My $0.02 worth.



Choosing Firebird as your database engine isn't just about how great the
technology is. Its about making a 'business decision' that each and every
developer will make on how they invest their time. We know that time is a
finite resource we all have. We probably have all invested time in some
promising technology in the past only to see it die because the custodians
decided it was no longer worth it. Or that because there were not enough
other people committing to use it, we felt exposed if we did.



A website is often the first impression we get of any product or service
these days. If that impression sends a clear message to us that the
custodians of the technology are not proud of it, or are not willing to
'show it off' with the best appeal possible, we subconsciously (or even
consciously) take this as 'great promise but I'm not sure if this is
considered important to the developers'. This is the reason that most
businesses decided to update their website over time. Or update their
marketing brochures. Or update their logos, signs, etc.



Comparing Firebird website to Google doesn't work because Google is already
a household name on the Internet. Comparing FB to MySQL or PostgreSQL is a
much more relevant comparison. If you want to win the hearts & minds of new
developers to Firebird, you have to compete with these two key websites as
this is going to be the first comparison that new, potential users will make
of Firebird. If we can at least keep up with the aesthetic appeal of the
competitors we can then be judged on features. I personally think Firebird
will win out over both on features with ease. But so many people don't even
get to that comparative point because they feel that Firebird isn't serious
about its own future, and consequently why should they?



We might have limited resources, budget, etc. But if you want to succeed
with evangelism to FB, we have to invest an equal portion of money in
marketing as we do in technology development. Of course I'm writing this to
a bunch of developers for the most part, so that often isn't welcomed
information. But it's the basis of all Venture capital firm reviews. They
want to know that the commitment to marketing is as strong as the commitment
to development.



So I have to parrot something I've said before to this group that I feel is
the missing link in the success of Firebird. We don't have an equal
investment in marketing than we do in development. The website is a part of
that marketing investment and is, IMHO, well due for some attention.



Myles



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]