Fishing Hotspots CD

[perchjerker]

Hey guys. Bought the Michigan version. I dont complain a whole lot, but its buggy. I read about it in my walleye club newsletter and it mentioned the bugs, so I know its not my machine. I went to the website, updated it, seems ok now.

Mike, why put something like that out with known problems? I tried for an hour yesterday to get it going, I couldnt update it because my internet connex was (and still is) down. Without internet access, its useless. You should have advised people somehow there were problems with it. Either recall them or put a sticker on the box or something, or at least mention the bugs on your website.

Dont get me wrong, I think its a pretty cool program, it just irks me when software is released thats not ready.

[Skeeter]

I have had my Mi CD since it came out. Small minor problems but with a very simple update it works fine. Anything you put out in this day and age can always be upgraded and bettered. I think Mike and his crew are doing a banger of a job. A simple call if you have problems and they bend over to help. Most of the problems have been a windows thing from what I understand. Only thing I would like different is the curcer. Wish it had an arrow.

[perchjerker]

I know what you mean, but a call wouldnt have helped with no internet
access to get a patch. The bugs I had were major, it would freeze up my machine and I would have to run scandisk to fix it. Tried it on 3 of my computers, same thing. And I know my way around a computer.
And how are you supposed to make a simple call when there is no phone number on the package? Only a web address.

[JasonMN]

PerchJerker,

I have the MN CD and hold the same opinion of it. I emailed fishing hotspots when I bought it in Feb. of 2001 and asked why they would distribute something that will not work out of the box. So they have known about the problem for at LEAST a year and still chose to distibute it as is. That is horrible. I suggested the same as you..at least put a big sticker on the box or something. There is no way to know that you need a patch. They must recieve lots of calls from frustrated users who are not computer or internet literate. Once you do get it going there are a ton of other annoying issues as well. I am employed in the software industry and I THINK this is a very, very, very poorly written piece of software.

On the positive side of things, it is great that Mike Michalak of Fishing Hotspots addresses any issues here on WC.

JasonMN

[Mike Michalak]

We're always here guys...and a phone call WILL get you a CD of the upgrades because we know not everyone has Internet access. This was done from the beginning.

As for the program itself, it was designed and tested on the Windows 95/98 operating systems and left fully functional. As anyone in the computer business knows, not everything is bulletproof right out of the box, just ask Microsoft.

Where the trouble lies is in the countless number of hardware configurations out there. No one can plan for what combinations the user may have, from available RAM to the proper operating system, drivers, printers, etc. The upgrades we posted on our site dealt with Windows issues, not program issues.

It's been our customers, as usual, who keep in contact with us and help make our products better. That's been our strong suit for more than 20 years. Those contacts led to better response on the Web, an automated help line with our toll free number and if necessary, live assistance.

The big trouble now is the industry itself. Since the program was introduced we've seen new Windows systems in Me, 2000, XP, NT and I can tell you now, the program isn't going to work on these. The minimum requirements are on the box. So is a bright sticker instructing the user to download and install the upgrades from our site.

Is Fishing Hot Spots going to adapt to these changes? No, we're not. That's why we work with companies like Outdoor Intelligence and National Geographic, Topo-Log, Garmin, Navionics, all companies who license our mapping data and create mapping programs. Programs, I might add, that are superior to ours in their application. We serve a wonder niche in the planning mode and ease of operation, but you know how fast all this technology stuff moves. Sometimes, too fast for us mapmakers...so we're staying with the paper maps.

Please remember, we never shy away from complaints or constructive criticism. It doesn't do anyone any good to rail on any company here or anyplace else (IMHO) because nothing ever gets accomplished. When those concerns are voiced to that company, that's when things can happen.

As many on this board can attest to, I'm here a lot. Sometimes, I even get mixed up in some of the fireworks, but that's good! It shows you we're not afraid to get into the trenches and duke it out if we have to and that we're passionate about our sport. By the time the dust settles, we understand you better and you learn some more about us. Will it always be a winning situation? I doubt it, but all parties involved will be a little wiser because of it.

[perchjerker]

Thanks for the reply Mike.
The box I had must be old. there was no sticker on it.

I am running good old Win98 SE.

It would have been nice to at least include a phone number on the box.

The reason I posted this was to help others out. Would have saved me some grief if I knew it would go like it did. I should probably return it then and get one of those "superior" products you mentioned.

[JasonMN]

Mike,

Thanks as usual for the reply! Just so you know, I did send you a few emails with my thoughts/criticisms of the product back in Feb 2001. I guess it didn't help?

The intentions of my 1st post were not simply to bash Fishing Hotspots. I am letting others know my opinions and experiences with the product. One of the beauties of WC and the internet! So I guess if it is bashing, I felt justified in doing so.


Regards,

Jason Martin