OT: Don't ever take the quality of this forum for granted.

MyST wrote on 9/9/2003, 8:54 PM
I'm really hoping Sony sees the advantages of keeping this forum alive.
A forum where the users can come to learn how to better use the software through advice, tutorials, etc.
It's also very good for Sony to have a place where it's customers can come to describe bugs with the software and also give input as to desired features for upcoming product releases.
It's a win/win situation.
Sony gets direct feedback from it's userbase concerning it's software(that way it can improve the next versions with features the users are looking for), and we get help using our products that we invested $ in.
I realize Sony is keeping the forums (unless that's recently changed), but I'm really hoping they keep the "feel" the same. SoFo is well known for it's friendly UI... this forum is no exception.
Why this soapbox speach?
I have a new version of my CNC programming software that I just installed at work. I found it wierd that I would modify the workspace by moving/modifying taskbars, background colours, etc. Now the software is supposed to be able to remember this when I save my new layout as a template. When I restart the software, my new template is supposed to load as I save it. Well, it doesn't. I called customer service... they tell me they've never heard of the problem. Fair enough, so I start wondering what could be wrong on my end. Another problem comes up (unrelated), this one they can't help me with so they have tech support call me directly. He solves the second problem, so while I'm at it I figure I might as well ask about the taskbar problem. I describe what I do to save my template and when he tries it on his end he reproduces my bug. I ask him if customer service had ever mentioned this to him and he said he'd never heard of it. :(
Before getting the call from him, but after getting no help from CS, I thought I'd post on a forum that deals with Electical Discharge Machining (EDM), to see if anyone else was getting the same problems I was getting. This forum (EDM Talk) is so poluted with CRAP, that I only post because I'm desperate for help.
I wanted to give you the link so you could see how bad it is, but when I went back to get the address, the site was down because of overhauling do to the incredible amount of bad posts. Don't believe me... check it out for yourself.

http://www.edmtalk.com/disc1_toc.htm

This episode(lack of direct contact with applications engineers for the software, lack of a proper forum for troubleshooting and exchanging ideas/ getting advice) really reminded me of how great it is to be able to come to the Sonic Foundry website and post on their forum so other users can help me out through advice, and guidance. Also knowing that SoFo personnel is monitoring to see if any bugs are reported, or to give instructions on how to better use the software is very appreciated.

I'm hoping Sony takes this into consideration when transferring the forum to a Sony site, and sees fit not to mess with a good thing.

Off the soap box now.

M

Comments

InterceptPoint wrote on 9/9/2003, 10:00 PM
I absolutely agree with you. One of the really nice things about this forum is that the bandwidth that is allocated to bug fixes and other problems is very very low. The sofware works and so we get to concentrate on how to build good video and how to squeeze new stuff out of Vegas that we didn't know we could.

The people who respond to the messages on this board are first class. They should all give themselves and Sonic Foundry/Sony a big hand. A first class act.
TorS wrote on 9/10/2003, 2:04 AM
Yes, but ...
With the increased number of Vegas users since the release of 4, the forum naturally has had an increased rate of I don't know what I want but I want it NOW kind of posts. Luckily, to this day, it has been able to cope (knock knock knock). There's the occasional outburst of impatience with people who find it easier to post questions than to read manuals, people who act as if the help they get here is something they're entitled to, and people who just drag down the jolly spirit of things by being bad sports. The forum copes, to the great and constant benefit of not only beginners, but experienced users as well. Let's keep it that way.
Tor
Arks wrote on 9/10/2003, 9:13 AM
I agree that this forum is a very valuable source of information on the creative process of video editing AND help. I have been browsing and posting on this forum for atleast 2 to 3 years now...what a wonderful place to share ideas/problems. Everyone keep up the good work!

Brian
mcgeedo wrote on 9/10/2003, 9:20 AM
I seriously doubt I would be anywhere near as competent on VV as I am (not that I'm all that great, now!) without this forum and the folks in it. I would also not be very much of a filmmaker, either. So much talent to draw on here...