Regarding whining and politeness (A quick note to everyone)

[Avimimus]

Hi Guys,

I noticed that Oleg Maddox got a little bit annoyed the other day. I don't think it should be up to the moderators to ensure common sense - so I thought we should discuss this a bit.

1. Usefulness:

Oleg has 9+ years of whining on record - he has kept notes you know.

This late in development he can fix very very few things. The code will be close to being fixed in stone. He needs to reach beta and make some sales. Until after SoW's release whining can only damage sales, it can't really improve the product.

However, a couple weeks after release (when Oleg is working on the patch), such input may have a role.

Although, I'd personally avoid too many complaints for the first four months so as not to damage sales and ensure there is as much money as possible to pay for releasing patches. Reviewers easily get false impressions.

2. Politeness:

It is also good to not just say:
"The terrain looks worse than Il-2. It looks horrible. Oh no!"

It is much more persuasive to preface the whine/request with something like:
"It is great to see the progress. I'd love to see if X feature of X part of the terrain engine can be improved for release. I feel it would add a lot.".

Notice how:
1) It starts positive and gives a 'nod' to the good parts
2) It makes a specific suggestion for a way to make an improvement (instead of simply trashing the work).
3) It makes room for differences of opinions and shows that it is your personal viewpoint (even if it is a viewpoint backed up by loads of wonderful evidence).

Common sense can say that you are much more likely to be listened to if you expect to be heard, but also show some respect for the good work that is being done.

You don't want Oleg to feel like he's been hit in the gut every time he posts something.

With great sincerity and a respect for whining, pleading and pitching,

-Avimimus

P.S. Any more ideas how we can make this more pleasant would be great to hear.


*Edit - regarding the features of the release*

I think a key thing for people to realise is that Oleg doesn't have any real competitors. His ten year old Il-2 engine is the only major WWII sim and no one is trying to outdo it. So, the standard business model would would be to release something with as little work done as possible - a minor improvement over past products, sold at the same price. This is how you make money. This is what business advice would say. Yet, Oleg is developing the best product he can without going bankrupt. Somehow most people don't see this. Oleg doesn't owe people every detail of development or immediate release of every feature. However, I also disagree with those who say that the relationship with the developer is a purely financial one - with a take it or leave it attitude. Oleg has never done what made business sense and he has consulted with the community from day one (listening a great deal). This is not "standard capitalism", this is something a little bit cleverer and more collaborative.

The way some people are acting, it is like they show up for closing time at a gourmet restaurant, the staff decided to keep it open for them, the chef comes out to deliver the food himself - and before even tasting the food they'd complain that they thought there would be 25 peas instead of 20.

If you have any thoughts - let me know.