Here's a couple marketing suggestions for the next major Logos version (Logos 6 or whatever it'll be called) that might alleviate some of the negative feedback/pain in the future.
1. Perfect/release the free engine a little bit before officially rolling out new L6 collections/datasets. Do it the complete reverse of how L5 was rolled out.
Here's why...
A. It gives all Logos users a chance to upgrade to the new engine free right from the start. We realize some of the fun new features aren't coming yet until we get new datasets or collections, but we all get the engine right away. This would also minimize server overload somewhat at first since people are only downloading the engine.
B. It gives us a chance to evaluate the new engine with our existing collections/datasets/computer specifications, so if we wish to bring in new hardware for better performance, we can, as well as it allows us to plan for what datasets/collections we might want to invest in/upgrade to.
2. Put the Minimal Crossgrade, Core Datasets Upgrade (or ditch Core Datasets and merge them into the MC), and Collection Upgrades on Pre-Pub when the core engine is released. Show us exactly what's new in the datasets and collection upgrades, which gives us a chance to plan out which route we want to upgrade. While under Pre-Pub, we'd be able to snag our upgrade at a discounted price, but until the collections ship, it'd give us a chance to make up/change our minds if we want to change our purchase route before it ships. When they ship, our credit cards are then charged and Logos delivers our purchases. They could also do a similar route to the Perseus collections by delivering everything on a "preordered first come, first serve" basis so that delivering these massive downloads wouldn't totally overwhelm their servers.
3. When purchasing collections that don't include all the datasets/features (such as the way people have been purchasing Silver and adding the Minimal Crossgrade to it), the Logos cart would show a suggestion that would popup stating "to enjoy all the features of Logos 6 with your base collection, we recommend you also add the Minimal Crossgrade to your purchase" and show the discounted price. This way, users can choose the collection they want, and know for slightly more they can top off their features/datasets.
These three changes in marketing would potentially minimize a lot of the negative feedback L5 received at lauchtime. It gives everyone a chance to get up to date on the engine right at the first, plan out their paid upgrade routes in enough time before they ship, as well as allows Logos to minimize server overload and have a better plan for delivering updates/upgrades to customers without crashing their infrastructure. It'd be a win win for everyone.
