It's been pretty much like that for 11 versions.

 

Now, to get to your point, while your reasoning is apparently correct (and I'm sure shared by many X-Plane users), it's afflicted by a typical flaw. The fact is, that Austin main job is indeed working on the flight model and some other internal things, so that's what he will do of course.

 

Improving clouds is the job of another team member (ok, Austin will probably contribute in writing a new weather engine, but that is a long term goal), improving ATC is the job of Chris Serio, improving performance is the job of Ben Supnik, etc.

 

All the "big hitters" you mentioned must be tackled by other team members (and they probably are being worked on right now; we know that improvements in clouds, performance, etc. have been mentioned in developer's blog).

 

You're right though on the ground handling issue (or more specifically, on the exaggerated weathervaning). That is indeed the job of Austin, and he should work on it with a high priority.

 

Thanks Murmur - appreciate that insight!

Its as if we're all granted access to Austin's "personal sim" instead of a mass market software built for users..

That's probably the best description of X-Plane I've ever heard. Love it or hate, it's Austin's baby.

Does anyone else think that its absurd that for a platform that's needs attention right now on the big hitters - ground handling, clouds, performance issues, ATC etc. Austin is working on things like smoke puffs and tire model when "not moving" after 5 betas?!

 

I mean talk about losing sight of the forest for the trees. Shows a complete lack of understanding of what the users are really demanding. Its as if we're all granted access to Austin's "personal sim" instead of a mass market software built for users..

 

Austin's singular focus on what he cares about is both the best thing and the worst thing about X-Plane. Anyone who has used X-Plane for a while understands that.

 

On the positive side, it means this sim will always have a look and feel that isn't designed by corporate committee, and can also survive economic ups and downs in the marketplace because it isn't the only income stream for Laminar. 

Does anyone else think that its absurd that for a platform that's needs attention right now on the big hitters - ground handling, clouds, performance issues, ATC etc. Austin is working on things like smoke puffs and tire model when "not moving" after 5 betas?!

 

I mean talk about losing sight of the forest for the trees. Shows a complete lack of understanding of what the users are really demanding. Its as if we're all granted access to Austin's "personal sim" instead of a mass market software built for users..

It is a great privilege to get informed on a few topics they work on through their blogs.

I hope they won't change their attitude when reading this kind of stuff

It is a great privilege to get informed on a few topics they work on through their blogs.

I hope they won't change their attitude when reading this kind of stuff

Yes, it IS good to hear about these things here, but honestly, it's second hand knowledge.  While everyone is entitled to their opinions, if we want action and results, it's usually best to voice the opinion at the source...just my two cents.

On the positive side, it means this sim will always have a look and feel that isn't designed by corporate committee, and can also survive economic ups and downs in the marketplace because it isn't the only income stream for Laminar.

 

Also from what I can tell, Austin is absurdly wealthy and will remain absurdly wealthy even if X-Plane never sold a single copy.  We're talking about a guy who can afford to donate $1.5 million to an animal shelter.

 

http://www.thestate.com/living/pets/article16315178.html

We're talking about a guy who can afford to donate $1.5 million to an animal shelter.

 

Two things...

- Austin loves animals, which is great

- he loves his baby x-plane, which is great too.

 

I like him more then before

Tom

Also from what I can tell, Austin is absurdly wealthy and will remain absurdly wealthy even if X-Plane never sold a single copy.  We're talking about a guy who can afford to donate $1.5 million to an animal shelter.

 

http://www.thestate.com/living/pets/article16315178.html

 

Thats awesome - way to go Austin  :wink:

The guy is cool, admitted. And loving cats and dogs more than night skies is ok for me. 

Now I see why he could downheart Orbx JV that way...sadly for us...

 

If only he could donate a 1/100 of that to an ATC guru we would rock...

 

 

 

If he invested a similar amount into Andras, Oscar, Tony and a few other guys I think we would have scenery packages of ORBX quality in no time. The skilled people are out there and I would be surprised if they refused to create a signature product of their own. 

Also from what I can tell, Austin is absurdly wealthy and will remain absurdly wealthy even if X-Plane never sold a single copy.  We're talking about a guy who can afford to donate $1.5 million to an animal shelter.

 

http://www.thestate.com/living/pets/article16315178.html

 

Not only that, but he did it twice!

Hey, I'm a cat (See avatar as proof) and could do with $1.5million ;-). 

 

I have a lot of respect for people who donate money or their time (no matter how small or big) and don't expect any fanfare in return. 

Hey, I'm a cat (See avatar as proof) and could do with $1.5million ;-). 

 

I have a lot of respect for people who donate money or their time (no matter how small or big) and don't expect any fanfare in return. 

 

He will donate you some mice nice and tasty

Wow, nothing against cats and dogs, but agree that $1.5M could go such a long way to improve XP11! Pity...