Hello Geoff:
Thanks for your remarks.
You said, "REALbasic's environment does less, and is therefore simpler,
just as a golf cart is simpler than a passenger car".
In the absence of facts, and with respect, we only have your word for that.
I'd love to read a serious comparison written, perhaps, by the one who
understand Rev's potential, namely, the Rev project leader.
And, in response to my comparison of versions, you said, "...the version
number alone means little. Given that Revolution has a significant head
start in many areas (and lags behind in some others), it's going to be very
interesting".
Once again, I'm sure there are many of us who would like a few hard facts.
One must wonder, Geoff, why the Rev staff leave you to struggle with these
matters alone.
I said:
>If Rev cost the same as REALBasic I'd buy it and use it along with
>REALBasic. However, the price is much too high merely to see what can be
>done. The 10 line limit is a serious obstacle and not a wise way to limit
>the evaluation copy. I believe the RR marketing weasels need to be reigned
>in.
You replied that, "This is an unfair characterization. The only thing
available for free from REALbasic is the demo, which runs only for a
limited time...".
And further that, "In contrast, Revolution's starter kit is free for
unlimited use..."
Yes. However, although the Rev "Starter" version is free, it has a serious
limitation. Let's not get into more contests but rather recognize and
acknowledge the 10 line script limit prevents serious, i.e.,. Complex
evaluation. And a thorough evaluation is, of course, the only sort that
matters in the long run. One must conclude that although the Rev pricing
policy seems better in fact it isn't.
Consider, there are many people who download the "free" version and never
upgrade, those RR refers to as "hobbyists". Those people represent lost
revenue. Then there are those who download to evaluate and give up because
of the scripting limitation. That's a more serious loss of revenue. If RR's
competitors are "Director" or "iShell", they why is RR offering a free
version to hobbyists and a crippled version to professionals? Rather, one
would expect a free, time limited evaluation copy followed by a full price
professional version.
Clearly Rev is a serious product. (Precisely how serious remains to be
seen). Nevertheless, good work has been done so it's worth paying for. The
question is how much. I note many letters to this list mention figures at
or below $100. Apparently that makes sense to someone who evaluates for
personal use and later buys, for personal use. But it makes sense also to
someone who plans to do a thorough evaluation and given a favorable result
will buy a Professional license eventually. The latter user is more likely
to come to see the merits of the software if he can do significant work
with it. In either case, revenue is generated.
As matters stand, Rev doesn't seem to be getting the attention you feel it
deserves. The apparent lack of traffic on this list must mean something. Of
course this could be merely the hobbyists list and the real discussion goes
on elsewhere...
Best Wishes:
DW
