Jonathan
Sun Mar 20 14:14:46 CST 2005
"Jabez Gan" <mingteikg@blizNOSPAMhosting.com> wrote in message
> If this is the case, do you think users should download the beta Longhorn since they can
> learn a lot through it?
Longhorn isn't in beta, the only stuff out, leaked or otherwise is from last year. The
upcoming beta in the next few months and the build coming out at WinHEC is completely
different. That said, assuming you don't need a production PC that -must- be completely
operational, yes, you can learn a lot and those adventurous types should give it a go and
post their opinions on their own or someone elses blog. However, changing your OS is a
different story than installing an instant messenger client, so I really don't see how this
applies.
> Actually, being in a beta, it is about not revealing any information about that new beta
> that you are testing.
Hardly, Microsoft doesn't make anyone sign actual NDAs anymore for their public betas and for
good reason; the press reports about it regardless. Compared to the betas of laterday, the
number of actual builds put into beta process has diminished for this very reason. I'm not
sure what agreements you've signed, but in mine, if something is public domain, then one can
discuss it. Mess.be has all the information about the latest builds, so therefore it's gone
public and not under NDA. And again, this is Messenger we're talking about, not some super
secret project from the depths of Redmond.
> Then do you think that I can just ask users to search around some new beta builds (where
> I'm in) and ask them to download it from legitimate sites?
I simply said the latest builds would have better audio support and that such newer builds
were available on a simple Google search. No one's asking anyone to do anything.
> Leaked beta versions are always available (esp bigger betas). But at least we should
> conceal this fact from new users and let them learn when the time is right.
The OP said the following, "I always read you answers here when having troubles with
messenger. Often this makes things clearer to me." So both the OP and Wouter have been here
before, so they're hardly "new users". I for one, refuse to "conceal" information (or in
your case what might be considered "dumbing down") that isn't under NDA simply because the
user is "new". Nor am I going to pretend that one can't grab it in one quick Google search.
I like to maintain professionalism and remain a trusted source of information and by
"concealing" information in this manner isn't the way to maintain that.
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - MSN Messenger/Windows Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources -
http://messenger.jonathankay.com
All posts unless otherwise specified are (c) 2005 Jonathan Kay.
You *must* contact me for redistribution rights.