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[shawnpn]

The roadmap for 1.6 showed the addition of a locations manager for events.  I see that it appears to have been dropped from the roadmap for not only 1.6 but for 2.x too.  What has happened to this feature?

-Shawn

[V-man]

The roadmap is a bit dynamic as you have noticed. It mostly changes with priorities. Right now, getting a stable version with SEO support, revamped recurring events and J!1.5 compatibility are critical.

[shawnpn]

Current features of a product and its roadmap play a major part in evaluating a product and determining its viability for a particular client.  It is what I used to decide that although Thyme currently had all the features my clients needed, JCal would meet their needs in the next release.  This was acceptable to them so now I could compare the two products based on my needs; things like support, integration, appearance, etc.  I decided to purchase JCal (after purchasing Thyme), integrate it, and train my clients.  Now I have to find another solution.  The real problem is that I am now going to have to give away my time...

Yes, I am grumpy.  Yes, I understand that Anything-Digital doesn't owe me anything in terms of features.  I also understand that this probably only matters to those that are negatively impacted by it.

The roadmap for 1.6.x has turned into a who's who of features and I believe it has crossed the bounds of minor release into major release.  You even changed the name from JCal Pro to JCal Client! 

Just look and compare the current roadmap.  It would make more sense if they were switched around.

Jcal Pro component, version 1.6 (updated 10-20-2007)

CSV file import
Enhanced recurring event support including recurring event exceptions
Community Builder support
Joomfish Support
Year-view
Joomla 1.5.x support
Multi-site synchronization

Jcal Pro component, version 2.x

Event deletion approval
SEF Support
Pathway Support
Printer-friendly support


JCal is a rock'in calendar and it has great potential.  Take it slow, develop a well thought out roadmap and then try to stick to it.  Instead of possibly having the best product today you will be assured of having the greatest product tomorrow.

Best regards,
Shawn

[V-man]

um, thanks?

GPL develops in funny ways. A user contribution and end-user needs can cause changes unexpectedly.

I wonder if you have posted a similar thread over at joomla.org given their rather chaotic roadmap.

[shawnpn]

In regards to how GPL develops, point taken.

Jcal and Joomla in both size and scope don't begin to compare.  My decision to pick Joomla over the 700+ other CMS solutions was not taken lightly either.  I think Joomla has done a good job with their roadmap...waiting another two years or so for all the features I want will be hard.  If I had to pick a CMS today I would still pick Joomla.  I do get tired though of explaining to schools why I don't build websites in Moodle 

Schools obviously have tons of sporting events.  To get consistent events with location address, contacts, Google map links, etc. is near impossible.  The work-around that I have been using is the use of WYSIWYG Pro and code snippets.  I manually enter and alphabetize all locations and location details in PHP so they can be selected from the editor.  It works but it is a major pita.  The other major features that are missed are printer friendly support and year view.  I am glad they are being addressed.

I personally have enjoyed working with Jcal and have heard nothing but praise in regards to its integration into websites.  I wish for its continued success.

Regards,
Shawn