Originally posted by Matt
A good example of this debate. You need to look for a new table. You have two choices :
1 : You can buy a table built by a computer within minutes. All perfect and all, but it's mass produced so the value is decreased and it's not worth a lot any more.
2 : You can go to an experienced carpenter who will spend good money on getting solid wood (Oak) and crafting the table for you. I personally feel you would appreciate it a lot more. That's to all of you.
Conclusion : Hand crafted tracks are far more appreciated.
Sorry, but that's a crappy example. We're ALL using oak. It's not about the material, it's about the building process.
Here's how to make that scenario closer to what we're talking about:
You've got carpenters with a WIDE range of skill who are all trying to make you a table based on certain criteria you've set. Some of them have nifty computer-aided saws and such to make their tables look better. Others don't have these tools, but have great skill. Still others use the tools for some parts of the table building process (like making the top perfectly round) but hand-build the rest (like putting the legs on or doing an inlaid wood design).
You just want a nice table. Whether the table was completely done with fancy tools, whether it was completely handmade, or whether it was something in between, you could care less. What you want is a NICE TABLE. Why not let each carpenter decide how best to give you the table you want?
Another thing to consider: hand-building takes a LOT more time to produce a good track. There will be times when a really good designer will have to turn in a crap track simply because his/her life was crazy for several days during that round and ran out of time. I'd rather see the option of using tools be available for those who need it and get better tracks in the end.
I'm on a mac, so I don't have the tools anyway. I'd stand a better chance in the contest if tools weren't allowed, thereby forcing folks who don't normally hand-build to do it that way.
That doesn't make it fair, though. I'd rather let our creativity be the deciding factor moreso than the ability to make a smooth turn. I'll take a really inventive, original, bumpy track over a butter-smooth boring track any day!
My body isn't a temple. It's an amusement park.