Changes at DMB

05/10/10 – Forum  (Dayne Myers)

Unfortunately, we have hit an unexpected new snag.  Due to personal issues, David Pyke is no longer able to provide the technical and customer support necessary for DMB.  This explains why you haven’t had much communication lately, but it also presents multiple complications:  not only do we not have anyone to handle the technical support issues that inevitably arise with a new release, David was also charged with setting up the eLicense store for DMB.  So, we’ve been trying to figure out what to do.

Though Luke handled tech support before we hired David, he cannot step in again now.  The fact of the matter is that Luke now works part-time for Tom at the Red Sox and has been doing so for the past year.  This is a large part of the reason why version 10 is so late.  We could not tell you due to confidentiality requirements of the contract between us and the Red Sox, but Tom has now given permission to disclose this.  We certainly did not want to deny Luke that opportunity, and he thought he could do that work and still get v10 done.  However, it inevitably contributed to the lengthy delay in version 10, and it now prevents Luke from handling tech support.  That’s a full-time job immediately  after a new release, and Luke has already committed a majority of his time to the Red Sox through the end of the regular season.  (Note: this arrangement allows time each fall for Luke to produce the annual season disk, so that is unaffected).

Pat has been part-time for awhile, as you know, and she has been working at another job that she likes a lot.  She has an opportunity to go full-time at the job, but she has postponed that while continuing to do the manual fulfillment of DMB orders.  However, she needs to switch to the other job full-time now, so she will no longer be able to do the manual orders.  April 30 was her last day doing so.  With the new automated store incomplete due to David’s departure, therefore, we needed to suspend all sales of DMB until the new store is ready.  One of the IS online techs will take over David’s work on the store and has started working on that and expects to finish soon.  When we have a clear ETA, we’ll let you know. 

Luke says that version 10 is now ready.  However, until we have someone to handle tech support, we cannot release version 10, even when we have a store.  David has told us that there is a possibility his personal situation will improve soon, which would allow him to return.  Nonetheless, he plans to return to school full-time in the fall, so we will eventually need someone in any case.  Therefore, we are looking for someone to help with tech support at DMB.  Given that Luke does not have time to provide extensive training, the new tech support person really needs to be someone who already knows the game.  When we last posted for this role a few years ago, we had a number of applicants and are hoping someone from the community can take this on (or maybe a combination of time from two or three people). 

If you’re interested, think you’re qualified, and are certain you can commit the time, please send your resume and qualifications to Luke (lkraemer@diamond-mind.com).   

We apologize for yet another delay due to these unforeseen events and understand it is frustrating.

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