Do A/S beta test properly?

[Garry Russell]

It would seem the bulk or at least the core of the issues could be easily solved

To an extent they are missing the oint. The compalin that they are being hounded by rivet counters.

But in reality the complaints from here at least have been things like flpas twisted and hanging off.... to give just one example.
Same here the rotor is wobbling at low RPM hardly rivet counting if pointed out.


If the model is good then those who want that will be willing to pay the price.

Garry

[John]

Hi Ben. Providing information that others may not know is never a bad thing mate. So you go right ahead.

Kind regards

John

[Tweek]

Part of the reason for the high prices, which they openly admit, is the fact that each purchase comes with both an FS9 and an FSX version. But, seeing as many people only fly one of those sims exclusively, that's a null and void point when it comes to a majority of the market. I can't see myself using FS9 again, and I can't help feel a little cheated if the FSX model I buy is more expensive because it can be used in FS9 aswell.

[Michael davies]

Doesn't matter Ben

Some of their models have been released with serious errors not picked up on beta testing which makes them poor at any price.

Anyone trying to point this out gets hauled over the coals

Garry

Sometimes they are pointed out by testers and even by people in their forums.......

The problem stems from what each defines as an issue, an issue to you or me might not be an issue to others, in that case they have to live by the resulting outcome. I think somethimes giving advice or offering help can be seen as telling someone what to do and most people dont like being told what to do, whether they admit it or not, and then pride comes before the well being of a product I suspect.

Best

Michael

[Trev Clark]

When you paid 10 quid for an AS aircraft and it came with a couple of texture sets, I do not think people would had worried too much, a quick fix would have popped up with an apology on the website and all would be forgiven. You would even already be looking forward to next week's release!!!

However, now they are up there with the top division on cost terms (RealAir etc.) and customers expect quality. With established FS figures 'known' to AS via the huge forum membership, I cannot help but think the profit on 5 sales to established members to check over (developers usually miss the obvious, as they are so close to the project) would have caught this and others that have cropped up recently.

Luckily, they are unlikely ever to make anything I would pay 50 bucks for now, so I am not too bothered |-)

[PushinPolys]

I do not think criticism over a model is a bad thing generally and also most designers/modellers take heed but sometimes the way the critic makes his remarks can be a bit aggressive to say the least. I also think to "tar every model" with the same brush and expectation from a publisher is a mistake as (although a dwindling number now) most of modellers who publish through them have different standards and goals and each one reacts differently to remarks made. Some take it on board and rectify, some rightly so can dismiss the (and lets be honest) very trivial points but I will admit that by totally blanking or deleting a post because it may be detrimental and ban users from posting would appear to most as a bit harsh after money has been spent. When I was there I tried to take on board what people said and tried to get as much feedback on "teasers" to rectify problems before they hit the customer. Alas due to various reasons it was decided to cut down the forums to a more manageable level?
They do work hard and have a good record for solving problems and errors and that cannot be denied compared with some other publishers but perhaps if the policy regarding posts was not so aggressively policed by them and more polite by others resolves would be quicker and users not having to express an opinion on other forums.
Just my personal opinion from my time there for 5 years or so

[ChrisHunt]

Hi Michael, MickyD... understood re the pricing policy - this does not surprise me.

I strongly suspect that the high price suggests use of expensive third party products/developers (as confirmed by Ben H) and that AS is above all, a business - it needs to make a profit. Unfortunately whilst many AS products are undeniablely good looking, which is often what sells, the underlying functionality is sparce to say the least and the FDEs are often suspect and a bit generic. They do cater for a specific market which perhaps appreciates the look of the thing whilst not being too bothered about some of the deeper aspects of simulation. The problem for AS, in this respect at least, is that their prices are of a similar range to those developers who produce a good looking model with functional systems and accurate FDEs - Rick's recent Hawk being a case in point. Unfortunately AS don't appear to have the time or inclination to produce models to the standard that their pricing structure appears to demand.

Re the forums I don't lurk there anymore - I returned the last model that I got (the Tornado) and whilst I could care less about the poke in the eye I got for criticising the Tornado I don't see the point in viewing forums that are perhaps a little less honest than they should be.

Regards,
Chris

[Ben Hartmann]

Hi Michael, MickyD... understood re the pricing policy - this does not surprise me.

I strongly suspect that the high price suggests use of expensive third party products/developers (as confirmed by Ben H)

Sorry to drop in on this again Gents

Can anyone confirm that Alphasim have converted "Payware" 3DSMax models for use within FS?

Is this just spin or is their some truth in it, I know these models don't come cheap......a bit like Iris did with their F-14, and virtually cornered the market with it..........

Rgds

Ben

[Trev Clark]

Thinking back, I think we (the users of MSFS) are to blame here!

Nowadays (and in FSX in particular) we want everything, maxed out, full whistles and bells, 3D this, self shadowing that and loose track of the basics. Does it look and fly like the real thing?

I would prefer a good looking basic model that flies well (for 10 quid) than one with all the time consuming eye candy for 30 quid.

[Michael davies]

Hi Michael, MickyD... understood re the pricing policy - this does not surprise me.

I strongly suspect that the high price suggests use of expensive third party products/developers (as confirmed by Ben H)

Sorry to drop in on this again Gents

Can anyone confirm that Alphasim have converted "Payware" 3DSMax models for use within FS?

Is this just spin or is their some truth in it, I know these models don't come cheap......a bit like Iris did with their F-14, and virtually cornered the market with it..........

Rgds

Ben

Consider it confirmed, and we're not talking Turbosquid tat either.

Best

Michael