I think if anyone was interested in finding out more about flight sim, they can just google it.I figure most buyers see it as a game title and it has the lifespan of the average game they buy so they don't have the time or desire to delve into it more.If MS had more direct routes to addons, they'd probaby get tons of people complaining to them or to their friends (ie potentional average next flight sim buyers) about how slow the frame rates got and all the stutters after adding some MS-endorsed freeware mesh and scenery ;-)

Hi, Peter and everyone.Speaking from experience, being involved in R&D for many years, I will say that MS is wise to stay away from getting close to any of the aftermarket developers. There are many reasons why, and I will try to outline a few.If you name anything specific in your manual, or literature, or even web sites, you will immediately open yourself up to all kinds of Tech. Support issues regardless of who

>I was fairly horrified to learn that of all the sales of MSFS>which goes into millions of copies only a negligable amount>are added to with third party addons.>>The vast majority stay in their green off the shelf state.>>I really think that in the next version of MSFS that MS should>encourage users into the world of addons and the flight>simulator community by having direct links to the main FS>sites and telling users of the potential for expanding their>FS experience.>>Flight simming is a large hobby but it has the potential to be>even bigger if more people knew of its expansion capability.>I do not think it fair to blame Microsoft for the fact that most people are not as interested in aviation as certain others (and never will be)!!A quick glance at the support forums for the so-called 'high end' add-in aircraft - and 'high end' simulators for that matter - makes it clear that a significant proportion of their users are equally ambivalent about learning, aviation, or both.On the learning front, you can do a lot worse than assimilate everything packaged with the base product and pass the check rides.There is a lot to be said for keeping FS 2004 in the "green off the shelf state" (or as close as one can manage). Everything works, performance is brilliant, and you are forced to do most of the piloting yourself. So, in many ways, the much maligned 'gamer' can end up very skilled and knowledgeable. Don't under-estimate them!Michael

>There is Nothing in the aftermarket addons that significantly>adds to the

I'll just keep this short...In answering everything written above, you're completely WRONG!Some of US pilots around here, like recreating actual experiences, whether it be a warbird, twin, mountain flight, or for other reasons, that the default has not achieved; nor would I expect that level of completemness. In 15 years or so of simming, I know for a fact, that some commercial developers have taken the original sim "far" beyond the limits of it's original coding, and what was thought as impossible. Thank Heavens for the add-on developers, both freeware & payware! May they be around, as long as WE are!L.Adamson

>Some of US pilots around here, like recreating actual>experiences, whether it be a warbird, twin, mountain flight,>or for other reasons, that the default has not achieved; nor>would I expect that level of completemness. In 15 years or so>of simming, I know for a fact, that some commercial developers>have taken the original sim "far" beyond the limits of it's>original coding, and what was thought as impossible. >>Thank Heavens for the add-on developers, both freeware &>payware! May they be around, as long as WE are!>>L.AdamsonGuess I am one of US pilots - but you are wrong. No one would seriously deny that the reputable commercial developers do a good job. But this is not a reason for Microsoft to lend their support, nor for Microsoft to encourage their customers to venture beyond a trustworthy 'green' installation.Michael

And you are all WRONG!! It is clear that no one in this thread read the post that AVSIM made right here (ON THE FRONT PAGE) about the new FS.Further more I was even mroe surprised that there were no posts about it.It was staring you all right in the face.This is a case where you should be glad you're all wrong.

You are misguided (as opposed to "WORNG").My post is not affected by the new FS.Michael

Changed...LOL..The spelling that is. But yes, misguided would have been a better choice.

>And you are all WORNG!! It is clear that no one in this thread read the post that AVSIM made right here (ON THE FRONT PAGE) about the new FSReally? Well, I guess after 20 years we'll finally see some impressive flight modeling (please MS, fix that rudder authority problem) and some fleshed out systems modeling (there's more to electrical systems than a battery and a generator switch). I for one hope you're right, but my money is on MS's FS history...as was mentioned earlier, they cater to the masses, not the simulator addicts. I don't expect much except more of the same 'improvements'; prettier eye candy, better ATC, and smarter AI. All good stuff to be sure but not what is necessary to turn this into a competent simulator and not merely just a fun game. I guess time will tell.Mike

I guess we'll all find out, wont we?My main point though (I should have been more clear), is that the community between FS, the users, and the developers is going to get a lot closer.

You seem like a good bloke with a healthy attitude to these things. I'll watch out for your products in future (although no guarantees of sales, because I keep my MSFS as 'green' as I can manage!).Michael

Thank you Michael,If we can all keep this attitude things will always progress forward. If we're negative all the time, then we'll spin our wheels.I can say that this hobby WILL keep getting better, and soon, that I DO KNOW....grins.

Amen, Jeff! I was knocked speachless after seeing that some devs had blogs up for the public to view. Awesome concept, and I think it's going to really "glue" the community together as a whole. I check the blogs daily and am always in for at least a nice little treat when something new is added; a little "insight" into the minds of those that help create our beloved FS. And sometimes, it's even more than that. There are some really awesome days ahead of us my friends.-Jeremy BurchThe Ozark Dogfighter http://forums.avsim.net/images/wedge.gifHappy Flying!A pilot pulled out a .38 revolver and placed it on top of the instrument panel, then told the navigator "I use this on navigators who get me lost!"The navigator pulled out a .45 and placed it on his chart table. The pilot asked, "What's that for?""To be honest sir," the navigator replied, "I'll know we're lost before you will."

You're welcome Jeff. The pessimist in me thinks that this genre has already reached its zenith. The optimist thinks that life can imitate art - so flying in the future may draw inspiration from MSFS and companies like yours!Michael