DVCPlanner-Tracker status report

[Caskbill]

I know many of you have been using my DVCPlanner program and are aware I have been working on adding a full point tracking capability to the program as version 2.0

I had hoped to have it ready by Christmas but am sorry to report that I have not been able to make anywhere near the progress I had planned. It seems the list of things that have come up this year that kept forcing the planner-tracking program onto the back burner, was endless.

While I have done quite a bit, the tracking program as it currently stands isn't ready even for my group of volunteers to start testing, much less anywhere near being ready for distribution.

Creating it has been a little trickier than I thought as I am writing it so it is a true database file, that is it will use the Microsoft jet engine. In other words, it is a true .mdb file just like you'd find for a Microsoft Access database program. And yes, if you have MS Access, you could open the file directly.

Unfortunately the cumulative totals aren't working correctly when someone changes sort order or uses data filters for the displayed information. Obviously point totals are a critical factor so the program is no good if that doesn't work.

Explainations: Sort Order, eg sort by date, sort by contract, sort by resort, etc. Filters: Show all records, show only records for a specific contract, show only records associated with a specific resort, show only banking transactions, show only borrowing transactions, show only points used outside of a DVC resort, etc.

Anyway just wanted to let everyone know that the expected year-end 2003 release isn't going to happen. Hopefully now springtime?

When I do get it done, I think you'll like it. but for now, it's off to Florida for family Christmas, followed by WDW (that means DVC).

Thanks, Bill

 

[jaysue]

Thanks Bill for the update, your program is great and any changes would be "icing on the cake"

Have a wonderful trip and Merry Christmas to you and yours

 

[KelNottAt]

Thanks for the update. I love 1.51 and it's working great for me. I'm looking forward to 2.0. But, please, don't feel you have any deadline pressure from me. You definitely seem to have your priorities in order, and that's what counts.

 

[pmcpmc]

Look foreward to the spring and the new planner.
many thanks

 

[WolfpackFan]

Thanks Bill for your hard work and have a nice trip down to the World. I am very envious.

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Thanks for the update Bill....enjoy x-mas with your family.

 

[Granny]

Bill...thanks again for all your work on this great tool!!

Anytime before 2042 for the upgrade would be fine!

 

[PKS44]

Bill-

WHat we have is so great it would be ridiculous to expect more! IF it never happens your name is still a legend amongst savvy DVCers...Have a great trip, Happy Holidays and if you get a chance with your GPS I would love to see what FACTS you can give us about distances around the BWV (from elevators to rooms, etc.)

Paul

 

[DrTomorrow]

Bill,

I for one am very disappointed that you didn't meet your release date; I'm not sending you any more money until 2.0 is done!


[ for the sarcasm-impaired]

Bill, as a fellow developer - and an Access / SQL Server developer to boot - I sympathize with your challenges. There's rarely enough time to get the must-do's done, much less the like-to-do's. And Access still has some snarky points that pop up at the worst time.

Thanks for the timing update; and thanks even more for the existing product; it's a well-constructed and useful tool - what more can any piece of software be?

 

[paults]

Have a very Merry Christmas.
Take your time with the program because we know when your done it will be the best.

 

[Poorman]

Hi Bill,
I would be happy to double or even triple what you charge for the program if you could get it out sooner.


Have a nice holiday and relax at DVC, 30 more days and we'll be there.


Again I have to say thanks for all your hard work for all us DVC members.


Regards, Rich

 

[Bugeye]

Thanks Bill. I only know enough about Access to be dangerous. Having modified a few programs, I know how tricky those little buggers can be so I am totally envious that you even know what needs to be fixed. Your current program is terrific, the new version will be outstanding.

Frank

 

[JimC]

Caskbill, Thanks so much for the update. Know exactly what you mean by the press of other needs. Enjoy your holiday, family get together and visit "home"

 

[Peter Johnson]

Thanks for the update, Bill. Being an Access developer myself, I can relate to what you're going through. I've been using my own Access point and reservation database for about 8 years now. It was a pain to program, and it's a pain to update the points charts, resort names, etc each year. I'll be happy to switch to yours whenever it's released

Getting the app to work correctly is only half the battle... making it user-friendly and bulletproof is often more challenging!

Maybe you should plant some subliminal messages in it to brainwash us into contributing... "gee, honey, I've got this urge to give Bill my extra points instead of banking them..."

 

[Laurabearz]

Thanks for the update. Thanks for even working on a point planner....

While your tweaking it... how's about adding a feature for those of us with two UY and 3 home resorts!

Take your time... enjoy your vacation.... We are here for the next 38 plus years!