Hi all,
Seems like the pricing issue is still raging on so I wanted to add my
two-bobs worth because I tool feel there is an issue:
I own a multimedia company so $350 is not so much of an issue
particularly for the power hidden in Rev (but unfortunately our dollar
is not strong so that translates into $700 Aussie dollars). Anyway I
swallowed the pill because I was SO EXCITED by the potential for the
product, even though I don't have a project for Rev yet. I wanted to
test the stability...
As a multimedia tool (but is it really, no support for alpha and true 32
bit blends; only partial QT control) it shoots way past the expensive
Director, and yes, Heather pointed out that you need to buy a PC and a
Mac version (unless you use a stub projector) just to develop a
cross-platform version. Macromedia is sickening. So it is good value
on this front.
The problem for me is elsewhere: STABILITY. I'm afraid to deploy
anything in the Real world for fear of it falling over or running into
compatibility issues. I'm unsure where the Rev code issues start and
where the underling Metacard engine issues are. Is the bug the engine
or just some code that won't affect final delivery of my product (when
the authoring environment is removed and the product deployed)? This
reminds me of my first $1,000 purchase of Videoworks interactive
(Director now). It was expensive and didn't deliver, just too buggy.
Bad pill.
I truly believe -- hope -- that 1.1 will more than anything solve the
two pages of issues I've had with the product. Many are small interface
issues, others like system crashes are more of a worry. I really want
this to be a great environment and believe that overall it will become
stable and clean. So what do I do with it? Keep playing and when it
feels stable, try a live one on a client.
Before I go on I would like to congratulate the Rev team for building an
absolutely amazing product, and all in the runtime environment. Your
code is amazing, your tool has really made great use of the Metacard
engine. Many many thanks, a great REVival... Our company goes way back
(as most on the list do?) to Hypercard and Supercard development, now
shelved, both sadly lacking cross platform (and UNIX too! that is
UNHEARD OF! WOW!) So a big thanks!
My litmus test for a product value works like this (it may be a bit
harsh for some): for every hour of work with no issue, add $1. For
every bug or issue, subtract $1 (you can only subtract once only for one
bug, even if it repeats). Then there are the bonuses: excellent
implementation or code, add $5. Excellent UI, add $5.
So what is RunRev's value to us? Surprisingly it has started creep back
up from falling to the depths when I first started using the product,
probably because I've been staying up every night working on it and
loving it (much to my partner's dislike, but she has to swallow the pill
too). The best litmus result was Adobe Photoshop: it has almost doubled
in price for me (but that is an old love affair I can't explain).
The point of all this raving (took a long time, didn't it)? Just to
point out that the pill becomes a horse pill when the product has lots
of UI and environment bugs, sort of feels like you are paying for Beta
software. I think $350 is really very very reasonable for the power the
Rev can deliver, particularly in relation to the rest of the playing
field.
In fact I'm sure you guys are not driving around in BMWs and need every
cent we can offer. I think your main challenge will be in the
marketing, stability and overall 'cleanness' of the product. Tribeworks
is expen$ive but stable. Director is outrageou$ but somewhat stable...
well, ummm... yes... mTropolis WAS expen$$ive but stable, it then fell
dramatically in price and then finally fell from earth. Sadly we paid
full tilt for this too. Rev is value in this light but needs bit more
light for stability... it will then have a floodlight on it!
---
I love this young list because you get real answers, real discussion and
real contributions from the RunRev team: thanks to everyone that kindly
donates their time. And you can read the whole digest without losing
your day... well maybe not after this slog of a donation.
Communities are one of the most important assets for a growing product,
they help pass the good word on and in the developer community the first
place to 'get a feel' for the product is the list. I think overall this
list has been very positive and active (I haven't heard a peep out of
the Yahoo list...)
I hope I haven't hurt anyone ;..( you guys all need all the love,
support and encouragement you can get. I guess I'm just adding my
perspective in the hope that others that follow won't be turned away
from a fabulous product and that 1.1 turns up more fixes than features:
or both if you can do it!
A long two-bobs worth, hey (is that an Australian saying only)? I'm
sure I'm going to be eating my words come October 31, probably choking
on them and celebrating!
M@
Matt Denton
