Topic: MC on Mac -- not enough interest, but thanks (Read 17514 times)

JimH · « **on:** October 01, 2009, 05:20:22 pm »

It would cost JRiver several hundred thousand dollars to make a Mac version, so let's do this....

If, in the next 30 days, 100 people agree in this thread to order a Mac version, we'll set up a web page and take advance orders with a 50% deposit on a $60 retail price.

If, in the next 90 days, we can sell 4000 subscriptions, we'll start work. That's $120,000 in deposits.

If we can't finish within 6 months from the time we start, or if not enough people subscribe, we'll refund all the deposits.

[ EDIT by JimH -- not enough interest at this time -- closing this now ]

hit_ny · « **Reply #1 on:** October 01, 2009, 05:25:49 pm »

Quote from: benn600 on October 01, 2009, 01:15:40 pm

I wouldn't trade my unibody MacBook Pro for any PC laptop. Seamless, rock solid, sturdy, light weight and thin, and no junk/stickers placed on the device which just look awful. Of course I also would rather have fewer very high quality devices than a bunch of crap--which is what I used to go for. Quality over quantity all the way!

But if the software you want isn't on it ?

glynor · « **Reply #2 on:** October 01, 2009, 05:44:00 pm »

Quote from: JimH on October 01, 2009, 05:20:22 pm

It would cost JRiver several hundred thousand dollars, so let's do this....

If, in the next 30 days, 100 people agree in this thread to order a Mac version, we'll set up a web site and take advance orders with a 50% deposit on a $60 retail price.

If, in the next 90 days, we can sell 4000 subscriptions, we'll start work. That's $120,000 in deposits.

If we can't finish within 6 months from the time we start, or if not enough people subscribe, we'll refund all the deposits.

Seriously?? Count me in for three...

JimH · « **Reply #3 on:** October 01, 2009, 06:04:38 pm »

Thanks, Ed. We'll include an autographed picture of Matt's dog.

Yes, I'm serious. I just don't expect that there is enough demand.

glynor · « **Reply #4 on:** October 01, 2009, 06:15:08 pm »

Quote from: JimH on October 01, 2009, 06:04:38 pm

Yes, I'm serious. I just don't expect that there is enough demand.

I'm a bit skeptical too (especially without some advertising, since JRiver is probably all but unknown in the Mac-World), but we will see...

park · « **Reply #5 on:** October 01, 2009, 09:21:20 pm »

Quote from: JimH on October 01, 2009, 05:20:22 pm

It would cost JRiver several hundred thousand dollars, so let's do this....

If, in the next 30 days, 100 people agree in this thread to order a Mac version, we'll set up a web site and take advance orders with a 50% deposit on a $60 retail price.

If, in the next 90 days, we can sell 4000 subscriptions, we'll start work. That's $120,000 in deposits.

If we can't finish within 6 months from the time we start, or if not enough people subscribe, we'll refund all the deposits.

Count me in. I'd pay $60 to not need to run vmware fusion anymore.
I think JRiver needs to do some work on canvassing support too though. 4000 subscriptions from a user base that has never heard of the product isnt going to happen. That is a given. But if there were real commitment to keep publicizing the software when it is done, I dont see why 4000 people (who have heard about the software) wouldnt buy it. Especially since it would be the only competition to itunes.

benn600 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 01, 2009, 10:25:38 pm »

Quote from: glynor on October 01, 2009, 02:31:31 pm

I just thought I'd chime in, though I'm sure Jim knows how I feel on this...

Literally the only piece of software I feel is "missing" on OSX is MC. There just isn't anything even close on the OSX side, and (of course) iTunes is a complete joke. I'd pay a premium cost for a license for MCosx, for sure.

My words exactly.

benn600 · « **Reply #7 on:** October 01, 2009, 10:27:20 pm »

Quote from: park on October 01, 2009, 09:21:20 pm

Count me in. I'd pay $60 to not need to run vmware fusion anymore.
I think JRiver needs to do some work on canvassing support too though. 4000 subscriptions from a user base that has never heard of the product isnt going to happen. That is a given. But if there were real commitment to keep publicizing the software when it is done, I dont see why 4000 people (who have heard about the software) wouldnt buy it. Especially since it would be the only competition to itunes.

oooo lah lah

Any chance for an investment/funding opportunity here?

Daydream · « **Reply #8 on:** October 02, 2009, 01:40:07 am »

So how is it gonna be this supposed MC for Mac, iTouch and iPhones will not work on their own dear platform, or they will and then all Windows users will cry bloody murder?

hit_ny · « **Reply #9 on:** October 02, 2009, 01:51:47 am »

Ahh, but if they can somehow get the keys to those players then its win-win for both platforms

So why should Apple care enough to do this ?

Listener · « **Reply #10 on:** October 02, 2009, 02:47:54 am »

> think JRiver needs to do some work on canvassing support too though.
> 4000 subscriptions from a user base that has never heard of the product isnt going to happen.

Perhaps the people pushing a Mac version of MC can go door to door selling subscriptions.

Bill

MrHaugen · « **Reply #11 on:** October 02, 2009, 03:32:24 am »

I would just love if the MC development was split in half, and overall development was slowed down. I don't care that much if the app is going Linux, Mac or if it's staying Windows. I'd use dedicated MC machines for this anyway. Development pace, integration and potential users does make me concerned though.

I don't think you'll get those 60$ from me...

I'd be happy to pay for other stuff, to support you though.

JimH · « **Reply #12 on:** October 02, 2009, 06:48:44 am »

Quote from: Listener on October 02, 2009, 02:47:54 am

Perhaps the people pushing a Mac version of MC can go door to door selling subscriptions.

I like the McMac name, by the way. Apple would definitely threaten to sue.

glynor · « **Reply #13 on:** October 02, 2009, 08:56:07 am »

Quote from: JimH on October 02, 2009, 06:48:44 am

I like the McMac name, by the way. Apple would definitely threaten to sue.

Or McDonald's...

John Gateley · « **Reply #14 on:** October 02, 2009, 09:19:31 am »

count me in for one.

mkmac is the original name of Scheme's extend-syntax, the coolest macro language ever.

j

MiataLarry · « **Reply #15 on:** October 02, 2009, 10:47:09 am »

Count me in. I'd be pleased to help the cause.

JimH · « **Reply #16 on:** October 02, 2009, 10:49:34 am »

6 so far.

benn600 · « **Reply #17 on:** October 02, 2009, 11:30:51 am »

I am interested in participating in the Media Center on the Mac initiative.

igoose · « **Reply #18 on:** October 03, 2009, 07:39:39 am »

Count me in, please

matshif · « **Reply #19 on:** October 03, 2009, 08:59:07 am »

Count me in.
Mats

gappie · « **Reply #20 on:** October 03, 2009, 09:08:04 am »

Quote from: JimH on October 02, 2009, 06:48:44 am

I like the McMac name, by the way. Apple would definitely threaten to sue.

or Walt Disney, sound like the name of the main person from "donald duck in scotland".

interesting initiative btw, hope you guys succeed.

gab

park · « **Reply #21 on:** October 03, 2009, 10:32:32 am »

Jim perhaps you could cut down on that development money if you started off small. You could just make a client that could tag and play music files (and sync back to the main MC server). If at that stage it looked like no-one was interested, you could freeze development. If however maclings everywhere swarmed to the software for it's ability to create "views" and "more than 3 categories" (at which point you'd already have itunes beat), then that could encourage you to add more and more functionality to the product over time.

marko · « **Reply #22 on:** October 03, 2009, 11:44:41 am »

I think an exclusive "order here" thread and another "chat about it here" thread would make this easier to track.

gappie's right, will be interesting to see how this unfolds....

hit_ny · « **Reply #23 on:** October 03, 2009, 12:28:01 pm »

Quote from: park on October 03, 2009, 10:32:32 am

Jim perhaps you could cut down on that development money if you started off small. You could just make a client that could tag and play music files (and sync back to the main MC server). If at that stage it looked like no-one was interested, you could freeze development. If however maclings everywhere swarmed to the software for it's ability to create "views" and "more than 3 categories" (at which point you'd already have itunes beat), then that could encourage you to add more and more functionality to the product over time.

I think there's a high chance of that happening if they do as you suggest.

No half measures, as the first post says, full app

MrC · « **Reply #24 on:** October 03, 2009, 01:03:16 pm »

I'm in.

JimH · « **Reply #25 on:** October 03, 2009, 01:52:50 pm »

leezer3 · « **Reply #26 on:** October 03, 2009, 05:18:25 pm »

Jim, please count me in for two copies.
If this leads to a Linux version (Even if a further year or two down the line) I'm willing to add a further two to the list

-Leezer-

JimH · « **Reply #27 on:** October 03, 2009, 05:42:11 pm »

Thanks. At this rate (12 in 48 hours), we'd get to 100 in about 2 1/2 weeks. I'm guessing it will slow down. Still, I'm surprised and grateful that anyone would take a chance on a product that doesn't exist yet.

You're correct that Linux would be much easier if we had a Mac version.

We've done the groundwork over the last couple of years. Almost none of our code depends on Windows now.

For this to work, there would have to be something of a ground swell of interest and that could only happen if our customers became evangelists.

leezer3 · « **Reply #28 on:** October 03, 2009, 06:52:56 pm »

Just as a random thought, have you thought of talking to MacHeist or someone similar? ( http://www.macheist.com/ )
Advantage of this would be getting the product to a *huge* audience, and IMHO would generate the levels of interest you're looking for. I admit this would not bring in full-price sales as a starting point, but the publicity generated probably would.

Edit: Might be a good idea to stickify this thread

-Leezer-

hit_ny · « **Reply #29 on:** October 04, 2009, 02:02:41 am »

Quote from: JimH on October 03, 2009, 05:42:11 pm

You're correct that Linux would be much easier if we had a Mac version.

We've done the groundwork over the last couple of years. Almost none of our code depends on Windows now.

Interesting

Quote from: JimH on October 08, 2005, 10:54:48 am

It would cost around $1 million in development and most Linux users don't pay for software. We'd love to do it.

I guess we live in a different world now

Fred1 · « **Reply #30 on:** October 05, 2009, 03:55:02 am »

Please count me in.

That would be wonderful.
For now, i'm using MC on my Mac-Car-PC via Parallels.
It would be much easier to drive with a native Mac version

.

In my home, i replaced all PCs with Macs.
So i also have to use Parallels here.
It works, but it would be far more pleasant with a native MC.

Fred

darichman · « **Reply #31 on:** October 05, 2009, 05:14:44 am »

fitbrit · « **Reply #32 on:** October 05, 2009, 07:27:33 am »

I bought my wife a Macbook recently., If she can get used to MC on that, maybe she won't be afraid of the living room HTPC anymore.

Count me in for one too. I'll ask around and if my friends are interested, I'll pay their deposits too.

joh · « **Reply #33 on:** October 05, 2009, 01:21:56 pm »

+ 1
(expecting full support for iPhone / iPod Touch + ape/flac)...
/Olle

JimH · « **Reply #34 on:** October 05, 2009, 01:37:10 pm »

Quote from: joh on October 05, 2009, 01:21:56 pm

(expecting full support for iPhone / iPod Touch + ape/flac)...

The iPod situation won't change. Touch and iPhone can't be reliably supported.

hit_ny · « **Reply #35 on:** October 05, 2009, 03:20:56 pm »

Quote from: hit_ny on October 02, 2009, 01:51:47 am

Ahh, but if they can somehow get the keys to those players then its win-win for both platforms

So why should Apple care enough to do this ?

There goes that theory

This is a serious bummer, how can you have an app on a Mac and NOT play with Apple's products !!!

p7389 · « **Reply #36 on:** October 05, 2009, 04:17:07 pm »

Quote from: hit_ny on October 05, 2009, 03:20:56 pm

There goes that theory

This is a serious bummer, how can you have an app on a Mac and NOT play with Apple's products !!!

Because of Apple?

ThoBar · « **Reply #37 on:** October 05, 2009, 11:54:34 pm »

+1
[edit: with hope that it'll also lead to a linux port

]

morrison · « **Reply #38 on:** October 06, 2009, 04:07:27 am »

+2 pre-buyers of my friends

I'll wait for windows version with improved client-server mode and other long awaited features like synchronization statistics with not-mac devices and I not very like this idea. My opinion coincides with the exact post of MrHaugen.

Peter_T · « **Reply #39 on:** October 06, 2009, 06:09:05 am »

Yup - I'm in too. +1.

tomrusse · « **Reply #40 on:** October 06, 2009, 11:37:37 am »

My favorite platform and my favorite app? A no brainer. Count me in. +1

Has someone posted this on AVS Forum? Possibly another path to generate interest.

Tom

JimH · « **Reply #41 on:** October 06, 2009, 11:52:23 am »

lpr · « **Reply #42 on:** October 06, 2009, 11:56:35 am »

+1

I'm in for sure, if the audio part of MC is as is, we have a winner. (flac, ape, asio, etc...)

lpr · « **Reply #43 on:** October 07, 2009, 11:43:35 am »

Quote from: tomrusse on October 06, 2009, 11:37:37 am

Has someone posted this on AVS Forum? Possibly another path to generate interest.

That would boost interest for sure.

I found this thread by chance, I'm sure many don't know it exists.

Peter_T · « **Reply #44 on:** October 07, 2009, 12:12:37 pm »

I posted on head-fi.org...

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f46/new-mac-media-powerhouse-j-river-considering-os-x-version-449222/#post6068147

tombert · « **Reply #45 on:** October 07, 2009, 01:31:56 pm »

I'am in ...

JimH · « **Reply #46 on:** October 09, 2009, 07:53:30 am »

glynor · « **Reply #47 on:** October 09, 2009, 01:36:02 pm »

I submitted this to TUAW. They might just do a quick story on it, which could generate some interest in the hardcore-mac world. Maybe not as well (they might frown on a story about a 3rd party vendor who "might" do an OSX version). Who knows... Did anyone post something over at AVSForum?

As Jim mentioned... If we want this to happen, we'll have to be evangelists on it ourselves. I'm confident that there is a need for this software on OSX, and that if word got out, it WOULD sell. One thing about Mac users is that they tend to be even more willing than Windows users to shell out money for even small utilities. People will pay $30 for simple desktop utilities on the mac side, and it wasn't so long ago that people still regularly bought a file archiver for OSX!

Come on, people... There's 23 of us here in just this little community. If we all tell some people, start some threads, and evangelize just a little, we might actually get somewhere!

Afrosheen · « **Reply #48 on:** October 09, 2009, 08:38:46 pm »

I'm in, where do I pay?

Afrosheen · « **Reply #49 on:** October 11, 2009, 04:39:04 am »

I know a lot of you like apple products, but what if we were able to have a mobile device that allowed us to customize the display of what our organization scheme is? I know apple will block that attempt, so what if we looked at Google to see if they're willing to support such an endeavor in order to boost the functionality of their gPhones where iPods have us limited?

INTERACT FORUM

Author Topic: MC on Mac -- not enough interest, but thanks (Read 17514 times)