In an attempt to correct our database errors from many sources, I contracted with a gentleman who programs database applications for a living, and is a Hoster user also!
I failed to inform him that even though the Artist name was in a single database field, it was CSV (Comma Separated Values) for "The," and "First, Last". Without my forewarning him of this, he pulled out all the commas. This destroyed the ability to create a "Last Name First" songbook printout. It also places "The" under T, just as Joe's Jams reports.
I have a meeting Monday morning with a new local programmer who has done a lot of work with Access Database. We will be developing tools to allow MTU to easily fix some of the problems that have been remaining too long, and to add new songs to the database. If I get my way (hey... I am the Pres after all!), we'll have a new means on our web site to update your databases on-line for "changes only".
Your criticisms are regretfully well founded. We have had two upgrades that helped and hindered. We are now taking a new direction to solve your complaints. We don't give up, it just takes a while sometimes to get things figured out and find the right talent, and the right time.
Our current intent for new database upgrading is to:
1. Add the commas back in so you can print Last-First name.
2. Fix the "The" problem.
3. Add new songs in to begin a "modernizing" of the main database.
4. Prevent entering double " quotes in the Import Tracks Tab as these are the kiss of death to our queries (we use them as delimiters for the single ' quotes around nicknames
).
5. Continue working on providing a means to update your Hoster databases on-line.
We do listen, it is that the wheels of perfection grind slowly, but finely.