With appreciation and grand optimism

[chetdavis]

I wanted to take this opportunity to reach out to the many, many people who have touched my life this past nine years. As you may have heard, today is my last day with MacroSystem US.

I have so enjoyed this chapter of my life, this journey... and I wanted to say thank you to those of you who have played a part in this chapter. It has truly been a pleasure and an honor to work with you and to serve you.

Although this change was sudden and rather unexpected, I am genuinely optimistic about what the future has in store for me. After deep thought and consideration - I have decided to start my own company, to provide training and training resources to the Casablanca community and to home/family videographers at large.

Here's what led me to this decision... I believe that I command a keen knowledge of the Casablanca system, a solid understanding of many operations, add-on software and work-arounds that are practical and useful. I have training and experience in small format video (B.A. Radio/TV Broadcasting) and most importantly I really enjoy this community, the family of folks who make Casablanca more than a product.

So - the long and short of it, while I am no longer employed by MacroSystem US... you ain't getting rid of me, at least not yet

If you'd like to skip the following, you can jump right to my umbrella website http://chetdavis.com .
Here is the summary of what I will be providing to the Casablanca Community:

CasablancaExpert.com
On my travels and in my conversations with customers all over I heard how much folks loved their Casablanca editor but felt there was so much more they could do if only they had more training, instruction, experience. Well - that's where I fit in! I draw from my deep understanding and familiarity of the system, it's add-on software and peripherals to share with subscribers to this website practical, useful tips and tutorials. I believe there is tremendous value to have this resource available and this subscription based website will launch formally next Thursday, January 22nd. You can peek around today though -- you'll find it at http://www.CasablancaExpert.com
(for those among us with the English Grammar Expertise, I would appreciate your feedback and editorial assistance -- it has been fun but an ardous task to develop these two websites in this past week)

Webinars
You are invited to join me for a virtual seminar, delivered right to the computer in your home, office or edit suite.
You simply need a PC or Mac connected to the internet. You register in advanced for one of the upcoming Webinars and then at the date and time, you log into your computer, entering the specific URL (webpage address) that is provided when you register.

I will be providing two general webinars each month in partnership with MacroSystem US and will also be presenting specific sessions on a regular basis and Chet will also be available for small group and private tutoring via the Webinar technology. You can read more about the Casablanca Expert Private Tutor in the near future.
First Webinar: Thursday January 22, 2009 - 12:30PM Pacific Time
Details and online registration here: http://casablancaexpertmgt.eventbrite.com/


Hands-on Workshops
If you've been in one of my workshops/classes before you know I really enjoy teaching.. and based on the feedback I receive my learners/students enjoy it as much as I do! I take my 17 years as a professional educator, knowledge of video production (B.A. Radio/TV Broadcasting) and my thorough understanding of both small format video and Casablanca video editing systems and provides an awesome learning experience. The first hands-on event will coincide with the MGT 2009 - March Get Together. I am offering two days of hands-on training for those who may also be gathering in Davenport, Iowa. You can read about the workshop here http://casablancaexpertmgt.eventbrite.com/


Training DVDs
In addition to the CasablancaExpert.com website and my hands-on workshops, I will be producing a series of tutorials/lessons on DVD that you can view and follow along with in the comfort and convenience of your home/office/edit suite.

I'll be producing two different series of instructional DVDs - Casablanca Foolproof is designed to assist the Casablanca customer fully understand the rich set of tools available to them, while Video 101 is designed for the amateur/hobbyist who would like a greater understanding of the art and science of digital storytelling. Details and specific titles with target release dates are on my website.


And, I hope to continue to play an integral role in this community, to share and to receive the wisdom, the experience, the kindness and the humor that has made my employment with MacroSystem US so enjoyable!

Please use this email address to correspond directly with me -- at the very least I would kindly ask you to either subscribe to me free monthly newsletter at http://www.casablancaexpert.com or send me your email address so I can keep you informed about the events and offerings that you may find of interest and value.


And for those who are 'connected' - I would be delighted to meet up with you online here:
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/people/Chet-Davis/1193380678
Twitter - http://twitter.com/chetdavis
LinkedIN - search Chet Davis



Again, thanks for the wonderful memories... I look forward to furthering our relationship.

Sincerely,

Chet
Chet Davis
http://www.chetdavis.com
www.CasablancaExpert.com

[ChrisStone]

Chet
I'm sure I speak for everyone, that you are the heart and soul of MSUS and we will miss you in your official role, but I'm glad you've got a plan and are still going to be with us in this new role.

Your friend
Chris

[BobC]

Chet,

I'll definitely miss you as a staff representative of MacroSystemUS, but am thrilled to know you'll still be around teaching us more of the cool things our systems can do. I wish you all the best!

[jimmeeker]

Chet,

WOW! what a terrible decision by MS. We are all so glad to have you staying in our world and being available to us all in the future. Our best wishes and we'll see you at the March Get Together.

All of you Cassie users should attend this event and help Chet start his new enterprise with a bang. I'd love to meet all of you as well. We have a ball. So check out this: http://www.marchgettogether.com and see what it's all about. Chet will be here during the regular event and will be holding his first training at the same location for the two days before the MGT. Be There. OK!

[TimKennelly]

I agree, I think this is a really serious mistake on MSUS's part and more their loss than Chet's.

Beyond that I would like to say Chet you have always been a gentleman and a scholar
representing MSUS and for all you were and did in MSUS's service you will be
sorely missed.

I wish you the best in your endeavors and while you certainly do not need
any recommendations or referrals with this group if you want one from me on
and for anything you have it simply for the asking.

I look forward to seeing you at MGT 2009, keep in touch.

Your friend,

[Lowell]

Chet I am glad you are staying to help us out. I just registered for the MGT 2 day seminar. I think MS has made a mistake maybe they will realize how much you have done. I wish you and your family nothing but the best. I'm with you all the way. Thanks Lowell

[PaulBusta]

I can't believe it. Sorry to be so blunt but this has got to be the dumbist thing MS could have done. Chet you were the face of the faceless corporation, the heart the VOICE! You understood us and our problems, you were the go-between. Now MS will just turn out to be another, please press _ _ _ _ number and someone will get back to you as soon as we can, company. The service that REALLY mattered just went out the window. I'm so PO'd right now I can't continue.

[NormDull]

I am so sorry to hear this. I do not post much on the BB, but I do read it many times during the week. I've had reservations on decisions made in the past by MS, but this has got to take the cake!! We all know a Co. has to make the right moves in order to stay in business. Just as many of us have to do. But there is also an element of where a good Co. with a good product has to have another element to go with it, and that is a real person (face) to present and promote it. We have all relied on Chet in this matter, and I feel we have lost this element with this company. I am in hopes that we do not continue to see a down hill slide in other matters. It seems to me that a person who is and has been so valuable to it's product and customers, could not find a better way to make a cut in their operation. (Guess thats why I'm not running the Co?) This may sound a bit selfish at this point, but what is going to happen to this BB. It has always been my take that Chet has been the BB! I wish you, Chet, the very best in the future. But I feel this has been one of the biggest diappointments in this Co. moves to present. (Norm Dull - GWP Pictures)

[CliffHawkins]

Chet:

Goodluck on your on your new adventures.

Question to Macrosystem: Who will now be your voice on this BB?

Cliff

[LouBruno]

Best of luck Chet!!! However, I am glad you will still be part of the Cassie Community.