Why can't it 'just work'?...

re: Why can't it 'just work'?...

jeem — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 05:28:18 GMT

Static build-up?:-p

re: Why can't it 'just work'?...

Robert Banghart — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 19:44:21 GMT

I rely heavily upon TechNet events, webcasts, and virtual labs to stay current on the Microsoft stack. Chris is often the presenter when I attend the TechNet Quarterly Briefings.

Microsoft UK Evangelist Eileen Brown recently asked for feedback on a couple of Harold Wong’s Exchange series webcasts http://blogs.technet.com/eileen_brown/archive/2007/04/19/watching-webcasts-on-exchange.aspx). Since she mentioned me by name, I provided her with my feedback in Word documents. I gave Harold solid nine’s on my evaluation form. I also documented what I consider to be defects in many aspects of the user experience in viewing the webcasts.

I also recently completed the Vista Express Virtual Labs http://www.microsoft.com/technet/traincert/virtuallab/vista.mspx). I prepared and sent a PowerPoint presentation to Anthony Tsim at the Virtual Labs. None of the evaluation forms I filed on those nine virtual labs contained a single nine. While Anthony has acknowledged that many of the issues I raised in detailed follow-up evaluations were valid, suggested that we talk and even meet up to go over the issues, I haven’t heard back from him despite three phone calls and detailed follow-up evaluations on fifteen additional virtual labs.

Since blog comments are not formatted to handle my Word document feedback to Eileen or my PowerPoint presentation to Anthony Tsim, I’ve emailed them to Chris. I hope that they will provide him with some talking points to discuss within the TechNet teams.

Why can't it just work?

E-Bitz - SBS MVP the Official Blog of the SBS "Diva" — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 08:45:52 GMT

http://stewedprunes.com/blogs/stewed_prunes/ For those that followed the Stewed Prunes blog... you may

re: Why can't it 'just work'?...

Jim Maher — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 15:26:36 GMT

It won't "just work" because reliability isn't a product development priority. Neither is price. And that's our fault.

All consumers want "more and better". They vote with their purchase of the most bells and whistles. When comparing products, we look at the longest feature list and never ask for reliability statistics.

We're even willing to pay more for new wizardry, even if it costs us performance (Aero?).

I'm beginning to believe its a combination of greed, boredom and laziness. We want more. We demand stimulation. We refuse to learn.

So your cable company gives you more channels and a PVR, not greater reliability. Your digital camera maker gives you more pixels, more buttons, more settings, more "automated features", not greater dependability. Your game developer gives you more visual stimulation, even if it occasionally locks up. Your hotel gives you "free" internet access (I always look for it before booking), but you never demanded that it work.

Applications don't work, aren't integrated with other application features and certainly don't interoperate because those things don't sell. They may help with customer retention or - god forbid - customer satifaction, but they aren't flashy.

Cancel your cable PVR. Take the camera back to the store for a refund (good luck). Mail your game back to the publisher and demand a refund (but don't hold your breath). Refuse to buy Vista and Office 2007 (as many are seriously trying to do).

Vote!

Jim Maher

re: Why can't it 'just work'?...

pete gilbert — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 16:58:20 GMT

Well, at least somebody can go "speak to the product teams" about their issues. I often feel terrible for the average PC user -- I feel bad enough being a tech and having random, unforeseeable issues and having to google the issue to death until a workaround/solution is found. Gee, bet Vista is going to help that situation... NOT!!!

re: Why can't it 'just work'?...

chrisavis — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 17:00:40 GMT

Robert - I received your email and will spend some time reviewing the docs before forwarding to the appropriate teams. Please follow-up with me on this at your leisure.

Chris

re: Why can't it 'just work'?...

chrisavis — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 17:02:23 GMT

Susan - Wonderful meeting you for the first time last week!

Chris