Well, in this thread Flameduck and warren are simply trying to tell everyone that they (everyone) is wrong for thinking the way they do.
Well without being pedantic, I'd have to point out that the handful of people who disagree with Warren or me, isn't "everyone" by a long shot. Simply point is that the view of your customer is important, especially in such a small userbase (compared to M$, Sony, etc).
Sigh. No it's not. For starters the views of the customers, such as they may be, clearly aren't homogeneous. Thus BRL are going to have to chose which (if any) of the diametrically opposed factions within the community they agree with most. I wonder if you think it would be a good idea for BRL to publicly declare who they think is right? Neither do I. But don't let those few speak for the rest, and dont let them discourage you.
But we do, don't we? Speak for the rest that is. If BRL actually paid discussions like this any notice, then they would indeed get a skewed view of the real situation, as the people involved in these debates aren't representative of the community as a whole. The communication doesn't have to be two-way, all they have to do is keep people calm.
Doesn't it? Since BRL decided to have a forum, it's going to be a little tricky having one-way communication. Pushing back a deadline or promise isn't bad when it is expected.
Come on. Since when is a delay on an estimated release date for software, NOT expected? That is because the customer KNOWS what is going on, hence proper communication.
What is it that you as a customer need to know whats going on, that isn't covered by Marks most recent worklogs? Please, I'm dieing to hear which part of "The GUI module is *still* almost there! Unfortunately, there are a few platform inconsistencies to iron out." you don't understand. Correct me but a worklog is not a discussion, it's a monolog.
Usually yes. In the specific case of Mark Sibly, no. Have you ever experienced one of Marks worklogs popping up without at least one follow-up thread showing up on the forum? Spindoctor or not, you will note then that M$, Sony, and EA are in fact keeping their customers informed on a regular basis.
You are not being informed. You are being manipulated. Case in point: Windows Vista - does anyone actually know anything about it yet? A release date other than "No later than ultimo 2007". Microsoft have several thousands of beta testers, and probably the same ammount of people running illegal versions, yet it seems no-one knows the first thing about it, and just when you think you've gotten some reliable information, it turns out it was a "misrepresentation of facts". Wonderful.Just because Microsoft are talking more than BRL, doesn't mean you're any better informed.
As far as I can tell Windows Vista is simply XP with an even more usless user interface.
BRL users on the other hand can usually see through hype and assertain the true nature of how the product can help them individually.
BRLs customers are no smarter or dumber than everyone else, and can be manipulated just as easily. BRL has just chosen not to. I for one admire them for it - because honesty has undoubtedly cost them sales.