‘Tell Them Nothing More Unless Your Paid’ in some form other than making you pay for more upgrades or a new product release that are the same functions repackaged.

Repackaged functions I discussed in appendix ‘Why Pay Again’ so will not go over that again; making this document more a ‘dummy spit’ than an intelligent argument but I am going to make the point anyway.

As I have already stated, where 3D functionality is concerned Autodesk (and others) are struggling despite over fifteen (15) years of trying.

Repeatedly users are asked for ‘what they want’ and when new releases or new products are announced we are always told it was our input that created the new release or product.  And while this may or may not be true one has to ask is it the requests that most closely fit Autodesk’s plans that form the new product or release or is the functions that people really want that are used?

I believe it is the first not the second scenario that is true.  Autodesks is a company driven by marketing people not ones who know how to apply the product in real life.  If it were not so then I would have to say we would not have seen the products we have over the last few years.

Have a look in the back of what manuals you do get now, a Wishlist form, a couple of Bug report forms, and the best of all the Send Us Your Best Work form complete with a statement ensuring Autodesk, at no cost to it (read we won’t pay for YOUR Information) can use this information to its marketing advantage.

Now it’s about time, as end-users, you understood that Autodesk and its shareholders have made plenty out of our reporting of bugs and ideas and I venture to say that if you look closely at what you may have given away you will have made very little in return, if anything at all.

It is the nature of the IT industry through user groups etc. that help and information does flow around.  But it is the unashamed and unappreciated requests for this information that I now take offence to.  Just recently we have been asked by a dealer, passing on an Autodesk request, for more ideas for Inventor and that has triggered this document, round seven, and Autodesk is still trying to find its way at our expense?

I don’t want to nor will I stop sharing data with my customers, friends and compatriots in arms.  But the vendors need to do more now for us before we should help them to much more.  Do your maths on how much in real terms your ideas cost you and then understand if your idea is used you will be paying for it back and Autodesk and others will reap the biggest reward, novel eh!

As the CAD vendors stall trying to work out which way to go, and that is what’s happening, there lost and or losing their way. Place on them the same expectations you would from any other supplier of trade tools and equipment and stick to it.

Stop being the only source of knowledge, let them hunt it out like you do, stop being their quality control, stop giving them (the vendors) free runs and stop buying unless they give you what you deserve.

Providing this service to Autodesk (and others) may have seemed reasonable in the 80’s and early 90’s but no more.  Link what you buy to real productivity gain and profitability and let the vendors work harder for their dollars now just as you do!

As I have done in the prologue and other documents, I issue an invitation to any person who may wish to respond to this document, supporting comments or dissenting no matter, your views will be respected as I trust mine will be also.

R. Paul Waddington.
Proprietor – cadWest.