[PCR-1000] Software Development

[Kenneth Brahmer]

Having spent 25 years in software development, I thought my two cents might
help.
Jim McNally wrote:
> Has the support and future development of TalkPCR been abandoned ??  I =
> saw on the web site that the last entry was April 2002 and TalkPCR 2.9 =
> is still a BETA ???  I really don't understand and they are still =
> charging $45.00 for registration !!  Maybe I am missing something here.

1. The detergent Tide has marketed "a new and improved Tide" numerous times
in the past decade. But I doubt there was much of significant difference in
its basic function...although the box certainly had some upgrades.

2. Last year's model Ford was still worth its basic purchase price when this
year's model hit the streets. Just because it's not this year's model
doesn't mean it's worthless...and in some cases it's worth more...something
not broken didn't get "fixed" maybe.

3. When it became clear to manufacturers, that the buying public wanted and
would pay for improved economy conscious automobiles - e.g. better gas
mileage - the manufacturer's made them. That's why you use TalkPCR instead
of ICOM or Bonito - it responded to the users. AND if enough people want new
functions (not more fluff) then TalkPCR will be modified to keep pace or
another source will provide.

4. What we have here is a failure to communicate and compensate. Ever notice
how people who are on charity often are the most vocal about the support
they get being "not enough?"  Ever notice how a flea market buyer wants an
already discounted priced item to have more and better features BUT wants it
for less? Ever notice how disgruntled people loudly pronounce general and
generic ailments but are hard pressed to provide meaningful specifics. Ever
notice how a product gets so modified to be everything to everybody, that it
becomes too bloated and confusing as to be much of anything to anyone?

Tell the programmer specifically what you require, how important it is
relative to the basic functionality (how it will perform and be used) AND
what you are willing to do to compensate for the effort required. Ten people
willing to pay $50 might be incentive. One hundred people willing to pay
nothing aren't.

The nice thing about the international market, is that if you are not
satisfied with what is available, you can always create the better mousetrap
yourself...but your efforts will be
A. Quick B. Cheaper C. Good ---pick two and only two!