Open letter to Kodak Austin Development Center

[srwatters]

Dear Kodak,

Today I received an email from you announcing your release of updated versions of your photoshop plugins, of which I own two. While I'm happy that you are now supporting Photoshop CS-3 and the Intel platform for OS X, I'm shocked that you expect me to re-purchase the product just so it will run natively on my Macintosh. In your own letter you state that there is no upgraded functionality or change in algorithms:

The new version 2.1 plug-ins have been updated for easy installation with these new operating systems and applications but the image enhancement algorithms provide the same great results. You only need to upgrade to the new versions if you have an Intel Mac and Photoshop CS2 or CS3 or if you plan to upgrade your system and will reinstall your plug-ins under OSX or Windows Vista. Otherwise, if your plug-ins are installed and working well there is no benefit in updating to the new plug-ins since they provide the same image enhancement features as the version 2.0 plug-ins.

I think this is a gross error on your part as you come to the table with a product that is six months late, inferior to others on the market, and makes no mention of compatibility with Apple's newest OS X version 10.5 (Leopard). Yet given these short comings you expect me to pay for your products again? I'm sorry but I will not be taking you up on this offer and I'm doubting many other professionals will either.

Regards,

[LoungeLizard]

Originally Posted by srwatters

I think this is a gross error on your part as you come to the table with a product that is six months late, inferior to others on the market, and makes no mention of compatibility with Apple's newest OS X version 10.5 (Leopard). Yet given these short comings you expect me to pay for your products again? I'm sorry but I will not be taking you up on this offer and I'm doubting many other professionals will either.

So, why not just buy the other product and dump a company that is not providing the level of quality in product or support you want/need?

Vote with your wallet and support the companies that support photographers.

[srwatters]

That's what I am doing, but letting them know this and spreading the word to others is what I'm also trying to do.

[huxley]

sad to say but this is a reason why Kodak is losing ground in the digital age. When film was dominant they could do what they wanted. Now of course we are in the digital age and these tactics do not work anymore. Sorry Kodak but its time to acclimate to your surroundings. Its not 1985 anymore.

[icephoto]

Originally Posted by huxley

...Sorry Kodak but its time to acclimate to your surroundings. Its not 1985 anymore.

Heck, it ain't even 1995 anymore... It may just be another sign that their business model is hopelessly broken and they don't understand it because they think they're still the lead dog in the pack. So sad to see one of my favorite photo-related companies go so terribly wrong.