Registered: Jan 2000
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 1683

Quite a while ago we were asking about the possibility of VisorCentral updating their software section to include user-based comarison reviews. I know there were several people interested in contributing to that.

Is there still any interest from VC in doing that?

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We're all naked if you turn us inside out.
-David Byrne

Registered: Oct 2000
Location: Aberdeen, SD
Posts: 2531

I would be, yes.

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-Joshua
Abortion: Darwinism at its finest.

Registered: May 2000
Location: St. Paul, MN
Posts: 1429

VC is also working on getting some official reviews of software more often.

I will be doing a monthly coloum (starting NEXT month :-d (or even farther away)) comparing different software, of silmir catogorys.

BUT this is all pending people's comments, IF people don't like the coloum, VC can use my rescources in other ways..

So..

First up. Palm Calculaotrs
Second. Doc editors (pending review)
Third and on.. Popular demand

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-miradu

Registered: Jan 2000
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 1683

Miradu:

Just be sure to get your spell-checking working before sending in the reviews )

(Only kidding...!)

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We're all naked if you turn us inside out.
-David Byrne

Registered: Feb 2001
Location:
Posts: 134

Personally I have just started writing less hardware reviews and more software. I have a ton of stuff in the pipeline...but another VC project has been taking a lot of my time.

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I saw that everyone else had a signature and I felt left out, so here is mine.

Registered: Jan 2000
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 1683

Just to recap my ideas.

What I find is missing on the internet is side-by-side Palm Software reviews of a specific genre.

For instance, I was (well, I still am) looking for a good password storage application. There are 10-20+ of them out there, but few, if any of them are reviewed side-by-side.

I've spent a lot of time looking at password software, time tracking software, project managment software, etc.

Reviews of individual software products are nice, but aren't really that useful in some cases.

I'm envisioning something like a consumer-reports model. Maybe have 5 people take each application through it's paces and comment and rate each individual application.

While I certainly appreciate and encourage VC to write standard software reviews, it should be noted that a LOT of sites already do that.

Also, every few months or so a thread will pop-up in the discussion forum that has been answered to death in the past. It would be great to have someone go through some of the large threads inthe past and summarize the content in them. Sort of a FAQ for certain software questions.

Just some thoughts...

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We're all naked if you turn us inside out.
-David Byrne

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

Disclaimer: the views expressed in this post are those of the author (me) and not necessarily those of VisorCentral.

The problem with software reviews as I see it (doing them, not reading them) is that it is a lengthy process. Consider that you need to install and use every comparative app, establish a baseline, compare features, etc... This might work for someone who has lots of time on their hands, but I personally use my Visor for "production" use. I don't have time to "play" as often as I'd like.

Another major point is genre... for example, word processing. There are several good ones out there. I have found the best solution for me and don't want to try any others. Again, it's the "production" issue.

In my opinion, here at VC, the forums provide the best software reviews. People ask "what's the best so-an-so app?" and several intelligent, well informed replies show up. While not the same as an actual review, I've found that most apps favored by the VC membership seem to be my best solution as well. The biggest problem with reviewing in this fashion is that there's no way to suppress the "my app is better than yours" mentality that inevitably leads to flames.

We (the staff) have discussed brainstorming reviews amongst ourselves (I use This, he uses That, etc). Even this approach isn't the same as a head-to-head, but it's a step in the right direction.

As Alan and Mike stated, we are starting to see more software related reviews, etc. Trust me, if it were easier to do real software comparisons, we'd be doing it by now.

Again, these are my own personal opinions and may not be shared the the rest of the staff (staff... if you're listening, you'd better support me here ).

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God bless America, my home sweet home...

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Texan in Calgary for a while
Posts: 1361

At some point this year we should have a software system online. We're about to start working on a redesign of the site that adds additional features,such as a useful FAQ, and, hopefully, a software section.

The redesign is going to take some time because our databases will be changing, but hopefully it will be worth the wait.

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James Hromadka
Old Friend

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 106

This isn't what you're looking for Homer, but occasionally when looking for a new piece of software (could be a replacement app too) I'll run across "review" comments at PalmGear by users that *have* used several or all in a genre. They mention specific issues, etc per app.

This may help you out until something better comes along.

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Steve
"Gort, Klatu verada nictu."

Registered: Jan 2000
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 1683

quote:

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The problem with software reviews as I see it (doing them, not reading them) is that it is a lengthy process. Consider that you need to install and use every comparative app, establish a baseline, compare features, etc...

---

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We're all naked if you turn us inside out.
-David Byrne

Registered: Feb 2001
Location:
Posts: 134

I like to write commentary...because I thought we could use more...but I also thought we should have more software reviews...but let me state this...

reviews are tough to write.

comparison reviews are even tougher.

You have to be objective and fair...while at the same time you have to be critical. A fine line to walk.

I find our reviews are very fair and objective...but the reader reviews are pretty tough...because they don't have to walk that line...people either like it or don't.

I told one company that wanted to see my review early...that I couldn't do that...but not to worry...I was fair...I had some problems with their app...but nothing is perfect. They told me they weren't worried that much about my review...as much as they were worried about the reader reviews. "They're brutal."

It is really tough to give a fair and objective review...so that you give good information to a wide audience. Some people hate products...that other people love.

One of the things I love about this site is the discussion group. 99% of everyone here (regardless of their opinions) is courteous and helpful. Our moderators are very careful not to limit free speech...but they do a good job of keeping abusive or harrassing comments out. Many of us don't necessarily agree with each other...but we at least do a good job of respecting each other. There is always that one guy who has to ruin it for everyone by being abusive...and we don't let that happen.

VisorCentral is a great site because we have developed a great community. Heck...tons of people who own iPaqs and Palms come here each day.

I never participated in discussion boards in the past...but this one is different.

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I saw that everyone else had a signature and I felt left out, so here is mine.