Feedback Poll (and Rant)

[Chappy]

I have a Rant today, and I'm sorry but I just HAVE to get this off my chest somewhere, and here seems like a good place to start.
I had a little..(well, maybe not so little) argument with someone today, and I hope to get some opinions from our folks here on it. So I'm making a Poll out of this little tirade

I have seen on many sites (and this one too), where people who are supposedly "Beta Testing" Windows 7, and wanting to remove all traces of the "Send Feedback" tool from their system. Now I'm sorry, but if you aren't going to help with making this OS better by telling MS what issues you're having, then I don't feel you should have downloaded this software in the first place!
Not only are you using FREE software, you are not contributing to the reason you got it Free in the first place, and you've taken away the possibility from someone else who WOULD help to make it better. Now to me that's pure selfishness, and it bothers me...allot.

MS has done somehting extraordinary with this OS, they're asking the general public, the end users, to provide feedback on what they like, don't like, what works as expected, doesn't work as expected, and what can be done to make it better for us.....that's US! By downloading this FREE operating system and using (and Enjoying) it on a daily basis, all they ask in return for this favor is to let them know what we're having problems with, or what we like and don't like. Is that too much to ask?

If the answer to that is Yes, then I believe you should NOT be using this software because you quite possibly have taken the spot away from someone who would be willing to help out. If you can't put up with that "Send Feedback" link on the top of every page, or even the Watermark for that matter, then you don't deserve to be using this Free s'ware (remember...that's FREE..as in you didn't pay a single penny for it).

I also see many people posting about "this doesn't work" or "That" isn't right, but I find myself asking "do these same people take the time to tell MS about it as well?" Don't get me wrong, I like helping folks fix issues, that's why I'm here amongst a few other sites, but I also think as well as posting here with your issues, you should be sending off some Feedback to MS about your experiences with Win7...am I wrong to think that?
I don't think so..but apparently there are a great MANY people out there who think I'm wrong. Apparently, they feel it's their "Right" to get free software from MS and use it as they please, without making even the tiniest effort to contribute to the Beta program in return.

So, how do the rest of you feel about this?
Do you feel that MS "owes" you something and therefore you can use this opportunity to use free s'ware without any obligation?
Or do you contribute to the cause, and use this as an opportunity to help make W7 a better OS for everyone in the end?

Be honest too, lying here is only lying to yourself as well. We're not going to Judge as it's far too late for that, but maybe we can change attitudes somewhat and being honest is a great start.
Personally, I take advantage of the opportunity to let MS know what problems I run across and what I'd like to see included or excluded, and why. For the opportunity to try out this new OS for no charge and to tell MS what I think, I feel that the "Send Feedback" tool and links, and also the Watermark, is a very small price to pay for the priviledge. How about you...

 

[Iknewitwin7]

Wow, I completely agree

I use Windows 7 to make the final release better. and you should too

 

[Barman58]

Hello Dave,

I have to agree that it does seems that quite a few people have forgotten the reason for the BETA. I send feedback as often as I find a problem either myself or if I can duplicate a problem highlighted by another user.

The fact that the BETA is good enough to run as a main OS has I think convinced some that it is more than a beta, and should not fail in any way.

I must admit that I have removed the send feedback link next to the Window Minimise button as It's placement did cause me to start the send feedback process on a fair number of occasions where this was not my intention .

I agree that it is essential that all users send feedback on each and every occasion so as to ensure that the released version of Windows 7 is everything we believe it can be

 

[Iknewitwin7]

I have never removed Sendfeedback, and I report everything, but know not to send anything without another beta tester confirming the bug. Please keep that in mind.

Give details. You can send suggestions, but keep them to the point.

 

[Chappy]

Well said guys.

I hope this thread can open some eyes of some that may be partially closed right now. But it's also a place where opinions can be voiced without fear of reprisals and Flaming! Let's all remember that point too please.

 

[Airbot]

I would have to agree, this is the reason for it being released. Having the watermark does not bother me in the slightest, although as Barman says, the location of the Send Feedback link can be somewhat annoying.
You should absolutely still send feedback and an extra incentive for doing so, besides helping problems to be found and fixed, is you get to have an actual part of making Windows 7 better for all the millions of people that will be using it in the future.

 

[darkassain]

for me as long as the send feedback link is there for me is more than enough..}
while i agree with airbot that sometimes the location can be annoying (especially when the window of some programs or some custom UI is there ie SUPER...) the send feedback tool is more than i need..
i usually check the reliability to check if i havent sent any bug report so that MS is bugged enough....
just my 2 cents

OT but i noticed that chromium does not have the send feedback anywhere...
(custom UI i guess)

 

[looniam]

I removed the 'Send Feedback" on the title bar because I found it ugly. If I have the need to report a problem I can always open it in the Control Panel. However, I do not believe Microsoft needs to hear 250 million opinions about how cool the Icons look, ect.

I am willing to provide information to improve the quality of the product as I agreed to when I downloaded it but, I will not become a servant. Microsoft also has the privilege of being on my computer. I have spent more money on hardware than what any operating system would have cost as a single user. What or how I modify it is up to me not Microsoft. See they need me more than I need them; not to just test their beta products but to also buy the finished product.

What is going to happen to all of our OSs come August 1st? Do you think they are going to give us a discount on Win7 after the work we beta testers put it to helping them? What about all the PR we provide also? You can't buy that.

What I am saying here is it is a two way street and I do not see me getting a huge bargain out of the deal.

 

[win7]

I have removed the link on windows simply as i always click it by mistake and its very ugly, though i do send feedback.

 

[Chappy]

Good!

Well voiced opinions so far, and that's exactly what I intended with this.
Hopefully we can have intelligent discussion on differing viewpoints as well, like adults.

#looniam - Don't be surprised to see MS reward some of the more prolific helpers out in the end. While we all can't see a discount on W7, I feel that just being asked for my opinion on how this OS could turn out is more than we've ever seen before, and I appreciate the chance to test drive it.
Also I think it's better if MS hears 1/4 million reports on something, that just points out that there is a definite area to be looked at closer, even if it is just about the icons. While that's not something I'd complain about personally, I think the more they hear about a single aspect of something, the more we have control over the outcome. (I hope)

Keep em coming!

 

[lappydog]

I send feedback but its not worth getting all worked up if others don't.

And you say its FREE lol, no way, it more like try before you buy(shell out hundreds to M$). This beta trial is good for M$ and good word of mouth about a good OS this time around. Bill wont loose any sleep if you remove the feedback so why should you, he will have your money in his wallet in no time, again.

 

[ittech]

well, i have to agree up to a point. i used to beta test software about 10 years ago and the days of beta testing being actually hard on hardware (no pun intended) are pretty much over. remember though that software companies (including microsoft, perhaps not so much on their operating systems but certainly their other softwares) don't test nearly as in depth or over such a wide platform base as they used to. when microsoft extended the public beta numbers from what two and a half million to 12 odd million they knew exactly what they were both getting and putting themselves in for. is suspect that the bulk of the people whom have downloaded and installed despite the warnings that you may want to consider yourself relatively competant in pc terms as regards sorting your own issue out are actually instead looking for a long term free op system. hoping i would guess that some hack is produced down the road to keep the thing alive beyond the expiry date. i run into this every day, no doubt there will in fact be some enterprising lads hard at work already for those whom have not worked out a least a way round already.

that being said, a very high percentage of machines come in for service over their life from at least the general public and the word in certified shops at least is pretty clear. no shirt, no shoes, no legitimate matching operating system disk or software license with the unit, no service. ms i think don't expect to get too much out of "media player crashes when they play downloaded .avi files." they are looking for intelligent commentary besides the system status files that accompany the feedback. that i know may seem lost among the bulk of minor complaints but the screening softwares are set to catch those. i think they have made a moderately serious effort this time, the least we can do is support that effort.

 

[Chappy]

I send feedback but its not worth getting all worked up if others don't

Yes, I aree Lappy, but these jokers that I was (trying) to talk to, were all uppity about MS owing them something and they had no intention of helping...they just wanted their free OS. I disagreed and was immediately roasted on the spit. Got my ire up cause their arguments made no sense so they resorted to flaming to get their way. Gawd..I hate those types..

And you say its FREE lol, no way, it more like try before you buy(shell out hundreds to M$)

LOL...well, for now it is anyway
No argument here that it surely helps MS big time too, but I like having some input at least. Even if it's totally ignored, it still makes me feel better in a "placebo" kinda way.

@ittech - Yep, agree. I guess one reason they don't test on as many platforms anymore is simply because of the vast difference in possible configurations available today. Man...I couldn't imagine just how long that could take, and exactly why MS went this route instead. Gives them a snapshot over a very wide base of varying setups.
Indoobbidedbly, there are many a "cracker" working on 7's protections as we speak. That's the nature of things today I guess.

 

[smarteyeball]

Like quite a few people here I removed the feedback link from the window because I got fed up with inadvertently opening it.

Perhaps I should have sent feedback about feedback link locations

 

[darkassain]

imao i still am wondering how many are running the vista RC2....

there are already such *hacks* out there...
even a simple google search should lead you up with a certain one that has done it...

 

[smarteyeball]

imao i still am wondering how many are running the vista RC2....

Probably a few, although they're probably running 7 now

 

[error]

I've only had to trouble the feedback button a couple or 3 times, and I've had the OS installed since day 1, but I couldn't imagine removing the button. I see it as the price I pay for having a free OS for 6 months, absolute bargain.
There will always be those who won't pay any price for software, though I'd not expected their commitment to a free ride being so high as to effectively steal something which is very nearly free, with just a tiny cost of screen space and occasional time.
My big worry now is...I don't want to go back to vista...nothing wrong with it...but I like 7 more..and as I've been using 7 exclusively (which really has surprised me) I'm gonna have to migrate back until final release

 

[wpurcell]

Hello! I use the "Send Feedback" button whenever I need to, and don't mind the location or the sight of it. Also, feedback is sent automatically whenever a program crashes, I beleive (IE 8 for example!).
To "error": I think we might see an RC1 by the time the beta version expires, then on to the full release by the end of the year. (Just from what I've heard on the net)

 

[damoh]

Good topic,
However. Yes as per original post there ARE people who believe MS should be giving this away without them providing feedback or any return from the 'testers' and i use that word in the broadest possilbe term. Now i for one have been beta testing MS from a long time ago. Whistler anyone, i even have gotten copies of operating systems that predate XP. Georgia anyone lol
Now i have no hesitation in providing feedback , having said that i do not like having the provide feedback on each and every single window. When i give feedback i use the send feedback link in the start window. I am aware that as a tester its my obligation to report bugs etc... which i do whenever i get one. But i dont want it putting in my face each time i do something. The water mark, well i get rid of it. Thats my personal preference, i still know im using 7 though.
What i am interested in is however how many people using 7 got it from MS or torrents. Now i am aware that each person using 7022 will have gotten it from torrents. But send feedback and activation still works. And ms must have a way of telling were on 7022 so they have two builds being tested for free.
Thats my opinion, some and im not saying all belive they can pilage all the MS stuff they can get. There justification is that MS having been delivering sub standard and out of date products for years and charging a fortune for using it so why not? But in reality if people actually bothered taking a minute and think about the feedback option then they would realize that it is for there own good that its there. No feedback = unfinished and buggy os.

Simple

 

[swarfega]

I completely agree chappy. If your testing a beta product then you should at least consider giving something back to make the OS a better product. Im quite happy to have the send feedback on every window as its handy for the times when I do (and have) want to send ms my suggestions.