I think my current version of PDC is ugly. Today I downloaded Eltima “Flash Decompiler Trillix” (what a name) and found it gorgeous. My application has a stinky 90’s look (being generous).
In order to fix it, I started looking for a skin component for Delphi. (I hate futile adornments, I like spartanware, it has been a very successful principle in my ad-hoc development business, but I’m afraid that in B2C looks does matter).
Well, after a little googling, found some candidates, then started downloading the trials to make some tests. I want to buy today, because I want to release a better-looking version of PDC this weekend. I have the CC on my table and I’m resigned to spend the customary $100.
One of the candidates was ThemeEngine, I have browsed them many time ago, and the product looked nice. So, I downloaded the trial. I am not very expert with Delphi, had never used a package so I started looking at the Help File to find how to make it work. 1st error, no help for Delphi 2009…
Product development is alive: they released a new version on February/4 2009. But obviously they didn’t think of changing the help file.
Ok, so I used the instructions for 2007 and it worked OK, but I’m a real Delphi ignorant! I don’t know how to set the library path to include the missing DCUs. So I gave the help a new chance, and then I found this:
Strange Help
So this guys haven’t took the time to finish the CHM help. Now, let me be clear on this:
I am thinking as a customer now (if I think as a developer I wouldn’t have the face to criticise nobody after so many years delivering badly-finished system to business users).
As a customer, when I find something not finished, I start to make myself questions like: “what will happen when I have a problem with the component on Windows Vista 64 SP8?, what kind of support and upgrades will I be able to get from this guys?”.. and so on.
IMHO, the lesson of the story is simple. If you want to sell something, give attention to details. If you start something, finish it, and do it well.
This guys have very nice products, they must be master developers, but they lost a sale today.
