Meeting of the Minds

Jeff-

Some of these questions remind me of the "Sage Listening Tour" many years ago ..... when, from my vantage point in the audience, Sage did nothing but yell at a couple of partners who asked questions....

I'll take a swing at answering a few questions

• Why have many resellers stopped promoting Sage in favor of Acumatica, even for their internal use?
  Because the new business strategy involves using reverse psychology, the less we're mentioned, the more intriguing we become. It's like playing hard to get with the software market.

• How should one reply to a CTO's email expressing disappointment over Sage 100's outdated security standards?
  Dear CTO, thank you for your email. We're actually pioneering a new trend called 'Retro Security'. It's like vintage fashion but for software. We believe in the nostalgia of the '80s and are bringing it back, one outdated security standard at a time. 

• What justifies the annual 10% price increase for Sage 100, especially when the service remains unchanged?
  Inflation, dear customer, inflation. And not just any inflation - we're talking about the special kind that only affects software companies with particularly happy shareholders. 

• How can the commission credit information from Sage be improved to include more relevant details?
  We're considering replacing the current system with a magic 8-ball. It's more interactive and provides all the uncertainty you've expected, with added mystique. 

• Beyond the ability to sell Sage products, what benefits do resellers receive from the annual fee?
  A sense of immense pride and accomplishment, and an exclusive JPEG of a handshake. We're also working on a hologram of applause for every time you make a sale.

• Why do the requirements for reseller tiers increase while the profit margins decrease each year?
  It's part of our innovative 'Challenge Mode' for resellers. The harder it gets, the more satisfying it is when you somehow manage to make a sale.

• What is the future plan for Sage 100? Is there an intention to transition all users to Intacct?
  The grand plan is to create the first-ever software collector's item. 

• What efforts are being made to retain key Sage employees amid frequent turnover?
  We've introduced a groundbreaking retention strategy called 'The Golden Handcuff'. Employees get a Monopoly money bonus for every year they stay, redeemable in the afterlife or at our company store, which strangely only sells shareholder memoirs and portraits.

• How can the Smartsheet order process be made more efficient, reducing the need for excessive follow-up and allowing a focus on sales?
  We're considering replacing the entire process with a simple button that says 'Trust Us'.

OMG That's fabulous @Wayne Schulz  You need to be a Zanie's on Saturday nights.

Jeff-

Some of these questions remind me of the "Sage Listening Tour" many years ago ..... when, from my vantage point in the audience, Sage did nothing but yell at a couple of partners who asked questions....

I'll take a swing at answering a few questions

• Why have many resellers stopped promoting Sage in favor of Acumatica, even for their internal use?
  Because the new business strategy involves using reverse psychology, the less we're mentioned, the more intriguing we become. It's like playing hard to get with the software market.

• How should one reply to a CTO's email expressing disappointment over Sage 100's outdated security standards?
  Dear CTO, thank you for your email. We're actually pioneering a new trend called 'Retro Security'. It's like vintage fashion but for software. We believe in the nostalgia of the '80s and are bringing it back, one outdated security standard at a time. 

• What justifies the annual 10% price increase for Sage 100, especially when the service remains unchanged?
  Inflation, dear customer, inflation. And not just any inflation - we're talking about the special kind that only affects software companies with particularly happy shareholders. 

• How can the commission credit information from Sage be improved to include more relevant details?
  We're considering replacing the current system with a magic 8-ball. It's more interactive and provides all the uncertainty you've expected, with added mystique. 

• Beyond the ability to sell Sage products, what benefits do resellers receive from the annual fee?
  A sense of immense pride and accomplishment, and an exclusive JPEG of a handshake. We're also working on a hologram of applause for every time you make a sale.

• Why do the requirements for reseller tiers increase while the profit margins decrease each year?
  It's part of our innovative 'Challenge Mode' for resellers. The harder it gets, the more satisfying it is when you somehow manage to make a sale.

• What is the future plan for Sage 100? Is there an intention to transition all users to Intacct?
  The grand plan is to create the first-ever software collector's item. 

• What efforts are being made to retain key Sage employees amid frequent turnover?
  We've introduced a groundbreaking retention strategy called 'The Golden Handcuff'. Employees get a Monopoly money bonus for every year they stay, redeemable in the afterlife or at our company store, which strangely only sells shareholder memoirs and portraits.

• How can the Smartsheet order process be made more efficient, reducing the need for excessive follow-up and allowing a focus on sales?
  We're considering replacing the entire process with a simple button that says 'Trust Us'.

"5)  What do we get for the annual reseller fee besides the privilege of selling Sage?  A logo for our website?  There used to be a "test" "

as predicted, once the tests became a cost instead of a revenue source, they went away as all good costs should.....

OMG That's fabulous @Wayne Schulz  You need to be a Zanie's on Saturday nights.

Jeff-

Some of these questions remind me of the "Sage Listening Tour" many years ago ..... when, from my vantage point in the audience, Sage did nothing but yell at a couple of partners who asked questions....

I'll take a swing at answering a few questions

• Why have many resellers stopped promoting Sage in favor of Acumatica, even for their internal use?
  Because the new business strategy involves using reverse psychology, the less we're mentioned, the more intriguing we become. It's like playing hard to get with the software market.

• How should one reply to a CTO's email expressing disappointment over Sage 100's outdated security standards?
  Dear CTO, thank you for your email. We're actually pioneering a new trend called 'Retro Security'. It's like vintage fashion but for software. We believe in the nostalgia of the '80s and are bringing it back, one outdated security standard at a time. 

• What justifies the annual 10% price increase for Sage 100, especially when the service remains unchanged?
  Inflation, dear customer, inflation. And not just any inflation - we're talking about the special kind that only affects software companies with particularly happy shareholders. 

• How can the commission credit information from Sage be improved to include more relevant details?
  We're considering replacing the current system with a magic 8-ball. It's more interactive and provides all the uncertainty you've expected, with added mystique. 

• Beyond the ability to sell Sage products, what benefits do resellers receive from the annual fee?
  A sense of immense pride and accomplishment, and an exclusive JPEG of a handshake. We're also working on a hologram of applause for every time you make a sale.

• Why do the requirements for reseller tiers increase while the profit margins decrease each year?
  It's part of our innovative 'Challenge Mode' for resellers. The harder it gets, the more satisfying it is when you somehow manage to make a sale.

• What is the future plan for Sage 100? Is there an intention to transition all users to Intacct?
  The grand plan is to create the first-ever software collector's item. 

• What efforts are being made to retain key Sage employees amid frequent turnover?
  We've introduced a groundbreaking retention strategy called 'The Golden Handcuff'. Employees get a Monopoly money bonus for every year they stay, redeemable in the afterlife or at our company store, which strangely only sells shareholder memoirs and portraits.

• How can the Smartsheet order process be made more efficient, reducing the need for excessive follow-up and allowing a focus on sales?
  We're considering replacing the entire process with a simple button that says 'Trust Us'.

How long has Ms. King been on the Sage team and has she done a 90M webinar for us?

"5)  What do we get for the annual reseller fee besides the privilege of selling Sage?  A logo for our website?  There used to be a "test" "

as predicted, once the tests became a cost instead of a revenue source, they went away as all good costs should.....

OMG That's fabulous @Wayne Schulz  You need to be a Zanie's on Saturday nights.

Jeff-

Some of these questions remind me of the "Sage Listening Tour" many years ago ..... when, from my vantage point in the audience, Sage did nothing but yell at a couple of partners who asked questions....

I'll take a swing at answering a few questions

• Why have many resellers stopped promoting Sage in favor of Acumatica, even for their internal use?
  Because the new business strategy involves using reverse psychology, the less we're mentioned, the more intriguing we become. It's like playing hard to get with the software market.

• How should one reply to a CTO's email expressing disappointment over Sage 100's outdated security standards?
  Dear CTO, thank you for your email. We're actually pioneering a new trend called 'Retro Security'. It's like vintage fashion but for software. We believe in the nostalgia of the '80s and are bringing it back, one outdated security standard at a time. 

• What justifies the annual 10% price increase for Sage 100, especially when the service remains unchanged?
  Inflation, dear customer, inflation. And not just any inflation - we're talking about the special kind that only affects software companies with particularly happy shareholders. 

• How can the commission credit information from Sage be improved to include more relevant details?
  We're considering replacing the current system with a magic 8-ball. It's more interactive and provides all the uncertainty you've expected, with added mystique. 

• Beyond the ability to sell Sage products, what benefits do resellers receive from the annual fee?
  A sense of immense pride and accomplishment, and an exclusive JPEG of a handshake. We're also working on a hologram of applause for every time you make a sale.

• Why do the requirements for reseller tiers increase while the profit margins decrease each year?
  It's part of our innovative 'Challenge Mode' for resellers. The harder it gets, the more satisfying it is when you somehow manage to make a sale.

• What is the future plan for Sage 100? Is there an intention to transition all users to Intacct?
  The grand plan is to create the first-ever software collector's item. 

• What efforts are being made to retain key Sage employees amid frequent turnover?
  We've introduced a groundbreaking retention strategy called 'The Golden Handcuff'. Employees get a Monopoly money bonus for every year they stay, redeemable in the afterlife or at our company store, which strangely only sells shareholder memoirs and portraits.

• How can the Smartsheet order process be made more efficient, reducing the need for excessive follow-up and allowing a focus on sales?
  We're considering replacing the entire process with a simple button that says 'Trust Us'.

I don't necessarily think these questions are exclusively for Ms. King.  Sage upper management needs to feel the heat from our ire, NOT that they will be moved to act by our passion.

Since we aren't assured that all questions submitted will be answered, can a list of questions asked be made available to the group?

How long has Ms. King been on the Sage team and has she done a 90M webinar for us?

"5)  What do we get for the annual reseller fee besides the privilege of selling Sage?  A logo for our website?  There used to be a "test" "

as predicted, once the tests became a cost instead of a revenue source, they went away as all good costs should.....

OMG That's fabulous @Wayne Schulz  You need to be a Zanie's on Saturday nights.

Jeff-

Some of these questions remind me of the "Sage Listening Tour" many years ago ..... when, from my vantage point in the audience, Sage did nothing but yell at a couple of partners who asked questions....

I'll take a swing at answering a few questions

• Why have many resellers stopped promoting Sage in favor of Acumatica, even for their internal use?
  Because the new business strategy involves using reverse psychology, the less we're mentioned, the more intriguing we become. It's like playing hard to get with the software market.

• How should one reply to a CTO's email expressing disappointment over Sage 100's outdated security standards?
  Dear CTO, thank you for your email. We're actually pioneering a new trend called 'Retro Security'. It's like vintage fashion but for software. We believe in the nostalgia of the '80s and are bringing it back, one outdated security standard at a time. 

• What justifies the annual 10% price increase for Sage 100, especially when the service remains unchanged?
  Inflation, dear customer, inflation. And not just any inflation - we're talking about the special kind that only affects software companies with particularly happy shareholders. 

• How can the commission credit information from Sage be improved to include more relevant details?
  We're considering replacing the current system with a magic 8-ball. It's more interactive and provides all the uncertainty you've expected, with added mystique. 

• Beyond the ability to sell Sage products, what benefits do resellers receive from the annual fee?
  A sense of immense pride and accomplishment, and an exclusive JPEG of a handshake. We're also working on a hologram of applause for every time you make a sale.

• Why do the requirements for reseller tiers increase while the profit margins decrease each year?
  It's part of our innovative 'Challenge Mode' for resellers. The harder it gets, the more satisfying it is when you somehow manage to make a sale.

• What is the future plan for Sage 100? Is there an intention to transition all users to Intacct?
  The grand plan is to create the first-ever software collector's item. 

• What efforts are being made to retain key Sage employees amid frequent turnover?
  We've introduced a groundbreaking retention strategy called 'The Golden Handcuff'. Employees get a Monopoly money bonus for every year they stay, redeemable in the afterlife or at our company store, which strangely only sells shareholder memoirs and portraits.

• How can the Smartsheet order process be made more efficient, reducing the need for excessive follow-up and allowing a focus on sales?
  We're considering replacing the entire process with a simple button that says 'Trust Us'.

@Jeff Schwenk - I believe any Sage employee who has been at a MOTM where you attended knows your unique style and passion.  Dianetta King is an advocate for Sage 100 who works in Marketing and would probably love to make decisions which would make you and the rest of the Sage 100 community happy.   I think we all know that the people who attend our conferences can be messengers to management and are not the ultimate decision makers of Sage strategy and investment.

I for one appreciate the investment in time and money Sage makes in our conference and the information we receive through our partnership with Sage.  We should return the favor by treating people like Ms. King with respect and courtesy and refrain from "heat and ire."   Thumpers mother said, "if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all" and down here in the South I have heard you catch more bees with honey than vinegar.  

I don't necessarily think these questions are exclusively for Ms. King.  Sage upper management needs to feel the heat from our ire, NOT that they will be moved to act by our passion.

Since we aren't assured that all questions submitted will be answered, can a list of questions asked be made available to the group?

How long has Ms. King been on the Sage team and has she done a 90M webinar for us?

"5)  What do we get for the annual reseller fee besides the privilege of selling Sage?  A logo for our website?  There used to be a "test" "

as predicted, once the tests became a cost instead of a revenue source, they went away as all good costs should.....

OMG That's fabulous @Wayne Schulz  You need to be a Zanie's on Saturday nights.

Jeff-

Some of these questions remind me of the "Sage Listening Tour" many years ago ..... when, from my vantage point in the audience, Sage did nothing but yell at a couple of partners who asked questions....

I'll take a swing at answering a few questions

• Why have many resellers stopped promoting Sage in favor of Acumatica, even for their internal use?
  Because the new business strategy involves using reverse psychology, the less we're mentioned, the more intriguing we become. It's like playing hard to get with the software market.

• How should one reply to a CTO's email expressing disappointment over Sage 100's outdated security standards?
  Dear CTO, thank you for your email. We're actually pioneering a new trend called 'Retro Security'. It's like vintage fashion but for software. We believe in the nostalgia of the '80s and are bringing it back, one outdated security standard at a time. 

• What justifies the annual 10% price increase for Sage 100, especially when the service remains unchanged?
  Inflation, dear customer, inflation. And not just any inflation - we're talking about the special kind that only affects software companies with particularly happy shareholders. 

• How can the commission credit information from Sage be improved to include more relevant details?
  We're considering replacing the current system with a magic 8-ball. It's more interactive and provides all the uncertainty you've expected, with added mystique. 

• Beyond the ability to sell Sage products, what benefits do resellers receive from the annual fee?
  A sense of immense pride and accomplishment, and an exclusive JPEG of a handshake. We're also working on a hologram of applause for every time you make a sale.

• Why do the requirements for reseller tiers increase while the profit margins decrease each year?
  It's part of our innovative 'Challenge Mode' for resellers. The harder it gets, the more satisfying it is when you somehow manage to make a sale.

• What is the future plan for Sage 100? Is there an intention to transition all users to Intacct?
  The grand plan is to create the first-ever software collector's item. 

• What efforts are being made to retain key Sage employees amid frequent turnover?
  We've introduced a groundbreaking retention strategy called 'The Golden Handcuff'. Employees get a Monopoly money bonus for every year they stay, redeemable in the afterlife or at our company store, which strangely only sells shareholder memoirs and portraits.

• How can the Smartsheet order process be made more efficient, reducing the need for excessive follow-up and allowing a focus on sales?
  We're considering replacing the entire process with a simple button that says 'Trust Us'.

I don't necessarily think these questions are exclusively for Ms. King.  Sage upper management needs to feel the heat from our ire, NOT that they will be moved to act by our passion.

Since we aren't assured that all questions submitted will be answered, can a list of questions asked be made available to the group?

How long has Ms. King been on the Sage team and has she done a 90M webinar for us?

"5)  What do we get for the annual reseller fee besides the privilege of selling Sage?  A logo for our website?  There used to be a "test" "

as predicted, once the tests became a cost instead of a revenue source, they went away as all good costs should.....

OMG That's fabulous @Wayne Schulz  You need to be a Zanie's on Saturday nights.

Jeff-

Some of these questions remind me of the "Sage Listening Tour" many years ago ..... when, from my vantage point in the audience, Sage did nothing but yell at a couple of partners who asked questions....

I'll take a swing at answering a few questions

• Why have many resellers stopped promoting Sage in favor of Acumatica, even for their internal use?
  Because the new business strategy involves using reverse psychology, the less we're mentioned, the more intriguing we become. It's like playing hard to get with the software market.

• How should one reply to a CTO's email expressing disappointment over Sage 100's outdated security standards?
  Dear CTO, thank you for your email. We're actually pioneering a new trend called 'Retro Security'. It's like vintage fashion but for software. We believe in the nostalgia of the '80s and are bringing it back, one outdated security standard at a time. 

• What justifies the annual 10% price increase for Sage 100, especially when the service remains unchanged?
  Inflation, dear customer, inflation. And not just any inflation - we're talking about the special kind that only affects software companies with particularly happy shareholders. 

• How can the commission credit information from Sage be improved to include more relevant details?
  We're considering replacing the current system with a magic 8-ball. It's more interactive and provides all the uncertainty you've expected, with added mystique. 

• Beyond the ability to sell Sage products, what benefits do resellers receive from the annual fee?
  A sense of immense pride and accomplishment, and an exclusive JPEG of a handshake. We're also working on a hologram of applause for every time you make a sale.

• Why do the requirements for reseller tiers increase while the profit margins decrease each year?
  It's part of our innovative 'Challenge Mode' for resellers. The harder it gets, the more satisfying it is when you somehow manage to make a sale.

• What is the future plan for Sage 100? Is there an intention to transition all users to Intacct?
  The grand plan is to create the first-ever software collector's item. 

• What efforts are being made to retain key Sage employees amid frequent turnover?
  We've introduced a groundbreaking retention strategy called 'The Golden Handcuff'. Employees get a Monopoly money bonus for every year they stay, redeemable in the afterlife or at our company store, which strangely only sells shareholder memoirs and portraits.

• How can the Smartsheet order process be made more efficient, reducing the need for excessive follow-up and allowing a focus on sales?
  We're considering replacing the entire process with a simple button that says 'Trust Us'.

How long has Ms. King been on the Sage team and has she done a 90M webinar for us?

"5)  What do we get for the annual reseller fee besides the privilege of selling Sage?  A logo for our website?  There used to be a "test" "

as predicted, once the tests became a cost instead of a revenue source, they went away as all good costs should.....

OMG That's fabulous @Wayne Schulz  You need to be a Zanie's on Saturday nights.

Jeff-

Some of these questions remind me of the "Sage Listening Tour" many years ago ..... when, from my vantage point in the audience, Sage did nothing but yell at a couple of partners who asked questions....

I'll take a swing at answering a few questions

• Why have many resellers stopped promoting Sage in favor of Acumatica, even for their internal use?
  Because the new business strategy involves using reverse psychology, the less we're mentioned, the more intriguing we become. It's like playing hard to get with the software market.

• How should one reply to a CTO's email expressing disappointment over Sage 100's outdated security standards?
  Dear CTO, thank you for your email. We're actually pioneering a new trend called 'Retro Security'. It's like vintage fashion but for software. We believe in the nostalgia of the '80s and are bringing it back, one outdated security standard at a time. 

• What justifies the annual 10% price increase for Sage 100, especially when the service remains unchanged?
  Inflation, dear customer, inflation. And not just any inflation - we're talking about the special kind that only affects software companies with particularly happy shareholders. 

• How can the commission credit information from Sage be improved to include more relevant details?
  We're considering replacing the current system with a magic 8-ball. It's more interactive and provides all the uncertainty you've expected, with added mystique. 

• Beyond the ability to sell Sage products, what benefits do resellers receive from the annual fee?
  A sense of immense pride and accomplishment, and an exclusive JPEG of a handshake. We're also working on a hologram of applause for every time you make a sale.

• Why do the requirements for reseller tiers increase while the profit margins decrease each year?
  It's part of our innovative 'Challenge Mode' for resellers. The harder it gets, the more satisfying it is when you somehow manage to make a sale.

• What is the future plan for Sage 100? Is there an intention to transition all users to Intacct?
  The grand plan is to create the first-ever software collector's item. 

• What efforts are being made to retain key Sage employees amid frequent turnover?
  We've introduced a groundbreaking retention strategy called 'The Golden Handcuff'. Employees get a Monopoly money bonus for every year they stay, redeemable in the afterlife or at our company store, which strangely only sells shareholder memoirs and portraits.

• How can the Smartsheet order process be made more efficient, reducing the need for excessive follow-up and allowing a focus on sales?
  We're considering replacing the entire process with a simple button that says 'Trust Us'.

One answer to #5 - Access to me. LOL.

@Ed Kless - But that's Sage telling us "Do as I say, not as I do"

One answer to #5 - Access to me. LOL.

@Gary Feldman - Perish the thought if the villagers get past security with their torches and pitchforks.  Isn't security part of the conference fee?  And do I think that ANYTHING we say will have an impact on how Captain Smith steers his ship through the iceberg field?  Nope, please don't stare as I walk around with my life jacket (and red pants) on.  

Yes, it is nice to know that Sage subsidizes the conference.  But what do we get in return?  Sage leadership telling us how great Intacct is?

BTW - It has been a week and the customer STILL hasn't had any Sage response to her question regarding the annual 10% price increase!  

Regarding the information we receive through our partnership with Sage, that is a bit of a stretch (for me).  Maybe there is some meaningful dialogue (Ideation?) or the tech updates, but I am not in that happy space.  Perhaps I can make the golf outing so we can ride together and discuss between swings (or swigs).  I am quite aware of the nice/nothing adage.  My dad was a big proponent of that one.  But if I (we) stay silent, who will speak truth to power?  Or is the real issue here, are we afraid of losing our MOTM funding?

@Ed Kless - But that's Sage telling us "Do as I say, not as I do"

One answer to #5 - Access to me. LOL.

@Phil McIntosh - We should listen to Sage with a critical ear and read between the lines.  Like you, many of us also listen to other publishers these days.  When you hear consistent on inconsistent stories about the state of the market or products, we have to use our own judgement to discern fact from hope, wishes, desires and half truths.   From my experience, Sage is no better or worse than the rest of the publishers out there.

@Jeff Schwenk - We can ask questions which can be answered or we can ask questions that cannot.  It is our choice.  Some questions cannot be answered because it is out of the control of the executives and staff who come to our conference and others that cannot because there is no answer.  Our objective should be to let the Sage executives know what we hear from our customers and the impact on our joint businesses.   I think there are a good number of happy Sage 100 loyal customers out there.   However, those customers who feel that they are getting nothing for an annual 10% price increase will likely leave the Sage family and never return.   We can choose to ride out the cash cow Sage 100 has been, or develop a program to keep the unhappy customers loyal to us as consultants in some form or fashion.  This is another reason why we should be respectful and listen to Sage so we can make informed decisions for ourselves and our customers.

@Gary Feldman - Perish the thought if the villagers get past security with their torches and pitchforks.  Isn't security part of the conference fee?  And do I think that ANYTHING we say will have an impact on how Captain Smith steers his ship through the iceberg field?  Nope, please don't stare as I walk around with my life jacket (and red pants) on.  

Yes, it is nice to know that Sage subsidizes the conference.  But what do we get in return?  Sage leadership telling us how great Intacct is?

BTW - It has been a week and the customer STILL hasn't had any Sage response to her question regarding the annual 10% price increase!  

Regarding the information we receive through our partnership with Sage, that is a bit of a stretch (for me).  Maybe there is some meaningful dialogue (Ideation?) or the tech updates, but I am not in that happy space.  Perhaps I can make the golf outing so we can ride together and discuss between swings (or swigs).  I am quite aware of the nice/nothing adage.  My dad was a big proponent of that one.  But if I (we) stay silent, who will speak truth to power?  Or is the real issue here, are we afraid of losing our MOTM funding?

@Ed Kless - But that's Sage telling us "Do as I say, not as I do"

One answer to #5 - Access to me. LOL.

@Gary Feldman - I must apologize, but I don't think Sage cares one iota about the Sage 100 user (or us) beyond the fact that we are seen as a cash cow (your words) enriching shareholders until the world gets on board the Intacct train.  It is not what they say, but what they DO that speaks volumes of their strategy.  Dianetta King (like those before her and those to come after her) is just biding her time until something more rewarding comes along. She seems too young to ride cash cow to retirement.  And please believe me when I say I am not picking on HER.  I don't know her nor have I been in attendance of any 90M's webinars (NOT MOTM's) she may have led.  But she is the Senior Product Marketing Manager (for Sage 100?).

Rest assured that I and @Phil McIntosh will not create a scene that upsets the 90M's golden goose (okay, I can't speak for Phil).  If we do, we'll only have ourselves to blame for any dues increase in 2024.

During the session, I will be reciting the following:

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

@Phil McIntosh - We should listen to Sage with a critical ear and read between the lines.  Like you, many of us also listen to other publishers these days.  When you hear consistent on inconsistent stories about the state of the market or products, we have to use our own judgement to discern fact from hope, wishes, desires and half truths.   From my experience, Sage is no better or worse than the rest of the publishers out there.

@Jeff Schwenk - We can ask questions which can be answered or we can ask questions that cannot.  It is our choice.  Some questions cannot be answered because it is out of the control of the executives and staff who come to our conference and others that cannot because there is no answer.  Our objective should be to let the Sage executives know what we hear from our customers and the impact on our joint businesses.   I think there are a good number of happy Sage 100 loyal customers out there.   However, those customers who feel that they are getting nothing for an annual 10% price increase will likely leave the Sage family and never return.   We can choose to ride out the cash cow Sage 100 has been, or develop a program to keep the unhappy customers loyal to us as consultants in some form or fashion.  This is another reason why we should be respectful and listen to Sage so we can make informed decisions for ourselves and our customers.

@Gary Feldman - Perish the thought if the villagers get past security with their torches and pitchforks.  Isn't security part of the conference fee?  And do I think that ANYTHING we say will have an impact on how Captain Smith steers his ship through the iceberg field?  Nope, please don't stare as I walk around with my life jacket (and red pants) on.  

Yes, it is nice to know that Sage subsidizes the conference.  But what do we get in return?  Sage leadership telling us how great Intacct is?

BTW - It has been a week and the customer STILL hasn't had any Sage response to her question regarding the annual 10% price increase!  

Regarding the information we receive through our partnership with Sage, that is a bit of a stretch (for me).  Maybe there is some meaningful dialogue (Ideation?) or the tech updates, but I am not in that happy space.  Perhaps I can make the golf outing so we can ride together and discuss between swings (or swigs).  I am quite aware of the nice/nothing adage.  My dad was a big proponent of that one.  But if I (we) stay silent, who will speak truth to power?  Or is the real issue here, are we afraid of losing our MOTM funding?

@Ed Kless - But that's Sage telling us "Do as I say, not as I do"

One answer to #5 - Access to me. LOL.

@Jeff Schwenk since this community is open to ALL attendees of Meeting of the Minds, she may already be aware of how you feel. 

@Gary Feldman - I must apologize, but I don't think Sage cares one iota about the Sage 100 user (or us) beyond the fact that we are seen as a cash cow (your words) enriching shareholders until the world gets on board the Intacct train.  It is not what they say, but what they DO that speaks volumes of their strategy.  Dianetta King (like those before her and those to come after her) is just biding her time until something more rewarding comes along. She seems too young to ride cash cow to retirement.  And please believe me when I say I am not picking on HER.  I don't know her nor have I been in attendance of any 90M's webinars (NOT MOTM's) she may have led.  But she is the Senior Product Marketing Manager (for Sage 100?).

Rest assured that I and @Phil McIntosh will not create a scene that upsets the 90M's golden goose (okay, I can't speak for Phil).  If we do, we'll only have ourselves to blame for any dues increase in 2024.

During the session, I will be reciting the following:

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

@Phil McIntosh - We should listen to Sage with a critical ear and read between the lines.  Like you, many of us also listen to other publishers these days.  When you hear consistent on inconsistent stories about the state of the market or products, we have to use our own judgement to discern fact from hope, wishes, desires and half truths.   From my experience, Sage is no better or worse than the rest of the publishers out there.

@Jeff Schwenk - We can ask questions which can be answered or we can ask questions that cannot.  It is our choice.  Some questions cannot be answered because it is out of the control of the executives and staff who come to our conference and others that cannot because there is no answer.  Our objective should be to let the Sage executives know what we hear from our customers and the impact on our joint businesses.   I think there are a good number of happy Sage 100 loyal customers out there.   However, those customers who feel that they are getting nothing for an annual 10% price increase will likely leave the Sage family and never return.   We can choose to ride out the cash cow Sage 100 has been, or develop a program to keep the unhappy customers loyal to us as consultants in some form or fashion.  This is another reason why we should be respectful and listen to Sage so we can make informed decisions for ourselves and our customers.

@Gary Feldman - Perish the thought if the villagers get past security with their torches and pitchforks.  Isn't security part of the conference fee?  And do I think that ANYTHING we say will have an impact on how Captain Smith steers his ship through the iceberg field?  Nope, please don't stare as I walk around with my life jacket (and red pants) on.  

Yes, it is nice to know that Sage subsidizes the conference.  But what do we get in return?  Sage leadership telling us how great Intacct is?

BTW - It has been a week and the customer STILL hasn't had any Sage response to her question regarding the annual 10% price increase!  

Regarding the information we receive through our partnership with Sage, that is a bit of a stretch (for me).  Maybe there is some meaningful dialogue (Ideation?) or the tech updates, but I am not in that happy space.  Perhaps I can make the golf outing so we can ride together and discuss between swings (or swigs).  I am quite aware of the nice/nothing adage.  My dad was a big proponent of that one.  But if I (we) stay silent, who will speak truth to power?  Or is the real issue here, are we afraid of losing our MOTM funding?

@Ed Kless - But that's Sage telling us "Do as I say, not as I do"

One answer to #5 - Access to me. LOL.

I was wondering how @Ed Kless was a member of the clubhouse.

Looking forward to having a chat then.

Just saying what others are thinking!!

@Jeff Schwenk since this community is open to ALL attendees of Meeting of the Minds, she may already be aware of how you feel. 

@Gary Feldman - I must apologize, but I don't think Sage cares one iota about the Sage 100 user (or us) beyond the fact that we are seen as a cash cow (your words) enriching shareholders until the world gets on board the Intacct train.  It is not what they say, but what they DO that speaks volumes of their strategy.  Dianetta King (like those before her and those to come after her) is just biding her time until something more rewarding comes along. She seems too young to ride cash cow to retirement.  And please believe me when I say I am not picking on HER.  I don't know her nor have I been in attendance of any 90M's webinars (NOT MOTM's) she may have led.  But she is the Senior Product Marketing Manager (for Sage 100?).

Rest assured that I and @Phil McIntosh will not create a scene that upsets the 90M's golden goose (okay, I can't speak for Phil).  If we do, we'll only have ourselves to blame for any dues increase in 2024.

During the session, I will be reciting the following:

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

@Phil McIntosh - We should listen to Sage with a critical ear and read between the lines.  Like you, many of us also listen to other publishers these days.  When you hear consistent on inconsistent stories about the state of the market or products, we have to use our own judgement to discern fact from hope, wishes, desires and half truths.   From my experience, Sage is no better or worse than the rest of the publishers out there.

@Jeff Schwenk - We can ask questions which can be answered or we can ask questions that cannot.  It is our choice.  Some questions cannot be answered because it is out of the control of the executives and staff who come to our conference and others that cannot because there is no answer.  Our objective should be to let the Sage executives know what we hear from our customers and the impact on our joint businesses.   I think there are a good number of happy Sage 100 loyal customers out there.   However, those customers who feel that they are getting nothing for an annual 10% price increase will likely leave the Sage family and never return.   We can choose to ride out the cash cow Sage 100 has been, or develop a program to keep the unhappy customers loyal to us as consultants in some form or fashion.  This is another reason why we should be respectful and listen to Sage so we can make informed decisions for ourselves and our customers.

@Gary Feldman - Perish the thought if the villagers get past security with their torches and pitchforks.  Isn't security part of the conference fee?  And do I think that ANYTHING we say will have an impact on how Captain Smith steers his ship through the iceberg field?  Nope, please don't stare as I walk around with my life jacket (and red pants) on.  

Yes, it is nice to know that Sage subsidizes the conference.  But what do we get in return?  Sage leadership telling us how great Intacct is?

BTW - It has been a week and the customer STILL hasn't had any Sage response to her question regarding the annual 10% price increase!  

Regarding the information we receive through our partnership with Sage, that is a bit of a stretch (for me).  Maybe there is some meaningful dialogue (Ideation?) or the tech updates, but I am not in that happy space.  Perhaps I can make the golf outing so we can ride together and discuss between swings (or swigs).  I am quite aware of the nice/nothing adage.  My dad was a big proponent of that one.  But if I (we) stay silent, who will speak truth to power?  Or is the real issue here, are we afraid of losing our MOTM funding?

@Ed Kless - But that's Sage telling us "Do as I say, not as I do"

One answer to #5 - Access to me. LOL.

IMHO Jeff's underlying line of complaints is completely wrong. It comes from a place of resentment that he/we don't get the respect from Sage that he thinks we deserve. It assumes that somehow Sage would be better off if it changed a whole raft of things. I completely disagree with this because it is completely unrealistic and counterproductive. 

We all should be thinking hard about what we can do with the situation that is, and how we can make money and happy customers from it. If some customers don't like, they can (and will) leave. Nothing wrong with that. But I think for most that is shortsighted. The following is a rather windy explanation of why I think this is correct.

First, acknowledge that Sage UK is doing very well, thank you, since it embarked on its "Intacct into the Future" strategy. I've been a Sage partner of one type or another since 2001, and I don't recall another 3-yr period where organic growth was at the level it is now. So, from the CEO's perspective, he probably thinks he should just do more of what he's been doing. We in the Sage 100 community might not like it, but that is the reality.

Back in 2020, Sage NA held nationwide "Thrive" events. They had great plans for Sage 100 mktg in it. But within 6 months it was gone and they turned on the gas for migrations to Intacct. From the outside looking in, the following Spring Sage wised up that unless they actively tried to market and sell Sage 100, their installed base would evaporate because customers would clearly see that they are on a dead end. So they really did up the game for selling Sage 100.

I, for one, am impressed by what Dianetta has accomplished. She has created lots of useful sales-support materials for Sage 100. A company doesn't give a PMM the resources to do this unless they think it's important. 

Why does Sage think Sage 100 is important even if it is NOT the golden unicorn to its future? 1) It makes a lot of money from it. 2) The migration to Intacct or other packages will be a lot slower than they first thought, so they need to execute a strategy to keep many of these customers as long as possible. Note that Sage;s decision not to leave Providex in the early 2000's resulted in a platform that CANNOT be transformed to product similar in flex to Intacct or Acumatica, so their options are limited. 

What is this strategy? First, enhance the partnerships they have in Sage 100 and cultivate more. Virtual MOTM 2021 didn't bring much because of the COVID format, but 2022, the first at Newport Beach, brought in lots of Sage employees to interact with 90 Minders. The result was that Sage NA execs decided to concentrate on 90 Minds and MOTM as their primary avenue for Sage 100. (Corporate pretty much killed the old customer-partner Sage 100 events, but supporting 90 Minds was do-able within management's constraints.) The $$$ and manpower that Sage invests in us is NOT trivial. 

Second, clean up Sage 100 within its fundamental tech limits. They finished Job Cost, cleaned up many other issues, and made it clear to many that this not just "compliance management." Sage's partnership with 90 Minds has been a key part to this.

Third, expand functionality with 3rd parties. In my experience, when you put Sage 100 on a cloud server with a modern client you get a solution that is close enough to "true cloud" for a large majority of Sage 100 customers; the others should go elsewhere -- that's just business. When you then connect it with the many vendors feeding other data and analysis into the core system you have an operational and accounting system that meets the needs (and more) of B2B distribution and light mfg firms. It can compete well against others that those customers consider.

Every 90 Minder should learn how to talk about Sage 100 this way, because it is reality. If customers want something else, then they are perfectly free to migrate. If a Reseller wants a vendor that will give them more attention and love, they are perfectly free to sell out and go that direction. This is BUSINESS, not some church or political enterprise.

Should Sage be more proactive in answering CTO's tough questions? Sure. BUT, 90 Minders can add value to their annual support agreements with their customers by running interference with Sage for the customers. Or by finding tech solution to answer the concern. Or refer the unhappy customer to a reputable firm handling another solution.

Should Sage clean up their SmartSheet and related transactional interfaces to customers and partners? Absolutely. The current state is an embarrassment for them in today's "frictionless" world. 

As for price increases, I consider them the same as taxes. They are always too high for some people. They can scream into the wind, but nothing will change. However, they can change their mindset to one of "I'm stuck paying this money, what can I do to get the most out of what I must pay?" Most Sage 100 systems are underutilized, and 90 Minders should be helping their customers get more out of it. (This is harder than it sounds, because many customers simply don't want to change ...) "What do I get for the price increase?" is completely irrelevant with Sage --- and any other ERP package. Alternatively, the customer can try to find a cheaper alternative and move. (Good luck with that.)

Sage needs to fix its transaction-related infrastructure to be easier to deal with. I think they've generally become better over the past couple years, but they have a ways to go.

We have a responsibility to honestly feedback the good and bad to Sage when we can, which is often in 90 Minds. But we mainly have a responsibility to use our resources at MOTM and during the year to understand the reality of the Sage 100 situation and figure out what we can do with that to improve our own situations and those of our customers.

Bitching about things that aren't going to change is like teaching a pig to sing: it wastes your time and annoys the pig.

I was wondering how @Ed Kless was a member of the clubhouse.

Looking forward to having a chat then.

Just saying what others are thinking!!

@Jeff Schwenk since this community is open to ALL attendees of Meeting of the Minds, she may already be aware of how you feel. 

@Gary Feldman - I must apologize, but I don't think Sage cares one iota about the Sage 100 user (or us) beyond the fact that we are seen as a cash cow (your words) enriching shareholders until the world gets on board the Intacct train.  It is not what they say, but what they DO that speaks volumes of their strategy.  Dianetta King (like those before her and those to come after her) is just biding her time until something more rewarding comes along. She seems too young to ride cash cow to retirement.  And please believe me when I say I am not picking on HER.  I don't know her nor have I been in attendance of any 90M's webinars (NOT MOTM's) she may have led.  But she is the Senior Product Marketing Manager (for Sage 100?).

Rest assured that I and @Phil McIntosh will not create a scene that upsets the 90M's golden goose (okay, I can't speak for Phil).  If we do, we'll only have ourselves to blame for any dues increase in 2024.

During the session, I will be reciting the following:

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

@Phil McIntosh - We should listen to Sage with a critical ear and read between the lines.  Like you, many of us also listen to other publishers these days.  When you hear consistent on inconsistent stories about the state of the market or products, we have to use our own judgement to discern fact from hope, wishes, desires and half truths.   From my experience, Sage is no better or worse than the rest of the publishers out there.

@Jeff Schwenk - We can ask questions which can be answered or we can ask questions that cannot.  It is our choice.  Some questions cannot be answered because it is out of the control of the executives and staff who come to our conference and others that cannot because there is no answer.  Our objective should be to let the Sage executives know what we hear from our customers and the impact on our joint businesses.   I think there are a good number of happy Sage 100 loyal customers out there.   However, those customers who feel that they are getting nothing for an annual 10% price increase will likely leave the Sage family and never return.   We can choose to ride out the cash cow Sage 100 has been, or develop a program to keep the unhappy customers loyal to us as consultants in some form or fashion.  This is another reason why we should be respectful and listen to Sage so we can make informed decisions for ourselves and our customers.

@Gary Feldman - Perish the thought if the villagers get past security with their torches and pitchforks.  Isn't security part of the conference fee?  And do I think that ANYTHING we say will have an impact on how Captain Smith steers his ship through the iceberg field?  Nope, please don't stare as I walk around with my life jacket (and red pants) on.  

Yes, it is nice to know that Sage subsidizes the conference.  But what do we get in return?  Sage leadership telling us how great Intacct is?

BTW - It has been a week and the customer STILL hasn't had any Sage response to her question regarding the annual 10% price increase!  

Regarding the information we receive through our partnership with Sage, that is a bit of a stretch (for me).  Maybe there is some meaningful dialogue (Ideation?) or the tech updates, but I am not in that happy space.  Perhaps I can make the golf outing so we can ride together and discuss between swings (or swigs).  I am quite aware of the nice/nothing adage.  My dad was a big proponent of that one.  But if I (we) stay silent, who will speak truth to power?  Or is the real issue here, are we afraid of losing our MOTM funding?

@Ed Kless - But that's Sage telling us "Do as I say, not as I do"

One answer to #5 - Access to me. LOL.

Not singing to the pig here, just humming loudly pertaining the price increases.  Most end users expect price increases, particularly during times of significant inflation.  They don't expect to get 10% price increases every year if the consumer price index is 4%.  This is feedback I receive from my customers.  It's important that we forward the message... in a polite manner.

IMHO Jeff's underlying line of complaints is completely wrong. It comes from a place of resentment that he/we don't get the respect from Sage that he thinks we deserve. It assumes that somehow Sage would be better off if it changed a whole raft of things. I completely disagree with this because it is completely unrealistic and counterproductive. 

We all should be thinking hard about what we can do with the situation that is, and how we can make money and happy customers from it. If some customers don't like, they can (and will) leave. Nothing wrong with that. But I think for most that is shortsighted. The following is a rather windy explanation of why I think this is correct.

First, acknowledge that Sage UK is doing very well, thank you, since it embarked on its "Intacct into the Future" strategy. I've been a Sage partner of one type or another since 2001, and I don't recall another 3-yr period where organic growth was at the level it is now. So, from the CEO's perspective, he probably thinks he should just do more of what he's been doing. We in the Sage 100 community might not like it, but that is the reality.

Back in 2020, Sage NA held nationwide "Thrive" events. They had great plans for Sage 100 mktg in it. But within 6 months it was gone and they turned on the gas for migrations to Intacct. From the outside looking in, the following Spring Sage wised up that unless they actively tried to market and sell Sage 100, their installed base would evaporate because customers would clearly see that they are on a dead end. So they really did up the game for selling Sage 100.

I, for one, am impressed by what Dianetta has accomplished. She has created lots of useful sales-support materials for Sage 100. A company doesn't give a PMM the resources to do this unless they think it's important. 

Why does Sage think Sage 100 is important even if it is NOT the golden unicorn to its future? 1) It makes a lot of money from it. 2) The migration to Intacct or other packages will be a lot slower than they first thought, so they need to execute a strategy to keep many of these customers as long as possible. Note that Sage;s decision not to leave Providex in the early 2000's resulted in a platform that CANNOT be transformed to product similar in flex to Intacct or Acumatica, so their options are limited. 

What is this strategy? First, enhance the partnerships they have in Sage 100 and cultivate more. Virtual MOTM 2021 didn't bring much because of the COVID format, but 2022, the first at Newport Beach, brought in lots of Sage employees to interact with 90 Minders. The result was that Sage NA execs decided to concentrate on 90 Minds and MOTM as their primary avenue for Sage 100. (Corporate pretty much killed the old customer-partner Sage 100 events, but supporting 90 Minds was do-able within management's constraints.) The $$$ and manpower that Sage invests in us is NOT trivial. 

Second, clean up Sage 100 within its fundamental tech limits. They finished Job Cost, cleaned up many other issues, and made it clear to many that this not just "compliance management." Sage's partnership with 90 Minds has been a key part to this.

Third, expand functionality with 3rd parties. In my experience, when you put Sage 100 on a cloud server with a modern client you get a solution that is close enough to "true cloud" for a large majority of Sage 100 customers; the others should go elsewhere -- that's just business. When you then connect it with the many vendors feeding other data and analysis into the core system you have an operational and accounting system that meets the needs (and more) of B2B distribution and light mfg firms. It can compete well against others that those customers consider.

Every 90 Minder should learn how to talk about Sage 100 this way, because it is reality. If customers want something else, then they are perfectly free to migrate. If a Reseller wants a vendor that will give them more attention and love, they are perfectly free to sell out and go that direction. This is BUSINESS, not some church or political enterprise.

Should Sage be more proactive in answering CTO's tough questions? Sure. BUT, 90 Minders can add value to their annual support agreements with their customers by running interference with Sage for the customers. Or by finding tech solution to answer the concern. Or refer the unhappy customer to a reputable firm handling another solution.

Should Sage clean up their SmartSheet and related transactional interfaces to customers and partners? Absolutely. The current state is an embarrassment for them in today's "frictionless" world. 

As for price increases, I consider them the same as taxes. They are always too high for some people. They can scream into the wind, but nothing will change. However, they can change their mindset to one of "I'm stuck paying this money, what can I do to get the most out of what I must pay?" Most Sage 100 systems are underutilized, and 90 Minders should be helping their customers get more out of it. (This is harder than it sounds, because many customers simply don't want to change ...) "What do I get for the price increase?" is completely irrelevant with Sage --- and any other ERP package. Alternatively, the customer can try to find a cheaper alternative and move. (Good luck with that.)

Sage needs to fix its transaction-related infrastructure to be easier to deal with. I think they've generally become better over the past couple years, but they have a ways to go.

We have a responsibility to honestly feedback the good and bad to Sage when we can, which is often in 90 Minds. But we mainly have a responsibility to use our resources at MOTM and during the year to understand the reality of the Sage 100 situation and figure out what we can do with that to improve our own situations and those of our customers.

Bitching about things that aren't going to change is like teaching a pig to sing: it wastes your time and annoys the pig.

I was wondering how @Ed Kless was a member of the clubhouse.

Looking forward to having a chat then.

Just saying what others are thinking!!

@Jeff Schwenk since this community is open to ALL attendees of Meeting of the Minds, she may already be aware of how you feel. 

@Gary Feldman - I must apologize, but I don't think Sage cares one iota about the Sage 100 user (or us) beyond the fact that we are seen as a cash cow (your words) enriching shareholders until the world gets on board the Intacct train.  It is not what they say, but what they DO that speaks volumes of their strategy.  Dianetta King (like those before her and those to come after her) is just biding her time until something more rewarding comes along. She seems too young to ride cash cow to retirement.  And please believe me when I say I am not picking on HER.  I don't know her nor have I been in attendance of any 90M's webinars (NOT MOTM's) she may have led.  But she is the Senior Product Marketing Manager (for Sage 100?).

Rest assured that I and @Phil McIntosh will not create a scene that upsets the 90M's golden goose (okay, I can't speak for Phil).  If we do, we'll only have ourselves to blame for any dues increase in 2024.

During the session, I will be reciting the following:

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

@Phil McIntosh - We should listen to Sage with a critical ear and read between the lines.  Like you, many of us also listen to other publishers these days.  When you hear consistent on inconsistent stories about the state of the market or products, we have to use our own judgement to discern fact from hope, wishes, desires and half truths.   From my experience, Sage is no better or worse than the rest of the publishers out there.

@Jeff Schwenk - We can ask questions which can be answered or we can ask questions that cannot.  It is our choice.  Some questions cannot be answered because it is out of the control of the executives and staff who come to our conference and others that cannot because there is no answer.  Our objective should be to let the Sage executives know what we hear from our customers and the impact on our joint businesses.   I think there are a good number of happy Sage 100 loyal customers out there.   However, those customers who feel that they are getting nothing for an annual 10% price increase will likely leave the Sage family and never return.   We can choose to ride out the cash cow Sage 100 has been, or develop a program to keep the unhappy customers loyal to us as consultants in some form or fashion.  This is another reason why we should be respectful and listen to Sage so we can make informed decisions for ourselves and our customers.

@Gary Feldman - Perish the thought if the villagers get past security with their torches and pitchforks.  Isn't security part of the conference fee?  And do I think that ANYTHING we say will have an impact on how Captain Smith steers his ship through the iceberg field?  Nope, please don't stare as I walk around with my life jacket (and red pants) on.  

Yes, it is nice to know that Sage subsidizes the conference.  But what do we get in return?  Sage leadership telling us how great Intacct is?

BTW - It has been a week and the customer STILL hasn't had any Sage response to her question regarding the annual 10% price increase!  

Regarding the information we receive through our partnership with Sage, that is a bit of a stretch (for me).  Maybe there is some meaningful dialogue (Ideation?) or the tech updates, but I am not in that happy space.  Perhaps I can make the golf outing so we can ride together and discuss between swings (or swigs).  I am quite aware of the nice/nothing adage.  My dad was a big proponent of that one.  But if I (we) stay silent, who will speak truth to power?  Or is the real issue here, are we afraid of losing our MOTM funding?

@Ed Kless - But that's Sage telling us "Do as I say, not as I do"

One answer to #5 - Access to me. LOL.

@Jeff Schwenk since this community is open to ALL attendees of Meeting of the Minds, she may already be aware of how you feel. 

@Gary Feldman - I must apologize, but I don't think Sage cares one iota about the Sage 100 user (or us) beyond the fact that we are seen as a cash cow (your words) enriching shareholders until the world gets on board the Intacct train.  It is not what they say, but what they DO that speaks volumes of their strategy.  Dianetta King (like those before her and those to come after her) is just biding her time until something more rewarding comes along. She seems too young to ride cash cow to retirement.  And please believe me when I say I am not picking on HER.  I don't know her nor have I been in attendance of any 90M's webinars (NOT MOTM's) she may have led.  But she is the Senior Product Marketing Manager (for Sage 100?).

Rest assured that I and @Phil McIntosh will not create a scene that upsets the 90M's golden goose (okay, I can't speak for Phil).  If we do, we'll only have ourselves to blame for any dues increase in 2024.

During the session, I will be reciting the following:

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

@Phil McIntosh - We should listen to Sage with a critical ear and read between the lines.  Like you, many of us also listen to other publishers these days.  When you hear consistent on inconsistent stories about the state of the market or products, we have to use our own judgement to discern fact from hope, wishes, desires and half truths.   From my experience, Sage is no better or worse than the rest of the publishers out there.

@Jeff Schwenk - We can ask questions which can be answered or we can ask questions that cannot.  It is our choice.  Some questions cannot be answered because it is out of the control of the executives and staff who come to our conference and others that cannot because there is no answer.  Our objective should be to let the Sage executives know what we hear from our customers and the impact on our joint businesses.   I think there are a good number of happy Sage 100 loyal customers out there.   However, those customers who feel that they are getting nothing for an annual 10% price increase will likely leave the Sage family and never return.   We can choose to ride out the cash cow Sage 100 has been, or develop a program to keep the unhappy customers loyal to us as consultants in some form or fashion.  This is another reason why we should be respectful and listen to Sage so we can make informed decisions for ourselves and our customers.

@Gary Feldman - Perish the thought if the villagers get past security with their torches and pitchforks.  Isn't security part of the conference fee?  And do I think that ANYTHING we say will have an impact on how Captain Smith steers his ship through the iceberg field?  Nope, please don't stare as I walk around with my life jacket (and red pants) on.  

Yes, it is nice to know that Sage subsidizes the conference.  But what do we get in return?  Sage leadership telling us how great Intacct is?

BTW - It has been a week and the customer STILL hasn't had any Sage response to her question regarding the annual 10% price increase!  

Regarding the information we receive through our partnership with Sage, that is a bit of a stretch (for me).  Maybe there is some meaningful dialogue (Ideation?) or the tech updates, but I am not in that happy space.  Perhaps I can make the golf outing so we can ride together and discuss between swings (or swigs).  I am quite aware of the nice/nothing adage.  My dad was a big proponent of that one.  But if I (we) stay silent, who will speak truth to power?  Or is the real issue here, are we afraid of losing our MOTM funding?

@Ed Kless - But that's Sage telling us "Do as I say, not as I do"

One answer to #5 - Access to me. LOL.

Thanks @Robert Wood I now have to take my shirt to the dry cleaners with that last comment of yours. Got to find a towel to clean up this mess I made as I spit my whole drink out when I read your message.

Sounds like there is going to be a good conversation at MOTM this year. I need to make sure I have enough popcorn. I am sure we will be able to have a good dialog on the subject. Which may have an outcome of adjustments from Sage as well as ourselves.

@Jeff Schwenk since this community is open to ALL attendees of Meeting of the Minds, she may already be aware of how you feel. 

@Gary Feldman - I must apologize, but I don't think Sage cares one iota about the Sage 100 user (or us) beyond the fact that we are seen as a cash cow (your words) enriching shareholders until the world gets on board the Intacct train.  It is not what they say, but what they DO that speaks volumes of their strategy.  Dianetta King (like those before her and those to come after her) is just biding her time until something more rewarding comes along. She seems too young to ride cash cow to retirement.  And please believe me when I say I am not picking on HER.  I don't know her nor have I been in attendance of any 90M's webinars (NOT MOTM's) she may have led.  But she is the Senior Product Marketing Manager (for Sage 100?).

Rest assured that I and @Phil McIntosh will not create a scene that upsets the 90M's golden goose (okay, I can't speak for Phil).  If we do, we'll only have ourselves to blame for any dues increase in 2024.

During the session, I will be reciting the following:

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

@Phil McIntosh - We should listen to Sage with a critical ear and read between the lines.  Like you, many of us also listen to other publishers these days.  When you hear consistent on inconsistent stories about the state of the market or products, we have to use our own judgement to discern fact from hope, wishes, desires and half truths.   From my experience, Sage is no better or worse than the rest of the publishers out there.

@Jeff Schwenk - We can ask questions which can be answered or we can ask questions that cannot.  It is our choice.  Some questions cannot be answered because it is out of the control of the executives and staff who come to our conference and others that cannot because there is no answer.  Our objective should be to let the Sage executives know what we hear from our customers and the impact on our joint businesses.   I think there are a good number of happy Sage 100 loyal customers out there.   However, those customers who feel that they are getting nothing for an annual 10% price increase will likely leave the Sage family and never return.   We can choose to ride out the cash cow Sage 100 has been, or develop a program to keep the unhappy customers loyal to us as consultants in some form or fashion.  This is another reason why we should be respectful and listen to Sage so we can make informed decisions for ourselves and our customers.

@Gary Feldman - Perish the thought if the villagers get past security with their torches and pitchforks.  Isn't security part of the conference fee?  And do I think that ANYTHING we say will have an impact on how Captain Smith steers his ship through the iceberg field?  Nope, please don't stare as I walk around with my life jacket (and red pants) on.  

Yes, it is nice to know that Sage subsidizes the conference.  But what do we get in return?  Sage leadership telling us how great Intacct is?

BTW - It has been a week and the customer STILL hasn't had any Sage response to her question regarding the annual 10% price increase!  

Regarding the information we receive through our partnership with Sage, that is a bit of a stretch (for me).  Maybe there is some meaningful dialogue (Ideation?) or the tech updates, but I am not in that happy space.  Perhaps I can make the golf outing so we can ride together and discuss between swings (or swigs).  I am quite aware of the nice/nothing adage.  My dad was a big proponent of that one.  But if I (we) stay silent, who will speak truth to power?  Or is the real issue here, are we afraid of losing our MOTM funding?

@Ed Kless - But that's Sage telling us "Do as I say, not as I do"

One answer to #5 - Access to me. LOL.

Yes, I would like to know why Sage is in this community.   I thought that was what the MOTM app was for.  Please post which communities are reseller only.

Thanks @Robert Wood I now have to take my shirt to the dry cleaners with that last comment of yours. Got to find a towel to clean up this mess I made as I spit my whole drink out when I read your message.

Sounds like there is going to be a good conversation at MOTM this year. I need to make sure I have enough popcorn. I am sure we will be able to have a good dialog on the subject. Which may have an outcome of adjustments from Sage as well as ourselves.

@Jeff Schwenk since this community is open to ALL attendees of Meeting of the Minds, she may already be aware of how you feel. 

@Gary Feldman - I must apologize, but I don't think Sage cares one iota about the Sage 100 user (or us) beyond the fact that we are seen as a cash cow (your words) enriching shareholders until the world gets on board the Intacct train.  It is not what they say, but what they DO that speaks volumes of their strategy.  Dianetta King (like those before her and those to come after her) is just biding her time until something more rewarding comes along. She seems too young to ride cash cow to retirement.  And please believe me when I say I am not picking on HER.  I don't know her nor have I been in attendance of any 90M's webinars (NOT MOTM's) she may have led.  But she is the Senior Product Marketing Manager (for Sage 100?).

Rest assured that I and @Phil McIntosh will not create a scene that upsets the 90M's golden goose (okay, I can't speak for Phil).  If we do, we'll only have ourselves to blame for any dues increase in 2024.

During the session, I will be reciting the following:

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

@Phil McIntosh - We should listen to Sage with a critical ear and read between the lines.  Like you, many of us also listen to other publishers these days.  When you hear consistent on inconsistent stories about the state of the market or products, we have to use our own judgement to discern fact from hope, wishes, desires and half truths.   From my experience, Sage is no better or worse than the rest of the publishers out there.

@Jeff Schwenk - We can ask questions which can be answered or we can ask questions that cannot.  It is our choice.  Some questions cannot be answered because it is out of the control of the executives and staff who come to our conference and others that cannot because there is no answer.  Our objective should be to let the Sage executives know what we hear from our customers and the impact on our joint businesses.   I think there are a good number of happy Sage 100 loyal customers out there.   However, those customers who feel that they are getting nothing for an annual 10% price increase will likely leave the Sage family and never return.   We can choose to ride out the cash cow Sage 100 has been, or develop a program to keep the unhappy customers loyal to us as consultants in some form or fashion.  This is another reason why we should be respectful and listen to Sage so we can make informed decisions for ourselves and our customers.

@Gary Feldman - Perish the thought if the villagers get past security with their torches and pitchforks.  Isn't security part of the conference fee?  And do I think that ANYTHING we say will have an impact on how Captain Smith steers his ship through the iceberg field?  Nope, please don't stare as I walk around with my life jacket (and red pants) on.  

Yes, it is nice to know that Sage subsidizes the conference.  But what do we get in return?  Sage leadership telling us how great Intacct is?

BTW - It has been a week and the customer STILL hasn't had any Sage response to her question regarding the annual 10% price increase!  

Regarding the information we receive through our partnership with Sage, that is a bit of a stretch (for me).  Maybe there is some meaningful dialogue (Ideation?) or the tech updates, but I am not in that happy space.  Perhaps I can make the golf outing so we can ride together and discuss between swings (or swigs).  I am quite aware of the nice/nothing adage.  My dad was a big proponent of that one.  But if I (we) stay silent, who will speak truth to power?  Or is the real issue here, are we afraid of losing our MOTM funding?

@Ed Kless - But that's Sage telling us "Do as I say, not as I do"

One answer to #5 - Access to me. LOL.

@Jeff Schwenk without doing some due diligence, off the top of my head, the only communities that are open to members other than consultants are the Sage News and Discussion, 90 Minds Community, and Meeting of the Minds communities. Also, the The $oul of Enterprise has limited nonconsultant access, since Ed & Ron are The $oul of Enterprise. 

As for why, I don't know if I was consulted at the time the decision was made, but all attendees have become integral to the MotM experience. And we've, and this even goes back to when you were on the board, been trying to encourage affiliate interaction on the areas of the forum they are allowed access to. One way to draw them in is to have some of that interaction happen in the Meeting of the Minds community.

Yes, I would like to know why Sage is in this community.   I thought that was what the MOTM app was for.  Please post which communities are reseller only.

Thanks @Robert Wood I now have to take my shirt to the dry cleaners with that last comment of yours. Got to find a towel to clean up this mess I made as I spit my whole drink out when I read your message.

Sounds like there is going to be a good conversation at MOTM this year. I need to make sure I have enough popcorn. I am sure we will be able to have a good dialog on the subject. Which may have an outcome of adjustments from Sage as well as ourselves.

@Jeff Schwenk since this community is open to ALL attendees of Meeting of the Minds, she may already be aware of how you feel. 

@Gary Feldman - I must apologize, but I don't think Sage cares one iota about the Sage 100 user (or us) beyond the fact that we are seen as a cash cow (your words) enriching shareholders until the world gets on board the Intacct train.  It is not what they say, but what they DO that speaks volumes of their strategy.  Dianetta King (like those before her and those to come after her) is just biding her time until something more rewarding comes along. She seems too young to ride cash cow to retirement.  And please believe me when I say I am not picking on HER.  I don't know her nor have I been in attendance of any 90M's webinars (NOT MOTM's) she may have led.  But she is the Senior Product Marketing Manager (for Sage 100?).

Rest assured that I and @Phil McIntosh will not create a scene that upsets the 90M's golden goose (okay, I can't speak for Phil).  If we do, we'll only have ourselves to blame for any dues increase in 2024.

During the session, I will be reciting the following:

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

@Phil McIntosh - We should listen to Sage with a critical ear and read between the lines.  Like you, many of us also listen to other publishers these days.  When you hear consistent on inconsistent stories about the state of the market or products, we have to use our own judgement to discern fact from hope, wishes, desires and half truths.   From my experience, Sage is no better or worse than the rest of the publishers out there.

@Jeff Schwenk - We can ask questions which can be answered or we can ask questions that cannot.  It is our choice.  Some questions cannot be answered because it is out of the control of the executives and staff who come to our conference and others that cannot because there is no answer.  Our objective should be to let the Sage executives know what we hear from our customers and the impact on our joint businesses.   I think there are a good number of happy Sage 100 loyal customers out there.   However, those customers who feel that they are getting nothing for an annual 10% price increase will likely leave the Sage family and never return.   We can choose to ride out the cash cow Sage 100 has been, or develop a program to keep the unhappy customers loyal to us as consultants in some form or fashion.  This is another reason why we should be respectful and listen to Sage so we can make informed decisions for ourselves and our customers.

@Gary Feldman - Perish the thought if the villagers get past security with their torches and pitchforks.  Isn't security part of the conference fee?  And do I think that ANYTHING we say will have an impact on how Captain Smith steers his ship through the iceberg field?  Nope, please don't stare as I walk around with my life jacket (and red pants) on.  

Yes, it is nice to know that Sage subsidizes the conference.  But what do we get in return?  Sage leadership telling us how great Intacct is?

BTW - It has been a week and the customer STILL hasn't had any Sage response to her question regarding the annual 10% price increase!  

Regarding the information we receive through our partnership with Sage, that is a bit of a stretch (for me).  Maybe there is some meaningful dialogue (Ideation?) or the tech updates, but I am not in that happy space.  Perhaps I can make the golf outing so we can ride together and discuss between swings (or swigs).  I am quite aware of the nice/nothing adage.  My dad was a big proponent of that one.  But if I (we) stay silent, who will speak truth to power?  Or is the real issue here, are we afraid of losing our MOTM funding?

@Ed Kless - But that's Sage telling us "Do as I say, not as I do"

One answer to #5 - Access to me. LOL.

Wow @Jerry Norman.  First it was @Chuck Peddy making the observation that Sprinkles the dog was more intelligent than me (actually smarter than you too, but you know that). Now you being an armchair therapist explaining that I am completely wrong AND it comes from a place of resentment.  HOW DARE you!  If I want therapy, I will solicit the advice of a REAL PROFESSIONAL.  Does everyone in Texas and Louisiana hold these single-minded views or just the "SmartXxx"bridge Partners? 

I started this thread asking for questions about REAL end-user concerns and from resellers trying to communicate with Sage.  I wanted to hear from SAGE.

@Wayne Schulz posted a tongue in cheek(?) response.  It was humorous but it was based in reality.  I did NOT see a single post analyzing that Wayne was coming from a place of RESENTMENT and that he was COMPLETELY wrong!  Nor did you bash Phil! 

My questions were asked of SAGE.  Why do Gary and Dr. Sigmund Fraud feel the need to answer for Sage?  Apparently, Sage has access to this community (and how many others?).  Why don't we let Sage respond if they choose?

I apologize to anyone who thought I was bitching.  I just want an honest answer to honest questions.

And as for annoying the pig, every pig I have known (excluding Miss Piggy and Arnold) has ended up as pork chops in a meat department or on a spit slathered with BBQ sauce, pulled and placed between two slices of bread.  Think about it!!!

------------------------------
Jeff Schwenk
Bottomline Software, Inc.
(540) 221-4444
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 02-24-2024 20:04
From: Robert Wood
Subject: Let's Ask Sage

@Jeff Schwenk without doing some due diligence, off the top of my head, the only communities that are open to members other than consultants are the Sage News and Discussion, 90 Minds Community, and Meeting of the Minds communities. Also, the The $oul of Enterprise has limited nonconsultant access, since Ed & Ron are The $oul of Enterprise. 

As for why, I don't know if I was consulted at the time the decision was made, but all attendees have become integral to the MotM experience. And we've, and this even goes back to when you were on the board, been trying to encourage affiliate interaction on the areas of the forum they are allowed access to. One way to draw them in is to have some of that interaction happen in the Meeting of the Minds community.

Yes, I would like to know why Sage is in this community.   I thought that was what the MOTM app was for.  Please post which communities are reseller only.

Thanks @Robert Wood I now have to take my shirt to the dry cleaners with that last comment of yours. Got to find a towel to clean up this mess I made as I spit my whole drink out when I read your message.

Sounds like there is going to be a good conversation at MOTM this year. I need to make sure I have enough popcorn. I am sure we will be able to have a good dialog on the subject. Which may have an outcome of adjustments from Sage as well as ourselves.

@Jeff Schwenk since this community is open to ALL attendees of Meeting of the Minds, she may already be aware of how you feel. 

@Gary Feldman - I must apologize, but I don't think Sage cares one iota about the Sage 100 user (or us) beyond the fact that we are seen as a cash cow (your words) enriching shareholders until the world gets on board the Intacct train.  It is not what they say, but what they DO that speaks volumes of their strategy.  Dianetta King (like those before her and those to come after her) is just biding her time until something more rewarding comes along. She seems too young to ride cash cow to retirement.  And please believe me when I say I am not picking on HER.  I don't know her nor have I been in attendance of any 90M's webinars (NOT MOTM's) she may have led.  But she is the Senior Product Marketing Manager (for Sage 100?).

Rest assured that I and @Phil McIntosh will not create a scene that upsets the 90M's golden goose (okay, I can't speak for Phil).  If we do, we'll only have ourselves to blame for any dues increase in 2024.

During the session, I will be reciting the following:

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

@Phil McIntosh - We should listen to Sage with a critical ear and read between the lines.  Like you, many of us also listen to other publishers these days.  When you hear consistent on inconsistent stories about the state of the market or products, we have to use our own judgement to discern fact from hope, wishes, desires and half truths.   From my experience, Sage is no better or worse than the rest of the publishers out there.

@Jeff Schwenk - We can ask questions which can be answered or we can ask questions that cannot.  It is our choice.  Some questions cannot be answered because it is out of the control of the executives and staff who come to our conference and others that cannot because there is no answer.  Our objective should be to let the Sage executives know what we hear from our customers and the impact on our joint businesses.   I think there are a good number of happy Sage 100 loyal customers out there.   However, those customers who feel that they are getting nothing for an annual 10% price increase will likely leave the Sage family and never return.   We can choose to ride out the cash cow Sage 100 has been, or develop a program to keep the unhappy customers loyal to us as consultants in some form or fashion.  This is another reason why we should be respectful and listen to Sage so we can make informed decisions for ourselves and our customers.

@Gary Feldman - Perish the thought if the villagers get past security with their torches and pitchforks.  Isn't security part of the conference fee?  And do I think that ANYTHING we say will have an impact on how Captain Smith steers his ship through the iceberg field?  Nope, please don't stare as I walk around with my life jacket (and red pants) on.  

Yes, it is nice to know that Sage subsidizes the conference.  But what do we get in return?  Sage leadership telling us how great Intacct is?

BTW - It has been a week and the customer STILL hasn't had any Sage response to her question regarding the annual 10% price increase!  

Regarding the information we receive through our partnership with Sage, that is a bit of a stretch (for me).  Maybe there is some meaningful dialogue (Ideation?) or the tech updates, but I am not in that happy space.  Perhaps I can make the golf outing so we can ride together and discuss between swings (or swigs).  I am quite aware of the nice/nothing adage.  My dad was a big proponent of that one.  But if I (we) stay silent, who will speak truth to power?  Or is the real issue here, are we afraid of losing our MOTM funding?

@Ed Kless - But that's Sage telling us "Do as I say, not as I do"

One answer to #5 - Access to me. LOL.

"Therapy for Jeff" is not one of the interpretations I expected of my post.

I agreed with about half of the complaints (and they are) you laid out. Sage N America's business practices are areas they can change. If they aren't going to, then they should tell us. But if they don't, then what? That is the question I was trying to answer.

The rest of my post is some detail about how to be constructive about the situation. The reality of the product strategy won't change, nor will Sage's strategic priorities. Sage's pricing policies relate directly to those, as well. They are what they are; now what will we do about that is what I was trying to address. Nothing else will move our ball

You and I disagree about this strategy, and we have for years. Get over it. It's not about perceived intelligence. 

Wow @Jerry Norman.  First it was @Chuck Peddy making the observation that Sprinkles the dog was more intelligent than me (actually smarter than you too, but you know that). Now you being an armchair therapist explaining that I am completely wrong AND it comes from a place of resentment.  HOW DARE you!  If I want therapy, I will solicit the advice of a REAL PROFESSIONAL.  Does everyone in Texas and Louisiana hold these single-minded views or just the "SmartXxx"bridge Partners? 

I started this thread asking for questions about REAL end-user concerns and from resellers trying to communicate with Sage.  I wanted to hear from SAGE.

@Wayne Schulz posted a tongue in cheek(?) response.  It was humorous but it was based in reality.  I did NOT see a single post analyzing that Wayne was coming from a place of RESENTMENT and that he was COMPLETELY wrong!  Nor did you bash Phil! 

My questions were asked of SAGE.  Why do Gary and Dr. Sigmund Fraud feel the need to answer for Sage?  Apparently, Sage has access to this community (and how many others?).  Why don't we let Sage respond if they choose?

I apologize to anyone who thought I was bitching.  I just want an honest answer to honest questions.

And as for annoying the pig, every pig I have known (excluding Miss Piggy and Arnold) has ended up as pork chops in a meat department or on a spit slathered with BBQ sauce, pulled and placed between two slices of bread.  Think about it!!!

------------------------------
Jeff Schwenk
Bottomline Software, Inc.
(540) 221-4444


Original Message:
Sent: 02-24-2024 20:04
From: Robert Wood
Subject: Let's Ask Sage

@Jeff Schwenk without doing some due diligence, off the top of my head, the only communities that are open to members other than consultants are the Sage News and Discussion, 90 Minds Community, and Meeting of the Minds communities. Also, the The $oul of Enterprise has limited nonconsultant access, since Ed & Ron are The $oul of Enterprise. 

As for why, I don't know if I was consulted at the time the decision was made, but all attendees have become integral to the MotM experience. And we've, and this even goes back to when you were on the board, been trying to encourage affiliate interaction on the areas of the forum they are allowed access to. One way to draw them in is to have some of that interaction happen in the Meeting of the Minds community.

Yes, I would like to know why Sage is in this community.   I thought that was what the MOTM app was for.  Please post which communities are reseller only.

Thanks @Robert Wood I now have to take my shirt to the dry cleaners with that last comment of yours. Got to find a towel to clean up this mess I made as I spit my whole drink out when I read your message.

Sounds like there is going to be a good conversation at MOTM this year. I need to make sure I have enough popcorn. I am sure we will be able to have a good dialog on the subject. Which may have an outcome of adjustments from Sage as well as ourselves.

@Jeff Schwenk since this community is open to ALL attendees of Meeting of the Minds, she may already be aware of how you feel. 

@Gary Feldman - I must apologize, but I don't think Sage cares one iota about the Sage 100 user (or us) beyond the fact that we are seen as a cash cow (your words) enriching shareholders until the world gets on board the Intacct train.  It is not what they say, but what they DO that speaks volumes of their strategy.  Dianetta King (like those before her and those to come after her) is just biding her time until something more rewarding comes along. She seems too young to ride cash cow to retirement.  And please believe me when I say I am not picking on HER.  I don't know her nor have I been in attendance of any 90M's webinars (NOT MOTM's) she may have led.  But she is the Senior Product Marketing Manager (for Sage 100?).

Rest assured that I and @Phil McIntosh will not create a scene that upsets the 90M's golden goose (okay, I can't speak for Phil).  If we do, we'll only have ourselves to blame for any dues increase in 2024.

During the session, I will be reciting the following:

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

@Phil McIntosh - We should listen to Sage with a critical ear and read between the lines.  Like you, many of us also listen to other publishers these days.  When you hear consistent on inconsistent stories about the state of the market or products, we have to use our own judgement to discern fact from hope, wishes, desires and half truths.   From my experience, Sage is no better or worse than the rest of the publishers out there.

@Jeff Schwenk - We can ask questions which can be answered or we can ask questions that cannot.  It is our choice.  Some questions cannot be answered because it is out of the control of the executives and staff who come to our conference and others that cannot because there is no answer.  Our objective should be to let the Sage executives know what we hear from our customers and the impact on our joint businesses.   I think there are a good number of happy Sage 100 loyal customers out there.   However, those customers who feel that they are getting nothing for an annual 10% price increase will likely leave the Sage family and never return.   We can choose to ride out the cash cow Sage 100 has been, or develop a program to keep the unhappy customers loyal to us as consultants in some form or fashion.  This is another reason why we should be respectful and listen to Sage so we can make informed decisions for ourselves and our customers.

@Gary Feldman - Perish the thought if the villagers get past security with their torches and pitchforks.  Isn't security part of the conference fee?  And do I think that ANYTHING we say will have an impact on how Captain Smith steers his ship through the iceberg field?  Nope, please don't stare as I walk around with my life jacket (and red pants) on.  

Yes, it is nice to know that Sage subsidizes the conference.  But what do we get in return?  Sage leadership telling us how great Intacct is?

BTW - It has been a week and the customer STILL hasn't had any Sage response to her question regarding the annual 10% price increase!  

Regarding the information we receive through our partnership with Sage, that is a bit of a stretch (for me).  Maybe there is some meaningful dialogue (Ideation?) or the tech updates, but I am not in that happy space.  Perhaps I can make the golf outing so we can ride together and discuss between swings (or swigs).  I am quite aware of the nice/nothing adage.  My dad was a big proponent of that one.  But if I (we) stay silent, who will speak truth to power?  Or is the real issue here, are we afraid of losing our MOTM funding?

@Ed Kless - But that's Sage telling us "Do as I say, not as I do"

One answer to #5 - Access to me. LOL.

Is anyone else besides me packing some microwave popcorn for the trip?

"Therapy for Jeff" is not one of the interpretations I expected of my post.

I agreed with about half of the complaints (and they are) you laid out. Sage N America's business practices are areas they can change. If they aren't going to, then they should tell us. But if they don't, then what? That is the question I was trying to answer.

The rest of my post is some detail about how to be constructive about the situation. The reality of the product strategy won't change, nor will Sage's strategic priorities. Sage's pricing policies relate directly to those, as well. They are what they are; now what will we do about that is what I was trying to address. Nothing else will move our ball

You and I disagree about this strategy, and we have for years. Get over it. It's not about perceived intelligence. 

Wow @Jerry Norman.  First it was @Chuck Peddy making the observation that Sprinkles the dog was more intelligent than me (actually smarter than you too, but you know that). Now you being an armchair therapist explaining that I am completely wrong AND it comes from a place of resentment.  HOW DARE you!  If I want therapy, I will solicit the advice of a REAL PROFESSIONAL.  Does everyone in Texas and Louisiana hold these single-minded views or just the "SmartXxx"bridge Partners? 

I started this thread asking for questions about REAL end-user concerns and from resellers trying to communicate with Sage.  I wanted to hear from SAGE.

@Wayne Schulz posted a tongue in cheek(?) response.  It was humorous but it was based in reality.  I did NOT see a single post analyzing that Wayne was coming from a place of RESENTMENT and that he was COMPLETELY wrong!  Nor did you bash Phil! 

My questions were asked of SAGE.  Why do Gary and Dr. Sigmund Fraud feel the need to answer for Sage?  Apparently, Sage has access to this community (and how many others?).  Why don't we let Sage respond if they choose?

I apologize to anyone who thought I was bitching.  I just want an honest answer to honest questions.

And as for annoying the pig, every pig I have known (excluding Miss Piggy and Arnold) has ended up as pork chops in a meat department or on a spit slathered with BBQ sauce, pulled and placed between two slices of bread.  Think about it!!!

------------------------------
Jeff Schwenk
Bottomline Software, Inc.
(540) 221-4444


Original Message:
Sent: 02-24-2024 20:04
From: Robert Wood
Subject: Let's Ask Sage

@Jeff Schwenk without doing some due diligence, off the top of my head, the only communities that are open to members other than consultants are the Sage News and Discussion, 90 Minds Community, and Meeting of the Minds communities. Also, the The $oul of Enterprise has limited nonconsultant access, since Ed & Ron are The $oul of Enterprise. 

As for why, I don't know if I was consulted at the time the decision was made, but all attendees have become integral to the MotM experience. And we've, and this even goes back to when you were on the board, been trying to encourage affiliate interaction on the areas of the forum they are allowed access to. One way to draw them in is to have some of that interaction happen in the Meeting of the Minds community.

Yes, I would like to know why Sage is in this community.   I thought that was what the MOTM app was for.  Please post which communities are reseller only.

Thanks @Robert Wood I now have to take my shirt to the dry cleaners with that last comment of yours. Got to find a towel to clean up this mess I made as I spit my whole drink out when I read your message.

Sounds like there is going to be a good conversation at MOTM this year. I need to make sure I have enough popcorn. I am sure we will be able to have a good dialog on the subject. Which may have an outcome of adjustments from Sage as well as ourselves.

@Jeff Schwenk since this community is open to ALL attendees of Meeting of the Minds, she may already be aware of how you feel. 

@Gary Feldman - I must apologize, but I don't think Sage cares one iota about the Sage 100 user (or us) beyond the fact that we are seen as a cash cow (your words) enriching shareholders until the world gets on board the Intacct train.  It is not what they say, but what they DO that speaks volumes of their strategy.  Dianetta King (like those before her and those to come after her) is just biding her time until something more rewarding comes along. She seems too young to ride cash cow to retirement.  And please believe me when I say I am not picking on HER.  I don't know her nor have I been in attendance of any 90M's webinars (NOT MOTM's) she may have led.  But she is the Senior Product Marketing Manager (for Sage 100?).

Rest assured that I and @Phil McIntosh will not create a scene that upsets the 90M's golden goose (okay, I can't speak for Phil).  If we do, we'll only have ourselves to blame for any dues increase in 2024.

During the session, I will be reciting the following:

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

@Phil McIntosh - We should listen to Sage with a critical ear and read between the lines.  Like you, many of us also listen to other publishers these days.  When you hear consistent on inconsistent stories about the state of the market or products, we have to use our own judgement to discern fact from hope, wishes, desires and half truths.   From my experience, Sage is no better or worse than the rest of the publishers out there.

@Jeff Schwenk - We can ask questions which can be answered or we can ask questions that cannot.  It is our choice.  Some questions cannot be answered because it is out of the control of the executives and staff who come to our conference and others that cannot because there is no answer.  Our objective should be to let the Sage executives know what we hear from our customers and the impact on our joint businesses.   I think there are a good number of happy Sage 100 loyal customers out there.   However, those customers who feel that they are getting nothing for an annual 10% price increase will likely leave the Sage family and never return.   We can choose to ride out the cash cow Sage 100 has been, or develop a program to keep the unhappy customers loyal to us as consultants in some form or fashion.  This is another reason why we should be respectful and listen to Sage so we can make informed decisions for ourselves and our customers.

@Gary Feldman - Perish the thought if the villagers get past security with their torches and pitchforks.  Isn't security part of the conference fee?  And do I think that ANYTHING we say will have an impact on how Captain Smith steers his ship through the iceberg field?  Nope, please don't stare as I walk around with my life jacket (and red pants) on.  

Yes, it is nice to know that Sage subsidizes the conference.  But what do we get in return?  Sage leadership telling us how great Intacct is?

BTW - It has been a week and the customer STILL hasn't had any Sage response to her question regarding the annual 10% price increase!  

Regarding the information we receive through our partnership with Sage, that is a bit of a stretch (for me).  Maybe there is some meaningful dialogue (Ideation?) or the tech updates, but I am not in that happy space.  Perhaps I can make the golf outing so we can ride together and discuss between swings (or swigs).  I am quite aware of the nice/nothing adage.  My dad was a big proponent of that one.  But if I (we) stay silent, who will speak truth to power?  Or is the real issue here, are we afraid of losing our MOTM funding?

@Ed Kless - But that's Sage telling us "Do as I say, not as I do"

One answer to #5 - Access to me. LOL.

Is anyone else besides me packing some microwave popcorn for the trip?

"Therapy for Jeff" is not one of the interpretations I expected of my post.

I agreed with about half of the complaints (and they are) you laid out. Sage N America's business practices are areas they can change. If they aren't going to, then they should tell us. But if they don't, then what? That is the question I was trying to answer.

The rest of my post is some detail about how to be constructive about the situation. The reality of the product strategy won't change, nor will Sage's strategic priorities. Sage's pricing policies relate directly to those, as well. They are what they are; now what will we do about that is what I was trying to address. Nothing else will move our ball

You and I disagree about this strategy, and we have for years. Get over it. It's not about perceived intelligence. 

Wow @Jerry Norman.  First it was @Chuck Peddy making the observation that Sprinkles the dog was more intelligent than me (actually smarter than you too, but you know that). Now you being an armchair therapist explaining that I am completely wrong AND it comes from a place of resentment.  HOW DARE you!  If I want therapy, I will solicit the advice of a REAL PROFESSIONAL.  Does everyone in Texas and Louisiana hold these single-minded views or just the "SmartXxx"bridge Partners? 

I started this thread asking for questions about REAL end-user concerns and from resellers trying to communicate with Sage.  I wanted to hear from SAGE.

@Wayne Schulz posted a tongue in cheek(?) response.  It was humorous but it was based in reality.  I did NOT see a single post analyzing that Wayne was coming from a place of RESENTMENT and that he was COMPLETELY wrong!  Nor did you bash Phil! 

My questions were asked of SAGE.  Why do Gary and Dr. Sigmund Fraud feel the need to answer for Sage?  Apparently, Sage has access to this community (and how many others?).  Why don't we let Sage respond if they choose?

I apologize to anyone who thought I was bitching.  I just want an honest answer to honest questions.

And as for annoying the pig, every pig I have known (excluding Miss Piggy and Arnold) has ended up as pork chops in a meat department or on a spit slathered with BBQ sauce, pulled and placed between two slices of bread.  Think about it!!!

------------------------------
Jeff Schwenk
Bottomline Software, Inc.
(540) 221-4444


Original Message:
Sent: 02-24-2024 20:04
From: Robert Wood
Subject: Let's Ask Sage

@Jeff Schwenk without doing some due diligence, off the top of my head, the only communities that are open to members other than consultants are the Sage News and Discussion, 90 Minds Community, and Meeting of the Minds communities. Also, the The $oul of Enterprise has limited nonconsultant access, since Ed & Ron are The $oul of Enterprise. 

As for why, I don't know if I was consulted at the time the decision was made, but all attendees have become integral to the MotM experience. And we've, and this even goes back to when you were on the board, been trying to encourage affiliate interaction on the areas of the forum they are allowed access to. One way to draw them in is to have some of that interaction happen in the Meeting of the Minds community.

Yes, I would like to know why Sage is in this community.   I thought that was what the MOTM app was for.  Please post which communities are reseller only.

Thanks @Robert Wood I now have to take my shirt to the dry cleaners with that last comment of yours. Got to find a towel to clean up this mess I made as I spit my whole drink out when I read your message.

Sounds like there is going to be a good conversation at MOTM this year. I need to make sure I have enough popcorn. I am sure we will be able to have a good dialog on the subject. Which may have an outcome of adjustments from Sage as well as ourselves.

@Jeff Schwenk since this community is open to ALL attendees of Meeting of the Minds, she may already be aware of how you feel. 

@Gary Feldman - I must apologize, but I don't think Sage cares one iota about the Sage 100 user (or us) beyond the fact that we are seen as a cash cow (your words) enriching shareholders until the world gets on board the Intacct train.  It is not what they say, but what they DO that speaks volumes of their strategy.  Dianetta King (like those before her and those to come after her) is just biding her time until something more rewarding comes along. She seems too young to ride cash cow to retirement.  And please believe me when I say I am not picking on HER.  I don't know her nor have I been in attendance of any 90M's webinars (NOT MOTM's) she may have led.  But she is the Senior Product Marketing Manager (for Sage 100?).

Rest assured that I and @Phil McIntosh will not create a scene that upsets the 90M's golden goose (okay, I can't speak for Phil).  If we do, we'll only have ourselves to blame for any dues increase in 2024.

During the session, I will be reciting the following:

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

@Phil McIntosh - We should listen to Sage with a critical ear and read between the lines.  Like you, many of us also listen to other publishers these days.  When you hear consistent on inconsistent stories about the state of the market or products, we have to use our own judgement to discern fact from hope, wishes, desires and half truths.   From my experience, Sage is no better or worse than the rest of the publishers out there.

@Jeff Schwenk - We can ask questions which can be answered or we can ask questions that cannot.  It is our choice.  Some questions cannot be answered because it is out of the control of the executives and staff who come to our conference and others that cannot because there is no answer.  Our objective should be to let the Sage executives know what we hear from our customers and the impact on our joint businesses.   I think there are a good number of happy Sage 100 loyal customers out there.   However, those customers who feel that they are getting nothing for an annual 10% price increase will likely leave the Sage family and never return.   We can choose to ride out the cash cow Sage 100 has been, or develop a program to keep the unhappy customers loyal to us as consultants in some form or fashion.  This is another reason why we should be respectful and listen to Sage so we can make informed decisions for ourselves and our customers.

@Gary Feldman - Perish the thought if the villagers get past security with their torches and pitchforks.  Isn't security part of the conference fee?  And do I think that ANYTHING we say will have an impact on how Captain Smith steers his ship through the iceberg field?  Nope, please don't stare as I walk around with my life jacket (and red pants) on.  

Yes, it is nice to know that Sage subsidizes the conference.  But what do we get in return?  Sage leadership telling us how great Intacct is?

BTW - It has been a week and the customer STILL hasn't had any Sage response to her question regarding the annual 10% price increase!  

Regarding the information we receive through our partnership with Sage, that is a bit of a stretch (for me).  Maybe there is some meaningful dialogue (Ideation?) or the tech updates, but I am not in that happy space.  Perhaps I can make the golf outing so we can ride together and discuss between swings (or swigs).  I am quite aware of the nice/nothing adage.  My dad was a big proponent of that one.  But if I (we) stay silent, who will speak truth to power?  Or is the real issue here, are we afraid of losing our MOTM funding?

@Ed Kless - But that's Sage telling us "Do as I say, not as I do"

One answer to #5 - Access to me. LOL.

@Beth Bowers No microwave in my room  :(

Is anyone else besides me packing some microwave popcorn for the trip?

"Therapy for Jeff" is not one of the interpretations I expected of my post.

I agreed with about half of the complaints (and they are) you laid out. Sage N America's business practices are areas they can change. If they aren't going to, then they should tell us. But if they don't, then what? That is the question I was trying to answer.

The rest of my post is some detail about how to be constructive about the situation. The reality of the product strategy won't change, nor will Sage's strategic priorities. Sage's pricing policies relate directly to those, as well. They are what they are; now what will we do about that is what I was trying to address. Nothing else will move our ball

You and I disagree about this strategy, and we have for years. Get over it. It's not about perceived intelligence. 

Wow @Jerry Norman.  First it was @Chuck Peddy making the observation that Sprinkles the dog was more intelligent than me (actually smarter than you too, but you know that). Now you being an armchair therapist explaining that I am completely wrong AND it comes from a place of resentment.  HOW DARE you!  If I want therapy, I will solicit the advice of a REAL PROFESSIONAL.  Does everyone in Texas and Louisiana hold these single-minded views or just the "SmartXxx"bridge Partners? 

I started this thread asking for questions about REAL end-user concerns and from resellers trying to communicate with Sage.  I wanted to hear from SAGE.

@Wayne Schulz posted a tongue in cheek(?) response.  It was humorous but it was based in reality.  I did NOT see a single post analyzing that Wayne was coming from a place of RESENTMENT and that he was COMPLETELY wrong!  Nor did you bash Phil! 

My questions were asked of SAGE.  Why do Gary and Dr. Sigmund Fraud feel the need to answer for Sage?  Apparently, Sage has access to this community (and how many others?).  Why don't we let Sage respond if they choose?

I apologize to anyone who thought I was bitching.  I just want an honest answer to honest questions.

And as for annoying the pig, every pig I have known (excluding Miss Piggy and Arnold) has ended up as pork chops in a meat department or on a spit slathered with BBQ sauce, pulled and placed between two slices of bread.  Think about it!!!

------------------------------
Jeff Schwenk
Bottomline Software, Inc.
(540) 221-4444


Original Message:
Sent: 02-24-2024 20:04
From: Robert Wood
Subject: Let's Ask Sage

@Jeff Schwenk without doing some due diligence, off the top of my head, the only communities that are open to members other than consultants are the Sage News and Discussion, 90 Minds Community, and Meeting of the Minds communities. Also, the The $oul of Enterprise has limited nonconsultant access, since Ed & Ron are The $oul of Enterprise. 

As for why, I don't know if I was consulted at the time the decision was made, but all attendees have become integral to the MotM experience. And we've, and this even goes back to when you were on the board, been trying to encourage affiliate interaction on the areas of the forum they are allowed access to. One way to draw them in is to have some of that interaction happen in the Meeting of the Minds community.

Yes, I would like to know why Sage is in this community.   I thought that was what the MOTM app was for.  Please post which communities are reseller only.

Thanks @Robert Wood I now have to take my shirt to the dry cleaners with that last comment of yours. Got to find a towel to clean up this mess I made as I spit my whole drink out when I read your message.

Sounds like there is going to be a good conversation at MOTM this year. I need to make sure I have enough popcorn. I am sure we will be able to have a good dialog on the subject. Which may have an outcome of adjustments from Sage as well as ourselves.

@Jeff Schwenk since this community is open to ALL attendees of Meeting of the Minds, she may already be aware of how you feel. 

@Gary Feldman - I must apologize, but I don't think Sage cares one iota about the Sage 100 user (or us) beyond the fact that we are seen as a cash cow (your words) enriching shareholders until the world gets on board the Intacct train.  It is not what they say, but what they DO that speaks volumes of their strategy.  Dianetta King (like those before her and those to come after her) is just biding her time until something more rewarding comes along. She seems too young to ride cash cow to retirement.  And please believe me when I say I am not picking on HER.  I don't know her nor have I been in attendance of any 90M's webinars (NOT MOTM's) she may have led.  But she is the Senior Product Marketing Manager (for Sage 100?).

Rest assured that I and @Phil McIntosh will not create a scene that upsets the 90M's golden goose (okay, I can't speak for Phil).  If we do, we'll only have ourselves to blame for any dues increase in 2024.

During the session, I will be reciting the following:

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

@Phil McIntosh - We should listen to Sage with a critical ear and read between the lines.  Like you, many of us also listen to other publishers these days.  When you hear consistent on inconsistent stories about the state of the market or products, we have to use our own judgement to discern fact from hope, wishes, desires and half truths.   From my experience, Sage is no better or worse than the rest of the publishers out there.

@Jeff Schwenk - We can ask questions which can be answered or we can ask questions that cannot.  It is our choice.  Some questions cannot be answered because it is out of the control of the executives and staff who come to our conference and others that cannot because there is no answer.  Our objective should be to let the Sage executives know what we hear from our customers and the impact on our joint businesses.   I think there are a good number of happy Sage 100 loyal customers out there.   However, those customers who feel that they are getting nothing for an annual 10% price increase will likely leave the Sage family and never return.   We can choose to ride out the cash cow Sage 100 has been, or develop a program to keep the unhappy customers loyal to us as consultants in some form or fashion.  This is another reason why we should be respectful and listen to Sage so we can make informed decisions for ourselves and our customers.

@Gary Feldman - Perish the thought if the villagers get past security with their torches and pitchforks.  Isn't security part of the conference fee?  And do I think that ANYTHING we say will have an impact on how Captain Smith steers his ship through the iceberg field?  Nope, please don't stare as I walk around with my life jacket (and red pants) on.  

Yes, it is nice to know that Sage subsidizes the conference.  But what do we get in return?  Sage leadership telling us how great Intacct is?

BTW - It has been a week and the customer STILL hasn't had any Sage response to her question regarding the annual 10% price increase!  

Regarding the information we receive through our partnership with Sage, that is a bit of a stretch (for me).  Maybe there is some meaningful dialogue (Ideation?) or the tech updates, but I am not in that happy space.  Perhaps I can make the golf outing so we can ride together and discuss between swings (or swigs).  I am quite aware of the nice/nothing adage.  My dad was a big proponent of that one.  But if I (we) stay silent, who will speak truth to power?  Or is the real issue here, are we afraid of losing our MOTM funding?

@Ed Kless - But that's Sage telling us "Do as I say, not as I do"

One answer to #5 - Access to me. LOL.

SO...what did Sage said...or answered?  Now I want the summary please!!!!

@Beth Bowers No microwave in my room  :(

Is anyone else besides me packing some microwave popcorn for the trip?

"Therapy for Jeff" is not one of the interpretations I expected of my post.

I agreed with about half of the complaints (and they are) you laid out. Sage N America's business practices are areas they can change. If they aren't going to, then they should tell us. But if they don't, then what? That is the question I was trying to answer.

The rest of my post is some detail about how to be constructive about the situation. The reality of the product strategy won't change, nor will Sage's strategic priorities. Sage's pricing policies relate directly to those, as well. They are what they are; now what will we do about that is what I was trying to address. Nothing else will move our ball

You and I disagree about this strategy, and we have for years. Get over it. It's not about perceived intelligence. 

Wow @Jerry Norman.  First it was @Chuck Peddy making the observation that Sprinkles the dog was more intelligent than me (actually smarter than you too, but you know that). Now you being an armchair therapist explaining that I am completely wrong AND it comes from a place of resentment.  HOW DARE you!  If I want therapy, I will solicit the advice of a REAL PROFESSIONAL.  Does everyone in Texas and Louisiana hold these single-minded views or just the "SmartXxx"bridge Partners? 

I started this thread asking for questions about REAL end-user concerns and from resellers trying to communicate with Sage.  I wanted to hear from SAGE.

@Wayne Schulz posted a tongue in cheek(?) response.  It was humorous but it was based in reality.  I did NOT see a single post analyzing that Wayne was coming from a place of RESENTMENT and that he was COMPLETELY wrong!  Nor did you bash Phil! 

My questions were asked of SAGE.  Why do Gary and Dr. Sigmund Fraud feel the need to answer for Sage?  Apparently, Sage has access to this community (and how many others?).  Why don't we let Sage respond if they choose?

I apologize to anyone who thought I was bitching.  I just want an honest answer to honest questions.

And as for annoying the pig, every pig I have known (excluding Miss Piggy and Arnold) has ended up as pork chops in a meat department or on a spit slathered with BBQ sauce, pulled and placed between two slices of bread.  Think about it!!!

------------------------------
Jeff Schwenk
Bottomline Software, Inc.
(540) 221-4444


Original Message:
Sent: 02-24-2024 20:04
From: Robert Wood
Subject: Let's Ask Sage

@Jeff Schwenk without doing some due diligence, off the top of my head, the only communities that are open to members other than consultants are the Sage News and Discussion, 90 Minds Community, and Meeting of the Minds communities. Also, the The $oul of Enterprise has limited nonconsultant access, since Ed & Ron are The $oul of Enterprise. 

As for why, I don't know if I was consulted at the time the decision was made, but all attendees have become integral to the MotM experience. And we've, and this even goes back to when you were on the board, been trying to encourage affiliate interaction on the areas of the forum they are allowed access to. One way to draw them in is to have some of that interaction happen in the Meeting of the Minds community.

Yes, I would like to know why Sage is in this community.   I thought that was what the MOTM app was for.  Please post which communities are reseller only.

Thanks @Robert Wood I now have to take my shirt to the dry cleaners with that last comment of yours. Got to find a towel to clean up this mess I made as I spit my whole drink out when I read your message.

Sounds like there is going to be a good conversation at MOTM this year. I need to make sure I have enough popcorn. I am sure we will be able to have a good dialog on the subject. Which may have an outcome of adjustments from Sage as well as ourselves.

@Jeff Schwenk since this community is open to ALL attendees of Meeting of the Minds, she may already be aware of how you feel. 

@Gary Feldman - I must apologize, but I don't think Sage cares one iota about the Sage 100 user (or us) beyond the fact that we are seen as a cash cow (your words) enriching shareholders until the world gets on board the Intacct train.  It is not what they say, but what they DO that speaks volumes of their strategy.  Dianetta King (like those before her and those to come after her) is just biding her time until something more rewarding comes along. She seems too young to ride cash cow to retirement.  And please believe me when I say I am not picking on HER.  I don't know her nor have I been in attendance of any 90M's webinars (NOT MOTM's) she may have led.  But she is the Senior Product Marketing Manager (for Sage 100?).

Rest assured that I and @Phil McIntosh will not create a scene that upsets the 90M's golden goose (okay, I can't speak for Phil).  If we do, we'll only have ourselves to blame for any dues increase in 2024.

During the session, I will be reciting the following:

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

@Phil McIntosh - We should listen to Sage with a critical ear and read between the lines.  Like you, many of us also listen to other publishers these days.  When you hear consistent on inconsistent stories about the state of the market or products, we have to use our own judgement to discern fact from hope, wishes, desires and half truths.   From my experience, Sage is no better or worse than the rest of the publishers out there.

@Jeff Schwenk - We can ask questions which can be answered or we can ask questions that cannot.  It is our choice.  Some questions cannot be answered because it is out of the control of the executives and staff who come to our conference and others that cannot because there is no answer.  Our objective should be to let the Sage executives know what we hear from our customers and the impact on our joint businesses.   I think there are a good number of happy Sage 100 loyal customers out there.   However, those customers who feel that they are getting nothing for an annual 10% price increase will likely leave the Sage family and never return.   We can choose to ride out the cash cow Sage 100 has been, or develop a program to keep the unhappy customers loyal to us as consultants in some form or fashion.  This is another reason why we should be respectful and listen to Sage so we can make informed decisions for ourselves and our customers.

@Gary Feldman - Perish the thought if the villagers get past security with their torches and pitchforks.  Isn't security part of the conference fee?  And do I think that ANYTHING we say will have an impact on how Captain Smith steers his ship through the iceberg field?  Nope, please don't stare as I walk around with my life jacket (and red pants) on.  

Yes, it is nice to know that Sage subsidizes the conference.  But what do we get in return?  Sage leadership telling us how great Intacct is?

BTW - It has been a week and the customer STILL hasn't had any Sage response to her question regarding the annual 10% price increase!  

Regarding the information we receive through our partnership with Sage, that is a bit of a stretch (for me).  Maybe there is some meaningful dialogue (Ideation?) or the tech updates, but I am not in that happy space.  Perhaps I can make the golf outing so we can ride together and discuss between swings (or swigs).  I am quite aware of the nice/nothing adage.  My dad was a big proponent of that one.  But if I (we) stay silent, who will speak truth to power?  Or is the real issue here, are we afraid of losing our MOTM funding?

@Ed Kless - But that's Sage telling us "Do as I say, not as I do"

One answer to #5 - Access to me. LOL.

I did not take detailed notes, but in both Mod Squad and ask Sage anything questions, they were very direct with answers.   

• When mod squad suggestions were not quick wins, they said so. and
• When asked whether resellers could get more credit for renewals and less focus on net new sales, they basically said no.   

It was also clear that they are going to make basic investments in Sage 100 but we should not expect the love of an Intacct.  Mike Ritchie and Dianetta King both expressed that Sage 100 was not being sun-setted as evidenced by investments in marketing and development of new features above and beyond compliance.

After the sessions I had frank discussions with several Sage executives.  In all cases, they recognized that Sage 100 is in the "cash-cow" state of a product lifecycle, but expressed their beliefs that there is still a very long tail to the product's life.  With the next Sage Transform including both partners and end customers with the inclusion of the BMS products, Sage is addressing the concern I expressed (before knowing the content of the next Transform).  Without end user conferences, Sage 100 would be the only "legacy" product without a user group or opportunity for direct interaction with their publisher.

Bottom line, Sage is listening.  They will also invest based upon maximizing their return on investments.

SO...what did Sage said...or answered?  Now I want the summary please!!!!

@Beth Bowers No microwave in my room  :(

Is anyone else besides me packing some microwave popcorn for the trip?

"Therapy for Jeff" is not one of the interpretations I expected of my post.

I agreed with about half of the complaints (and they are) you laid out. Sage N America's business practices are areas they can change. If they aren't going to, then they should tell us. But if they don't, then what? That is the question I was trying to answer.

The rest of my post is some detail about how to be constructive about the situation. The reality of the product strategy won't change, nor will Sage's strategic priorities. Sage's pricing policies relate directly to those, as well. They are what they are; now what will we do about that is what I was trying to address. Nothing else will move our ball

You and I disagree about this strategy, and we have for years. Get over it. It's not about perceived intelligence. 

Wow @Jerry Norman.  First it was @Chuck Peddy making the observation that Sprinkles the dog was more intelligent than me (actually smarter than you too, but you know that). Now you being an armchair therapist explaining that I am completely wrong AND it comes from a place of resentment.  HOW DARE you!  If I want therapy, I will solicit the advice of a REAL PROFESSIONAL.  Does everyone in Texas and Louisiana hold these single-minded views or just the "SmartXxx"bridge Partners? 

I started this thread asking for questions about REAL end-user concerns and from resellers trying to communicate with Sage.  I wanted to hear from SAGE.

@Wayne Schulz posted a tongue in cheek(?) response.  It was humorous but it was based in reality.  I did NOT see a single post analyzing that Wayne was coming from a place of RESENTMENT and that he was COMPLETELY wrong!  Nor did you bash Phil! 

My questions were asked of SAGE.  Why do Gary and Dr. Sigmund Fraud feel the need to answer for Sage?  Apparently, Sage has access to this community (and how many others?).  Why don't we let Sage respond if they choose?

I apologize to anyone who thought I was bitching.  I just want an honest answer to honest questions.

And as for annoying the pig, every pig I have known (excluding Miss Piggy and Arnold) has ended up as pork chops in a meat department or on a spit slathered with BBQ sauce, pulled and placed between two slices of bread.  Think about it!!!

------------------------------
Jeff Schwenk
Bottomline Software, Inc.
(540) 221-4444


Original Message:
Sent: 02-24-2024 20:04
From: Robert Wood
Subject: Let's Ask Sage

@Jeff Schwenk without doing some due diligence, off the top of my head, the only communities that are open to members other than consultants are the Sage News and Discussion, 90 Minds Community, and Meeting of the Minds communities. Also, the The $oul of Enterprise has limited nonconsultant access, since Ed & Ron are The $oul of Enterprise. 

As for why, I don't know if I was consulted at the time the decision was made, but all attendees have become integral to the MotM experience. And we've, and this even goes back to when you were on the board, been trying to encourage affiliate interaction on the areas of the forum they are allowed access to. One way to draw them in is to have some of that interaction happen in the Meeting of the Minds community.

Yes, I would like to know why Sage is in this community.   I thought that was what the MOTM app was for.  Please post which communities are reseller only.

Thanks @Robert Wood I now have to take my shirt to the dry cleaners with that last comment of yours. Got to find a towel to clean up this mess I made as I spit my whole drink out when I read your message.

Sounds like there is going to be a good conversation at MOTM this year. I need to make sure I have enough popcorn. I am sure we will be able to have a good dialog on the subject. Which may have an outcome of adjustments from Sage as well as ourselves.

@Jeff Schwenk since this community is open to ALL attendees of Meeting of the Minds, she may already be aware of how you feel. 

@Gary Feldman - I must apologize, but I don't think Sage cares one iota about the Sage 100 user (or us) beyond the fact that we are seen as a cash cow (your words) enriching shareholders until the world gets on board the Intacct train.  It is not what they say, but what they DO that speaks volumes of their strategy.  Dianetta King (like those before her and those to come after her) is just biding her time until something more rewarding comes along. She seems too young to ride cash cow to retirement.  And please believe me when I say I am not picking on HER.  I don't know her nor have I been in attendance of any 90M's webinars (NOT MOTM's) she may have led.  But she is the Senior Product Marketing Manager (for Sage 100?).

Rest assured that I and @Phil McIntosh will not create a scene that upsets the 90M's golden goose (okay, I can't speak for Phil).  If we do, we'll only have ourselves to blame for any dues increase in 2024.

During the session, I will be reciting the following:

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

@Phil McIntosh - We should listen to Sage with a critical ear and read between the lines.  Like you, many of us also listen to other publishers these days.  When you hear consistent on inconsistent stories about the state of the market or products, we have to use our own judgement to discern fact from hope, wishes, desires and half truths.   From my experience, Sage is no better or worse than the rest of the publishers out there.

@Jeff Schwenk - We can ask questions which can be answered or we can ask questions that cannot.  It is our choice.  Some questions cannot be answered because it is out of the control of the executives and staff who come to our conference and others that cannot because there is no answer.  Our objective should be to let the Sage executives know what we hear from our customers and the impact on our joint businesses.   I think there are a good number of happy Sage 100 loyal customers out there.   However, those customers who feel that they are getting nothing for an annual 10% price increase will likely leave the Sage family and never return.   We can choose to ride out the cash cow Sage 100 has been, or develop a program to keep the unhappy customers loyal to us as consultants in some form or fashion.  This is another reason why we should be respectful and listen to Sage so we can make informed decisions for ourselves and our customers.

@Gary Feldman - Perish the thought if the villagers get past security with their torches and pitchforks.  Isn't security part of the conference fee?  And do I think that ANYTHING we say will have an impact on how Captain Smith steers his ship through the iceberg field?  Nope, please don't stare as I walk around with my life jacket (and red pants) on.  

Yes, it is nice to know that Sage subsidizes the conference.  But what do we get in return?  Sage leadership telling us how great Intacct is?

BTW - It has been a week and the customer STILL hasn't had any Sage response to her question regarding the annual 10% price increase!  

Regarding the information we receive through our partnership with Sage, that is a bit of a stretch (for me).  Maybe there is some meaningful dialogue (Ideation?) or the tech updates, but I am not in that happy space.  Perhaps I can make the golf outing so we can ride together and discuss between swings (or swigs).  I am quite aware of the nice/nothing adage.  My dad was a big proponent of that one.  But if I (we) stay silent, who will speak truth to power?  Or is the real issue here, are we afraid of losing our MOTM funding?

@Ed Kless - But that's Sage telling us "Do as I say, not as I do"

One answer to #5 - Access to me. LOL.

Good summary, Gary.

I didn't sense any BS/gaslighting in the Sage answers. I thought they were the most direct, frank answers I've heard from Sage execs perhaps ever. The Sage execs all stuck around both days, which is unusual. Having the WW Dir of Prod Mktg for the BMS prod line come from UK (alright, he'd likely mainly came for Transform and stayed a couple extra days ...) was interesting.

I would correct one small part of Gary's post: They have been making increased investments in Sage 100, and they plan to continue -- it's not a new initiative.

I had several off-line talks with Mike Ritchie (BMS Prod Mgt) and Mike Edgett (BMS Prod Mktg). They confirmed that this recent focus on explicitly trying to segment market and leads (to recognize and promote that not all are good candidates for Intacct) is fairly recent, say 18 months. Large prod orgs get confused sometimes, and it sounds like this internal conflict that we all observed during 2020-21 has been largely resolved. 

I was a bit surprised when both Mikes agreed with my challenge that Sage 100 can deliver ~90% of the functionality that Intacct promotes. (This does require to set aside Intacct's capability for large numbers of Companies or dimensional accounting.) In other words, for non-GLAPAR prospects, if we put Sage 100 in a decent cloud platform (not exposing a virtual desktop) we can demo a very competitive "cloud product." Extend it with Dataself, DSD Paperless extensions, remote sales tools from DSD or Scanforce, etc, and a customer barely sees the difference. (Do turn off the prompt to print a DTR so it's background.)

Both said they would actively explore this concept more. There's a sales truism that "you can't make yourself better until you first make yourself equal.) ~2/3 of a prospect's product research is now done independently, before a prospect ever raises their hand. If Sage can't obviously show that Sage 100 is effectively a cloud product with far more practical functionality for Distrib and Mfg operations of under ~200 employees, then they will never meet their sales quotas. To replace the natural "deaths" of current users they will need ~10 new customers/week. I doubt they can do that under current circumstances, but they definitely need to sell more than a few each month. (Sage 100 also has the advantage that you don't have to run it in the cloud. However, it's functionality on-prem changes for many users (and from a maintenance view) if they don't use it via decent terminal server on-prem.)

I came away with a sense that BMS Prod Mktg had completed their first phase of the challenge to make BMS/Sage 100 more viable in the market: they refreshed their practical positioning and messaging. So, now they are investigating the nature of firms now buying Sage 100 to more aggressively court similar ones. 

I didn't sense they are just going through the motions and mouthing words we wanted to hear.

Of course, a firm the size of Sage could change their strategy and practices anytime in the future. Never any guarantees there. But I did sense that Dianetta King, Mike Ritchie, and Mike Edgett were telling us the truth as they understood it. 

I did not take detailed notes, but in both Mod Squad and ask Sage anything questions, they were very direct with answers.   

• When mod squad suggestions were not quick wins, they said so. and
• When asked whether resellers could get more credit for renewals and less focus on net new sales, they basically said no.   

It was also clear that they are going to make basic investments in Sage 100 but we should not expect the love of an Intacct.  Mike Ritchie and Dianetta King both expressed that Sage 100 was not being sun-setted as evidenced by investments in marketing and development of new features above and beyond compliance.

After the sessions I had frank discussions with several Sage executives.  In all cases, they recognized that Sage 100 is in the "cash-cow" state of a product lifecycle, but expressed their beliefs that there is still a very long tail to the product's life.  With the next Sage Transform including both partners and end customers with the inclusion of the BMS products, Sage is addressing the concern I expressed (before knowing the content of the next Transform).  Without end user conferences, Sage 100 would be the only "legacy" product without a user group or opportunity for direct interaction with their publisher.

Bottom line, Sage is listening.  They will also invest based upon maximizing their return on investments.

SO...what did Sage said...or answered?  Now I want the summary please!!!!

@Beth Bowers No microwave in my room  :(

Is anyone else besides me packing some microwave popcorn for the trip?

"Therapy for Jeff" is not one of the interpretations I expected of my post.

I agreed with about half of the complaints (and they are) you laid out. Sage N America's business practices are areas they can change. If they aren't going to, then they should tell us. But if they don't, then what? That is the question I was trying to answer.

The rest of my post is some detail about how to be constructive about the situation. The reality of the product strategy won't change, nor will Sage's strategic priorities. Sage's pricing policies relate directly to those, as well. They are what they are; now what will we do about that is what I was trying to address. Nothing else will move our ball

You and I disagree about this strategy, and we have for years. Get over it. It's not about perceived intelligence. 

Wow @Jerry Norman.  First it was @Chuck Peddy making the observation that Sprinkles the dog was more intelligent than me (actually smarter than you too, but you know that). Now you being an armchair therapist explaining that I am completely wrong AND it comes from a place of resentment.  HOW DARE you!  If I want therapy, I will solicit the advice of a REAL PROFESSIONAL.  Does everyone in Texas and Louisiana hold these single-minded views or just the "SmartXxx"bridge Partners? 

I started this thread asking for questions about REAL end-user concerns and from resellers trying to communicate with Sage.  I wanted to hear from SAGE.

@Wayne Schulz posted a tongue in cheek(?) response.  It was humorous but it was based in reality.  I did NOT see a single post analyzing that Wayne was coming from a place of RESENTMENT and that he was COMPLETELY wrong!  Nor did you bash Phil! 

My questions were asked of SAGE.  Why do Gary and Dr. Sigmund Fraud feel the need to answer for Sage?  Apparently, Sage has access to this community (and how many others?).  Why don't we let Sage respond if they choose?

I apologize to anyone who thought I was bitching.  I just want an honest answer to honest questions.

And as for annoying the pig, every pig I have known (excluding Miss Piggy and Arnold) has ended up as pork chops in a meat department or on a spit slathered with BBQ sauce, pulled and placed between two slices of bread.  Think about it!!!

------------------------------
Jeff Schwenk
Bottomline Software, Inc.
(540) 221-4444


Original Message:
Sent: 02-24-2024 20:04
From: Robert Wood
Subject: Let's Ask Sage

@Jeff Schwenk without doing some due diligence, off the top of my head, the only communities that are open to members other than consultants are the Sage News and Discussion, 90 Minds Community, and Meeting of the Minds communities. Also, the The $oul of Enterprise has limited nonconsultant access, since Ed & Ron are The $oul of Enterprise. 

As for why, I don't know if I was consulted at the time the decision was made, but all attendees have become integral to the MotM experience. And we've, and this even goes back to when you were on the board, been trying to encourage affiliate interaction on the areas of the forum they are allowed access to. One way to draw them in is to have some of that interaction happen in the Meeting of the Minds community.

Yes, I would like to know why Sage is in this community.   I thought that was what the MOTM app was for.  Please post which communities are reseller only.

Thanks @Robert Wood I now have to take my shirt to the dry cleaners with that last comment of yours. Got to find a towel to clean up this mess I made as I spit my whole drink out when I read your message.

Sounds like there is going to be a good conversation at MOTM this year. I need to make sure I have enough popcorn. I am sure we will be able to have a good dialog on the subject. Which may have an outcome of adjustments from Sage as well as ourselves.

@Jeff Schwenk since this community is open to ALL attendees of Meeting of the Minds, she may already be aware of how you feel. 

@Gary Feldman - I must apologize, but I don't think Sage cares one iota about the Sage 100 user (or us) beyond the fact that we are seen as a cash cow (your words) enriching shareholders until the world gets on board the Intacct train.  It is not what they say, but what they DO that speaks volumes of their strategy.  Dianetta King (like those before her and those to come after her) is just biding her time until something more rewarding comes along. She seems too young to ride cash cow to retirement.  And please believe me when I say I am not picking on HER.  I don't know her nor have I been in attendance of any 90M's webinars (NOT MOTM's) she may have led.  But she is the Senior Product Marketing Manager (for Sage 100?).

Rest assured that I and @Phil McIntosh will not create a scene that upsets the 90M's golden goose (okay, I can't speak for Phil).  If we do, we'll only have ourselves to blame for any dues increase in 2024.

During the session, I will be reciting the following:

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

@Phil McIntosh - We should listen to Sage with a critical ear and read between the lines.  Like you, many of us also listen to other publishers these days.  When you hear consistent on inconsistent stories about the state of the market or products, we have to use our own judgement to discern fact from hope, wishes, desires and half truths.   From my experience, Sage is no better or worse than the rest of the publishers out there.

@Jeff Schwenk - We can ask questions which can be answered or we can ask questions that cannot.  It is our choice.  Some questions cannot be answered because it is out of the control of the executives and staff who come to our conference and others that cannot because there is no answer.  Our objective should be to let the Sage executives know what we hear from our customers and the impact on our joint businesses.   I think there are a good number of happy Sage 100 loyal customers out there.   However, those customers who feel that they are getting nothing for an annual 10% price increase will likely leave the Sage family and never return.   We can choose to ride out the cash cow Sage 100 has been, or develop a program to keep the unhappy customers loyal to us as consultants in some form or fashion.  This is another reason why we should be respectful and listen to Sage so we can make informed decisions for ourselves and our customers.

@Gary Feldman - Perish the thought if the villagers get past security with their torches and pitchforks.  Isn't security part of the conference fee?  And do I think that ANYTHING we say will have an impact on how Captain Smith steers his ship through the iceberg field?  Nope, please don't stare as I walk around with my life jacket (and red pants) on.  

Yes, it is nice to know that Sage subsidizes the conference.  But what do we get in return?  Sage leadership telling us how great Intacct is?

BTW - It has been a week and the customer STILL hasn't had any Sage response to her question regarding the annual 10% price increase!  

Regarding the information we receive through our partnership with Sage, that is a bit of a stretch (for me).  Maybe there is some meaningful dialogue (Ideation?) or the tech updates, but I am not in that happy space.  Perhaps I can make the golf outing so we can ride together and discuss between swings (or swigs).  I am quite aware of the nice/nothing adage.  My dad was a big proponent of that one.  But if I (we) stay silent, who will speak truth to power?  Or is the real issue here, are we afraid of losing our MOTM funding?

@Ed Kless - But that's Sage telling us "Do as I say, not as I do"

One answer to #5 - Access to me. LOL.

Thanks for the Insight@Jerry Norman

BTW, Andy Reid did not go to Transforms. He skipped Vegas and came just for the 90Minds event. 

Good summary, Gary.

I didn't sense any BS/gaslighting in the Sage answers. I thought they were the most direct, frank answers I've heard from Sage execs perhaps ever. The Sage execs all stuck around both days, which is unusual. Having the WW Dir of Prod Mktg for the BMS prod line come from UK (alright, he'd likely mainly came for Transform and stayed a couple extra days ...) was interesting.

I would correct one small part of Gary's post: They have been making increased investments in Sage 100, and they plan to continue -- it's not a new initiative.

I had several off-line talks with Mike Ritchie (BMS Prod Mgt) and Mike Edgett (BMS Prod Mktg). They confirmed that this recent focus on explicitly trying to segment market and leads (to recognize and promote that not all are good candidates for Intacct) is fairly recent, say 18 months. Large prod orgs get confused sometimes, and it sounds like this internal conflict that we all observed during 2020-21 has been largely resolved. 

I was a bit surprised when both Mikes agreed with my challenge that Sage 100 can deliver ~90% of the functionality that Intacct promotes. (This does require to set aside Intacct's capability for large numbers of Companies or dimensional accounting.) In other words, for non-GLAPAR prospects, if we put Sage 100 in a decent cloud platform (not exposing a virtual desktop) we can demo a very competitive "cloud product." Extend it with Dataself, DSD Paperless extensions, remote sales tools from DSD or Scanforce, etc, and a customer barely sees the difference. (Do turn off the prompt to print a DTR so it's background.)

Both said they would actively explore this concept more. There's a sales truism that "you can't make yourself better until you first make yourself equal.) ~2/3 of a prospect's product research is now done independently, before a prospect ever raises their hand. If Sage can't obviously show that Sage 100 is effectively a cloud product with far more practical functionality for Distrib and Mfg operations of under ~200 employees, then they will never meet their sales quotas. To replace the natural "deaths" of current users they will need ~10 new customers/week. I doubt they can do that under current circumstances, but they definitely need to sell more than a few each month. (Sage 100 also has the advantage that you don't have to run it in the cloud. However, it's functionality on-prem changes for many users (and from a maintenance view) if they don't use it via decent terminal server on-prem.)

I came away with a sense that BMS Prod Mktg had completed their first phase of the challenge to make BMS/Sage 100 more viable in the market: they refreshed their practical positioning and messaging. So, now they are investigating the nature of firms now buying Sage 100 to more aggressively court similar ones. 

I didn't sense they are just going through the motions and mouthing words we wanted to hear.

Of course, a firm the size of Sage could change their strategy and practices anytime in the future. Never any guarantees there. But I did sense that Dianetta King, Mike Ritchie, and Mike Edgett were telling us the truth as they understood it. 

I did not take detailed notes, but in both Mod Squad and ask Sage anything questions, they were very direct with answers.   

• When mod squad suggestions were not quick wins, they said so. and
• When asked whether resellers could get more credit for renewals and less focus on net new sales, they basically said no.   

It was also clear that they are going to make basic investments in Sage 100 but we should not expect the love of an Intacct.  Mike Ritchie and Dianetta King both expressed that Sage 100 was not being sun-setted as evidenced by investments in marketing and development of new features above and beyond compliance.

After the sessions I had frank discussions with several Sage executives.  In all cases, they recognized that Sage 100 is in the "cash-cow" state of a product lifecycle, but expressed their beliefs that there is still a very long tail to the product's life.  With the next Sage Transform including both partners and end customers with the inclusion of the BMS products, Sage is addressing the concern I expressed (before knowing the content of the next Transform).  Without end user conferences, Sage 100 would be the only "legacy" product without a user group or opportunity for direct interaction with their publisher.

Bottom line, Sage is listening.  They will also invest based upon maximizing their return on investments.

SO...what did Sage said...or answered?  Now I want the summary please!!!!

@Beth Bowers No microwave in my room  :(

Is anyone else besides me packing some microwave popcorn for the trip?

"Therapy for Jeff" is not one of the interpretations I expected of my post.

I agreed with about half of the complaints (and they are) you laid out. Sage N America's business practices are areas they can change. If they aren't going to, then they should tell us. But if they don't, then what? That is the question I was trying to answer.

The rest of my post is some detail about how to be constructive about the situation. The reality of the product strategy won't change, nor will Sage's strategic priorities. Sage's pricing policies relate directly to those, as well. They are what they are; now what will we do about that is what I was trying to address. Nothing else will move our ball

You and I disagree about this strategy, and we have for years. Get over it. It's not about perceived intelligence. 

Wow @Jerry Norman.  First it was @Chuck Peddy making the observation that Sprinkles the dog was more intelligent than me (actually smarter than you too, but you know that). Now you being an armchair therapist explaining that I am completely wrong AND it comes from a place of resentment.  HOW DARE you!  If I want therapy, I will solicit the advice of a REAL PROFESSIONAL.  Does everyone in Texas and Louisiana hold these single-minded views or just the "SmartXxx"bridge Partners? 

I started this thread asking for questions about REAL end-user concerns and from resellers trying to communicate with Sage.  I wanted to hear from SAGE.

@Wayne Schulz posted a tongue in cheek(?) response.  It was humorous but it was based in reality.  I did NOT see a single post analyzing that Wayne was coming from a place of RESENTMENT and that he was COMPLETELY wrong!  Nor did you bash Phil! 

My questions were asked of SAGE.  Why do Gary and Dr. Sigmund Fraud feel the need to answer for Sage?  Apparently, Sage has access to this community (and how many others?).  Why don't we let Sage respond if they choose?

I apologize to anyone who thought I was bitching.  I just want an honest answer to honest questions.

And as for annoying the pig, every pig I have known (excluding Miss Piggy and Arnold) has ended up as pork chops in a meat department or on a spit slathered with BBQ sauce, pulled and placed between two slices of bread.  Think about it!!!

------------------------------
Jeff Schwenk
Bottomline Software, Inc.
(540) 221-4444


Original Message:
Sent: 02-24-2024 20:04
From: Robert Wood
Subject: Let's Ask Sage

@Jeff Schwenk without doing some due diligence, off the top of my head, the only communities that are open to members other than consultants are the Sage News and Discussion, 90 Minds Community, and Meeting of the Minds communities. Also, the The $oul of Enterprise has limited nonconsultant access, since Ed & Ron are The $oul of Enterprise. 

As for why, I don't know if I was consulted at the time the decision was made, but all attendees have become integral to the MotM experience. And we've, and this even goes back to when you were on the board, been trying to encourage affiliate interaction on the areas of the forum they are allowed access to. One way to draw them in is to have some of that interaction happen in the Meeting of the Minds community.

Yes, I would like to know why Sage is in this community.   I thought that was what the MOTM app was for.  Please post which communities are reseller only.

Thanks @Robert Wood I now have to take my shirt to the dry cleaners with that last comment of yours. Got to find a towel to clean up this mess I made as I spit my whole drink out when I read your message.

Sounds like there is going to be a good conversation at MOTM this year. I need to make sure I have enough popcorn. I am sure we will be able to have a good dialog on the subject. Which may have an outcome of adjustments from Sage as well as ourselves.

@Jeff Schwenk since this community is open to ALL attendees of Meeting of the Minds, she may already be aware of how you feel. 

@Gary Feldman - I must apologize, but I don't think Sage cares one iota about the Sage 100 user (or us) beyond the fact that we are seen as a cash cow (your words) enriching shareholders until the world gets on board the Intacct train.  It is not what they say, but what they DO that speaks volumes of their strategy.  Dianetta King (like those before her and those to come after her) is just biding her time until something more rewarding comes along. She seems too young to ride cash cow to retirement.  And please believe me when I say I am not picking on HER.  I don't know her nor have I been in attendance of any 90M's webinars (NOT MOTM's) she may have led.  But she is the Senior Product Marketing Manager (for Sage 100?).

Rest assured that I and @Phil McIntosh will not create a scene that upsets the 90M's golden goose (okay, I can't speak for Phil).  If we do, we'll only have ourselves to blame for any dues increase in 2024.

During the session, I will be reciting the following:

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

@Phil McIntosh - We should listen to Sage with a critical ear and read between the lines.  Like you, many of us also listen to other publishers these days.  When you hear consistent on inconsistent stories about the state of the market or products, we have to use our own judgement to discern fact from hope, wishes, desires and half truths.   From my experience, Sage is no better or worse than the rest of the publishers out there.

@Jeff Schwenk - We can ask questions which can be answered or we can ask questions that cannot.  It is our choice.  Some questions cannot be answered because it is out of the control of the executives and staff who come to our conference and others that cannot because there is no answer.  Our objective should be to let the Sage executives know what we hear from our customers and the impact on our joint businesses.   I think there are a good number of happy Sage 100 loyal customers out there.   However, those customers who feel that they are getting nothing for an annual 10% price increase will likely leave the Sage family and never return.   We can choose to ride out the cash cow Sage 100 has been, or develop a program to keep the unhappy customers loyal to us as consultants in some form or fashion.  This is another reason why we should be respectful and listen to Sage so we can make informed decisions for ourselves and our customers.

@Gary Feldman - Perish the thought if the villagers get past security with their torches and pitchforks.  Isn't security part of the conference fee?  And do I think that ANYTHING we say will have an impact on how Captain Smith steers his ship through the iceberg field?  Nope, please don't stare as I walk around with my life jacket (and red pants) on.  

Yes, it is nice to know that Sage subsidizes the conference.  But what do we get in return?  Sage leadership telling us how great Intacct is?

BTW - It has been a week and the customer STILL hasn't had any Sage response to her question regarding the annual 10% price increase!  

Regarding the information we receive through our partnership with Sage, that is a bit of a stretch (for me).  Maybe there is some meaningful dialogue (Ideation?) or the tech updates, but I am not in that happy space.  Perhaps I can make the golf outing so we can ride together and discuss between swings (or swigs).  I am quite aware of the nice/nothing adage.  My dad was a big proponent of that one.  But if I (we) stay silent, who will speak truth to power?  Or is the real issue here, are we afraid of losing our MOTM funding?

@Ed Kless - But that's Sage telling us "Do as I say, not as I do"

One answer to #5 - Access to me. LOL.

Madeline, then all the more persuasive. I can't think of anything more Sage could have done to reassure 90 Minders that Sage plans to actively promote and support Sage 100 for the foreseeable future. I have personally been holding back on this, because I couldn't see how to successfully promote Sage 100. i now have a clear idea of a value proposition that invites significant consideration.

I hope that 90 Minds can create some sort of working group to further help our members in reinvigorating efforts to market and sell Sage 100.

Thanks for the Insight@Jerry Norman

BTW, Andy Reid did not go to Transforms. He skipped Vegas and came just for the 90Minds event. 

Good summary, Gary.

I didn't sense any BS/gaslighting in the Sage answers. I thought they were the most direct, frank answers I've heard from Sage execs perhaps ever. The Sage execs all stuck around both days, which is unusual. Having the WW Dir of Prod Mktg for the BMS prod line come from UK (alright, he'd likely mainly came for Transform and stayed a couple extra days ...) was interesting.

I would correct one small part of Gary's post: They have been making increased investments in Sage 100, and they plan to continue -- it's not a new initiative.

I had several off-line talks with Mike Ritchie (BMS Prod Mgt) and Mike Edgett (BMS Prod Mktg). They confirmed that this recent focus on explicitly trying to segment market and leads (to recognize and promote that not all are good candidates for Intacct) is fairly recent, say 18 months. Large prod orgs get confused sometimes, and it sounds like this internal conflict that we all observed during 2020-21 has been largely resolved. 

I was a bit surprised when both Mikes agreed with my challenge that Sage 100 can deliver ~90% of the functionality that Intacct promotes. (This does require to set aside Intacct's capability for large numbers of Companies or dimensional accounting.) In other words, for non-GLAPAR prospects, if we put Sage 100 in a decent cloud platform (not exposing a virtual desktop) we can demo a very competitive "cloud product." Extend it with Dataself, DSD Paperless extensions, remote sales tools from DSD or Scanforce, etc, and a customer barely sees the difference. (Do turn off the prompt to print a DTR so it's background.)

Both said they would actively explore this concept more. There's a sales truism that "you can't make yourself better until you first make yourself equal.) ~2/3 of a prospect's product research is now done independently, before a prospect ever raises their hand. If Sage can't obviously show that Sage 100 is effectively a cloud product with far more practical functionality for Distrib and Mfg operations of under ~200 employees, then they will never meet their sales quotas. To replace the natural "deaths" of current users they will need ~10 new customers/week. I doubt they can do that under current circumstances, but they definitely need to sell more than a few each month. (Sage 100 also has the advantage that you don't have to run it in the cloud. However, it's functionality on-prem changes for many users (and from a maintenance view) if they don't use it via decent terminal server on-prem.)

I came away with a sense that BMS Prod Mktg had completed their first phase of the challenge to make BMS/Sage 100 more viable in the market: they refreshed their practical positioning and messaging. So, now they are investigating the nature of firms now buying Sage 100 to more aggressively court similar ones. 

I didn't sense they are just going through the motions and mouthing words we wanted to hear.

Of course, a firm the size of Sage could change their strategy and practices anytime in the future. Never any guarantees there. But I did sense that Dianetta King, Mike Ritchie, and Mike Edgett were telling us the truth as they understood it. 

I did not take detailed notes, but in both Mod Squad and ask Sage anything questions, they were very direct with answers.   

• When mod squad suggestions were not quick wins, they said so. and
• When asked whether resellers could get more credit for renewals and less focus on net new sales, they basically said no.   

It was also clear that they are going to make basic investments in Sage 100 but we should not expect the love of an Intacct.  Mike Ritchie and Dianetta King both expressed that Sage 100 was not being sun-setted as evidenced by investments in marketing and development of new features above and beyond compliance.

After the sessions I had frank discussions with several Sage executives.  In all cases, they recognized that Sage 100 is in the "cash-cow" state of a product lifecycle, but expressed their beliefs that there is still a very long tail to the product's life.  With the next Sage Transform including both partners and end customers with the inclusion of the BMS products, Sage is addressing the concern I expressed (before knowing the content of the next Transform).  Without end user conferences, Sage 100 would be the only "legacy" product without a user group or opportunity for direct interaction with their publisher.

Bottom line, Sage is listening.  They will also invest based upon maximizing their return on investments.

SO...what did Sage said...or answered?  Now I want the summary please!!!!

@Beth Bowers No microwave in my room  :(

Is anyone else besides me packing some microwave popcorn for the trip?

"Therapy for Jeff" is not one of the interpretations I expected of my post.

I agreed with about half of the complaints (and they are) you laid out. Sage N America's business practices are areas they can change. If they aren't going to, then they should tell us. But if they don't, then what? That is the question I was trying to answer.

The rest of my post is some detail about how to be constructive about the situation. The reality of the product strategy won't change, nor will Sage's strategic priorities. Sage's pricing policies relate directly to those, as well. They are what they are; now what will we do about that is what I was trying to address. Nothing else will move our ball

You and I disagree about this strategy, and we have for years. Get over it. It's not about perceived intelligence. 

Wow @Jerry Norman.  First it was @Chuck Peddy making the observation that Sprinkles the dog was more intelligent than me (actually smarter than you too, but you know that). Now you being an armchair therapist explaining that I am completely wrong AND it comes from a place of resentment.  HOW DARE you!  If I want therapy, I will solicit the advice of a REAL PROFESSIONAL.  Does everyone in Texas and Louisiana hold these single-minded views or just the "SmartXxx"bridge Partners? 

I started this thread asking for questions about REAL end-user concerns and from resellers trying to communicate with Sage.  I wanted to hear from SAGE.

@Wayne Schulz posted a tongue in cheek(?) response.  It was humorous but it was based in reality.  I did NOT see a single post analyzing that Wayne was coming from a place of RESENTMENT and that he was COMPLETELY wrong!  Nor did you bash Phil! 

My questions were asked of SAGE.  Why do Gary and Dr. Sigmund Fraud feel the need to answer for Sage?  Apparently, Sage has access to this community (and how many others?).  Why don't we let Sage respond if they choose?

I apologize to anyone who thought I was bitching.  I just want an honest answer to honest questions.

And as for annoying the pig, every pig I have known (excluding Miss Piggy and Arnold) has ended up as pork chops in a meat department or on a spit slathered with BBQ sauce, pulled and placed between two slices of bread.  Think about it!!!

------------------------------
Jeff Schwenk
Bottomline Software, Inc.
(540) 221-4444


Original Message:
Sent: 02-24-2024 20:04
From: Robert Wood
Subject: Let's Ask Sage

@Jeff Schwenk without doing some due diligence, off the top of my head, the only communities that are open to members other than consultants are the Sage News and Discussion, 90 Minds Community, and Meeting of the Minds communities. Also, the The $oul of Enterprise has limited nonconsultant access, since Ed & Ron are The $oul of Enterprise. 

As for why, I don't know if I was consulted at the time the decision was made, but all attendees have become integral to the MotM experience. And we've, and this even goes back to when you were on the board, been trying to encourage affiliate interaction on the areas of the forum they are allowed access to. One way to draw them in is to have some of that interaction happen in the Meeting of the Minds community.

Yes, I would like to know why Sage is in this community.   I thought that was what the MOTM app was for.  Please post which communities are reseller only.

Thanks @Robert Wood I now have to take my shirt to the dry cleaners with that last comment of yours. Got to find a towel to clean up this mess I made as I spit my whole drink out when I read your message.

Sounds like there is going to be a good conversation at MOTM this year. I need to make sure I have enough popcorn. I am sure we will be able to have a good dialog on the subject. Which may have an outcome of adjustments from Sage as well as ourselves.

@Jeff Schwenk since this community is open to ALL attendees of Meeting of the Minds, she may already be aware of how you feel. 

@Gary Feldman - I must apologize, but I don't think Sage cares one iota about the Sage 100 user (or us) beyond the fact that we are seen as a cash cow (your words) enriching shareholders until the world gets on board the Intacct train.  It is not what they say, but what they DO that speaks volumes of their strategy.  Dianetta King (like those before her and those to come after her) is just biding her time until something more rewarding comes along. She seems too young to ride cash cow to retirement.  And please believe me when I say I am not picking on HER.  I don't know her nor have I been in attendance of any 90M's webinars (NOT MOTM's) she may have led.  But she is the Senior Product Marketing Manager (for Sage 100?).

Rest assured that I and @Phil McIntosh will not create a scene that upsets the 90M's golden goose (okay, I can't speak for Phil).  If we do, we'll only have ourselves to blame for any dues increase in 2024.

During the session, I will be reciting the following:

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

@Phil McIntosh - We should listen to Sage with a critical ear and read between the lines.  Like you, many of us also listen to other publishers these days.  When you hear consistent on inconsistent stories about the state of the market or products, we have to use our own judgement to discern fact from hope, wishes, desires and half truths.   From my experience, Sage is no better or worse than the rest of the publishers out there.

@Jeff Schwenk - We can ask questions which can be answered or we can ask questions that cannot.  It is our choice.  Some questions cannot be answered because it is out of the control of the executives and staff who come to our conference and others that cannot because there is no answer.  Our objective should be to let the Sage executives know what we hear from our customers and the impact on our joint businesses.   I think there are a good number of happy Sage 100 loyal customers out there.   However, those customers who feel that they are getting nothing for an annual 10% price increase will likely leave the Sage family and never return.   We can choose to ride out the cash cow Sage 100 has been, or develop a program to keep the unhappy customers loyal to us as consultants in some form or fashion.  This is another reason why we should be respectful and listen to Sage so we can make informed decisions for ourselves and our customers.

@Gary Feldman - Perish the thought if the villagers get past security with their torches and pitchforks.  Isn't security part of the conference fee?  And do I think that ANYTHING we say will have an impact on how Captain Smith steers his ship through the iceberg field?  Nope, please don't stare as I walk around with my life jacket (and red pants) on.  

Yes, it is nice to know that Sage subsidizes the conference.  But what do we get in return?  Sage leadership telling us how great Intacct is?

BTW - It has been a week and the customer STILL hasn't had any Sage response to her question regarding the annual 10% price increase!  

Regarding the information we receive through our partnership with Sage, that is a bit of a stretch (for me).  Maybe there is some meaningful dialogue (Ideation?) or the tech updates, but I am not in that happy space.  Perhaps I can make the golf outing so we can ride together and discuss between swings (or swigs).  I am quite aware of the nice/nothing adage.  My dad was a big proponent of that one.  But if I (we) stay silent, who will speak truth to power?  Or is the real issue here, are we afraid of losing our MOTM funding?

@Ed Kless - But that's Sage telling us "Do as I say, not as I do"

One answer to #5 - Access to me. LOL.

SO...what did Sage said...or answered?  Now I want the summary please!!!!

@Beth Bowers No microwave in my room  :(

Is anyone else besides me packing some microwave popcorn for the trip?

"Therapy for Jeff" is not one of the interpretations I expected of my post.

I agreed with about half of the complaints (and they are) you laid out. Sage N America's business practices are areas they can change. If they aren't going to, then they should tell us. But if they don't, then what? That is the question I was trying to answer.

The rest of my post is some detail about how to be constructive about the situation. The reality of the product strategy won't change, nor will Sage's strategic priorities. Sage's pricing policies relate directly to those, as well. They are what they are; now what will we do about that is what I was trying to address. Nothing else will move our ball

You and I disagree about this strategy, and we have for years. Get over it. It's not about perceived intelligence. 

Wow @Jerry Norman.  First it was @Chuck Peddy making the observation that Sprinkles the dog was more intelligent than me (actually smarter than you too, but you know that). Now you being an armchair therapist explaining that I am completely wrong AND it comes from a place of resentment.  HOW DARE you!  If I want therapy, I will solicit the advice of a REAL PROFESSIONAL.  Does everyone in Texas and Louisiana hold these single-minded views or just the "SmartXxx"bridge Partners? 

I started this thread asking for questions about REAL end-user concerns and from resellers trying to communicate with Sage.  I wanted to hear from SAGE.

@Wayne Schulz posted a tongue in cheek(?) response.  It was humorous but it was based in reality.  I did NOT see a single post analyzing that Wayne was coming from a place of RESENTMENT and that he was COMPLETELY wrong!  Nor did you bash Phil! 

My questions were asked of SAGE.  Why do Gary and Dr. Sigmund Fraud feel the need to answer for Sage?  Apparently, Sage has access to this community (and how many others?).  Why don't we let Sage respond if they choose?

I apologize to anyone who thought I was bitching.  I just want an honest answer to honest questions.

And as for annoying the pig, every pig I have known (excluding Miss Piggy and Arnold) has ended up as pork chops in a meat department or on a spit slathered with BBQ sauce, pulled and placed between two slices of bread.  Think about it!!!

------------------------------
Jeff Schwenk
Bottomline Software, Inc.
(540) 221-4444


Original Message:
Sent: 02-24-2024 20:04
From: Robert Wood
Subject: Let's Ask Sage

@Jeff Schwenk without doing some due diligence, off the top of my head, the only communities that are open to members other than consultants are the Sage News and Discussion, 90 Minds Community, and Meeting of the Minds communities. Also, the The $oul of Enterprise has limited nonconsultant access, since Ed & Ron are The $oul of Enterprise. 

As for why, I don't know if I was consulted at the time the decision was made, but all attendees have become integral to the MotM experience. And we've, and this even goes back to when you were on the board, been trying to encourage affiliate interaction on the areas of the forum they are allowed access to. One way to draw them in is to have some of that interaction happen in the Meeting of the Minds community.

Yes, I would like to know why Sage is in this community.   I thought that was what the MOTM app was for.  Please post which communities are reseller only.

Thanks @Robert Wood I now have to take my shirt to the dry cleaners with that last comment of yours. Got to find a towel to clean up this mess I made as I spit my whole drink out when I read your message.

Sounds like there is going to be a good conversation at MOTM this year. I need to make sure I have enough popcorn. I am sure we will be able to have a good dialog on the subject. Which may have an outcome of adjustments from Sage as well as ourselves.

@Jeff Schwenk since this community is open to ALL attendees of Meeting of the Minds, she may already be aware of how you feel. 

@Gary Feldman - I must apologize, but I don't think Sage cares one iota about the Sage 100 user (or us) beyond the fact that we are seen as a cash cow (your words) enriching shareholders until the world gets on board the Intacct train.  It is not what they say, but what they DO that speaks volumes of their strategy.  Dianetta King (like those before her and those to come after her) is just biding her time until something more rewarding comes along. She seems too young to ride cash cow to retirement.  And please believe me when I say I am not picking on HER.  I don't know her nor have I been in attendance of any 90M's webinars (NOT MOTM's) she may have led.  But she is the Senior Product Marketing Manager (for Sage 100?).

Rest assured that I and @Phil McIntosh will not create a scene that upsets the 90M's golden goose (okay, I can't speak for Phil).  If we do, we'll only have ourselves to blame for any dues increase in 2024.

During the session, I will be reciting the following:

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

@Phil McIntosh - We should listen to Sage with a critical ear and read between the lines.  Like you, many of us also listen to other publishers these days.  When you hear consistent on inconsistent stories about the state of the market or products, we have to use our own judgement to discern fact from hope, wishes, desires and half truths.   From my experience, Sage is no better or worse than the rest of the publishers out there.

@Jeff Schwenk - We can ask questions which can be answered or we can ask questions that cannot.  It is our choice.  Some questions cannot be answered because it is out of the control of the executives and staff who come to our conference and others that cannot because there is no answer.  Our objective should be to let the Sage executives know what we hear from our customers and the impact on our joint businesses.   I think there are a good number of happy Sage 100 loyal customers out there.   However, those customers who feel that they are getting nothing for an annual 10% price increase will likely leave the Sage family and never return.   We can choose to ride out the cash cow Sage 100 has been, or develop a program to keep the unhappy customers loyal to us as consultants in some form or fashion.  This is another reason why we should be respectful and listen to Sage so we can make informed decisions for ourselves and our customers.

@Gary Feldman - Perish the thought if the villagers get past security with their torches and pitchforks.  Isn't security part of the conference fee?  And do I think that ANYTHING we say will have an impact on how Captain Smith steers his ship through the iceberg field?  Nope, please don't stare as I walk around with my life jacket (and red pants) on.  

Yes, it is nice to know that Sage subsidizes the conference.  But what do we get in return?  Sage leadership telling us how great Intacct is?

BTW - It has been a week and the customer STILL hasn't had any Sage response to her question regarding the annual 10% price increase!  

Regarding the information we receive through our partnership with Sage, that is a bit of a stretch (for me).  Maybe there is some meaningful dialogue (Ideation?) or the tech updates, but I am not in that happy space.  Perhaps I can make the golf outing so we can ride together and discuss between swings (or swigs).  I am quite aware of the nice/nothing adage.  My dad was a big proponent of that one.  But if I (we) stay silent, who will speak truth to power?  Or is the real issue here, are we afraid of losing our MOTM funding?

@Ed Kless - But that's Sage telling us "Do as I say, not as I do"

One answer to #5 - Access to me. LOL.