I have no idea what using synthetics means? Actually, i do... i use my computer to write music. I use synthetic drum loops, just like zimmer, and sampled orchestral instruments. It IS difficult. I am working with what i have, and i lack the resources to own the equipment that zimmer owns, but yes, i put a creative effort out to writing music. I study music theory, composition, performance... and hope to make a career out of it. I respect film composers greatly, well most of em' (this includes zimmer of course :P). And i think it is unfair when you say that i have know idea what using synths means!
Oh, and refering to the oscars... no, i don't think zimmer has written anything oscar worthy this year... maybe hannibal shouldve gotten nominated. Yes, I think williams has written a good score for A.I.(We are on the A.I. forum not the Harry Potter one) and it deserved the nomination. So, if i had it my way the nominees for best score would be: FoTR, A.I., Final Fantasy, (i feel the best 3 scores of the year are these three) and I think FoTR should win, just cuz i thought it was fabulous. If not that FF... But FF wasn't even nominated and we will just see who they pick for the winner... I be mad if its Monsters Inc. :P heh heh
Anyway, I appologize about my statements that made you feel i was trying to convert you. It was not my purpose... you had stated: "Zimmer is THE BEST, THE ONLY GENIUS IN FILM MUSIC. All of the others are just disciples" - and whether you meant it or not, i did not know. So i retorted.
Also, artistically speaking: i was unfair. I think he has written some beautiful scores. But, I really don't see much behind scores like crimson tide, the rock (true this was a media ventures project), broken arrow, etc. Ok, writing music in itself is an art... however you have to agree there are degrees of art, if i were to paint a picture and compare the picture of my own to a painting of davinci's... i would definately realize there is a difference. Im not saying williams is davinci and my picture is zimmer. It could be the difference between Broken Arrow and Beyond Rangoon. You can argue the same thing about williams. Its just a difference in opinion thats all.
I disagree that Zimmer is the best, because i don't feel there is one... plus, i think there are other composers who are just as talented, maybe even moreso.

PS: Be it zimmer or williams... i love film music...