HumbleChief

My current SSA expires in June so I don't have a real dog in this hunt - I just think the policy is wrong and serves no purpose I can see. It creates fewer 'eyes' on the software to map out and document bugs. It creates a situation where certain SSA users are less motivated to renew their SSA, it creates bad will between some customers, and the upside? I honestly cannot find one.

I called and officially complained about the policy and also pointed out the error on the web page re: X7 Beta.

I called the sales staff and they claimed that one reason to keep the Beta out of users hands whose SSA is about to expire is to protect them from having X7 files that they can't open in X6 if they choose not to renew their SSA. I suggested that it might not be wise to design policy around stupidity. How truly stupid would you have to be to get the Beta of X7, create an important plan set, then not renew your SSA, and not only lose the ability to work in X7 but have to create the plan file all over again in X6? Which makes an even better point for giving X7 to every SSA member. If you have X7 Beta and do create a plan file using X7 you better renew your SSA or you don't have access to that plan file any more. But wait there's more (and this is not directed at you Perry) the idea of a public Beta is to get as many eyes on the 'release' as possible. How does this policy serve that goal?

There is also nothing listed in the benefits of SSA that excludes certain users from certain releases. If there is I'd like to see it. If it's not there then it's an arbitrary decision whose purpose is a mystery to me. The web page (which should be a direct reflection of the policy) linked to above clearly says what it says. There's no caveats. There's no disclaimers. And the Public Beta is clearly NOT 'unreleased software'. It's been released to all of the SSA subscribers except for those few as described above. Then, "They could have just released it to no one (sic)." C'mon Bill. Keep it interesting at least. I actually totally see your point and as you stated, "...they decided..." I just think they decided wrong.

It's not in writing and the web site actually says, in writing, "Already have SSA? Log in and upgrade to the X7 beta today." That quote above is not ambiguous. There are no stated caveats and even if there were it's still just plain bad policy IMO. It's been suggested that legally they are under no obligation to give 'about to expire SSA'ers' the beta or are they? Doesn't the above quote define the policy? Or at the very least it should reflect the policy more accurately with one of those crap asterisk fine print BS thingys that states you can't get it if your SSA doesn't fit a certain criteria.

From the link above. "Already have SSA? Log in and upgrade to the X7 beta today." Seems clear enough and I think this statement meets current SSA customer's expectations. No where does it say "Already have SSA (and it doesn't expire before the official release date for X7) Log In and upgrade to the X7 beta today." I'm beginning to think this policy is just an oversight - it makes so little sense.

In my opinion companies develop policies for many reasons but two of them are 1.To help develop customer loyalty and 2. to prevent damage to the company. Chief has added many features and benefits for its users and this forum is a perfect example. They are under no contractual obligation to offer this forum but they do for reason number one and it doesn't violate reason number two. If the company gave away free updates to anyone they would violate reason number two and cause genuine damage to the company's profits and their ability to even exist as a company. Now to the issue that Lew brings up. Sure the company is not contractually obligated to give the public beta to its end of service SSA members but what harm is caused the company by adding the 'Public Beta' to those whose SSA expires before the official release day? Will they steal it? Will they abuse it in some way that causes harm to the company? On the other side how much customer loyalty is added by doing so? Policies are there for a reason and they should be adhered to to create a firm foundation for customer expectations but they can also change. I think it's time this policy changes.

I agree with this Lew and if the policy hasn't changed I suggest it does - now. I think a user who has SSA should be entitled to everything new that's released then renew SSA or not at their discretion. If X7 is released on March 15th and your SSA ends on March 16th you get that version I would think. I don't like policy either.

Here's a quick vid. HTH. http://screencast.com/t/143KKomqE Here's the plan barrel 1.plan

Pretty sure that was directed at me and I apologize Bob, but your first post reads as if you hadn't even tried the wall divider yet. Let us know if you get it worked out. Trying to attach a plan but it's done in X7 beta.

A combination of attic walls and invisible walls will create a barrel ceiling room within a room.

Could you place an attic wall to cover the hole?

Bob a Google search is the best way to at least get started with these things. Try the link below. Didn't read your post that well Bob - I don't see any reason a room divider won't work for what you're trying - almost quicker to try it than to post here. Let us know if you get it figured out. https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=barrel+ceiling+chief+architect&spell=1

That adds a whole new level of CAD illustration IMO. In a way 'bout time but I'll just say thanks.

Thanks Alan - had to add it to my Tool Bar. Works great.

What magic button are you referring to Alan? How is it used please.

That's some really good sleuthing you guys. I'll remember the pattern info for future plans.

Use a bifold door/glass/. Adjust framing, suppress casing/sill adjust height from floor and overall height. Larger windows use more units and mull together. Funny, after posting that I'm not exactly sure what an accordion door is? Either way I think you s could use bifold doors mulled together.

Couldn't view the video - just a blank screen.

Can't wait to see your vids Yusuf - didn't mention there's nothing in your post but I'm betting you know that.

Otis, Check your roof and ceiling framing member sizes. The roof is framed using 9 1/4" members and the ceiling is framed at 16". The flat roof type of construction you are using the roof and ceiling framing are one and the same as far as Chief is concerned. Change the ceiling framing to match the roof framing at 9 1/4" and those gaps disappear.

All lights on with Sun. 4:16 - remember that's with dual Xeons. I think that's where the computational power of a couple Xeons kicks in.

Rob, No way is your processor that slow with only the few Master Bedroom lights on. Remember the OP had ALL the lights on. Try it with just the MB lights on and see what you get. I'm going to try it with ALL lights and the Sun on just for grins.

All MB lights on, #59-63 and #81-2, with sun -18 seconds. Only lights 81, 82 and sun - 10 seconds.

Nice work Todd, I'll have to check the videos.