I have to add my "amateur" opinion to this (the side topic that is).
1. I think WHERE adds some very informative and trustworthy opinions to the forum....And I should have capitalized the word VERY.
2. I agree with Lee's sentiments. Where you have your way of doing things and it works great (I've listened to your samples on your studio's site). However, there are many ways to any end. You (where) frequently state very good ways to a good end. However, they are not the only ways. You mentioned about the one post being misleading because it seemed to disregard the fact that tracking levels should be absolute. This may be true that you should track well so that you have good tracks to mix with. I agree. However, THE CHINESE, has an excellent point in that the music is what matters not always the quality. You may be misleading people in that a pristine recording is required to be a GOOD recording. There are some recordings that sound horrible in a recording sense, but are great records. I know the point was about tracking levels and your opinion was stated, but the chinese was merely stating another opinion which i view as equally valid (not better per se). Personally, I thought every clip on your site (where) was at least somewhat CHEESE. I mean it was mixed really well, I'm not knocking you. Very Clear {censored}. However, it wouldn't be caught it my cd rotation. So, my point is that some young engineers looking for advice are quite frequently the people that are also making the music. In that case they should be concerned about the "music" first, and the recording second. Though, the question asked was SPECIFICALLY about tracking levels (and you gave a valid answer) maybe that person shouldn't be concerning themselves as much with this as they think (I mean track well, but if you're just recording your own music worry about the music). The person posting might have benefited from your post way more than TheChinese's, but there are hundreds of beginners reading these posts and if all of them refuse to make and release their unique tracks because they feel they don't have the proper tracking levels, or perfectly tuned rooms, or AD convertors worthy of a pro studio then what is the point of them even trying? You know, I mean I'm not saying you're wrong with anything you say. But, I do feel that occassionaly you will post something that makes it harder for some beginners. I mean you say good things, but its sometimes in such redundency that I think there may be people afraid to even buy recording gear if they don't have a pristine sounding room with top notch monitors already. You know. You're not wrong, but ease up, unless it seems like it calls for it because you come off as dick at times which probaby makes your opinion seem less important to some newcomers (who should usually be listening to your advice). I'm sorry to put it that way, but if you can't stand the heat.........