Feature requests thread in vein of issues list?

[Robert Randolph]

Any interest in having a formatted feature request list with linked index similar to the issues list?

I'm sure most folks have noticed that some requests get repeated frequently, and perhaps it could help cut down on the noise and provide a quick resource.

Similar to the issues list, it would also be possible to mark certain requests with 'already possible' followed by a clear explanation of how to achieve that workflow. There are a few things that people new to DP ask about frequently, and often they come in the form of a feature request. DP can already do so much, I wouldn't be surprised if a large number of requests end up with 'already possible'.

Ideas? Thoughts?

[terrybritton]

Good idea - including links to tutorial videos that show how some of these "feature requests" are done would be good. Or embed the videos directly in the page, of course. (For those uncertain how this board accomplishes that, follow this format:)

Code: Select all

[YouTube]VideoID[/YouTube]

Terry

[MIDI Life Crisis]

Sometimes what you call "noise" and a distraction others call an "open discussion." I find open discussions far more valuable than a highly "focused" overly moderated, pinpointed lists of posts.

Personally I don't contribute to the bug discussion/quasi-database for the same reason. I prefer a "conversation" to a "chart" any day. Its just too clinical a presentation method. I see language more like a series of musical phrases and a discussion more like the interplay between themes. You never know where they'll take you. Simple "instructions on how and when to post" is like filling out a DMV form and I don't see myself embracing that kind of paradigm here or on any other online discussion group.

But clearly, if you have enough interest from other members, go for it.

I'm curious, Terry, how do you link to a video of a feature that does not yet exist? Do you mean link to video of other apps that have a feature you want in DP?

[terrybritton]

I'm curious, Terry, how do you link to a video of a feature that does not yet exist? Do you mean link to video of other apps that have a feature you want in DP?

Robert seemed to be suggesting that new folks often write posts with feature requests that are actually features or workflows which already exist, but they were not aware of how to accomplish that thing.

So, that is one place I find such a thread as this to be potentially valuable, in that it may create a one-stop-shop where folks can find the answers to their needs and wants concerning their use of DP.

I'm with you on preferring conversation, of course. I certainly enjoy your contributions!

Terry

[terrybritton]

Similar to the issues list, it would also be possible to mark certain requests with 'already possible' followed by a clear explanation of how to achieve that workflow. There are a few things that people new to DP ask about frequently, and often they come in the form of a feature request. DP can already do so much, I wouldn't be surprised if a large number of requests end up with 'already possible'.

Ideas? Thoughts?

If you could link this well with posts on the magnificent "Digital Performer Tips Sheet" thread, that would be pretty super!

Terry

[Robert Randolph]

Sometimes what you call "noise" and a distraction others call an "open discussion." I find open discussions far more valuable than a highly "focused" overly moderated, pinpointed lists of posts.

Personally I don't contribute to the bug discussion/quasi-database for the same reason. I prefer a "conversation" to a "chart" any day. Its just too clinical a presentation method. I see language more like a series of musical phrases and a discussion more like the interplay between themes. You never know where they'll take you. Simple "instructions on how and when to post" is like filling out a DMV form and I don't see myself embracing that kind of paradigm here or on any other online discussion group.

But clearly, if you have enough interest from other members, go for it.

I'm curious, Terry, how do you link to a video of a feature that does not yet exist? Do you mean link to video of other apps that have a feature you want in DP?

I understand what you're saying, but do you see the value in having a centralized list of resources?

Like the issues list, I'd only proceed with an open discussion thread correlating to a centralized list post as well.

I also don't see too much value in enforcing similar post conformity as the issues list. Feature requests can be verbose and varied. I think in this situation that a linkable index that helps people find if their request has been made, or if it's currently already in DP, is about all that's really necessary.

edit: Ideally this would all be done in something like Mantis or Centercode (publicly!), but I also value the open forum format.

[Robert Randolph]

Similar to the issues list, it would also be possible to mark certain requests with 'already possible' followed by a clear explanation of how to achieve that workflow. There are a few things that people new to DP ask about frequently, and often they come in the form of a feature request. DP can already do so much, I wouldn't be surprised if a large number of requests end up with 'already possible'.

Ideas? Thoughts?

If you could link this well with posts on the magnificent "Digital Performer Tips Sheet" thread, that would be pretty super!

Terry

I'm quite certain that would be referred to very often. Shooshie's contributions there are already a huge help to users old and new alike.

[MIDI Life Crisis]

I see the forum as the centralized resource via the search engine, but knock yourself out. Nothing is stopping you from starting a thread. No permissions required.

[Robert Randolph]

I see the forum as the centralized resource via the search engine, but knock yourself out. Nothing is stopping you from starting a thread. No permissions required.

I'm stopping myself. I don't think I have the all the greatest ideas, or best ideas etc..

The issues list would have been much worse and less effective without input and help many great folks here (including yourself!). If the 'features' version were to occur, I'm certain I'd require similar input from the community.

---

And regarding the search... I think we'll have to just disagree there. I find it relatively worthless in cases like features or issues, since so many people phrase the same thing in different ways.

I remember recently when I was trying to figure something out that I know I had figured out a year or two ago with help from members here. When I searched, I couldn't even find my own post on the topic! It took me 30 minutes of going through my own posts one by one to find it. Talk about frustrating

[terrybritton]

And regarding the search... I think we'll have to just disagree there. I find it relatively worthless in cases like features or issues, since so many people phrase the same thing in different ways.

I remember recently when I was trying to figure something out that I know I had figured out a year or two ago with help from members here. When I searched, I couldn't even find my own post on the topic! It took me 30 minutes of going through my own posts one by one to find it. Talk about frustrating

Man, do I agree with that! Search sucks! And, of course, it pre-supposes that you know what terms to search for in the first place.

Searching a "repository of knowledge" style thread is far more valuable and fruitful.

Terry

[MIDI Life Crisis]

Jusy like any search engine, sometimes you need to input various ways of phrasing a question before finding an answer. It's not any easier scrolling thru 60 pages devoted to a "focused" concept. Precisely why I think the bug thread is a waste of time. I know that I won't ever go there to try and find a solution unless the search engine takes me to a post.

[terrybritton]

I still prefer using the "Search This Topic" tool at the top of every thread to find what I need within a focused context, so we simply relate to forums differently when searching for information.

I do not come here just for information, though, so I am glad this forum offers so much! (Including GREAT people!)

Terry

[Robert Randolph]

Jusy like any search engine, sometimes you need to input various ways of phrasing a question before finding an answer. It's not any easier scrolling thru 60 pages devoted to a "focused" concept. Precisely why I think the bug thread is a waste of time. I know that I won't ever go there to try and find a solution unless the search engine takes me to a post.

There's no sifting through 60 pages necessary. That's the whole point of having a linked index, like the issues list.

Anyway, even if you still stick with search, if you happen upon the theoretical feature suggestion list you'd be pretty much guaranteed to find relevant information. No need to sift through pages of multiple discussion threads to possibly find a workaround or explanation. If the search leads you there, then the answer is there.

[cuttime]

Googel Search> xxxx site:www.motunation.com. Done.

[MIDI Life Crisis]

Googel Search> xxxx site:www.motunation.com. Done.