- Vizacc don't use them +++++++++++++ libraries .

It's a good thing THAT was changed...
I'm starting to think that Helpmaker is more a Troublemaker...
I wonder if I should have anything to do with people like that - no class at all...

Even TreeDB makes better multi-tabbed eBOOKS...

I forgot to mention:
we're having a flu going around at my office.

When I feel a bit better, I'll post the HM updates and latest version of HM8 for testing.

sorry for the inconvenience caused.

I'm starting to think that Helpmaker is more a Troublemaker...

Sally, I for one do not feel offended in any way - I'm not quite sure what Doublewitt is refering to by his comment about Troublemaker - I'm hoping that he is making a joke but that is for him to make clear. So, keep up the good work - I am eagerly awaiting the release of Helpmaker v8
celtichare

Not sure how others feel but I am wondering whether the HelpMaker discussion can be placed into it's own thread as there is a danger of getting the GemX stuff mixed up with the HelpMaker discussion.

I can't say for sure but I think Doublewitt was just questioning the value of publicly 'dismantling' (listing all the libraries etc used) another developers software in open forum at the same time as promoting a competitors software.

I am sure the Helpmaker application discussion would benefit from its own thread away from the many mixed feelings that are plainly felt in connection to the GemX situation.

Just a thought.

Fair point - maybe Sally could start the new Helpmaker thread and we can contunue to follow the progress there. As for GemX I have yet to receive a reply to my many DSM's none of which have been offensive - quite the opposite. I grieve the situation they are now in having purchased the software because it is quite simply the best total PIM concept and I can't understand why some of the big players in software haven't sought to come up with anything close to what they were trying to do. If they get their act together then I may well continue to use it unless something else captures my imagination - currently using Essentuial PIM and would like to see TreeDBNotes improve their scheduler/calendar function - anyone seen ichronos http://www.ichronos.info/ it looks very smart but at the moment it is a little lacking in functionality - very stylish and could be the surprise new kid on the block??

let me give you a more general example.

suppose you buy a programming library. it costs US$2,000 to license. it comes with all the features you needed and the vendor's web-pages tell of many success stories. you buy it, and then start to integrate it into your program. All seems to goes well until you start getting complaints... the library vendor supports you a little and then, later ignores you... you get stuck with a nightmare situation: you tell your boss you spent US$2,000 and need to buy another library to fix the probem, or try to fix the library a bit here and a bit there, and try to please your customer.

Thanks for the tips.
Seeing "we" are not programmers, its interesting to know about these issues. It gives us more insight about the complications developers face in their jobs... I always thought how "cool" it would be if developers would help us understand more... maybe that way, we could stand behind them and not always immediately assume other things... If they would "talk" to us more, like that [above quote], we could be more understanding and assist them with more meaningful attitudes.

I can see there are people here that are willing to forgive them and forget - I'm not one of them.

Well, I guess, I'm going to contradict the common trend. For the past 8 years, I've searched and have been through all the hassles you could imagine on the NET - and I think everybody knows what I mean (surfing, reading, downloads, installs, uninstalls, forums, start, and restart, etc. [not to mention what that does to your system]). The truth is, I have never seen anything like do-O and I mean NOTHING! Their work is so talented and creative and they delivered a good software that I can say has a touch of class. Look, let's face it, despite things, do-O is outstanding. And I know that for now, there is no other to match the inspiration behind do-O. I don't care what you tell me. You can criticize me, ridicule me, and whatever, but look, it doesn't really matter. I'm sticking it out with them. I think they deserve it. You watch, maybe within the next 6 months, things will shape up. Needless to say, I've been through endless ordeals with almost every developer - I really don't think that anyone out there is perfect. But I do honestly think that no one deserves it like GemX does - regardless. There's not one thing anyone here can say to change my mind. I still think that GemX will continue to out-do others. They have enough talent to do so. They have done an outstanding job! I believe in them and I really think that they will come through...

For those interested, a thread was started discussing SQLNotes (referenced earlier in this thread):

http://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=10432.msg81450#msg81450

The conflicted perspective? I didn't want this to turn out like this. I agree with doublewitt - the product has huge potential and I hope GemX can put this episode behind them and realise that potential. I'm on the fence at the moment WRT whether or not I'll be along for the ride. I do feel that they've got their work cut out for them in managing the fallout from the past three months, but hope that they are able to do so.

The point is: the more we "complain" and "rant", the more we move away from the correct perspective. You can get so carried away with such things till you become blind to the truth - which is: well, if you think about it enough, the more you continue like that, the more you actually work against yourself - why? because that developer (GemX), will probably come around and provide just what you need. In a sense, they already have, but more progress will be made and you will benefit from it. But if you keep jabbing them in the back and everywhere possible on the net (reviews), you're only working against yourself... you are wasting your time, and you just might plainly regret it... and what will you have accomplished? I figure, a rare product like that should be taken into into a sensible perspective. And yes, sometimes, to get somewhere, and hold that perspective, you have to jump-the-hurdle. You have to help one another out... Often, people will support developers ONLY when things go well, - the minute things don't roll as they should, "that's it! - I've had enough". But it's then that your support counts the most - when the going gets rough! Development and funds go hand-in-hand, the more you destroy the incoming funds process, less developments will be made. Who will suffer? - you! Why demolish your own opportunity? What's the point? Just wait, - things will change. I've realized through discussion with them, that they are solidly determined to continue their mission.

Look, I got into that "attitude" like everybody else, I'm not perfect( ), but I figure it's time to get my attitude in line for a healthy perspective... and for do-O, I'm ready to "do-O it!"
Everyday, I still enjoy using it... and what a pleasure!!!

They brought this upon themselves. Noone is denoying that the product is good and unique (at the moment) despite the bugs. But if you treat your customers with disrespect then you cant complain about negative posts and act like the victim. By using their product people are depending on them and that carries a responsibility. People have placed their trust in your product. Noone wanted to post negative posts - people were pissed off. To the extent they they went to the trouble, aggrevation and time to get a refund back. And to actively search the internet and find this forum and try to find out what's going on. People have better things to do than waste time on things like that.

In the 2-3 months they dissapeared, they must have received 200-300 messages from their clients. Not taking into account all the posts on this forum. And they didnt reply to a single one. It would have taken 30 seconds of their time to post a reply and give an explanation. This is unbelievably disrepectful and unprofessional. And this includes people who have dedicated time to beta testing their program and you Tiptop who spent so much time maintaining the forum. Which by the way I find the most bizzare - that you guys were as much in the dark as the rest of us. I think maybe you are too understanding Tiptop considering the way they treated you and the only reason you are siding with them is because you find the product so usefull. I think your previous posts here were more truthfull. Have you become their spokesman? Are they unable to explain what happened themselves (and need to hide behind pre-prepared statements on their website). Do you let people in real life treat you like that?

They need to be honest and respectful to their customers and not shroud the product in secrecy. I am using their product at the moment but am actively looking for an alternative. Sadly I doubt that much will change with the company. What leads me to believe that is that they didn't even have the decency, common courtesy and respect to post a reply to this forum (and give an honest explanation of what happened). How sad is that?

I am starting to think that tiptop is happy because he got his name mentioned on their forum page with a thank you. I, as a paying customer, who was treated with such disrespect just like him, am not about to let this go that easily. If they took the time and posted the name of every customer who they wronged in this incident, maybe, but they did not. They posted a thanks to people who contributed on their forums and made no mention of an apology to their paying customers for their disappearance or for their support. This is why I have just spent the money I did on a device dedicated to the purpose and task which I originally purchased Do-O for.

I am sorry, but you know, if you are getting upset at us for remaining upset with GemX, perhaps you should step back and understand that the paying customers are well within their right to remain pissed off. I am not going to dwell on it, for one, but I am not going to be going back to them. They have lost me as a customer. I will not be recommending their product AT ALL to anyone simply due to the [lack of] support that they have shown me since BEFORE I PURCHASED the product.

1 haven't seen such strong feelings about software in quite awhile.

The Ecco die hard fans are also very... emotional... about their precious software. Just take a look at the http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ecco_pro/ in recent days. Everytime SQLNotes is mentioned there, some seem ready to take up arms and go to war!