Fact 1:
A post that asking if OD plus is dead or not, does exist. It shows that OD+ has not been updated like other normal commercial applications. Even though there are alphas and betas, no new stable release yet for over a year.
Fact 2:
OD is a complex application. Especially, it is related with many system objects that can be modified (tray, shell, etc.). So, if it works nicely on a pc, it doesn't mean OD works nicely on others too.
Fact 3:
Additional fee to upgrade to next version.
Fact 4:
Stardock has many other products.
"Stardock has been very busy making ObjectDock ready for Dell.."
"Look for future updates, but at this time we are currently taking the dock to a new level"
Apparently, the Dell and OD are two different products. From the link provided, here is a post from an admin to confirm (Reply #3): "It's different from both ObjectDock and ObjectDock Plus. It's focus is a lot narrower than either of those."
So, I guess, we should be sad (not happy) that SD has been very busy with Dell as we will need to wait more for Dell to finish first.
From above, fact 5: Currently, for Dell, SD is abandoning OD that is already left behind (no stable ver for over a year).
To summary.
Improvement of OD is slow because it's complex and it seems SD don't have enough resource to keep up with their projects that are not few.
Based on fact 1, 2, and 3. Does it mean that by buying OD, we are getting buggy app and the money we paid are only for the fixes that would take long time to get?
I can understand how iVAN feels. OD improvement has been unexceptionally slow for application below 20MB. IVAN must be disappointed or not satisfied, because his or her problems are not getting fixed, even though iVAN already paid and wait for it. And sadly, those who try to flame or against iVAN, are mostly have some positive karma.. it doesn't look good, especially for outsiders. Instead, fanboys should be grateful that the bugs in OD are not conflicting with their working habits.
Imagine, you spent money on a software, you're experiencing bug that made the software unusable. You tried every way possible to fix it by contacting the developer, etc. but nothing comes up. And now after almost a year with no result, you heard they are working hard on other things, instead working on your problem.
IVAN:
I'm not clear with ur situation. One time you said you don't want to install alpha, and one time you said you were told to revert back to previous build. And I think you know yourself how unorganized SD when comes to OD (says it's been fixed but not, useless alphas, etc.), so asking for changelog could be a very difficult thing to do. With addition, OD is quite complex and SD has too much projects. I know some people can be very careful when installing a software. However, if installing alpha can fix the problem, why not?
Your weakness in your argument is that you don't want to install alpha, which is normal to fix problem. But, if after installing the new alpha, OD still gives you the same problem, then you have the every right to complain.. because:
1. The OD style of payment should give you the right to get non-buggy software before new version comes, or normally as soon as possible when the bug makes it unusable.
2. SD is working very hard on Dell at the moment, not OD.
And thumbs up for keeping your coolness even though being flamed through pictures and words. Hope they can understand without experiencing the bad things.
My suggestions for SD:
1. Get few additional programmers that work only on OD. If one day a strong competitor came up, I'm sure it would be bad for OD. SD needs to build sustainable competitive advantages (SCA) for OD, tabbed dock and taskbar-like feature is not enough. Constant good updates are needed, just like normal apps to improve the SCA more, or to decrease the change of a new software defeating OD. If one day MS or other serious company decided to create something similar to OD, without strong SCA, OD will be dead in no time.
2. If stable good fixes cannot be delivered constantly, it's a good idea not to charge additional fee for upgrade to new version... yet. Some customers that still have problems may get angry, when new version is coming. As they feel they have paid for buggy program and would not get any support when new version is released. Or, at least give some compensations.
Again, if iVaN already installed alpha and the bug still exists, I don't see any problem with iVAN complaining over and over again, especially, if the problem is a big issue for iVAN that makes the software unusable. It's his or her rights to complain. By charging payment for new version and the fact that nobody wants to pay for a buggy program, it is the norm that SD has to provide the customers with stable final. And, now SD is working very hard on Dell and abandon OD at the moment. So, it makes sense for the payers to demand what they deserve. And if the problem is too difficult to fix, it is a good idea to compensate the customer.
I just want to give a constructive criticism and suggestions, after all we all want for OD to improve. And I believe, even some fanboys think that OD is being updated too slow.
Even I, nonactive person in here, could see there is something wrong.
Don't want to 'hijack' the thread, just my 2 cents.
