amigacooke
Well-known member
There was no intention to discredit, just to point out that Software Support Lifecycles are not exclusive to Auran.
Campain to retain full dls for 04/06 and fellas lets keep this one clean
- Thread starter marinemania
- Start date
amigacooke
Well-known member
That's a poor example if you don't mind me saying so. Left to the devices of its user, the 'Amiga' community has split at least three ways (OS4, MorphOS and AROS) and can't even agree on what constitutes an Amiga anymore.For those contemplating the setting up of an independent download site, I don't see why this can't be done.
I still run an old "Commodore Amiga A1200 Z4", I can still download loads of programs (games & utilities) for it, mostly from sites that don't charge.
There has been no 'Official' support for the Amiga or any of it's software for over a DECADE, but we 'Amigans' are still going strong.
PS I still occasionally use a towered A500 for games of Rainbow Island. I'm rubbish though.
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amigacooke
Well-known member
Taking DLS away is bad business idea
I'm coming in at the tail end of this, just one comment. Not everybody wants to buy the latest version and a bigger computer to run it, even if it is perfect. Like nearly all PC software, Trainz is sold with a perpetual license meaning you don't have to pay by the month. People update software only when the functionality improves. DLS is integral to the use of Trainz as advertised. The FCT is good for those who need it (I don't) but too costly to serve as a monthly software use fee. Perhaps voluntary donations? Less costly FCT?
I'm coming in at the tail end of this, just one comment. Not everybody wants to buy the latest version and a bigger computer to run it, even if it is perfect. Like nearly all PC software, Trainz is sold with a perpetual license meaning you don't have to pay by the month. People update software only when the functionality improves. DLS is integral to the use of Trainz as advertised. The FCT is good for those who need it (I don't) but too costly to serve as a monthly software use fee. Perhaps voluntary donations? Less costly FCT?
BLACKWATCH
Mechanical Engineer
I run a 10 year old car, I can still go to the main dealers or Motor Factors & buy spares for it, they don't tell me 'it's too old to be bothered with, buy a newer model'.
Aurans 'after sales service' is sadly lacking.
Aurans 'after sales service' is sadly lacking.
The problem is in the program itself.
Trainz is open ended and infinite. No next level to beat, no need to buy the next release because you beat the old one. It's perpetual and only limited by your imagination.
Good for a consumer, you get your money worth. Bad for a company selling it, how do you try and sell a new copy every year, especially when most of the needed content is built by the community.
Each new version comes with some new perks and improvements. Some like them, some don't. Some need them, some don't. The basics of the "game play" don't really change. The ability to build and operate a convincing and functional route in any version still remains.
The one aspect of this little hobby that makes it successful is the community. Without it, there would be no DLS, no disc full of content when you first install Trainz and no support forum which takes a lot of pressure off the company in helping users with problems. All major selling points of this program.
Sadly, a wedge just get slammed into the middle of all that. For what, a new release? I fully understand the need to sell a new program every year to stay afloat. I also fully understand that a lot of Trainz users are self sufficient, they don't need a DLS since they can build their own content and host it anywhere if they choose. I haven't downloaded a route in a very long time. Why? I have Surveyor to build my little disappointments. Isn't that why I bought this game in the first place?
Splitting up this community is just going to hurt everyone in the long run. Sure, there's a program going on to fix all the older stuff for 09/10. It's still all the older stuff, no gain. Some new will go to the DLS, some won't, and will not be guaranteed to be error free. CM? can't find non DLS content so dependency hunt time.
I'm all for advancement. I also understand where Auran is coming from. But, I also understand not everyone will upgrade, reasons being theirs. Splitting a community in a niche market may not be a wise idea. Especially if the platform you are selling relies in part on that community for it's needed content to be successful.
Some may never upgrade. Some will when the time or features warrant it for them. Let the product stand on it's own merits for sales, if it's worth it, it will sell. Slash and burn tactics just split your community base and ultimately affect everyone.
Dave.....
Trainz is open ended and infinite. No next level to beat, no need to buy the next release because you beat the old one. It's perpetual and only limited by your imagination.
Good for a consumer, you get your money worth. Bad for a company selling it, how do you try and sell a new copy every year, especially when most of the needed content is built by the community.
Each new version comes with some new perks and improvements. Some like them, some don't. Some need them, some don't. The basics of the "game play" don't really change. The ability to build and operate a convincing and functional route in any version still remains.
The one aspect of this little hobby that makes it successful is the community. Without it, there would be no DLS, no disc full of content when you first install Trainz and no support forum which takes a lot of pressure off the company in helping users with problems. All major selling points of this program.
Sadly, a wedge just get slammed into the middle of all that. For what, a new release? I fully understand the need to sell a new program every year to stay afloat. I also fully understand that a lot of Trainz users are self sufficient, they don't need a DLS since they can build their own content and host it anywhere if they choose. I haven't downloaded a route in a very long time. Why? I have Surveyor to build my little disappointments. Isn't that why I bought this game in the first place?
Splitting up this community is just going to hurt everyone in the long run. Sure, there's a program going on to fix all the older stuff for 09/10. It's still all the older stuff, no gain. Some new will go to the DLS, some won't, and will not be guaranteed to be error free. CM? can't find non DLS content so dependency hunt time.
I'm all for advancement. I also understand where Auran is coming from. But, I also understand not everyone will upgrade, reasons being theirs. Splitting a community in a niche market may not be a wise idea. Especially if the platform you are selling relies in part on that community for it's needed content to be successful.
Some may never upgrade. Some will when the time or features warrant it for them. Let the product stand on it's own merits for sales, if it's worth it, it will sell. Slash and burn tactics just split your community base and ultimately affect everyone.
Dave.....
gremlin1812
New member
G'Day Dave, Well said, exactly what has been the reasoning all along only at times not said as eloquently.
Regards
Barrie
Regards
Barrie
Hi: Dave was right when he said, let the product sell itself..We need more Steam engine available to us..Maybe just more content..What do you think?? Where is the support we need for our entertainment..After all thats what we buy it for..We have already invested our Money..Now we would like to see results..