Time for me to bang on again about REV-ED missing a marketing opportunity, by producing an application note that would make the PICAXE a serious choice for data logging applications. I know that the apologists will say there are limited resources but this could be overcome by forming strategic alliances.
I guess I'd come under the classification of apologist although I'd say it was less about fanatically defending Rev-Ed's position or decisions than explaining why that may be as it is.
Firstly, I agree Rev-Ed are missing a marketing opportunity and I can point to many such missed opportunities. My first contact with Rev-Ed was because I felt there was a major opportunity to be had in opening themselves up to hobbyists though I am not going to claim to have single-handedly brought the PICAXE to a wider audience and I really don't know what their plans were at that time or how I influenced them. Like everyone with an opinion on PICAXE I can see opportunities which Rev-Ed have not taken, and like everyone else who sees a brilliant opportunity that isn't taken it is to me regrettable.
On the other hand, Rev-Ed are in control of their own destiny and it's a matter for them to decide which direction to go in, what is most profitable and makes most business sense, short term and long term. What I or others see as a missed opportunity may be that by definition but all companies ( even individuals ) have to judge whether it is a worthwhile opportunity to take or not. They need the business case for what they do. A genuinely missed opportunity is one which could be taken, is possible to be taken, would be more beneficial than some other choice, and would make sense to pursue.
Key to influencing Rev-Ed is producing a business case, a simple "you are missing an opportunity" or suggesting a means to deliver something, is not always enough in itself. Such a business case must also address arguments against as well as for the opportunity.
We may all in fact be missing an opportunity; and that is in filling in the gaps where we think Rev-Ed are lacking rather than just asking they be filled.
