Re: Looking for comments on ObjectAda and books.

[kilgallen@eisner.decus.org (Larry Kilgallen)]

In article <33509308.3017@aonix.com>, Dave Wood <dpw@aonix.com> writes:
> 
> Larry Kilgallen wrote:

>> Every time, and by every method, when I have tried to contact them
>> about the software, the overall impression I get is that they view
>> the purpose of the communication to be a way to add to their marketing
>> database.
> 
> I find this puzzling, Larry, as I know that I have personally 
> communicated with you on multiple occasions and I think answered
> all questions put to me.  I know that you have also communicated
> directly with engineers and support personnel.

Sorry, I meant to indicate "formal channels" in my comment.  Indeed,
sending email to Dave Wood works very well, but I consider that a
"back door" approach for use only in emergencies.  I do not believe
I have ever gotten a responsive answer from email or written comments
to the general customer service addresses.

> If you have something *else* in mind, do feel free to contact
> me directly and we'll get to the heart of it.

I certainly would if it were critical, but I do not want to deter
from overall product management efforts.  I have made particular
long-term suggestions/requests which you have been dealing with,
and I view those as much more important than smaller bug reports
which are properly sent through formal channels.

> Unfortunately, we've had ongoing technical problems related
> to some freeware list server software (sometimes you get what you
> pay for), and that forum has been non-functional for a few 
> frustrating months now.  We are working hard on a resolution, and
> I expect a breakthrough in the near future.

Ah !  _That_ is a really relevant piece of news about the goals of
the support environment which clears up some mystery.  Although you
sometimes get what you pay for, it is also possible to get less than
what you pay for, as I know folk who have had similar trouble with
highly-priced software for similar purposes.

> While awaiting this resolution, I had considered making status
> announcements about 7.1 here on c.l.a, but this has two drawbacks:
> (1) it might be considered rude by non-ObjectAda customers and/ or
> competing companies, and (2) a lot of customers don't read this
> newsgroup, at least on a regular basis.

I agree that c.l.a is inappropriate for unsolicited status reports,
although we all appreciate your presence here and contribution of
this _solicited_ status report.  V7.1 is more important that a
newsletter, but sometime in the future you may have the time.

Larry Kilgallen