QuickWords: The People Who Listen

It seems there’s some notion floating around the Zune community that the Zune team doesn’t know what they’re doing. That for some reason these people release great products each September and then retreat into some communication proof, bunker to develop and update in a vacuum of secrecy. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Constantly I hear things like “Honestly I don’t think they don’t get it, they need to listen to their users!” Well I don’t hold punches so here it goes, I think people who think that way, are honestly the most self-righteous, arrogant jackasses to own MP3 players. Each time there has been a complaint they’ve replied, every time there has been a major bug, they’ve fixed it. Every time there’s been a legitimate concern, they’ve attempted to address them. Call me crazy but that sounds a lot like listening to the community.

Seriously cut the crap. I get that you may have issues with a product, but you should do your research before you buy it. Also stop deluding yourself into thinking that you’re the target audience for a MP3 player or that you’re the “everyman”. You aren’t. You are technology educated enough to visit Zune specific sites on a regular basis, and voice your opinion. That is the exact opposite of their target audience and just because you want a feature, doesn’t mean it necessarily would work from a general end-user, or business development stand point.  Oh and don’t get me even started on the game of whack-a-mole that is the Facebook app. I get that you want to be able to access your Facebook anywhere you want and I totally understand that. What I don’t get is why your mad that they’re taking the time to work on something and not put out a bad app for which you would most certainly slam them. If you want to complain about something how about the lack of a platform for writing or loading applications onto your device, not an app. Introducing Facebook mobile ladies and gentlemen.

I don’t mean to be so grumpy this Sunday morning but guys, lets see the big picture here. Take an honest look in the mirror here. We’re the power users! This device could make you coffee, brush your teeth, and morph into a netbook; we still wouldn’t be satisfied. Let’s start this week off right, and leave the baggage of every week before it with the TSA for them to “misplace”. Let’s stop looking at new problems with old ideas. If we can do that, I think by the time Saturday arrives we’ll have thought of at least one part of the ecosystem in a different way, and for some of us, that might not be such a bad thing. Also while I’ve got you here, you know what really drives me crazy? Starbucks! I mean what’s with that! As always I welcome your comments.