Ask HN: What to do when some users want a feature back that was bad?

Posted by amichail on Tuesday December 08, 2009 @11:39AM
from the ask-hn dept.

For example, the first release of my game DropZap had irritating high pitched laser sounds.

V1.1 has something more pleasant, but some users (don't know what percentage) actually liked the old sounds better.

What do you do in a case like this?

IMO, even making the old sounds an option is not a good idea because I think they are really irritating in comparison to the new ones for most people.

( 5 comments | 2 points | on HN )

Re:Ask HN: What to do when some users want a feature back t... by clawrencewenham on Tuesday December 08, 2009 @12:02PM (#984051)

I think it's better to do what's right for the product, even if it means annoying a minority of customers.

When it comes to features in apps in general, I've noticed that no matter how bad a feature is, or how awkward the UI, there's always somebody out there with lifestyles (or senses) so bizarre that it was the killer feature for them.

Notice how many still want a stylus to click buttons when the screen now works with fingers. There are even some who've trained their voice to. speak. in. the. cadence. of. their. voice. recognition. software and resented it when a newer version came out that could handle natural speech.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: What to do when some users want a feature back t... by Dmunro on Tuesday December 08, 2009 @12:44PM (#984158)

In this situation you really have to look at 1) how many people are asking for this, 2) how vocal are they, and 3) how much development effort do you need to put into adding an option in the menu to change the laser sounds?

Sorry to answer your question with a question (or three), but comparing your answers to these questions will give you a good context for choosing a solution.

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Re:Ask HN: What to do when some users want a feature back t... by barry-cotter on Tuesday December 08, 2009 @11:45AM (#984008)

Make it an annoyingly difficult to get to option. This won't work since it's an iPhone app, but some analogue of having a Page that's not linked to from anywhere, like if HN had a "secret" controversial list at xx/controversial.

People who want to give you money are asking for something. Consider cooperating with them for said money.

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Re:Ask HN: What to do when some users want a feature back t... by amichail on Tuesday December 08, 2009 @12:15PM (#984086)

I only started charging for DropZap recently, so money is not an issue with respect to this particular feature.

But yes, this is more of an issue when they pay.

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Re:Ask HN: What to do when some users want a feature back t... by tdoggette on Tuesday December 08, 2009 @11:45AM (#984009)

If it's low-effort, make an easter egg. People that really want it can have a fun time finding it (if they know it's there).

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