What passes for "horrible" behavior when running an Internet site is defined by the instant gratification the Internet encourages us all to expect.
I'm a community college teacher. I think I do it quite well, and my ratings from my superiors and students are excellent. I enjoy my work and take pride in it. I have adapted to much new technology (courses on a fiber optic system, courses based on television tapes not made by me, web-based emailing of assignments,etc.), despite being a 60's child, now in my fifties.
All that said, I tried for three semesters to teach an Internet course and it ate my lunch. My students were mad and frustrated all the time, I was mad and frustrated all the time, and my school had complaints from a three-state region. Why? Because the Internet makes us all lazy and unreasonable. In my case, I posted assignments clearly, answered questions, and did chats. I still had numerous complaints about timeliness. I would often post an assignment, get twenty-plus emails asking about the assignment, and give them the same info individually, whereupon they would be satisfied. BUT...the same information was in front of them in at least two places.
The point of this long-winded recounting of my personal experiences is taht we come to expect instant response from the Internet. It is the electronic version of road rage.
This game is worth giving Mike numerous chances to pull out of the problems it is presently experiencing.
Yes, good customer service is a must in any business, but a few delays and a little missed communication is worth the hassle when the product is as good as this one is.
I do wish Launch Leagues were running because I think I could get at least one and possibly two or three new owners recruited to the game.
Let's not panic (previous posts show I've done my share), and enjoy what we have until Mike can make it better.


Dave N