This thread tears me in two.
Oh yes, we simply must have new feature weapons to move ahead and compete in the DAW wars, and Oh no, we really want fixes and optimizations because this last year we have seen Sonar performance improved in so many ways.
 
So here's my equation:
More features attracts more user base = more Cakewalk long term stability, bigger DAW market share.
More fixes/optimizations keeps existing users = more Cakewalk long term stability, bigger DAW market share.
 
. . . extra bonus = bugs are noticed right way, feedback on the forums, usually fixed within a month.
 
It all adds up for me. The potential to create great music has never been easier.
Seems most here agree a balance of both is best.

sharke
These "no new features please" sentiments come up fairly often in the forums and I think what a lot of people don't understand is that unless Cakewalk continually attract new users with spanking new features, there won't be any revenue with which to continue fixing bugs.

I wonder how many "new users" have hopped on the Sonar bandwagon in the last year.  I can understand someone (like myself four years ago) dreaming of one day owning Sonar and buying it when that becomes possible, but then it wouldn't be because of the lastest New Feature.  Where would a new user even hear about the latest feature ?  My hunch is that the majority of sales is from the established base buying renewals and a few newcomers wanting to become a part of that community.  It's quite a decision to jump off and I don't see the lack of something new turning off most people that are already on.  Staying current is what is important to them (meaning make what's already there even better and keep up with changes in OS).
 
Also, while I'm at it, Cakewalk should probably abandon soft synths altogether.  It pains me to say it since that is a huge part of why I bought Sonar, but I don't think the resources are sufficient for something monumental, and they could probably be put to better use on Sonar itself.  Repackaging old software is kind of sad, especially when it's rereleased with major bugs.
 

Anderton

rlared
Craig, why doesn't Cakewalk build into Sonar optional usage reporting so you can see how often people use which features?  Seems like a good way to get feedback.

That would be pretty awesome, as long as people participated in it and didn't opt out.

Just a thought.
Can there be options for checkboxes for modules to be installed with the main program. Who wanted a feature to be removed they will have an option not to install.
 
Regards
Snehankur

Paul P
 
I wonder how many "new users" have hopped on the Sonar bandwagon in the last year.

 
Well, SONAR Artist made the top 10 list for recording/sequencing software in [an industry sales-tracking publication] for the most recent reported month. It seems highly likely Artist buyers would be new users.
 

Also, while I'm at it, Cakewalk should probably abandon soft synths altogether. It pains me to say it since that is a huge part of why I bought Sonar, but I don't think the resources are sufficient for something monumental, and they could probably be put to better use on Sonar itself.

 
Different type of project, different team..one does not impact the other (FWIW Cakewalk recently hired two new engineers for SONAR). But in any event Rapture Pro shouldn't be abandoned - the people who have it deserve something that works well, so the Product Manager who took over after the release debacle has made significant improvements.
 
As you may have noticed I haven't commented on Rapture Pro much in the past because I didn't use it. That has changed, and now I don't use Dim Pro or Rapture any more. The Gibson Bass Collection is the result of my warming up to Rapture Pro, much of which involves the Instrument page. It's very well-suited to the Advance 49 keyboard I'm using due to the mapping of the eight knobs to the eight physical controls. 
 
And...now that I'm working with it and not having issues with bugs, I'm making a list of what I think would be improvements in terms of speeding up the program creation process. I'm finishing up a couple expansion packs for my own use and when they're done, I'll pass them along to Cakewalk for possible release.
 

I enjoy both new features and fixes

*My personal opinion*
I look forward for new features.
First of all Cakewalk is a huge software - I don't know lots of its features and I am not capable of using this fully. If I come across I just ask and get clarified in this forum.
Bug fixing is a parallel activity, though it takes lot of time and effort. The forum members are also very active to identify them, help each other out - the cases of users/hardware related issues rather than software bug.
For me its an on-going process, so I look forward for new features and add-ons if any of them is from my expectation or any of them I will use which I never thought for.
 
Personally I didn't find much of bugs [as I am a limited user], though I have seen white screen or unexpected close down. But I normally used to the Control-S not only Cakewalk but for other software as well, and I move on.
 
New comers will be attracted by the advertisement of new features though there is always a question why not they get attracted with the existing features [they are new to the existing as well : but I feel its just something psychological - I am not sure]
 
My renewing is dependent on the announcement of new feature [be it before 31st March or later]
 
Regards
Snehankur

I would of agreed I think, right up until today, but I've finally had some time to myself for what seems months, to, well just read posts of interest. And I finally read the 'look what's coming in Spring' info. I know, I know. 5 weeks ago!!! 
 
Well, I got excited. Some of the new stuff really hit the spot. Can't wait.
 
 
So, while I agree it would be nice to settle things and get some problems out of the way, particularly Midi for all those dudes who use it so heavily (I'm OK, mainly tracking audio - Just AD2 for drums and a few synths and strings), I'm really happy where we seem to be heading. Can't we have both haha!!

And just to add, I've ventured into music video, gearing up for that over the last month. New PC build, software, camera and lens etc.....
 
But, if I thought we had problems with SONAR, I simply wasn't prepared for the software problems in video editing. One guy has created a whole new CODEC, just make it easier to work with high def video, because the, very pro, ones, simply can't cut it. And that's just the beginning.
 
We have it good here IMHO.

I just want to say that I'm happy with Sonar Platinum M right now. Believe me, I really am, but:
 

• No New Features = No More Money Coming From Me.
• Remove Feature Already In Sonar / No Bug Fixes = Jump Ship Right Away.

 
My 0.02.

I personally would be pretty disappointed if after paying for a year's membership I received no new features during the course of the membership period. I don't understand the calls for stopping development of new features for an entire year. Is the product so terribly unstable now that it would justify such a desperate move?
 
I also don't understand the comments about people being shouted down or somehow being prevented from stating their views. I see no lack of everybody and his brother posting their opinions here.