Anthony (I am a big fat liar) Valterra 11/12

[Zulkir]

Folks,

I'm going to keep communicating until we get this patch up. At this point I am looking to put up the patch we have and hopefully follow it up with a version that is usable by all versions of E-Tools soon. I'm curious what people think of that idea.

In any case this will *not* be the last patch. When we post the patch we will also post a list of what this patch does and we will post a list of known fixes that are needed.

We will also provide a means of reporting fixes needed for both E-Tools and the Beta Patch.

AV

 

[Nine Hands]

Anthony,

IMHO, keep the patch under wraps until it works for all versions (unless you need testers and this is released as strictly a beta test). Currently E-tools works (it just has a few bugs). With this patch you could have a multitude of calls because people will just install the patch and not read that it may break thier version. Then the complaining will start

If you are going to release the patch (which it sounds like you want to), maybe create a beta testing list and have it sent through that channel (it will keep most average users away) and you can get a good sized group of people to beat up the code to see if it breaks.

Keep up the good work and concentrate on getting the patch working correctly vs. being "on time". I actually am starting to have high hopes for this product if you are working on it

Thanks for the updates, its nice to know that things are happening (even if it is a bit slow).

 

[Draco]

I concur. Post the patch, but clearly label it as BETA. This will cause the casual user to be careful and will ensure that the quality is not misunderstood. Naturally, you should list exactly what is known to be wrong with the patch, so that people can decide whether to try the BETA.

 

[Zulkir]

That's the direction I am leaning. Curious what others think.

AV

 

[herald]

Make the Beta available. Make sure people know it is at thier own risk.

 

[vic20]

Release it when it is ready. People will forget a month later if it was late, but they won't so readily forget if it is buggy.

my $0.02,
Vic20

That's the direction I am leaning. Curious what others think.

AV

 

[Fast Learner]

Make the beta available, and explain on the download page (and in a readme, etc.) how to back up their existing install (as easy as duplicating the C:\Program Files\Wizards\eTools folder), and how to return to their original (either copy files from the backup copy to the regular folder or just delete the "eTools" folder and rename the copy to "eTools").

Maybe that's too complicated, but if you don't provide basic "save your butt" instructions you may end up with a bunch of (pre-warned) unhappy users who end up uninstalling and reinstalling eTools, losing all of their custom efforts, characters, etc. flooding the custserv lines.

 

[Draco]

People will forget a month later if it was late, but they won't so readily forget if it is buggy.

my $0.02,
Vic20

You would think so. But I still read messages citing how late e-Tools was.

 

[jdavis]

I think a certain element will complain regardless. I just want to see it done right, I can wait as long as I know somebody is actually trying to get it done right.

 

[Chaz]

DO NOT Release a patch that isnt useable by everyone. That would be unfair. There has been enough unfair treatment towards ET cusomers in general so far, no need to specificaly target some now for bad treatment. Its Bad Mojo!