comment on removal of Bug report and Feature Request forums removal

[polyxo]

I don't think that removing the Bug report and feature request sub-forums was a helpful measure.
The reasoning is understandable (streamlining feedback and having things neatly organized in one place, so that there's less work
also for those who maintain this forum).

That said, I think using three different formats, which even require separate logins simply expects way too much from normal customers.

No other software I know has feedback rules that strict.

Not everyone who has something helpful to contribute also brings along the dedication of a serious Beta Tester – and that's perfectly fine.
Even those who are on the release version and don't use unstable tools could encounter critical bugs which are still there. I don't see
why those users shouldn't be able to simply shout when something is wrong – without first digging through a non-trivial feedback system.

What I now expect is regular calls for order by moderators, directed at people who in fact did a good thing: Reporting a bug or suggesting a

feature.Those who received a reprimand for having spent time to describe what could make the software better might opt to rather post no more.
The same is true for people who only read what happens when posting in the wrong place.

Edited August 1, 2014 by polyxo

[Psmith]

Polyxo:

 

I have to agree with you.  I have always hated the "paying beta tester" paradigm - and users should not be made to jump through hoops to point out things that just don't work.

 

Feature requests is another matter.  I don't think such lists are paid very particular attention to, anyway.  Wish all you want - but the roadmap for new features lies embedded in someone's head - already fairly predetermined, I think.

 

 

Greg Smith

[haikalle]

I think one of the main problem what we have here is that bugs and feature request are in one place. I fear that when someone reports one bug into mantis it will be lost into 

feature request jungle. It would be so much for Andrew to find most important bugs if mantis includes only bugs. I have written feature request from this topic into mantis

Edited August 1, 2014 by haikalle

[PolyHertz]

Personally I think there should be one simple consolidated feature request system (trello), one bug reporting system (mantis), and one bug forum that is moderated by one or more volunteers that are willing to test/confirm bugs and input them into the mantis system.
 For urgent bugs, a single stickied thread would probably be enough, most people with bugs they'd like solved quickly post them in the beta thread anyway.

 

Before anything though, Mantis really needs to be wiped, its a collasal mess atp, and 95% of whats in it will never be fixed as a result.

[Javis]

Thanks for the input everyone. =)

 

Mantis has been the best thing for 3DC since it's inception. More bugs get fixed than ever, especially over the last year. Using just the forums was a complete mess and Andrew had a really hard time cataloging bugs. Bugs always got lost in the forum. At least now, even if they remain there for a while, they are cataloged, easy to find and set a status for said bug. For older bugs, it would be good if Andrew went through them and updated them accordingly, since he's really the only person that can do so. FWIW I'm pretty sure it still also allows for guest reporting, unless that was turned off.

 

Trello is optional, so my advise would be if you like how things were before trello, don't use it. Things will more or less be the same as they were for those who choose not to use it. It's a tool that Andrew decided to use to help him gauge customer interest.