Subject: From: Date:

Re: [ECS] [Fwd: ECS] LEC1964.aol.com Mon, 10 Aug 1998 18:39:44 EDT

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Mark,
       My opinion is that, unfortunately, you are going to have to "dummy"
proof your software. There are those that do not read or care to read
instructions. They rely on convention or their own interpretation of a
convention and are not prepared to do anything else. I have also encountered a
number of individuals, who are supposed to be "computer literate", that have
no understanding of what the DOS prompt represents. If it's not done from the
Desktop it makes no sense to them.
       As far as it being a niche product, I'm not sure what that means. When
you offer a product that runs on a computer, requires the use of logic
statements, requires devices you plug in at various locations around the house
or run a pair of wires to remote sensors, I do believe you have limited
audience. I guess it's where your at on the niche scale. I also believe you do
have a marketable product. Refinements will come and most of us are patient.
       I am not a Windows "purist" and in many ways as long an application is
fully functional I may not care about the niceties. I also know there are
others in this group that are much more talented as to the Windows platform.
Hopefully their input will provide some help so that total compliance may not
be necessary.
       You might also wan't to consider some careful marketing strategies to
exclude those individuals who fall below say some minimum level of computer
skill. Maybe just a carefully worded requirement for a familiarity with DOS or
whatever. It's not that ECS is all that difficult but at the moment your not
providing a "Plug and Play" product with a self installing CD and plug in PLC
hardware. You do not wan't to attract individuals that are destined to fail.
That is counter-productive.
       Finally, if I'm going test or do a review of a software product I would
certainly contact it's author (in a civil manner) and in all fairness allow
him to to assist so that I can obtain a good overview of products capability
before "bailing out".

Larry C.
       

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