Golfer, the former Director of Communications in me would agree with you, especially if HTC was a large corporation. But it's not. What it is is a small company run by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts. Combat flight simulators are a niche product. The closest you will likely see to a corporate focus in this genre is, well… not many jump to mind. Where the $$$ are concerned this is a dormant, low upside niche compared to the mass appeal RPGs like that new Star Wars product. There seems to be more leeway in the boxed sim area, but I would still like to see IL2s numbers compared to GTA Vice City's, especially after the console port.
Were HiTech a corporate CEO (say for a company like EA) he would likely never respond in person to anything on a BBS. Someone like me (in my former life) would craft the appropriate response after my underling brought it to my attention, run it by him via e-mail, sign his name and give a sterile, easily dismissed reply post. However, rough edges and all, the community knows that HiTech himself reads the boards, cares about what is written and takes the time to respond. In this environment, IMO, that is preferable from a brand loyalty standpoint to the alternative. I would also, as a customer, rather see additional budgetary dollars spent on development vs. communications. As long as HTC delivers with both the product and a high level of customer service (generally lacking in today’s corporate environment) then HiTech’s response is a non issue and likely a net positive. Were HTC failing to deliver, then it becomes a different matter entirely. Just my usual waste the morning $.02. Plus, frankly, it’s just plain refreshing to see candor for a change.
Charon
