Marketing Bug: How Do I Contact You?

"I don't know how many times I've run into this particular mistake, but free software developers keep making it, so I think it's worth a brief post. Free software is based on contact between users and developers. Without that, it's just not very efficient, and any free software project that breaks that bond is going to flounder for the same reasons that so many proprietary products flounder — total disconnect with the users.

"I just tried to get an update on a free software package that I use. I'm not going to say which one, because ultimately, it doesn't matter and I don't want to single anybody out. I've seen this problem multiple times in the past. I've made this mistake myself. So we'll just call this package "Q". But let's cut to the chase…

"Keep your lines of communication open!

"Here's what happened. I've been running an experimental version of Q on my web server, to see whether or not it's a good choice for me. I've decided I like it pretty well, and I want to move into using it on a production level. I also need to upgrade my whole system."

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