I was just wondering the same thing, it’s been a while since the last update… oh well, even though the application is still missing some basic functions and some things aren’t working correctly, I’ve been using it extensively over the last couple of weeks and I like it a lot
I’d guess they just got over the mad rush from the 1.0 release and fixed the major bugs with the recent flurry of updates. Now they’ve got some time to think about a 1.1 release that isn’t just firefighting.
SORRYFOR MY CAPSUSE, BUT I’M REALLYSTARTING TO GETPISSEDOFF.
I learned a few things after six months of stomping my feet and complaining around here which might be helpful when trying to contain your rage:
MacRabbit is distinctly terrible with communication.
They were unresponsive in the beta program and they were unresponsive before the beta program. You’re not going to get responses to questions & you’re not going to get updates no matter how loudly you type. They’ve got a way of producing software that doesn’t involve the participation & feedback of their customers. They’re either highly secretive, entirely overworked or simply don’t care enough to respond. Nevertheless, this method of closed development seems to work for them so I wouldn’t expect it to change.
Espresso is not CSSEdit.
It may be riding the coattails of CSSEdit insofar as advertising goes but these are different programs and it’s unfair to compare one to another. I love CSSEdit, it’s most definitely one of my favorite Mac apps and one of the single most integral tools in my workflow. My desire to say the same thing about Espresso has clearly jaded my opinion of the program. I pretty much despise Espresso at this point and that’s absurd. At best it’s an immature, lackluster editor and a disappointing follow up to CSSEdit. There’s really nothing to outright despise here. Moreover things will get better – albeit very, very slowly. Which brings me to my next point.
Don’t confuse regular releases with progress.
MacRabbit has been really good at producing regular bug fixes which don’t otherwise impact the program in any way. With every other “shareware” app I’ve used, subsequent point releases not only fixed bugs but may also have altered UI elements and added features. Each release represented a progression. Here that’s not the case. That said new features will arrive however we will have little say in what those features are, we won’t know when they’re coming and no matter what, they certainly won’t show up first in a blog or forum post.
Helpful insight or more pointless rambling, who can say? But the above has helped me find my “zen place” with Espresso. I no longer get angry or disappointed with lack of progress or communication. I simply continue to use Coda to get my real work done and play with Espresso in my free time.
I’m a novice user and originally purchased Espresso to update my work website based off of what I say in the beta and what I hoped would be fixed by its release. Unfortunately, I was wrong in hoping that Espresso would be markedly different when it was released from beta, as I still cannot use Espresso to update the my due to the FTP configuration implemented by at work. I can with Coda because it allows users more control over connections, but Espresso just sits and spins. I contacted MacRabbit and was sent a message that FTP controls were being implemented in the next release, but that was very long ago. For some reason, I cannot completely give up on this software. I like it, and want to use it, but MacRabbit is making it very difficult for me. No blogs, no Twitter updates, no Forum activity. In one regard, ths forum is becoming a lot like the ones over at CulturedCode, where users are complaining about the lack of features that were promised long ago.
The 50% off sale over at Panic seems to indicate a new major release is around the corner. I have both Espresso, CSS Edit, Coda (I paid for them all)…and really, if MacRabbit doesn’t get it together soon, I think that Coda 2.0 may steal MacRabbits lunch.
Have to say that Espresso at this stage of development let me feel as I really waste my money (and my time).
This app at this stage of development is totally useless for professional use, Considering I bought it since the beta version, no value for money I got.
And I think that MacRabbit should take his customers in more consideration.
Anyway they are such a good Developers and the idea behind Espresso is really strong, so through certain disappointment
I’m still looking forward for a new update.
They are at WWDC, actually, so far as I know (or else it’s a hell of a coincidence that they decided to vacation in San Francisco right now). Not sure how many customer support seminars are being held, though.
For us it seems like they been having a holiday for more than a month now. I really don’t mind if they can’t find the time to update their software for a month or even two. But it shouldn’t be too hard to check this forum from time to time and at least give some update on when they expect to continue their work or what we can expect.
The lack of communication and updates is getting ridiculous, and frankly, embarrassing. Some suggestions:
- Your website still states that Espresso is “coming” um…hasn’t it been out for a while now?
- Delete the blog. You never post on it. The last update indicates that Espresso 1.0.2 was just released. Get rid of it and bring it back when you’re actually using it.
- Start calling this a “user-to-user” forum. It might take some of the wind out of the MacRabbit bashing/complaining if people aren’t expecting you to reply (yes, I know that by typing this, I’m expecting you to read it, but I know that you won’t reply)
- Release a point update or something small to indicate that you are alive. maybe 1.0.5.1
- Become visible (again): Use your Twitter accounts! I’d be happy to know what type of sandwich you’re eating, let alone what you’re working on.
- Build up some hype about what is happening with your product and brand! I remember how EXCITED I was when the Espresso beta opened…and frankly, that excitement is almost gone.
Come on guys…you can do it…I still believe in you.
The lack of communication and updates is getting ridiculous, and frankly, embarrassing. Some suggestions:
- Your website still states that Espresso is “coming” um…hasn’t it been out for a while now?
- Delete the blog. You never post on it. The last update indicates that Espresso 1.0.2 was just released. Get rid of it and bring it back when you’re actually using it.
- Start calling this a “user-to-user” forum. It might take some of the wind out of the MacRabbit bashing/complaining if people aren’t expecting you to reply (yes, I know that by typing this, I’m expecting you to read it, but I know that you won’t reply)
- Release a point update or something small to indicate that you are alive. maybe 1.0.5.1
- Become visible (again): Use your Twitter accounts! I’d be happy to know what type of sandwich you’re eating, let alone what you’re working on.
- Build up some hype about what is happening with your product and brand! I remember how EXCITED I was when the Espresso beta opened…and frankly, that excitement is almost gone.
Come on guys…you can do it…I still believe in you.
You read my mind while writing this!
I completely agree with this. I also was excited about the whole Espresso idea and previews… But in my case it already is completely gone…
Same here, there’s a lot of things that need fixing. I don’t really mind if it takes some time, but at least let us know, cause right now it seems that nothing is happening, which is definitely a great let down. Once again, if it wasn’t for the great developers of TEA and the PHP sugar, I would have completely dumped Espresso.
I’ve been wondering the same thing lately, when is the next update?
I’m constantly accused of being negative around here so this time I’d like to say something positive. I think the long delay is because MacRabbit is finally addressing the issues people have been barking and complaining about for some time now. This next update won’t be a measly point update that addresses whatever it is all those other point updates addressed. No this update will actually address issues that people have been discussing here for the past five months. My hunch is we’ll get at least one of the following:
1. Espresso will preview sites via a local server. Or they’ll finally change the marketing to coincide with the actual product (eg. “Espresso is great for previewing your static HTML with relative links!”).
2. We’ll get some tight integration with CSSEdit. I’m thinking a right-click “open with CSSEdit” to get Espresso on par with Coda.
3. Windows will remember their positions. It’s been nearly half a year in the making. I’m ready for it.
4. Publishing will get overhauled. You’ll now be able to upload an image in under 4 clicks.
5. Snippets will get some love in the form of better organization options than “totally random” plus the ability to wrap snippets around selections. Sweet.
6. The “Espresso is coming” graphic will get changed to reflect that the product is now out of beta. It’s only a matter of time, really.
Of course there’s always the possibility that the delay is simply because Jan misplaced his mouse or forgot the URL to this site. But I’ve got faith. I’m predicting a serious update. You heard it here first.
