Seems like many requests have many views, but unless people reply NoBoDy knows how users feel about the feature. I think viewers just do not want to get into polemics, but if independent anonymous poll is introduced it might make things much more interesting.
For example, if thread gets more than 50 views, feature of polling could be introduced automatically.
Polls are a worthy idea, which is why this has been tried over the decades in various forms. One difficulty was in how votes in Internet polls are counted. It’s possible, for example, to log in on multiple browsers and/or multiple locations to skew results. Another consideration is that PG Music is not obligated to do anything with the results.
But having said that, some of our newer forum members may not be aware that ideas are passed along to PG Music throughout the year in ongoing testing, and many ideas from users have been implemented. And we do have this active Wishlist Forum where good ideas receive lots of feedback including votes of +1. I’ve never seen a solid idea that got no response at all.
Matt, we both have heard many times that PGMusic doesn't listen to customer's suggestions. Maybe PGMusic could solve this so called problem by issuing a thank you statement. Maybe something like "we would like to that xxxxx for their xxxxx suggestion that we have incorporated in this update". This would be one message with a list of all those individual's suggestions were included.
That's a good idea, Mario, though perhaps hard to keep track of. I do remember reading notices in the PG Music News (off to the right) when individual users were credited.
I can point to a bunch of changes that I've suggested. I know you could do the same. When you called it a 'so-called problem' I think you said it accurately; my point is people just don't know all that has been done.
Matt, there are polls that are not easy to spike, since they use IP as ID.
And also it seems that users here are not as vicious as in some online places.
The idea behind the poll is to try to get more or less accurate number of users who want certain features. It seems that mostly pro-active members are responding here, but views are higher.... So pressing 1 button for three choices Yes/No/Neutral could give PG clear picture on what type of updates are more desirable by users to implement.
Filtering through many threads, seems that they (PG dev. people) are keeping secrecy, probably copycatting manners of good dead Steve Jobs. But on the other hand, if they do not do proper updates, people (including me) would not pay for updates. At least not as often as they might want.
So poll can work well in two way road.
Yes, if done properly this could be helpful. So if I understand correctly a poll would automatically be added to each first new post in this forum and the poll results would be more helpful than a bunch of +1 entries or comments, or lack of same? Is that the suggestion?
Yes precisely. And what is more important, some polls are made such way, that you have to vote in order to view the results, even if your vote is neutral.
I like this one:
https://www.strawpoll.me/ So if something like this is integrated within the forum, without having to leave pgmusic site, that would be ideal.
I can foresee one potential problem if a poll was the only option after a wish request. That is many times others have added further suggestions to the initial wish. For instance many times a request was for a RT and I or others will add "+1 for RTs and MIDI" and my,their suggestion may get more +1s.
At least now I think I understand what Rustyspoon is requesting. I would hope it adds but does not limit.
Mario, you’re absolutely right, the discussion of an idea clarifies it and often makes it stronger. Your example is an interesting one: someone requested new RealTracks; the next person said, Yes, but no MIDI. Then I pointed out that many here look as much forward to new MIDI and SuperMIDI as new RealTracks (a few more so). A poll on that one would have gotten confusing in a hurry.
As I mentioned earlier, poll can "appear" after the thread is established with XX views or XX replies. The reason for it(poll) is to make some of the sleepy PG people aware that request needs attention and it is not only discussed by pro-active members and shows more accurate number of people who are interested in the topic.
I’m sure calling some of the staff ‘sleepy’ will encourage them to get right on this.
If I am not mistaken, This is a "for profit" company. A free evaluation of their, lets put it gently, quite outdated program, a direct input from dedicated users with some great suggestions... Active discussion.
This should be plenty to justify "encouragement"...unless of course it is a sinking ship. I would guesstimate we shall see within next 1.5-2.5 years where it is heading.
I like the idea of a poll. And I suggest doing it so that only verified customers are given a code to use to vote in it. There. Problem solved. No fake voting.
Why does the old guard around here feel compelled to jump to PGM's defense every time someone complains or simply asks for a feature or bug fix? Yes, we know PGM has implemented some user requests (and we have thanked them by continuing to send them our money!) It is not those requests we are talking about. It is the features and bugs they have NOT addressed or even acknowledged that we would like to see dealt with.
I’m sure calling some of the staff ‘sleepy’ will encourage them to get right on this.
Great response. I'm still chuckling. (But I hope it comes true).