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Old 14th January 2006, 21:40   #1 (permalink)
Vertex
 
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Where's the manual?

First of all, before I begin my tirade, it is important for me to state that overall I am very happy with the Carrara products to date. I own both version 3 and 4 Pro. However, I am very disappointed with the recent release of version 5. In my very humble opinion, I feel they made some serious mistakes in releasing this version.

OK, here I go. I just received my boxed version of the upgrade to Carrara 5 Pro. Now it is important to note that I purchased the program on December 22nd. At the time, I could have purchased the download version and had it up and running immediately. However, I do not like to read manuals on a PC so I opted for the box version so I could have the printed manual. So I purchased the box version and was informed during the checkout process that the box version would not be available until January. I hesitated at the time and almost changed my mind to the download version, but I decided that having a printed manual was worth the wait.

So, imagine my surprise when I opened Carrara 5 Pro and I found no manual. Now, of course, I wondered what may have happened so I went back on the Eovia website and looked up the descriptions for Carrara 5 download and box and found two sentences for the box version. The second sentence states that a manual will be available later for separate purchase. I was floored.

Now I am sure that some individuals will say it is my own stupidity. That may be so, but I am almost 100% sure that the description that I read near the end of December did not state that the manual was not included in the boxed version. I am curious if others thought the manual was included in the boxed version and are equally disappointed. I find it hard to believe that I am the only one to assume the manual was included. I purchased Carrara 3 and 4. Both boxed versions included a manual.

And could someone please tell me what is the point of buying the boxed version and paying shipping costs when no manual is included. Is it to get the cute little box? The boxed version has nothing, I repeat nothing, that you can't get from downloading. If the boxed version offers nothing else, it is illogical for Eovia to even offer it as an option.

And then to add insult to injury, I thought well I'll just have to accept that the boxed version has no manual. I can at least load the program and begin working. But surprise, surprise, I received a version without a serial number. My serial number card was blank. So I called technical support and left voice mail and I also left an e-mail to see how I can get a serial number. No response as of yet and it is now the weekend. I can only hope to hear from them by Monday (or maybe Tuesday if they have Martin Luther King Day as an official holiday).

I am sure if I approached Eovia they would probably give me a full refund, but I don't want a refund. As I said at the beginning of this thread, I like Carrara and I sincerely hope that Eovia can continue to grow the program and increase its market share. All I want is the manual (and a serial number would be nice to). I do not feel that is unreasonable. Any other thoughts on this rather frustating issue?
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Old 14th January 2006, 23:57   #2 (permalink)
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Hi David, and welcome here!
Since the beginning, it was mentionned that the box version didn't include then manual, most of the users here, or on Yahoo groups, will tell you the same thing.
Some users like the box version, because they like to have a nice box on their desk

Carrara 5 Price is, if I'm not wrong, $50 less expensive that Carrara 4, which is, in fact, around the price of the manual. If I remeber what Bob Stockwell (Marketing Manager at Eovia) told us on the forums and chat, the manual will be less expensive than that.

Then, at the result, if you buy a manual as a separate purchase, it will be still less than the price of Carrara 4 (upgrade or full)
Why making the users paying for a manual they won't ever read ? Most of Carrara users won't ever read the manual, or only check the pdf one or two times a year ;)

By the way, I understand your frustration if you didn't know that the -physical manual- wasn't include in the box.

For your serial number, if you don't have any feedback from Eovia monday night, contact me again, I'll try to do my best to help you on that!
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Old 15th January 2006, 00:55   #3 (permalink)
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David,I am like Thomas in being surprised that you did not know about the Manual. I thought that throughout the wonderfull Beta priveledge period Eovia made it's later and separate publication very clear. I am a printed manual person also and wait daily for the announcement of its availability. As a thought, when you ordered could you have accessed the Beta and that your serial number is in your purchase confirmation document from Eovia?
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Old 15th January 2006, 07:57   #4 (permalink)
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Honestly, I was not involved in much of the beta release and did not see much of the documentation regarding the lack of manual. I could only see what I saw when I went to go purchase the new version and to my recollection (which I will admit could be impaired, just ask my wife), there was no mention of the boxed version not including a manual. But I have a question for all of those that knew a manual would not be included in the new version. Why would anyone purchase a boxed version for more money (shipping costs) and wait for several weeks if it did not have something more to offer than the download version (which was available immediately and for less money)? The logical answer is no one. And if the logical answer is no one, then why would a company even offer such a product.
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Old 15th January 2006, 08:21   #5 (permalink)
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David, many people still can not download that size of file and, any one who could would (should) have gone for that approach. I though Eovia explained it all very well and priced the boxed version at an "without printed manual" price!

The advice from Eovia before suggests that when the printed manual becomes available (?later this month) that it will be very well priced for those who had purchased C5. Will then have two prices for boxed versions -with and without the printed book?
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Old 18th January 2006, 00:11   #6 (permalink)
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ughhh, very upset here too!!

I also purchased C5pro last month and I had no idea that the manual was not included. I was willing to wait for the package instead of downloading the product for 2 main reasons:
1. Eovia is known for releasing "service packs" (fix main bugs) right after the download build is ready. This if probably for end quarter financial reasons, not a good business practice, but some software comapanies do it and I can live with that. I wanted my package "less buggy".
2. The printed manual. as a beginner I keep this book open at all times!. I do not wnat to pay $25.oo plus sh/h for something that should be included. Most softwares do, besides, Carrara is a sofisticated and complex piece of software, the Reference Manual is a must even for Pros, I bet. I wil try to get used to the PDF files cluttering my screen or bursting out of my printer and getting a new mess on my desk.. ughhh

Furthermore, in the box comes an advertising from Lynda.com about C5 training CD. I was very impress with the demo. But it costs $99.95 and we are NOT offered any discounts! only a lame pass to their website.

C'mon Eovia, I love your product, but can you please be more considered! You are support to be know for "easy to lear tools" the more we learn and easier access we have about using your product the more we are going to like it and recomended it and newbies will welcome.

PS: I am sorry about my venting. I was so upset that I already started a thread in carrara > bugs not knowing this one existed.
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Old 18th January 2006, 00:32   #7 (permalink)
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David,

Sony Vegas Video 6 Plus DVD Architect 3 come in a box version with the full manual in PDF format and if you would like the "printed" manual you order it separatertly. They have been doing this sense they started doing Vegas video. They also do it for all their products including AcidPro, Sound Forge etc. Surprisently the Vegas Video Community doesn't really make a big fuzz about the lack of a printed manual included in the box.
 
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Old 18th January 2006, 00:34   #8 (permalink)
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(I merge both threads ?)
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Old 18th January 2006, 00:51   #9 (permalink)
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Comparing apples and oranges.

I feel strongly about this specially for applications as sofisticated and full of feature as Carrara. I am a QA software enginner and unfortunatelly most software companies have forgotten the concept that documentation is also part of the product's "usability feature" which provides customer satisfaction which turns also in more sales. Besides the application easy to use GUI, great easy to read and manipulate documentation, support and training is important.

Have anyone heard the story about the ever wonder why you don't read a VCR manual? or teh story of the "extra picle in the burger"? Although it needs more screenshots and more readibility, this is what the Reference Guide is for some of us. The readeable VCR manual, the extra picle. Why else do we need the "box" for, if we can download the product and burn it into a CD?. Nowdays in US a slow connection is not really a good excuse for the extra cost of a cardboard 10 times the size of the CD and pay for its sh/h.

Eovia, DO keep the amazing job you are doing, I can't wait for C6. buut please don';t get cocky! we are your biggest fans.

OK, I vented enough, I'll survive.. he,he!
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Old 18th January 2006, 00:57   #10 (permalink)
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gracias

Quote:
Originally Posted by Thomas
(I merge both threads ?)
I was about to ask for that. Thank you very much!
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Old 18th January 2006, 02:04   #11 (permalink)
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Buttom line- a manual SHOULD BE AVAILABLE for people that want one.
It's all part of good customer service. And yes, a lot of us DO read the manuals.

my two cents...
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Old 18th January 2006, 05:32   #12 (permalink)
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Toonman...a printed manual is available for a small fee for the ones that want one. But the PDF version comes in both the download and the Box with CDs.

Later
 
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Old 18th January 2006, 06:00   #13 (permalink)
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Fantastic - Thank you.
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Old 18th January 2006, 06:16   #14 (permalink)
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I ordered and waited for the boxed version as well just for the manual. Not very happy about having another waiting period for the manual to arrive. In the future I will just get the download and order the book after apparently.
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Old 18th January 2006, 07:46   #15 (permalink)
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Hi Grendel,

Did you order the printed manual?
If yes, where do you go to order it? I don't see it on the eovia website.
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Old 18th January 2006, 20:34   #16 (permalink)
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Printed manual is sold for $29.00 not $25.00 as advertised

My box has a flier advertising the manual for $25.00, but Eovia's website you will see it sold for $29.00. Eovia support told me it was a typo in the flier, not very profesional!

http://esd.element5.com/product.html...c47eec7e4949a3
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Old 18th January 2006, 21:09   #17 (permalink)
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Now it's funny that you mention Sony. I just purchased Sony Acid Music Studio and Sony Vegas Movie Studio+DVD in December 2005. Both programs came with a manual. Now I must state, they are not the full manuals. I believe they call them "getting started guides" and they only include the first three chapters of the manuals. The rest of the chapters are included in PDF manuals. And by the way, I also felt shortchanged by Sony.

But to really get back to the key to this whole complaint, it is the fact that I was not aware that the boxed version did not include a manual. And in looking at the responses, I am not alone in this assessment. As I mentioned in my original post, I have purchased both version 3 and 4. Both came with full manuals. It would stand to reason, that one could assume the manual was included with version 5 unless the company made it very clear that they were going to stop this practice. According to a number of the responders, it was well known to those that frequently peruse forums and newsgroups. Unfortunately for me, I do not frequently peruse these sites.

Anyhow, to summarize, it comes down to several key points. Eovia has made a practice of including a full manual prior to this release. Contrary to the postings by other members, Eovia was not thorough in communicating this change in practice. (Read all their press releases regarding version 5. There is nothing noted about the lack of manual.) And finally, despite all this, I am still a fan of Carrara 5. I am not about to switch camps and/or talk badly about Eovia. I merely think it is important for Eovia to understand the negative reactions that can occur and take them into consideration in the future. And it would be nice to get the manual.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ringo Monfort
David,

Sony Vegas Video 6 Plus DVD Architect 3 come in a box version with the full manual in PDF format and if you would like the "printed" manual you order it separatertly. They have been doing this sense they started doing Vegas video. They also do it for all their products including AcidPro, Sound Forge etc. Surprisently the Vegas Video Community doesn't really make a big fuzz about the lack of a printed manual included in the box.
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Old 18th January 2006, 21:53   #18 (permalink)
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I understand you David but besides the change in practice to include a printed manual or not in the box version there are other changes in the release of Carrara 5.
From my point of view the change of not including the printed manual is to reduce the upgrade price of the package. Eovia discounted the price of the manual from the upgrade but they also reduced it even more. The upgrade of C5 and C5Pro are less than the upgrade C4 an C4Pro were.
So the option is there to purchase the printed manual if someone wishes.
Now maybe Eovia should have that posted on their website. Something to the effect that says: Box version contains the manual in PDF format if you want a printed manual its an additional charge."
But yeah eovia did mention that the manual was separate when the C5Beta came out in November.
But there are other things that Eovia did for the Carrara 5 release.
First they loaded it with tons of new features and a much easier user interface. They also added more presets and new tool tips.
They reduced the upgrade price.
They gave users the option of buying the printed manual.
Over all that is a much better service. Carrara5 gives you more bang for your money, period.

This is my last comment on this manual issue cause it is getting very repetative.

Regards.

Ringo
 
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Old 18th January 2006, 22:02   #19 (permalink)
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Ok, additional post. It does says it when you place your order online.
The boxed version of Eovia Carrara 5 includes a complete PDF (electronic) manual. A printed Carrara 5 manual is available for sale separately.
Price: USD 29.00
The price for orders from California is USD 31.39, which includes 8.25% sales tax.(for delivery via mail/parcel service only)
(if delivered by postal mail)
 
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Old 18th January 2006, 22:30   #20 (permalink)
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From the beginning of the Carrara 5 announcement, we stated that a printed manual would be available for purchase separately.

We took the manual out of each box version and lowered the price of the software.

We made the manual available for purchase by anyone, whether they ordered a box version or a download version.

We make box versions available for those who do not have Internet connects that would enable them to easily download the over 700MB of data.

The initial cost of the manual was expected to be $25. However, due to increased costs in creating the printed manual we had to raise the price. We are essentially selling the manuals at cost. It is not a typo in the in-box advertisement, but rather a reality of ever-changing prices of fuel and materials and how this affects the costs of products.

We could very easily raise the price of the software and upgrades back to the previous prices and include the manuals, be we thought users would appreciate a lower software price and the option to purchase a printed manual.

Regards –
Bob Stockwell
Director, Sales and Marketing
Eovia Corp.
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