. That's not to say a beta product isn't useful... I would say half of our pipeline is often composed of beta products. But fixing compression artifacts, improving color science and re-adding audio aren't "features" so much as finishing the product. "Ship it and Fix It" is a completely valid methodology for development. It's actually my preferred methodology and I'm glad a company like RED does it. But when you're on two shoots in a row where the rented RED completely dies and has to be replaced... you can't blame the critics who don't prefer ship it and fix it.

The critics were right, RED couldn't do what they said they were going to do on the timeline they said it could be done in. The supporters were also right... RED did end up doing it. Jim deserves better and he deserves worse and he deserves everything he's received: accolades, respect and criticism. Such is the nature of everyone who does something big. I don't think you can have the good without the bad, you have to be stubborn and ambitious to do big things--you have to sometimes tell people to F*** off to get things done. But that's not to say that RED couldn't have done better if they had swallowed a bit of ego earlier on and listened to many of the people on CML who while perhaps not constructively criticizing RED in tone had valid complaints.

 

[Terry VerHaar]

Personally, I am not ready to give the "critics" much approval because it costs them nothing to be doubters. In the words of Teddy Roosevelt...

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

 

[Andy Roberts]

Last time I checked, there was no Dummies book called, "How to Revolutionize a Protected and Entrenched Industry: the Right Way."

I'm just thankful it happened.

Thanks Jim for never doubting.

 

[Will Keir]

That's a good one.

Sanford Meisner one of the greatest acting teachers of all time said..."Never in the history of the world has there ever been a monument or statue erected of a critic. Screw Your critics!" I think that sums it up, nicely...

 

[Freya]

Sometimes in life, people deserve better than they get. Jim Jannard has a lot. He worked for all of it.

...er Yeah, he's a billionaire supposedly and got married not so long ago. He is probably chilling out right now on a beautiful island with a glass of some fantastic tasting cocktail. I imagine he feels grateful for all that he has!

I don't think he needs the respect of everybody on the internet.
Does he need the respect of some 12 year old who posts "That's soo gay" on you tube videos for example?
Probably not I suspect!

To be honest I think the most important respect to have is your own self respect.

So I'm not sure he does deserve better than he gets because truth be told he is doing just fine.
He probably just decided "sod this, I'm going for a swim in the pool", and quite frankly I don't blame him.

Freya

 

[Terry VerHaar]

...er Yeah, he's a billionaire supposedly and got married not so long ago. He is probably chilling out right now on a beautiful island with a glass of some fantastic tasting cocktail. I imagine he feels grateful for all that he has!

I don't think he needs the respect of everybody on the internet.
Does he need the respect of some 12 year old who posts "That's soo gay" on you tube videos for example?
Probably not I suspect!

To be honest I think the most important respect to have is your own self respect.

So I'm not sure he does deserve better than he gets because truth be told he is doing just fine.
He probably just decided "sod this, I'm going for a swim in the pool", and quite frankly I don't blame him.

Freya

As aI noted, Jim has a lot. Of course, that's a bit of an understatement already. And I am not just talking about wealth, either.

But, as you can also discern from reading the rest of my post, I was specifically referring to this particular situation where he is denied the respect he is due, by folks who should know better. I don't worry about Jim; he'll get over it. Very quickly - like nanoseconds, I am sure. My point, to be quite frank, is to call out the small mindedness that exists when some feel the need to disrespect the accomplishments of those who have strived and succeeded immensely. You may see it differently, of course.

 

[Freya]

Yeah I did understand what you were saying.
It is a massive understatement and he clearly has many good things in his life, even to an outside observer. Lots to be grateful for.

To address the rest, my point was that he doesn't really need the respect of all these people.
If he is confident in what he is doing and respects himself then why bother with people who are mean spirited.
Isn't it going to be a lot better to kick back at the pool and relax?

I think so!

Freya

 

[Ken Wilson]

Sometimes in life, people deserve better than they get. Jim Jannard has a lot. He worked for all of it. But there are people who are crass and stupid enough to deny him the immense respect he deserves. These are small minded people. These are critics who will never accomplish the kind of things he has. He deserves their respect. When he doesn't get it, it is their own stupidity showing. I wish he didn't take it to heart as he does, but accomplished men are also some times men with the biggest hearts. And hearts can hurt.

Jim, stay well and stay strong, even as you deny your critics the opportunity to pick at you. Sadly, it is those who have huge respect for you that will miss your presence. I have only met you a couple times in passing but I can say that, despite being only a couple years younger than you, you are one of my heroes. Because of you, I still have great ambition in my life and a continuing desire to do something great. A man has to dream. You are an inspiration to people, young and old.

Peace and love.


+1 and +10 from all of us at 3dmovies.com

 

[António Fagundes]

Respect is earned, not deserved. Honesty appreciated. Trust is gained. Loyalty returned.

Having said that he does have my respect, if for anything, for his passion.

 

[Terry VerHaar]

Sometimes in life, people deserve better than they get. Jim Jannard has a lot. He worked for all of it. But there are people who are crass and stupid enough to deny him the immense respect he deserves. These are small minded people. These are critics who will never accomplish the kind of things he has. He deserves their respect. When he doesn't get it, it is their own stupidity showing. I wish he didn't take it to heart as he does, but accomplished men are also some times men with the biggest hearts. And hearts can hurt.

Jim, stay well and stay strong, even as you deny your critics the opportunity to pick at you. Sadly, it is those who have huge respect for you that will miss your presence. I have only met you a couple times in passing but I can say that, despite being only a couple years younger than you, you are one of my heroes. Because of you, I still have great ambition in my life and a continuing desire to do something great. A man has to dream. You are an inspiration to people, young and old.

Peace and love.


+1 and +10 from all of us at 3dmovies.com

Gee - those words look sort of familiar.

 

[Terry VerHaar]

Respect is earned, not deserved. Honesty appreciated. Trust is gained. Loyalty returned.

Having said that he does have my respect, if for anything, for his passion.

I think I'd disagree somewhat there. To me, respect is sort of like innocence; one is presumed to deserve it until they prove otherwise by their actions and behaviors. Human beings are inherently worthy of respect. Just my own take.

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Respect is earned, not deserved. Honesty appreciated. Trust is gained. Loyalty returned.

Having said that he does have my respect, if for anything, for his passion.

Sorry António, I agree while disagreeing with you...


I might have your respect for my Passion...


Jim should not only have it for his Passion but also have it for his GREAT achievements amongst other things...

 

[Luis Otero]

I have not read this entire thread, so I do not know if someone has already mentioned this, but here it goes...

In my opinion, a technical Oscar is WAY overdue to a person like Jim that has not just created a movement (nobody says anymore that 1080p is enough), but has alway maintained his dreams on the lead, WAY ahead of the pack.

Jim, my love and respect to you as a person and as a mentor.

 

[Justin O'Neill]

He is probably chilling out right now on a beautiful island with a glass of some fantastic tasting cocktail. I imagine he feels grateful for all that he has!

Jim was at the ASC Clubhouse last night showing off some Dragon footage shot by Peter Lyons Collister and talking about the new GPU accelerated debayer version of REDCINE-X. The man is still working his ass off. https://twitter.com/CineBill/status/369659972683964416/photo/1

 

[Elan Gunos]

Even Michael Jordan had to retire three times.

 

[C. Miersch]

Respect is earned, not deserved. Honesty appreciated. Trust is gained. Loyalty returned.

Well said.

 

[Ezana Tekeste]

Respect is earned, not deserved. Honesty appreciated. Trust is gained. Loyalty returned.

Having said that he does have my respect, if for anything, for his passion.

Hi Antonio:

I've always found the phrase that "respect is earned" to be disturbing on many levels. I don't know you or what you've done with your life, but I still accord you a level of respect that I believe every human being deserves. Deeper knowledge of you as a person or a professional might make me elevate my respect for you to new heights or lower it, but the starting point is respect.

Undoubtedly, there differently levels of respect. But this is precisely why simply declaring "respect is earned" is problematic, as it over-simplifies more than it enlightens.

As for Jim, speaking for myself, I'd say he should have gotten greater admiration and gratitude of the industry after he successfully brought about vision into existence than he's received so far. But given how certain people tend to confuse refusal to acknowledge the achievements of others as a mark of intellectual and professional integrity, I don't find this all that surprising.

At the risk of being unfair to your intention, but in light of Jim's announcement, your "respect" for Jim "for his passion" came off as "damning with faint praise" to me.

Ezana

 

[Liam Hall]

The hypocrisy of this forum is astounding. Truly astounding.

 

[António Fagundes]

Hi Antonio:

I've always found the phrase that "respect is earned" to be disturbing on many levels. I don't know you or what you've done with your life, but I still accord you a level of respect that I believe every human being deserves. Deeper knowledge of you as a person or a professional might make me elevate my respect for you to new heights or lower it, but the starting point is respect.

Undoubtedly, there differently levels of respect. But this is precisely why simply declaring "respect is earned" is problematic, as it over-simplifies more than it enlightens.

As for Jim, speaking for myself, I'd say he should have gotten greater admiration and gratitude of the industry after he successfully brought about vision into existence than he's received so far. But given how certain people tend to confuse refusal to acknowledge the achievements of others as a mark of intellectual and professional integrity, I don't find this all that surprising.

At the risk of being unfair to your intention, but in light of Jim's announcement, your "respect" for Jim "for his passion" came off as "damning with faint praise" to me.

Ezana

Ezana, we all know what kind of respect we are talking about here. Jim's professional achievements, not his humanity! And that kind of respect is earned, not deserved!

I really couldn't care less what you thought about my respect. That's up for me to judge. He did a revolutionary job in the digital motion picture camera business and did it mainly out of passion (and also a little of business opportunity.)

It's up for each one of us to grant him the amount of respect he conquered from each one of us, just like I don't expect you to respect my mother the way I do (that would be weird), you can't expect everyone to share your level of enthusiasm for Jim. We all have different life experiences, and we all see this kind of respects differently.

How much do you respect the guy that created the Alexa? Do you even know his name? His camera is also a success, he should have all your respect...

See what I mean..?

So yes respect is earned.

 

[Daniel Stilling]

Respect is respect. There are no different kinds of respect. All human beings, living creatures, natural elements that surrounds us deserve respect. And I am sad that this needs to be pointed out. But I digress...