Messages

51

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: October 05, 2007, 09:59 AM »

Isn't it strange - that do-organizer which is better than other PIMs gets so few downloads compared to them. They are incompetent at everything except programming.

-zak11000 (October 05, 2007, 09:32 AM)

The "price" also has something to do with that as well, but until they make a firm committment towards clients, their business will swing like a roller coaster!

52

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: October 05, 2007, 09:47 AM »

Just the same, I don't think that there was enough "negativism" to justify a disappearance. There are probably more serious issues internally. But they did mention in a post that they were somewhat annoyed with the posting (generally). Dealing with clients is NOT their strong point, ofcourse. And I agree, running a business involves lots of responsibilities. Running a forum is also a responsibility. It's a connection between the developers and the clients. Any serious business will watch that closely and carefully post suitable answers. It's a question of competency! This was their 1st forum, and so they never disappeared like that before. Every forum has it's ups-and-downs, but to turn it completely off, well, that really shows a lack of professionalism - as you say. Obviously, they haven't "matured" enough as a business to understand the importance of a client-centered approach. Your clients are like "gold" and you would normally do everything to keep them.

53

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: October 05, 2007, 09:12 AM »

Don't really agree with the comment above that the problem was that people were too negative on the GemX forum. Its not our job to massage their ego's. But I do agree that they took the criticism personally. They are selling a product and charging money for it. They are supposed to be mature adults running a profesional company that has responsiblities towards their customers, not children looking for praise.

-zak11000 (October 05, 2007, 08:26 AM)

I didn't make the statement to make people feel like they've done something wrong but rather as an indication of how they (GemX) perceived things. I think everybody likes to receive comments about a job well done though - it's only normal!

54

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: October 04, 2007, 05:15 PM »

Well... an update of sorts: SWREG e-mailed GemX about three hours ago giving them 48 hours to contact me and advising them that failure to do so will result in SWREG issuing me a refund. I feel quite conflicted about this because I really was/am hoping that gemx hasn't gone away... Sadly, it seems to me that they have. To date, I have 7 unanswered DSM's with them, 3 unanswered e-mails, the blog comments, this thread, 5 messages through SWREG... Not looking too promising, folks 

-Darwin (October 04, 2007, 03:47 PM)

Whatever internal problems they might have, you don't leave your clients out-to-lunch like that. They've lost clients and will find difficulty in re-gaining them. Any serious company would think of posting a message to their clients. It's when they do absolutely nothing like that - it makes you wonder... and it's too bad, yes, if they are permanently gone - but we have to move on...

Let us know what happens...
thanks

55

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: October 04, 2007, 04:47 PM »

Well, I understand your point of view. It seems that's the common trend of thought. But, to me, it's not less painful because if you use 10 applications for example, as you say, well, you can also become easily frustrated at 10 developers lagging in development, updates, support issues, and so on. Your problem can, in a sense, be 10 times bigger! So where are we at?!! I also find that "specialized" APPS, though they are good - no doubt, have endless options I don't need - but others do, ofcourse. Anyways, I guess, each client works towards a (temporary) and acceptable solution. Maybe that's why I like TreeDB - it's light as a pim.

56

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: October 04, 2007, 02:42 PM »

It's now Thursday, and still nothing...??!!!

What can you do with pims, outliners, and notes managers... in this world of differing opinions and needs? What's useless to one is paramount to another... it gets difficult sometimes...

In general, I think that the developer world has disappointed us somehow. It's such a struggle on the net to find the suitable app for most. I've been through plenty enough myself. Are they really in-touch with the needs of clients? I wonder sometimes. In all cases, developments are so slow. I figure that in 2007, we should have been confronted with loads more APPS and interesting developments. When you think of how long computers have been out there, - and you are still looking for the suitable notes APP - good grief, when will this torture end? It's true, that there is lots of junk out there that only considers a "tiny" aspect of notes management, and many available APPS have a last update recorded in 2004, 2005, 2006... In the past, I spent most of my time "waiting", "downloading", "installing", "requesting", "uninstalling", over and over again instead of organizing!!! It became such a distraction. Manytimes, I thought of hitting the "off" button on my computer and going back to the standard paper & pencil routine. Developers are just not turning me "ON" somehow.... I believe that most are just "contenting" themselves with a software but are not really finding the appropriate solution. It's more like: "well, what can you do? - that's the best I could find." Developers are just not producing it! The software industry seems to be lagging behind.

57

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: September 27, 2007, 06:44 PM »

Hi beldeamon - hadn't thought of phoning the company. I think I'll give it a try after the weekend (have a meeting to attend out of town - leave this afternoon). I seriously doubt that I'll get an answer but you never know...

-Darwin (September 27, 2007, 01:58 PM)

Offline Support Services
Telephone and Fax Support is not offered as a standard support service. However, for any emergency support you may contact us by telephone / fax at + 31 320 845932. PLEASE remember this is only for EMERGENCIES, not to be used for normal support service you can obtain through online services. Keep in mind we are based in the Netherlands. Our normal business hours are 9am to 6pm CET [Central European Time]

58

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: September 27, 2007, 05:01 PM »

I've given up on GemX - such a shame since it seemed to promise much - Sorry if this is a bit off topic but i guess those of us who have been stung by do-O are now desperately trying to replace it with something that delivers on functionality. 

-celtichare (September 27, 2007, 05:12 AM)

This is just me, ofcourse, but I think sometimes that "people" in general at the ex do-O forum were too negative in a sense. What I mean is, there were too many requests flooding in and too much negativism in general instead of praising them for such a comprehensive work. Will you find something like do-O? I doubt it, let's face it, do-O is outstanding despite some things... there is nothing out there to match it. Just before closing the forum, they did mention that they were getting sort of "fed up" with the style of posts. They definately didn't get enough encouragement - afterall, the persons behind the project are people like you and me, and they are vulnerable to criticism just like anybody else. For example, when they launched the spreadsheets section, they got hit really bad - why? - many other apps launching the same tool provided pretty well the same spreadsheet format - I can name some. And they didn't get such criticism. But the do-O forum got swamped. For a "start" the spreadsheet implementation was OK, but yes, we were approaching a full year without any updates in it... that deserved a strong comment on the other hand. You don't leave your clients hanging on a limb like that for a full year - that's simple common sense - or business sense.

They got rather "fed up" with the bug reports as well. If you put yourself in their shoes, it's no fun getting bug reports with lots of little (comments) that distract you from your work and throw your concentration off somewhat. It can get aggravating sometimes. Users didn't submit their reports in an objective manner.

Afterall, the GemX team did an extraordinary work! It's a shame to see things the way they are... it really is.

do-O was a very big project. On the other hand, that's why I like TreeDBNotes PRO. It's "light" as a pim and it's not "over-functional" and heavy. The developer is open-minded and "listens" to suggestions...

59

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: September 25, 2007, 10:46 PM »

It's a shame - it really is...
Service used to be so good - but - somehow - it dropped below sea level! And now they're drowning beneath it all... They definately can get into heavy "legal" trouble with false advertising. It just takes ONE person to stir things up in a courtroom. They are playing with fire - and they are not careful - they just might get their fingers burned... I hope you can find a remedy.

60

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: September 24, 2007, 09:46 PM »

They close with no public notice beforehand: Ya don't just pull the plug on people like that. That's very unprofessional - totally unjustified - and no class at all...

61

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: September 24, 2007, 04:06 PM »

GemX prides itself on its customer support - claiming that it's "probably the support service in the industry". Since I bought my first GemX product, TexNotes Pro a year or so ago,

-Darwin (September 03, 2007, 05:47 PM)

Why don't you try TreeDBNotes PRO? It's much better than Texnotes...
You have the multi-tab feature - just that goes well beyond Texnotes. If you don't want contacts and passwords trees, simply do not insert them. The contacts cards are nice though. But, TreeDB has enough versatility to allow you to use the tabs uniquely for note taking. You can also publish a multi-tabbed eBOOK.

TreeDB allows you to "lock" tabs and individual "notes" for privacy. You can set up tabs across the screen and build a useful database of notes. The capability to build several trees into one database is very powerful. You can also LINK to other notes... and better still, YOU CAN LINK to any note in any tab... and...

TreeDB

62

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: September 22, 2007, 08:45 PM »

so much they promised to fix (little things) and never did - i had my own list in scribe of things i wanted them to fix.  hell, Tiptop created the database  - i bet they never looked at it!! 

-sigh... (September 22, 2007, 07:49 PM)

Instead of "fixing", they offered to their loyal users THOUSANDS (almost millions) of new icons everywhere to highlight all the bugs not fixed...

all those "little things" are "big" things... but icons are BIGGER, BIGGER, BIGGER...

63

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: September 22, 2007, 08:17 PM »

No word yet. I'm still trying to figure out how to request a refund (given that they state quite clearly that they will not issue refunds because of their generous 60 day trial, I doubt they have a mechanism in place to deal with them, so DSM is probably as good an avenue as any).

I'll keep you all posted!

-Darwin (September 22, 2007, 07:42 PM)

Why not use multiple avenues...? [dsm, email, blog] - use all you can... be persistant - you just might get through... and yes, let us know...

64

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: September 22, 2007, 07:19 PM »

I just DSM'd GemX. I started out planning on being polite and asking once again for "news" on GemX and it's catalogue's future, but kitty turned rabid and I wound up demanding a refund on the cost of upgrading to Do-Organizer from TexNotes Pro on August 13 Having made the threat I am off to try to find an avenue to make good on it (I don't imagine that DSM is the right channel for this kind of thing). If nothing else, *maybe* the threat of a refund request will elicit a response - any response!

-Darwin (September 22, 2007, 03:48 PM)

Maybe that will work. Re-send the refund/request periodically... harass till you get an answer... don't give up...

65

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: September 17, 2007, 06:56 PM »

Before the forum blacked out, they announced an update in approx 2 weeks, but now, it's well over 2 months... and that with "0" communication since then about the issue... no concern for the clients... they leave you hanging on a limb...

66

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: September 17, 2007, 06:43 PM »

TotalText Container has multiple calendar support. That's a referral for "sigh". With this software, you can insert calendars everywhere...!

67

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: September 17, 2007, 06:32 PM »

Obviously, something is wrong... with their attitude.
After the blog was setup, quickly after, the forum appeared and so the blog was left behind...

I haven't seen TotalText Container mentioned anywhere in this forum - pretty interesting software...

68

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: September 17, 2007, 05:49 PM »

They could have "at least" posted a message on the blog...

Maybe some would like this software: TotalText Container.
Totally OPEN-SOURCE and FREE.
There is a "Download latest version" link on this page:
http://mtirnanic.googlepages.com/

69

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: September 16, 2007, 09:04 PM »

There is also the MultiCalendar at:  http://www.multicalendar.com/

70

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: September 16, 2007, 08:18 PM »

Do you need to sync with a Palm or a Pocket PC?
Have you decided to rule out Outlook?

-Armando (September 15, 2007, 09:55 PM)

No, i don't need to sync with anything - but i probably want to be able to use the program from a flash drive.

Outlook is COMPLETELY out of the question!

i had looked at barca www.barca.com and essential pim www.essentialpim.com, but they don't seem to allow for multiple calendars.  that is HIGHLY important for me, as are a lot of customizations of categories and fields.

-sigh... (September 16, 2007, 08:28 AM)

How about Yagoon Time...?
http://www.yagoon.com/

Excellant for multiple layers (calendars) - as many as you would like (PRO). You can manage todo's as well. It's very nice. Works with the flash drive too...

When you move the cursor to the left and right of the screen, panels open up... you can view/lock them as you wish.

71

General Software Discussion / Re: General brainstorming for Note-taking software

« on: September 14, 2007, 11:39 PM »

TreeDBNotes PRO is not "simply and uniquely" a one-styled notes organizer, ofcourse, but TreeDB offers flexibility and versatility. The truth is, in the world of notes management, there are diversified opinions. Notes exist in many forms which properly include text notes, calendar event notes, todo notes, reminder notes, web clip notes, and so on. And basically, for me, anything I write down is a "note". You have all kinds of notes and the definition of a notes manager should be inclusive for all. That's what a real note-taking application should be. If you want to dissect notes by their characteristics and use a single application for each style of note, well, that's a different story. The problems related to that are endless...

A real PIM is exactly what the word says: a personal info manager. A notes software for texts "alone", is also a PIM - why? - because it's managing personal information as well. However, it's limited by definition and purpose. Ofcourse, that's just my opinion and I know some would disagree. But that's where it stands for me. Any notes manager is a PIM. I think that people got mixed up somewhere along the line and "branded" versatile notes managers as PIM's - but all are the same. I will never be satisfied using several applications to manage all my notes. That doesn't promote real efficiency. Basically, the most "important" aspect for me in notes management, is the ability to "consolidate" all my information in one central location. There are loads of advantages to that - experience would tell. Centralizing data helps to develop a powerful vision for notes management as recorded "data" is viewed. In turn, you can better harness data relationships and validate useful management resources. Consolidating data is optimal efficiency. Should I have a program for every kind of note? Quite frankly, I would say no... and quite frankly, I'm not interested in a wild goose chase for loads of softwares for every dissected "bit". You simply cannot be "organized" efficiently like that. So many people fail to see the importance of "consolidation" - they don't grasp it because they have been brain-washed by "standalone" propaganda.

Your focus is:  *ILLGC software


inefficient, low, level, goose chaser

72

General Software Discussion / Re: General brainstorming for Note-taking software

« on: September 13, 2007, 06:47 PM »

I read some of the commentaries about TreeDBNotes PRO. There I find the review rather evasive because it doesn't tell the story like it is. For example, one comment was that the toolbar is too impressive. But there you've missed the point. You overlooked the "flexibility" in TreeDBNotes PRO. You can show only those toolbars that interest you OR you can show NONE and simply use the drop-downs. I've seen other apps with loads more toolbars - TreeDBNotes PRO doesn't really have so much! It's useless to fuss about toolbars when you have built-in flexibility. If TreeDBNotes PRO "imposed" 300 toolbars then the commentary would be OK, but that's not the case. You can "personalize" your environment.

The remark about TreeDBNotes PRO not being "considered" as a notes manager is really out-of-socket. TreeDBNotes PRO does an excellant job as a note-taking software - and far beyond many I have tried. I would NEVER swing back to Keynote (past user) after using TreeDBNotes PRO. Even so, Keynote had so-called features I didn't really need. TreeDBNotes PRO does NOT do everything but simply manages various "forms" of notes and for example, TreeDB is "light" compared to do-Organizer. I think your review is very shallow and not insightful. You haven't even come close to understanding what this application really is. Maybe you rushed your review...

...just my opinion...

73

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: September 10, 2007, 07:57 PM »

That flea market is something - isn't it?!

The russian developer isn't too strong with the english language but makes good efforts. (simple and to the point) I guess maybe, dialog is a little bit difficult - but in all, it's OK. Support has been constant (not outstanding) - but I have no complaints. I'm happy with the support there so far.

74

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: September 10, 2007, 07:36 PM »

Ha ha. Welcome to Donationcoder, blakelyg! I'm from Vancouver Island so we're getting a healthy number of Canadians in this thread.

-Darwin (September 10, 2007, 06:50 PM)

Yeah, "agent doublewitt" still lives near Montreal - a little bit north now (St Eustache) - but very close to Laval. Even though I've been in the Montreal region for many years, I was born in Victoria, BC! 

A software application I like a lot and I fall back on is TreeDBNotes PRO. Their new version 3 is interesting. I enjoy using this multi-tabbed outliner. I have tabs right across the screen in some databases. An interesting feature is the ability to "lock" tab/trees. And also, you can lock individual notes. That helps to "privatize" data. They have a simple approach and it's useful. It's a devoted russian developer and there have been many, many updates over the last 2 months and apparently, many more to come. If you care to look at it, here's the location:

http://www.mytreedb....treedbnotes_pro.html

75

General Software Discussion / Re: GemX - missing in action

« on: September 10, 2007, 05:10 PM »

Well, hello everybody! You guys, you all know me - tiptop from the gemx forum. (or maybe no more).
Before anything, at least for me, the most important thing that's above everything else is... Client service. Service is what people want. If you put it ahead of everything else, then things will go well - it has to - that's simple common sense. When you put your "simple business sense" under the carpet, well, your business will fail. It's like the expression we hear sometimes, "put the horse in front of the cart". But some, when it comes to service, literally have the cart in front of the horse and expect things to move that way. It's a shame that some just don't seem to understand this. Gemx started out pretty good in service, at least for me, and it just drowned beneath the oceantide. That's what happens when you fail to promote "service". Service is worth more than gold. It will keep people hanging on. People will believe in you and will even stick up for you when things are rough. But don't ever compromise on the issue or the waves will just knock you right over. It's not easy to get back in line with things after that - it's a big challenge. It puts a big strain in your everyday business life. It's a hard lesson to be learned.

It's really a shame that there is no communication from them - they just coldly black you out - even the moderator. I put in so many hours for them and there's nothing. And when you face these kinds of situations, you have "influences" pulling you in all directions. You kinda have to "pull back" and think things over. Nobody wants to drown on the titanic! It's funny as I said that (titanic), a thought came to mind. I used to teach nautical safety here in the Montreal region and there was an occasion where I rented a location for a course. And just before I gave the course, I found out that that "home" I rented - a very old home with a huge piece of land that used to belong to a "couple" who drowned on the titanic! I had to tell that to the students there - and they all laughed. Imagine - teaching nautical safety in the home of a wealthy couple who drowned in a nautical misadventure. The city uses it as a multi-purpose rental hall.

Anyways, if you service-stear in a forward direction, you won't go through such misadventures. In fact, things will be quite different. If you set sail with valued priorities, then that guideline will keep the boat afloat. You'll be able to survive the oncoming waves, even if they strike often. There's no promise things would be easy, but at least, you'll succeed.

They will really have to get their act together. There is just so much work to be done in DO, and yes, there are loads of bugs and instability to be resolved. But why promise so much to members over an entire year and make little show of it?!  Even so, many of the "bugs" that were fixed are starting to show again - in the current version. Why make a "public broadcast" about a server issue when we're all intelligent enough to know that's not the issue at hand.

Personally, I'll walk away from any software developer that puts service in the car trunk - even when the software is good. I would rather have SERVICE and a mediocre application in development than to have the best software available but with poor service. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, we can "fall back" on previous applications and look for interesting alternatives. It's kinda fun touring other apps although deceptions are "real" in the software world.

It would be nice to hear what apps you all have in mind or fall back on...