RobSteady wrote:gonzohot wrote:If you guys canno't achieve the job in the deadline that YOU gave then just stop speaking...
Simple as that.
While I don't share quite the same level of misgivings as stated in the previous post. I do believe a lot more transparency on efforts and such would go a long way in keeping people excited rather than angry.
An update thread for loyal customers to know... from such and such a date when we announced releasing, we have about 50% more work to go. 40% more work to go... etc. Oops, major issue came up due to external factors.. reset 30% back to about ... 40%. Doin' our best to get this to you guys as soon as possible (but stable!!)
keeps otoy accountable to a schedule, but also allows them to be flexible in delivery schedule without being percieved as stupid for prematurely announcing release dates, or even hinting at etc.
keeping quiet breeds mistrust and malcontent and drives a wedge making a lot of users feel like otoy feels as if they are not part of their community of users, and the users are just a source of future income for them.
If instead the users felt like otoy actually was super excited to share this piece of artwork they've been slaving over, I'm sure they would receive way more love - because, lets face it - who doesn't want to get excited about new features, but no one would be happy if Christmas was delayed... again and again. sorry child, I know you were hoping Christmas would be Dec 25th, and couldn't wait, but... yup, we're going to move it to mid-jan... oh, but we're also not going to tell you, you'll just wake up, no presents, no tree, cookies and milk warm and spoiled in front of the fireplace.... (replace whatever your own "holiday" example you prefer (birthday?) hahah...
it's the worst that they announced, but haven't actually been clear about updating their progress. I don't care if it's late, if they were up-front about the delays and a moving deadline....
Can you imagine if we working folks silently missed a deadline? we'd be FIRED or never hired again. People can react rationally to delays if given a reason. No reason? no understanding... and frustration, and negativity.
It'll get done when it gets done? - lame.
We're 50% closer than we were when we announced? - ok, I can project from that.... but keep me updated weekly on your progress. the further past-due you are, the more info on progress needs to be shared. Yep, Otoy Might get flack from impatient folks who don't understand that development is not a fixed target. But seriously, even REASONABLE people have trouble with unknowns.