[pigpenz]

I have been making *.bss files for FD and find it very easy to use...you can use multiple instances of it at the same time, say one for different sequences.

The problem I have ran into is that people I play with in the ACBL games arent even aware that it is(was) there and have no idea how to use it. Question is how do we get people into wanting to use it???

I have sent several bss files to other users and they always say they can open them, either they are not well versed in using programs but maybe i am missing something.

[hrothgar]

Theres an old saying: "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink"

Consider the bruden placed on end users to apply your FD files:

1. The end user needs to download a copy of Full Disclosure
2. The end user needs to learn how to use Full Disclosure
3. You need to FTP a copy of the .BSS file to the end user
4. The end user needs to download the file and fire up a secondary application

Simply put, people aren't going to use this application until its easier to use it that not to use it. In turn, this will require a thorough integration for FD into the client and the server software, along with a series of canned convention files. Unfortunately, this sort of thing takes time to do right. Its especially useful when this involves adding signficant new functionality (I come out of a software product management background. I'm quite pleasantly surprised at the speed with which Fred and Uday have been able add feature set enhancements)

My own suspicion is that adoption of FD will be driven by two critical factors:

First, its essential to create some kind of market for canned system files. There are organizations like the Bridge World, the ACBL, and the EBU that have a vested interest in pushed standardized bidding systems. We need to convince these organizations that FD is the wave of the future. In all seriousness, three years from now I expect that FD support will be critical for anyone planning to promote a bidding system.

Second, we need to drive FD adoption in key segments of the population. Its critical to have out reach into teaching programs like the Firth Chair organization. Equally significant, some tournaments like McBruces impose an external bidding system on participants. FD might be a useful addition to such events.

[pigpenz]

well actually i have found it pretty easy to use, and when building notes for things I built a system file for interference over our 1NT and one for an overcall structure plus our opening bids. I am able to keep all three open next to the BBO screen makes it quite nice. It will be interesting to see where this all goes once the Bermuda Bowl is over and Fred decides what to do with FD.

Yes you cant lead a hose to water, but even people in tourneys dont use the cc's that they have available.