I am planning to phase out the database sync function in Set List Maker and replace it with a simple database export/import function. Here are some FAQs about this change:
Why are you phasing out the database sync function?Removing existing functionality is always a difficult decision. But for almost four years now,
BandHelper has offered a superior syncing system: it makes more reliable backups from the moment you start an account, it syncs attached documents and recordings along with your database data, it supports different permissions for different users in your account and it includes a more intuitive way to enter personal vs. shared data. If you want to share data with bandmates automatically, you will have a better experience if you switch to BandHelper. Meanwhile, Set List Maker's older sync system is one of the most difficult functions to maintain and support, so phasing it out will leave me more time to spend on other improvements in both products. Replacing it with a simple export/import function will make it more comparable to other apps in its price range, and will make a clearer differentiation between my products, with Set List Maker focused more on individual use and BandHelper focused more on exchanging information with bandmates.
When are you phasing out the database sync function?After December 15, 2017, you will no longer be able to purchase the Database Sync upgrade, and after January 15, 2018, you will no longer be able to use this function.
If I switch to BandHelper, will I lose all the data I've entered into Set List Maker?After creating a BandHelper account, you can go to the Account > Import page to find instructions for importing your Set List Maker databases. If you have more than one Set List Maker database, you can
create a project in your BandHelper account for each of them, then import each Set List Maker database into a different BandHelper project.
If I switch to BandHelper, will I lose all the money I've spent on Set List Maker?If you have recently purchased Set List Maker, you can request refunds from the Apple or Amazon app stores, or ask me for a refund from the Google store.
If you have been using Set List Maker for a while, but you migrate your Set List Maker databases to a new BandHelper Basic account by September 30, I'll make your account
free for the first two years (or one year if you choose to upgrade to a Pro account). If you migrate by December 31, I'll make your account free for the first year (or six months if you choose to upgrade to a Pro account). After that, the normal
BandHelper pricing will apply.
If I don't switch to BandHelper, will there be any way to share data between devices?The new versions of Set List Maker released today include database export and import functions that you can use to send databases from one device to another. Unlike the database sync function, the export/import functions aren't automatic, can't merge changes made on different devices between syncs, and don't offer the ability to roll back individual edits. On the positive side, you will be able to store these files wherever you want as backups. This approach to sharing databases is comparable to how most other repertoire management apps work.
To start using the new export/import functions instead of the database sync function, go to Settings > Database Sync, clear the sync name and password fields and turn off Auto-Sync. To delete the sync name, either click the small X button or select all and cut, rather than deleting one character at a time, which the app will interpret as trying to change the sync name. Then leave that page to save your settings. You might notice that the sync name field now shows a default sync name, but this is only a suggestion for setting up database syncing again. You can ignore that auto-generated sync name.
After removing the sync settings, click the sync icon in the top toolbar, and you'll see a popup menu with three buttons:
- Export Database: Saves your database file to the selected cloud storage (iOS) or local file location (iOS 11 and Android).
- Email Database: Emails your database file to the address you enter.
- Import Database: Selects a database file from the selected cloud storage (iOS) or local file location (iOS 11 and Android). On iOS, you can also send the database into Set List Maker using the Open In function from another app, like the Mail app. When you use this function, your current database will be completely overwritten by the file you select.
If I have an iPad 1, how can I use the new database export/import functions?Since I can no longer release updates for the iPad 1, there will be no way to share data with an iPad 1 after the sync function stops working on January 15, 2018. You can continue using Set List Maker as a standalone app, but I recommend replacing this seven year old hardware with the
new 9.7" iPad, which offers excellent performance and full compatibility with current apps for $329.