I saw another MC user's post to the list about supporting Flash and it got
me thinking about the recent feature survey and product evolution and all
that stuff...
I wonder how useful a tool a feature survey is when it comes to the
evolution of MC. What the survey did is poll *existing* MC users about what
they would like to see in MC, but obviously didn't generate any feedback
from non-MC users about features that would make them use the product.
As an individual, I've been clamoring for object translucency and built-in
multiple sound channels ever since I started using MC a couple of years ago,
but have been told that these features are not high on the request list. It
occurred to me that maybe they should be, along with other "less requested"
features, because these are capabilities needed by folks who use other
tools.
Perhaps *current* MC users don't want, for example, multimedia-related
features, but what about the droves of Flash/Director/Toolbook/etc users who
have come to expect these features and others? Does MC have any chance of
enticing more users of the above products when it caters mostly to the
"card" market (which is currently pretty slim)?
Folks can argue the semantics of "what is MC really used for?" until we're
all dead and buried. But I don't think I'm out of line when I claim that
tools like Flash/Director/Toolbook/etc are *related* and are therefore
worthy of being considered competitive products. Doesn't it make sense to
keep an eye on how competitive products are evolving, with the hope of
gaining new users who might otherwise look elsewhere for the features they
need?
I'm not saying that MC development should be limited to multimedia features.
And I'm not saying that current users should have no say in determining MC's
future. But it would be reassuring to know that enhancement plans for MC
are based on awareness of developments in related markets, as well as user
surveys.
Rebuttal stones can be hurled this direction.
Regards,
Scott
_____________________________________________________________________
Scott Rossi Tactile Media - Multimedia & Design
Creative Director Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Web: www.tactilemedia.com
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