Unhappiness in the SundayPlus Forum Family

[David Burton]

I really do not want to be seen as a person who bad mouths Sunday plus but there has been some changes.

This was from John this afternoon (John's post edited down by danroth)

Originally Posted by John

...each time there’s a storm on the user group, it’s a distraction...Starting today, this forum will be specifically and only about helping one another use SundayPlus more effectively.

So I posted this which yes I was mad but also it is a legitimate question

(David's post excised by danroth)

Which true to their word was gone in about 15 minutes.

Since there is a good chance that I will not being handling media production after the summer, I really do not care what happens and it will be someone else's problem.

However, since that is the way things are, I guess we will have to live with it.

[[Admin] danroth]

I know I'll probably get myself in trouble for this. Don't hold it against Tim/CMN, and I hope you'll be able to see my side of it too.

I significantly edited this post because I am concerned by the tone of it. There's no problem with airing criticism here. If you want to take your opinions and repost them along the lines of, "I'm unhappy that Sunday Plus hasn't released an update in over two years, which I feel leaves me behind technologically. Also, I'm upset because I can't express my frustration the way I want to on their forum.", well that's fine.

But I don't think it's appropriate for us to allow the unhappy sarcasm that was posted on this forum.

I couldn't have said it better, Dan. We really just need to keep remembering the CMN Golden Rule: INWYSIHYSI. Even if you feel totally enraged about it, in this case there are real human beings -- Christians -- on the other end of your comments -- and stabbing remarks aren't Biblical or productive. Seriously -- who is benefiting from it?

[Mark Finley]

David, you know I feel your pain and know your frustration as few others do.

I think the biggest shock about this whole thing was that it took so long for them to come to this decision. For the last two years every time I logged on I expected today's action to have put forth.

I'll continue to use S+ until I can budget for a replacement. For now it does what I need it to do.

I do not see myself looking forward to a new version, if it happens, good for them, but by then they would have lost too much in terms of customer loyalty and PR to ever be considered a serious player in the worship software world

Let's not bash them here... call it professional courtesy or respect for the dead. For some reason my venom for the situation there has turned to sadness for them.

[LeAnn B]

I noticed the change today also and I was initially very upset. But then again, it is THEIR forum and they have the right to remove posts that may turn customers away. But on the other hand (third hand?) people need to know what's going on. Potential customers need to know there is probably a better choice for worship software at this point. I guess we'll just have to find another place to rant
LeAnn

[Sysmom]

Tim ... in your Synopsis of Worship Software Listing Thing, tucked away somewhere on the website ...

... you could add a "Last Updated" field to each piece of software.

Everyone ... I feel your pain. I waited what I thought was too long for MediaShout 3.0 - and it wasn't anywhere near what you guys are talking about.

deb

Tim ... in your Synopsis of Worship Software Listing Thing, tucked away somewhere on the website ...

I just need to go in and delete anything that's outdated. I've had people gripe about them (not that you are). What most everyone doesn't realize is that I spent anywhere from two to five days on each article as I wrote them for magazines. I eventually got burnt out on being the worship software go-to guy. I'm not interested in updating them at this time.

Anyway... back to your regularly scheduled uncomfortable thread...

[jameshorsley197]

Like David and Mark I was a long time Sunday Plus user but recently changed for these reasons.
No major update in almost 3 years
No bug fixes in the same time frame
Paying for an upgrade in January of 2006 that has not been delivered as of this morning and being told that there would more than likely not be a refund for that payment
Numerous times we have been told of an upcoming release or beta and nothing has ever happened.
The lack of response to the emails sent to SP asking for info

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST
That they have not hired LUCAS as a programmer to help them solve the problems they are having with programming. My guess is that his new worship software will be outa the beta version before Sunday Plus

[Mark Finley]

I've wondered for quite a while if they are even developing a new version at all, or they are just using sales from the current (and future) versions of sunday plus to fund development of freepath

The one question I think all of long timers would like honestly answered is this:

How can a company be so close to a release date three years ago that they were pre-selling that product and promising "two releases in the next year" but in 2008 we dont even have a beta?

just for the record...I did not buy anything... I stated publically "show me the product first, and if I like it, THEN i'll buy it"


BTW, I dont consider this bashing, just a polite conversation about the demise of a software company. Let's not let this get personal.

[dovprst]

Originally Posted by Mark Finley

The one question I think all of long timers would like honestly answered is this:

How can a company be so close to a release date three years ago that they were pre-selling that product and promising "two releases in the next year" but in 2008 we dont even have a beta?

just for the record...I did not buy anything... I stated publically "show me the product first, and if I like it, THEN i'll buy it"

Mark, You have been proven right. I remember the way people attacked you back then for your stance. I, however, trusted them, and did buy the upgrade. I still have hope, but thus far, have not found another software package worth switching to. They cost too much and Sunday Plus has woroked great all of this time. If we ever stop using it, it will be to switch to something open source, or just use Power Point.

[Mark Finley]

thanks man...

just so people know, I wasn't gloating, I was pointing out that my frustration with the company didn't come from a financial loss on my part. I can observe the situation a little more detached and calmer that way.

[David Burton]

I have already received the email requesting that I not bash GrassRoots, and I will not. But it is very frustrating to be told that the unrealistic expectations for SP 3, such as DVD playback, text over video and video transitions is going to make for a longer wait for the next release, if it happens at all.

Yes I am very frustrated that I am having to spend time that I really do not have right now to handle the DVD Tracks playback for Easter.

The only reason we have not jumped to Easy Worship is they use PowerPoint for their text routines in the sermons, otherwise we would have been gone, too.

I really hope that SP 3 happens, that it is the killer program that they are telling us it will be and that I am still around to see to it happen and use it.

I have the most postings at the SundayPlus site. I would guess at least 70 to 80% is either helping some one with a problem or asking for help about something. 10 to 15% is friendly banter about various things especially Auburn and Alabama football. And lately a handful of discussions about SP3.

It is GRS' board and if I am blocked off of it, that is their option. After I get the sound board refurb, the lights repaired, pick up a couple of new mikes if SP 3 is not out and I am still doing the media presentations; we will review our options then.

For a good basic and very easy to use program, I think that is it one of the better ones out there. However, when there are more things requested of you, something has to give.