[Reader-users] Software Upgrade

James Jolley james.jolley1 at btinternet.com
Wed Jul 4 09:39:34 CDT 2007 

Hi again Jim,

Let's just leave it then. I've already emailed privately so lets all move on 
from this. I didn't even cinsoder problems in the official release schedule 
so again, let's just all move on.

-James-
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "james gashel" <jgashel at verizon.net>
To: "'Kurzweil National Federation of the Blind Reader user list'" 
<reader-users at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, July 04, 2007 11:47 AM
Subject: Re: [Reader-users] Software Upgrade


> Hi James:
>
> I hope you will pardon me just a bit if I observe that this whole 
> discussion
> about just a very few days seems to be a tempest in a teapot.  I am not
> actually certain that you will have to wait until July 15.  That is the
> latest date I can presently imagine that we would have the new release
> posted.
>
> Also, what I didn't say in my previous message is that we encountered an
> unexpected problem with the new update software only a day or so before we
> had intended to have it available for general release.  We got the problem
> fixed, but the unexpected discovery led to the concern that the full 
> release
> to all reader users might be premature.  The NFB users are a somewhat more
> controled market.  If we discover that we still have problems it is far
> easier to correct it on what is a comparitively small number of readers, 
> and
> the ability to contact the users is known.  That is not the case if we
> simply post the software on the Internet.  At that point it would be up to
> our dealers to find everyone who has the Reader to let them know of the
> problem.
>
> I am sure I don't have to explain to you the complications of releasing
> defective software to a broader and hard to contact community.  So, you 
> can
> call the NFB release a very advanced beta if it helps you to think about 
> it
> that way.  I don't think you want me to be giving you software that we 
> have
> any concerns about, especially if I don't then know how to get in touch 
> with
> you to make it right.
>
> Also, all of the other things I have said in my previous message still
> stand.  We do value the foreign market and our Reader users in other
> countries.  However, at this point, as indicated by our dealer 
> distribution
> and the product itself, we have concentrated on the US market for the time
> being.  That will certainly change as we go forward.
>
> Finally, James, your comment about needing to check the KNFBREADER website
> frequently just to find the software update is just a bit disingenuous. 
> In
> my previous message I told you that I would place an announcement on this
> list when the software update has been posted.  I know you do watch this
> list.  The NFB maintains this list for your benefit.  We provide you free
> access to this list to make announcements about software updates.  All you
> need to do is to watch this list for the announcement.  You really don't
> need to check the knfbreader website even a single time.  You won't be 
> left
> in the dark, I promise.
>
>
> Thanks, J. G.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: reader-users-bounces at nfbnet.org
> [mailto:reader-users-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of James Jolley
> Sent: Wednesday, July 04, 2007 5:38 AM
> To: Kurzweil National Federation of the Blind Reader user list
> Subject: Re: [Reader-users] Software Upgrade
>
> Hi Jim,
>
> I'd like to take time to answer your points below.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "james gashel" <jgashel at verizon.net>
> To: "'Kurzweil National Federation of the Blind Reader user list'"
> <reader-users at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, July 04, 2007 9:50 AM
> Subject: Re: [Reader-users] Software Upgrade
>
>
>> James and all:
>>
>> We decided to provide NFB convention participants first crack at the new
>> version 3.8.0 update for a very simple reason.  The Reader would not 
>> exist
>> were it not for the NFB.  The NFB members helped to provide the financial
>> resources and design skills that made the Reader possible.
>
> Yes, I agree to a point, but KNFB technology wouldn't exist if it weren't
> for the users either. It's the users that make a product what it is, not
> just the sponcers. When I am paying 2625 pounds for a product, surely one
> expect equal access to new functionality as and when it becomes available.
>
> The NFB as an
>> organization has dedicated a significant amount of time, effort, and 
>> money
>> needed to create this product.  The NFB is also part owner of the company
>> that produces the Reader today.  This was one way of saying thank you to
>> the
>> NFB for its unequaled support of this product.
>
> Again, I agree but what about giving the users something back. In the UK, 
> we
>
> do pay slightly more than your asking price.
>
> The updated software has not
>> generally been released to either the K-NFB Reading Technology dealers or
>> at
>> any other meeting.
>
> that seems fair to me.
>
>> I should also point out that the NFB is providing Readers to its 30
>> scholarship winners at the convention.  It would really not make much
>> sense
>> to provide the scholarship winners with upgraded Readers and not to offer
>> the upgrade to others at the same convention.
>
> Why not, we're having to wait for the update aren't we? What if people's 
> job
>
> oppotunities relied on the new feedback for instance.
>
> In addition, a number of
>> people are purchasing the Reader for the first time at the convention. 
>> It
>> would not make much sense to provide them with version 3.4.8, only to 
>> turn
>> around a week or so later and tell them that they need to update the
>> reader
>> they just bought.
>
> Again, why not? If we have to keep checking the website then it does make
> sense. One doesn't buy a brandnew soundcard or pc component and not check
> for updated drivers and software for it.
>
>> Therefore, for all of these reasons, The NFB, and not K-NFB Reading
>> Technology, has offered its convention attendees the most up to date
>> software now available.
>
> To me, that smacks of bias towards the american market. You wouldn't have
> brittish companies demonstrate products at this years sight village and 
> only
>
> sell them in britain for a limited time, it would be international.
>
>> The new version will be available to everyone else on the K-NFBREADER.com
>> website by July 15.  I will also post an announcement on this list when
>> the
>> release is available.
>>
> That's all very good but the convention ends at the end of this week, so 
> we
> hold off another couple of weeks until the site is updated. Doesn't seem 
> all
>
> that fair to me.
>
>> Thanks, J. G.
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: reader-users-bounces at nfbnet.org
>> [mailto:reader-users-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of James Jolley
>> Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2007 8:46 AM
>> To: Kurzweil National Federation of the Blind Reader user list
>> Subject: Re: [Reader-users] Software Upgrade
>>
>> Hi,
>>
>> It's not a question of wining or complaining - it's the concept. Why
>> should
>> convention attendies come first, it makes absolutely no sense. It today's
>> age of the web and access to downloads, it should have been up there if
>> not
>> before, as it became available to the convention users. your effectively
>> saying, if your not part of the convention, tough luck.
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Janet Coleman" <Janet.Coleman at Alltel.net>
>> To: "Kurzweil National Federation of the Blind Reader user list"
>> <reader-users at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2007 1:40 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Reader-users] Software Upgrade
>>
>>
>>> Give me a break.  I paid for mine personally.  I never even considered
>>> attending the convention.  How long  will any of us have to wait?  Maybe
>>> a
>>> month.  I waited considerably longer than that to have access to such  a
>>> wonderful piece of technology.  I hardly think I  need to cry about
>>> waiting
>>> another month  or even another year.
>>> Janet
>>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>>> From: "Kevin Jones" <kevin at kevinrj.net>
>>> To: "Kurzweil National Federation of the Blind Reader user list"
>>> <reader-users at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2007 7:18 AM
>>> Subject: Re: [Reader-users] Software Upgrade
>>>
>>>
>>>> It's not only just what James said, but includes that. I actually never
>>>> attend conventions, I don't want to use my vacation for those when I
>>>> have family and friends spread around I'd rather visit. Many knfb 
>>>> reader
>>>> owners had their reader paid for by DVR andmay never be able to attend 
>>>> a
>>>> convention, they are expensive. Not only are international customers
>>>> being forced to wait, but also Americans who may not be as financially
>>>> fortunate.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> James Jolley wrote:
>>>>> Hi,
>>>>>
>>>>> I agree to a point, but if the same thing was done over here in
>>>>> Britain,
>>>>> there would be an upraw. This is were the business moddle kind of 
>>>>> falls
>>>>> down
>>>>> I think. why should your international market be left out in the cold?
>>>>>
>>>>> Best
>>>>>
>>>>> -James-
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>>>>> From: "Janet Coleman" <Janet.Coleman at Alltel.net>
>>>>> To: "Kurzweil National Federation of the Blind Reader user list"
>>>>> <reader-users at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2007 12:40 PM
>>>>> Subject: Re: [Reader-users] Software Upgrade
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> Thanks for writing what I failed to write.  You are correct. Janet-
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Original Message ----- 
>>>>>> From: "Loren Wakefield" <isaiah5719 at mchsi.com>
>>>>>> To: "Kurzweil National Federation of the Blind Reader user list"
>>>>>> <reader-users at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2007 6:30 AM
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Reader-users] Software Upgrade
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> This is probably an unpopular view, but I do not agree with this 
>>>>>>> line
>>>>>>> of
>>>>>>> thinking.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> We in the U.S. are blessed in many ways.  To say that a business
>>>>>>> cannot
>>>>>>> give
>>>>>>> a jump to those who attend a particular event is at best,
>>>>>>> short-sighted.
>>>>>>> The people at KNFB are not the first, nor  will they be the last to
>>>>>>> do
>>>>>>> something like this.  The object at a tradeshow is to draw people to
>>>>>>> your
>>>>>>> booth.  And this is an incentive to come see them.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Now they have also created a huge clamour for this product.  And 
>>>>>>> this
>>>>>>> is
>>>>>>> at
>>>>>>> the convention and the eventual posting afterwards.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Due to a number of things beyond my control, I also was not able to
>>>>>>> attend
>>>>>>> this year's dconvention.  So I am waiting as well.  But I do not
>>>>>>> blame
>>>>>>> them
>>>>>>> for introducing it where there are live people and plenty of them.
>>>>>>> The
>>>>>>> convention of NFB and the social gathering of that other thing, are
>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>> two
>>>>>>> biggest opportunities for companies selling adaptive devices to 
>>>>>>> reach
>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>> consumers they  are targeting.  And if they choose to offer this as
>>>>>>> an
>>>>>>> incentive to come see them, then more power to them.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Loren Wakefield
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> "The best way to predict your Future is to create it." Dr. Forress 
>>>>>>> C.
>>>>>>> Shaklee
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> www.ultimatehealthwithtlc.com
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 319-433-0145 866-433-3969
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>>>>>>> From: "Joseph LaFauci" <joeleah at iquest.net>
>>>>>>> To: "Reader-Users at Nfbnet. Org" <reader-users at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>> Sent: Monday, July 02, 2007 7:52 PM
>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Reader-users] Software Upgrade
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Greetings all,
>>>>>>> I hope I was clear earlier.  I agree wholeheartedly with all of the
>>>>>>> comments.  I'm sure it is the most difficult for you folks outside
>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>> U.S.
>>>>>>> I was also saying that there are also many of us here in the states
>>>>>>> in
>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>> same boat.  I think KNFB should have posted the upgrade on the web
>>>>>>> before
>>>>>>> they left for Atlanta if it was ready.
>>>>>>> Maybe there are still people back at KNFB who will post it soon.  I
>>>>>>> hope
>>>>>>> so.
>>>>>>> I think it will be a good upgrade based on Jim's description.
>>>>>>> I am especially enthusiastic about the ability to read different
>>>>>>> colored
>>>>>>> text on different backgrounds.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Best regards,
>>>>>>> Joe
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Joseph LaFauci
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> E-Mail: joeleah at iquest.net
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Web: http://www.joeleah.com <http://www.joeleah.com/>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>> ----
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>> Reader-users mailing list
>>>>>>>> Reader-users at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/reader-users
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>> Reader-users mailing list
>>>>>>> Reader-users at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/reader-users
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> Reader-users mailing list
>>>>>> Reader-users at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/reader-users
>>>>>>
>>>>>> __________ NOD32 2374 (20070703) Information __________
>>>>>>
>>>>>> This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.
>>>>>> http://www.eset.com
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Reader-users mailing list
>>>>> Reader-users at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/reader-users
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Reader-users mailing list
>>>> Reader-users at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/reader-users
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Reader-users mailing list
>>> Reader-users at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/reader-users
>>>
>>> __________ NOD32 2374 (20070703) Information __________
>>>
>>> This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.
>>> http://www.eset.com
>>>
>>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Reader-users mailing list
>> Reader-users at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/reader-users
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Reader-users mailing list
>> Reader-users at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/reader-users
>>
>> __________ NOD32 2377 (20070704) Information __________
>>
>> This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.
>> http://www.eset.com
>>
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Reader-users mailing list
> Reader-users at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/reader-users
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Reader-users mailing list
> Reader-users at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/reader-users
>
> __________ NOD32 2378 (20070704) Information __________
>
> This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.
> http://www.eset.com
>
>

More information about the Reader-users mailing list