Just Purchased & Having Issues

[360virtual]

I just purchased FPP_FFC_Combo, I am not sure what is going on,
I can load the first cube image but it will not let me drag any images into the program,
am I missing something or is this a bug?
thanks,
Darryl

[Kruger]

Hey 360virtual,

I think you are talking about hotspot images? if yes, you need to open images one by one...
if you are talking abou another cube images, go to Tourificator, and drag the cubes on the left bar

hope it helps, otherwise explain with more details
regards
Kruger

[360virtual]

Thanks for the reply, it wouldnt allow me to drag & drop panos into the software,
not sure what happened, I did a system restore and re-installed the software and now it works.
Darryl

[jb7]

Hello-

I'm new here, just bought the two programs combined-

I'm having an issue with deleting panos from tours, I don't have a Tourificator panel in the plugins menu.
The Tourificator menu doesn't include the option for deleting files.
Do I have an old version of the program? The one I downloaded is version 2.088.
The GUI doesn't look like the versions in the tutorials.

I've pm'd Trausti, but he hasn't been here in over a week.
I hope I can get this sorted soon, I've got a tight deadline, and I suppose I just assumed that the software I bought would work without any problems not caused by myself.

Hope someone can help-

joseph

[Paddy2a]

Hi Joseph,
I can see the tourificator tab in your screencapture.
Try this, select the pano and hit delete.

[jb7]

Yes, I can see it too. However, hitting delete doesn't do anything in my program. Shift delete, alt delete, command delete, nothing. Believe it or not, I had tried doing just what you suggested before I posted this question. The file just stays there. Maybe it's a bug, I don't know.

Elsewhere on this forum, tourificator is described as being a component of Plugins- and that a pano can be edited from there.

My version looks nothing like those on the tutorials, it opens with a cubic logo, rather than the scribbled FFC.

If anyone has a better idea of how to delete a pano, I'd be pleased to hear it-
Also, is 2.088 the latest version?

Thanks for any help-


joseph

[jb7]

By the way, I'm on a mac, so I don't have a del key- but I did try backspace, and all the usual permutations.

[thwohojr]

jb7,

Try the Fn-Delete combo for the Mac..... http://www.flashificator.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2849&p=9489&hilit=mac+delete#p9489

[jb7]

Woody, thank you for your help.

I'm not a programmer, but I have been using macs since 1995.
I'm quite sure I've never used the function key ever before.

Do you happen to know what the latest version is?
Is it stable? The version I have (2.088) seems buggy, on Lion, with dialogue boxes appearing behind the menu items, then crashes.
As I said, I don't know anything about programming, but the sales pitch, on which I purchased this software, which details publishing a 360 to a website, and just clicking play, seems misleading; I haven't been able to make anything play online, by following the instructions. Do I need to load a separate player as well?

Reading through the forum, I'm sure I would have looked for an alternative program if I had known that some people are forced to wait up to a month between purchasing, and being given the privilege of being able to use up to date software, or even to know if their software is the latest version. I have never had this experience with any other software provider.

Forcing customers to do this seems just a little bit OCD...

Any idea on when Trausti might check his emails this time around?
I'm not in the habit of sending multiple emails, but that doesn't mean that the situation is not urgent.

Many thanks-

joseph

[thwohojr]

Joseph,

The latest version of FFC is 2.092. I'm not a Mac user so I cannot speak to its "bugginess" on that platform.

Due to piracy and a knowing that there are few unscrupulous people, Trausti holds the reigns tightly on who gets access to the updates - through purchase verification-, so unfortunately no one else can help with this issue. Trausti's post in the "wheres the support" thread says that he is back from an extended time away from work and will be more active on the boards, hopefully sooner than later.

Since around version 2.07, you should consider all subsequent versions "beta" versions. FFC seems to go through periods of "growth spurts" and "perceived" dormancy. I remember 2.088 as having a few issues and 2.089 coming our rapidly thereafter to correct those issues. (I personally waited a bit before jumping from 2.089 to 2.092, because 2.089 worked perfectly for me... as it turns out I have had "0" issues since moving to 2.092.)

We've been told that a new version of FFC is in the works with Flash 11 at its core, but I haven't seen an update on that in a while - basically it will be here when it gets here. I understand that explanation because as a very unique program with 1 or 2 programmers unexpected things happen that will cause delays or a total re-do on specific parts of the program.

With all of that being said.... let me shout from the mountains... FFC rocks! I could not do what I do now without FFC... period. I started out as a complete non-coder and didn't have a clue how this stuff was possible. (I can't imagine hand coding all of this without being able to see the results almost instantly.) FFC "appears" to be a very simple program... and it is if you just wish to create a simple, viewable panorama. But after creating a few simple panos most of us wish to go beyond the simple panorama.... we want things to move, fade, disappear... we want the viewer to become engaged and enthralled with the beauty of the imagery as well as the interactivity of the experience. On this level FFC still uses the same "simple" interface but it can become as complicated as you will ever want to use because of its sheer flexibility in designing your own functions. The learning curve can be very easy or very perplexing depending on your need for complexity, your ability to "think things through" and willingness to experiment. I'm constantly amazed by what can be done with FFC.

Hopefuly, for you and others, Trausti will be back on the forums shortly. For me, I just try to help when I can and when time allows. Your best teacher will be yourself and learning through experimentation.

[jb7]

Thanks again Woody-

Yes, I realize that this product has had some satisfied users over the years.

However, Flashificator suffers from a serious lack of commitment to support, and an arcane system of access to the latest version, which is tantamount to making customers beg for upgrades. Some people wait up to a month, maybe more, for access to the latest version. I'm a new customer, I bought the software, without the usual benefit of a trial, and I object to having to pay for the privilege of becoming a beta tester of sub-standard solutions.

I uninstalled the software, since it wasn't working, and re-installed. Now it does nothing. I can't load a new project, I can't open a saved one.

I'm not a programmer, I don't see getting under the hood as a hobby. I expect a program to work as described, and bought it on the basis of the description on the flashificator website- that it was a GUI. I might have expected it to work too; I have wasted many hours on it, and have not been able to export a single viewable tour, contrary to the hyperbole on the sales page of their website.

I'm about to demand a refund from the re-seller, but I might hold off another few days first- I see they allow a cooling-off period of 7 days for refunds.

I'm also emailing Trausti to inform him of this, but I doubt if he's interested in reading emails, from what I can see here.

He seems like an affable chap, when he's around, but I want the software I've bought to work, now, not some undetermined time in the future, whenever he gets around to it. I am the customer, and I'm being ignored. If he wants beta testers, he should make that clear before taking people's money.

I have no doubt that this program can be a useful tool for those who have used it over the years, but in my case, it's just not worth the time I've wasted on it. Perhaps if he can produce a version that works on mac osx Lion, I might come back. But I'll see if he is around to provide the correct version first.

Thank you for your response Woody, I see you occupy the position of can holder- a thankless task, but I appreciate your help-

joseph

[Poundstreetcrea]

Joseph,

I totally agree, I purchased this software on Jan 28th, 2012 I have emailed Trausti, many times and had a similar response of absolutely 'Nothing' This is an appalling way to run and conduct business. I am fast coming to the conclusion that it is a total SCAM! I purchased this software in good faith without 'trial' and yet 2 weeks later. I cant even test or get an update to use software I purchased. "Trausti holds the reigns tightly on who gets access to the updates" Forgive me....If you have paid ....Surely you would get access to the update!!!!
Poundstreetcrea

[thwohojr]

Joseph,

I totally agree, I purchased this software on Jan 28th, 2012 I have emailed Trausti, many times and had a similar response of absolutely 'Nothing' This is an appalling way to run and conduct business. I am fast coming to the conclusion that it is a total SCAM! I purchased this software in good faith without 'trial' and yet 2 weeks later. I cant even test or get an update to use software I purchased. "Trausti holds the reigns tightly on who gets access to the updates" Forgive me....If you have paid ....Surely you would get access to the update!!!!
Poundstreetcrea

Poundstreet/Joseph,

Since I am a mere user of the software and have no relationship with FFC, other than that of a user, I understand your frustrations. Perhaps my wording should have been different, but the effect is still the same. Let me try again... Trausti holds the reigns tightly and is the ONLY person who can grant access to the updates portion of the forum. All customers that have purchased FFC will be granted access to that integral part of the forum... once Trausti approves. I know that point has not escaped either of you and I understand your reaction.

I've "felt" the growing sense of frustration in the forums while Trausti is away and that is why I jump in when I can. There are other options out there and in this day and time the consumers will go where they get the best product/customer service. My hope is Trausti will re-emerge and stay active with customer support.

Good luck with your work.

[jb7]

Thank you Woody-

I'm on a deadline, so I'm going to have to go with software that can deliver.
As a new customer, I have no alliance built up, and I sense you understand how I feel less than impressed by the performance of this product.

Poundstreet, I think your case is less clear cut than mine, but if I were in your position, I might also consider seeking a refund, at least until Flashificator is in a position to provide working software for €112. This is not a ¢99 app, and I don't think it is unreasonable to expect it to work, without having to go through all this grief.

[jb7]

I've loaded it onto an older Computer running Snow Leopard, and it's working, for the moment.
Well, the same as it worked on Lion, for the first day, so, I still have no reason to have confidence in it.
If only that information had been on the sales page, it would have saved a lot of trouble.

It seems more stable, though I've only just tried it.

For the sake of clarity, it should be pointed out that this app doesn't seem to be Lion friendly, at least not on my computer.
When I did manage to publish tests, they wouldn't run on my website. I haven't yet tried that on this one.
Also, I haven't really figured out how to make it iDevice friendly. Which is important, for those that use them.
Is there an easy way to call down HTML5 if necessary?

And for the sake of even more clarity, it has to be reiterated that I have no idea how the current version performs.
Not having been granted the privilege of using it...

[discocandy]

I think he has issues once again.

I know he had a photojonb to do.
proggy was busy on an other job (not pano related).

Still it is a shame he does not respond at all. after numerous skype messages and speaking to other friends who have the same problems.
Trausti costed me one client and a fine of 1500.- for not delivering in time what a client wanted.
As musch as I like Trausti. For me that was a limit passed. and i considering heavily stopping fpp now and invest (A Huge) amount of time in krpano or other software.

[mathrafal]

Trausti costed me one client and a fine of 1500.- for not delivering in time what a client wanted.

I am not sure why this should be the case and, with all due respect, would suggest a modicum of over exaggeration. The reason is that, apart from the Twitter feed, I see nothing that cannot be done with the latest version of FCC than with the previous versions.

Granted, the GUI is a little more luxurious, but this is not an issue per se. I am only new to FCC, but have not yet failed to resolve an issue, which is usually me wanting to do something stupid or think in a manner that should be best left to intelligent people.

As for Trausti, give the guy a break. I spoke to him briefly last night, and understand that things are well. One thing he intimated was that he was not looking forward to catching up with forum messages, since he has been away for such a long period. When I read a couple of comments on this thread, I could see why he might be reticent.

So, there are, I think, a couple of things to note:

1. Whilst we all love Trausti and think that, since he is the developer, he should be at our beckon call 24/7, remember that his is a one-man operation, that he is usually extremely quick to respond, and that nearly every penny he makes off what I consider to be a very cheap product is put back into its development.

2. The pages of this forum clearly demonstrate that this is not a scam, and anyone with the slightest sense would see that.

3. Blaming Trausti for costing you money, simply because he was not there when you clicked your fingers is completely unfair and you should really be ashamed of writing such things in a public manner. If any of us encounters problems, we ask other members on the forum, and here, they are pretty quick to reply. If the client wants something, then you need to be completely honest with him/her and say whether this is possible to do given your resources. I think it best to offer only things that you have done before or are certain you can, rather than saying yes and then relying on Trausti to provide you with the knowledge.

5. Trausti provides the GUI only. I can think of no other situation where the support has been free and quick as it has here. How many developers of Photoshop are available on Skype or have provided you with an email address?

6.

For me that was a limit passed. and i considering heavily stopping fpp now and invest (A Huge) amount of time in krpano or other software.

This veiled threat suggests that you are alright with hand coding . . . So why the griping when FCC doesn't meet your needs. There is still an editable xml file. Go for it, Son!

55 € is cheap and so are some of the jibes I have read on this thread today. I have tried not to be my normal, no-fools-please self when contributing to this thread, but I really think that we have an excellent product with excellent support and excellent (if not at times eccentric) development.

Jon

[jb7]

Somebody here has been waiting two months for a reply to a request for an upgrade.
That's a pretty long finger click.

I've witnessed quite a lot of support for Trausti in these threads, but if it hadn't been for the much appreciated help from Woody here, I really would be floundering.

In my case, I was sold software that was incompatible with my operating system, and had to resort to a process of much to-ing and fro-ing with an older machine. If I hadn't had access to that, my € 112 purchase would have been entirely useless, contrary to your claim that there is no difference between the latest, and previous versions. Perhaps not for you, on your system, but you should be more respectful of the individual issues experienced by others, before stepping up to defend the indefensible. Just because Trausti talks to you, doesn't mean he bothers to talk to anyone else.

If he had communicated anywhere on his site that his software was incompatible with my operating system, then I wouldn't have bought it, I wouldn't have spent my money, and I wouldn't have spent countless hours trying to get it to work, when it can't.
And I wouldn't be wasting my time replying to this either.

Again, many thanks to Woody, for the help he has given me.
To Jon, and to Trausti, no help at all, thanks very much.

I'm not surprised he's afraid of reading his email and pm's.

And by the way, if he ever does reply, I'm not interested in reading another tranche of excuses.
If he has time to Skype with you, he has time to send me the link to the latest version. Which might or might not work.



joseph

[discocandy]

@mathrafal .

Guess you do not know me, because if you did you know i am a long time supporter for fpp. as spokesman for Denis and being a friend of trausti from the time we both left pureplayer.
I know hand coding very well and I supported Trausti a lot in ffc. (look in the program and you se my website come by).
also did a lot of tutorials and helped a lot of people out with fpp problems.
So when I say ths is because something serious was going on not because a first thing went worng or so. I helped a lot of people offline when trausti was away with his daughter.
When he came back he showed me a lot of photo's and I love it. (i did not bother him at all with the offline troubles other had.)

still I have a bussiness to run just as Trausti.
Now I needed help and, Sure Lack of time did not give me (my fault) enough time to solve the problem I had by hand coding.
Still i missed 1500.- and that is the truth...

[mathrafal]

Deleted.

[Trausti Hraunfjord]

Hi all.

As I told Jon, I was not looking forward to dive into the forums (and mails and messages), because it would take all my time. This is the first (only) thread I have looked at for now. I was made aware of it through Skype... otherwise I would not be responding here. This weekend has been quite long for me with 19 hours attending to FFC things yesterday, and it's been 16 hours today already.

I wish I had more time... and I am sure that those who do have extra time to spare, will find it impossible to understand why I won't just do what has to be done, because after all it's just "time". I don't have any time to spare, so I can't. The past week has been long and hard for me, with little or no sleep most of the time. Just work. I can't change that one way or the other.

That being said, I am truly sorry for all the problems I have caused by not being available. It is of course over the top to accuse me of lost income... but I do understand the frustration behind that statement.

I just finished going through my private message box and everyone who has asked for support there, should have received the needed support or at least a response. If someone reading this has still not gotten a reply to a mail or messages or Skype messages, please contact me again, and I will respond as soon as I can (hopefully within this decade - as some say).

Joseph.
It is not that I "have time to Skype".
I do have Skype running on the computer 24/7, also when I am not around. IF I am around when a Skype message comes through from an FFC user, I do respond. If a message has come through when I am not around, I will not attend to it immediately when I get back to the puter. People who need to get hold of me urgently, are welcome to do so through Skype. I can not guarantee that I will be around to respond immediately, but this is also a part of the support "system".

My skype username is my last name: hraunfjord
Anyone who needs my help urgently reach me through Skype, and get a faster (normally) response than sending mail or messages. Messages that are sent while I am away, may get lost (kids can and have turned my puter off when I am not home). All messages sent prior to the computer being turned off - be that kids or bad electricity network - will be lost for me. I will simply not know if someone has send messages, and I will not spend time trying to go through all contacts and check if someone said something. So the Skype method is NOT guaranteed to work, but it is normally the best and fastest way.

I will obviously have to try and find some better solutions for the way I do things. I doubt I will come up with radical changes any time soon, but some improvements should be possible, in order to prevent new users to be without access to the latest version of the software if I am away. It would be ideal if everyone would get access to the update section automatically, but that is not possible because the software is not designed with a personal key.

I do my best... sometimes I have to focus on doing my best for my family, which is what I did for 6 weeks.... the only 6 weeks I have done so for the past 4+ years, where I have generally used every living moment for customer support in the forums, through phone, emails, skype and online screen video services. Obviously my best is not good enough all the time, and personally, I would have been furious if I had encountered the same kind of non-service.

My sincere apologies to everyone who were negatively affected by my absence.

Trausti

PS.

I am sure this sounds like a piss poor rant of excuses, but it is not in my best interest to fail anyone... not you or my family or my other jobs.

This still holds true:

"You are only as good as your last delivery"

Even family and friends will turn their backs if the last "delivery" didn't amuse them.
Such is life.

[360virtual]

Just Purchased &I am wondering How do we gain access to the new version?
thanks
Darryl

[jb7]

I downloaded the latest version, haven't had a chance to try it yet, but I fully expect it to perform better than the version I originally downloaded.
Although that version seemed to work for a while, I never managed to upload a working tour, and it subsequently juddered to a complete failure.
The problem with that was that I wasted quite a lot of time in trying to get it to work, and the realization that it was the fault of the software and not my own incompetence took a long time to become apparent.

I'm quite glad I didn't have to wait as long as some have waited-

Thanks for that-

joseph

[Trausti Hraunfjord]

Just Purchased &I am wondering How do we gain access to the new version?
thanks
Darryl

All should be working for you now Darryl. Please check your Private Message folder where the "welcome" message with info awaits you.

Best of luck.

@ Joseph
Remember that you are welcome to contact me over Skype if you get stuck at something. It is not uncommon that we (humans) get stuck at something for hours, when the solution to it may take only seconds to explain.

Trausti

[discocandy]

It is only honest to give you an update on my situation.

Not going into to many details here but the client came back head down because he wants the tour so bad and he could not find anyone who could do the same here.
After explaining again what was going on and that it waspartly my own fault andpartly no support he agreed with me to carry on with my work ad to make it as he wants YEAH!!