Re: Off-Topic: Communicating with users

FROM : Rush Manbert
DATE : Fri Jun 23 22:45:39 2006

Bobby B wrote:
> Hello everyone;
>
> I've got a bit of an off-topic question.  I have developed an app (in
> COCOA!), and it fills a certain niche, therefore the users are really
> excited about it.  A lot of people are making suggestions.  Some good,
> some bad.  And some are downright the absolute worst ideas I've ever
> heard in my life.
>
> It all takes place on a public forum, so all responses are visible.  I
> was curious how you, as developers, would respond to users'
> suggestions when they don't fit in with the scope of the program, just
> aren't good, or are just plain horrible.
>
> Obviously I am trying to be nice :)
>


Here's the old curmudgeon viewpoint. First of all, never ever discuss
your development plans on a public forum. (Have you noticed how much
Apple does this, for instance?) You really have no obligation to be nice
to people who are making suggestions, beyond a polite blanket statement
that says you will consider all input but not comment on it. You should
also have a bug tracking database so you can say things like "Can you
please file a bug report for that?", or "If you think that is important,
please file an enhancement request." If you did that, then you can say
that all  suggestions for "improvement" made on the forum will be
ignored, and that the way to submit those suggestions is by filing an
enhancement request. Then you will at least get a feel of who is willing
to put in the effort and think through their suggestion. Everything else
is just noise.

Just my 2 cents,
Rush