Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!portal!atari!good
From: good@atari.UUCP (Roy Good)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st
Subject: Re: Bugs in new BETA ROMS?
Message-ID: <1161@atari.UUCP>
Date: 6 Sep 88 20:26:44 GMT
Distribution: comp
Organization: Atari Corp., Sunnyvale CA
Lines: 84
References:

I had said I wouldn't post any further on the TOS 1.4 issue, but some
valid points have been made in the latest postings that I feel warrant it.
I know I won't cover everything that is in people's heads, but here goes..

First, I *sincerely* want to thank Myron Drapal for his most recent
posting (as a follow up to Allan Pratt's response). But we are interested
in discovering the source and vintage of the TOS 1.4 which he had access
to! [:-)]

It was commented by more than one person that comp.sys.atari.st has for
some time been the forum for bug reporting/follow-up. With TOS 1.4 Beta,
we carefully set up a Product Tracking System, explained in previous postings,
with an associated System Problem Report 'electronic' form, and requested,
in the accompanying release notes, that all problems be reported in this
manner. The aim is to centralize and formalize bug reporting, so that obscure
(and not so obscure) problems are filed in a database and don't drop through
the cracks. Thus worldwide posting of this problem (PC/ST media compatibility)
and others went against the directions of the Release Notes (as did the
apparent proliferation of the Beta copies). As an aside, have you ever
noticed how companies with which IBM do business keep their lips really
sealed when asked about their relationship to Big Blue. Now IBM has a LOT
more clout than Atari, but the principle is the same - a mutual trust and
a desire not to taint a product before it has had a chance to be tested and
corrected prior to release. (OK maybe the mutual trust isn't always there,
but I bet a written contract/nondisclosure agreement IS! [:-)] ).

Had the original posting been, instead, a direct email to me, or to Allan
Pratt, it would, like others, have received a direct response.

One poster asked for the Product Tracking System to be made available to all.
This is indeed an aim, but it is an evolutionary product. We first sent it
to subsidiaries, to get their impressions and to see how it could be improved
for communication, reporting etc. Now it is going to registered developers.
After a shakedown with, and feedback from, them, we should be in a position to
make it generally available as a vehicle for posting bug reports and requests
for enhancement.

Re: the tenor of my direct posting. I stand by what I said regarding potential
damage, and use of the airwaves. Some folks at AT&T/Denver are concerned that
AT&T might cut off 'news' using this as an excuse. I hope not, at least not for
technical categories (all companies must look at costs - they have a 
responsibility to shareholders - and so some reduction may be essential). 
The 'news' system is an incredible vehicle for the dissemination of views and
opinions, but it is one which is very easily abused, both in content and
volume. And it must be remembered that, at the end of it all, it is your
CUSTOMERS who pay for it eventually, since it a cost of doing business as
far as the company (employer) is concerned. Thus access to it through
corporate channels must be viewed as a privilege.

I have been accused of threatening legal action. I certainly don't
believe this is the case, but I do believe that propagating a discussion of
this ilk, on unreleased product, is detrimental to Atari's position, since it
leaves an impression of the product before it is even released. The primary 
aim of the Beta release to subsidiaries and to developers selected by the
subsidiary, apart from wider test exposure, was to avoid some of the
unexpected problems which occurred when the Mega ROMs came out, by giving
key developers advance notice and a chance to test and correct problematic
code. The current "Developer Release" takes that one step further.

I have received several 'emails' of support, some of criticism, and
some of "enough!!!". I feel that points have been made on both sides,
although really there is just one "side" beneath it all, with the goal
of providing an acceptable product. And I trust that the points are well
taken by all who read them.

** AN IMPORTANT BIT RE: REGISTERED DEVELOPERS **
It seems that more than one or two posters, Mr. Drapal included, are 
frustrated that they have ante'd up their $300 (or more) and not heard of
anything since (tho' others say they get regular info). I'd like to suggest 
that those who feel they have been orphaned send me email directly (ie not
to the net) in the following format:
Subject: Orphaned Developer
[text]  Name, Address, State, ZIP, phone, approximate date of subscription
 	if appropriate: original address, if you have moved
	last item/package you recall receiving

I will collate all responses upto, say, the end of next Monday (12th), and
forward them to Cindy Claveran.

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Roy J. Good
Product Development, Atari Corporation
Views expressed are my own. Atari may agree or disagree; they have the right.
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