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Ted Craven
05-24-2016, 07:46 PM
Dear Friends,

I will be taking a 'sabbatical' or 'hiatus' of sorts during the rest of this year 2016. As a consequence, RDSS 2.1 will NOT get delivered by the promised late June 2016 time frame. I apologize for this news. As I write this now, it is clear that not only will the full initial list of features (http://paceandcap.com/forums/showpost.php?p=103114&postcount=2) promised earlier be incomplete, but a subset of these features also has no chance of either entering a serious Beta testing phase, let alone final delivery.

In fact, I will absolutely continue to support RDSS users, process Subscription renewals and respond to queries for technical and educational advice. I am not leaving work on RDSS. However, I am tired of setting failed deadlines for myself, and I am having trouble responding to the psychological pressure (set by myself) to deliver software for others' use, while my own use of my own software (i.e. for my own betting account) languishes. (At least that's my excuse!) I will also not be promoting RDSS in any way over the next while, or seeking new users (though no one will be turned away).

I joked to someone today (who happened to write, complaining of the RDSS Subscription price increase) that together with annual RDSS subscription fees and a share of TrackMaster data sales, plus 30+ years of both professional software development skills and handicapping skills specifically with Sartin Methodology (i.e. the proverbial 10,000 hours to mastery of a given domain) - that with all that, I earn less than half of what I did as a software professional for 30 years, and probably slightly more than a full time Walmart greeter. I apologize to that individual that I was likely slightly exaggerating, but not by much. In fact, betting nicely rounds up my annual income, but it frustrates me that I cannot do more of that, because of the time it takes (at least the time it takes ME) to program RDSS and manage the business of it and of Paceandcap.com

And thus, if I continue with this 'business as usual' I will end up an unhappy camper, and THAT I cannot permit to happen.

So - I am withdrawing RDSS 2.1 from any kind of final release or further testing schedule. I would like to say that the initial list of features (http://paceandcap.com/forums/showpost.php?p=103114&postcount=2) will be delivered sometime in 2016, but part of giving myself 'breathing room' to work on it - first for myself and my own use, and in the order of modules which most spark my curiosity and imagination - part of that process, as I understand it, is NOT setting a firm delivery deadline. I would not be at all surprised if this approach (curiously) leads to a FASTER delivery of new and stable software, instead of constantly rescheduling and still failing on deadline after deadline. Again, a psychological barrier which pressure I need to set aside in order to have a happier day-to-day experience working with RDSS and its future.

And betting more frequently. And this (for ME) requires regular time set aside for ONLY that purpose, not juggling email, phone calls, software schedules, posting my live picks, arguing with posters, all at the same time - LOL! I need to respect the time spent analysing and betting races, treat it as a professional 'performance' - as if I were a concert pianist or master craftsman on the job, or - perhaps a spiritual seeker engaged in a sacred and supremely focused undertaking. At any rate, not dabbling at it, but always bringing my A Game every time to a day of betting. Without the A Game, you lose money, and your time and your bankroll fritters away. And discouragement follows.

This is my analysis so far of what I need to do for myself and for my family, and WILL DO during this so-called software 'hiatus' period. Folks will probably know when this period has ended for me, when a new version of RDSS appears! As I mentioned, I am as available re RDSS as ever, but I am withdrawing specifically from a promised delivery schedule for Version 2.1. That said, it would surprise me greatly if something wonderful were not forthcoming in 2016.

I understand if some people are disappointed with this news. The best response I can think of right now is that it will be better for all of us in the long run (including me). If anyone recently resubscribed to RDSS because they thought they were going to get an upgrade in the very near future, I apologize and will issue you a refund if you like. If anyone prefers not to renew their subscription until a new version is released, no worries at all! It is what it is.

To the handful of pre-release testers who have seen what is in development over the past few months, I thank you for your feedback so far - it has indeed been valuable (even if the feedback is "this particular readout 'sucks' " - LOL!). I will not be taking on any new early testers. When I do, I'll ask for assistance, no worries!

I will be betting more regularly, travelling a bit more (and I've proven to myself I can manage things quite well 'from the road') and talking to interesting and interested handicappers wherever I find them. I invite folks to write or call me any time! I'll respond as quickly as I am able to.

Finally, I must say that my heart is filled with Gratitude for all of you who have enabled me to make my full time livelihood in horse racing and in working with Doc Sartin's Methodology. Doc was one of the half-dozen most influential people in my life so far, and I Love him dearly. In both financial and non-financial senses, my life is filled with Abundance already, such that any further wealth from betting or from working with RDSS will not be unexpected, nor felt unearned, nor feel like a stranger. Despite any perceived disputes, I truly have no real antipathy or enmity for anyone. I have the greatest Respect for the many posters who share their particular usage of the tools with the rest of us, and strive (even when I fail) to set my ego aside whenever heads butt! I wish to Praise the contributions of a few individuals here (well known to all of us) who with their long-term, high volume and high quality teaching have set the tone of helpfulness and commitment to our community. In many ways, the people I know here (even when I disagree or am occasionally annoyed with them) are my Mentors, and not just in horse race handicapping, but perhaps more so by what life-lessons they provoke or stimulate in me (when I have the wisdom to perceive the opportunity). All of the foregoing leaves me for the very largest part - a Happy man.

Anyway, thank you all for putting up with these philosophical musings from time to time :eek: It's the way I am able to make sense of life. And thank you for allowing me the space over the coming period to find the best way to evolve my own game, and to deliver more software tools to enjoy our great sport and puzzle!

Good Luck, good Skill!

Ted

Mitch44
05-24-2016, 09:19 PM
Glad your in tune with your body and doing what's best for you. You sure have been looking out for us. Greatly appreciated and enjoy your getaway. Additionally I hope you hit some real good ones.

Best of luck & skill,
Mitch44

Pat C.
05-24-2016, 11:11 PM
Ted, good for you! I have been around awhile and do not post here much, but I appreciate and follow you and the other teachers here at P&C closely. As you know I recently renewed my subscription after a year or so layoff. That break did wonders for me and I know it will for you. A fresh mind lets you see things with greater clarity.

RDSS is great just as it is. All the information (sometimes too much) is there for success if interpreted correctly. I am sure any changes would just be cream on the top.

Enjoy your sabbatical.

Pat C.

DaveEdwards
05-25-2016, 09:28 AM
Nice one Ted,

I think you are doing absolutely the right thing. Everyone needs to recharge their batteries from time to time. Enjoy your recuperation time!

Hoof 11
05-25-2016, 03:01 PM
“Summer of Ted”

Take all the time you need, i really couldn’t care less about the upgrade, i am content with what i have already. I completely understand the “burnout” you’re going through, life is too short for that nonsense.

See you at the track.

dlivery
05-25-2016, 04:24 PM
now is time back off on the pedal and coast your way and enjoy the
accomplishments you have work hard for and help you have provided and successes you earned Thank-You Ted for all of this.

Lawrence

sureshotlink
05-25-2016, 04:40 PM
Ted,

If money is lost, nothing is lost, If health is lost, something is lost,
If character is lost, everything is lost.

Perhaps now we will see you sniffing around tournament rooms this summer.

Sat Nam,

Paul link
Los Angeles

Old Arkie Gal
05-28-2016, 11:05 AM
Ted,
I won’t quote Edna St. Vincent Millay since I can’t remember her exact words, but the thought remains the same. I burn my candle at both ends, It will not last the night, But ah my friends and oh my foes it will not last the night. People who are bright, self-directed, and hard-working often have trouble with their candle. Self-reflection and self-examination require withdrawal and quite. It can be an anxiety provoking time when you discover a characteristic that doesn’t meet your “idealized self” and a time of self-understanding and insight. You will find peace and contentment as you go along.
I do find it troubling that some individuals label as “ego” comments you have made regarding the evolution of RDSS. Comments like that tend to stifle a free exchange of ideas which are so important to discovery.
Best wishes on your journey.
Pat

Mark
05-28-2016, 04:03 PM
As individuals, all we have in this world is our integrity and honor. Our actions indicate to others the strength of our character and trustworthiness.

DaveEdwards
05-28-2016, 04:27 PM
Mark,

May I be so bold as to point out that postings amounting to character assassination are beyond what is acceptable on this forum?

If you feel as extremely disappointed as you say, there is nothing stopping you from learning to program and developing your own matching software.

DanBoals
05-28-2016, 04:50 PM
Dave,

I too am extremely disappointed I will have to wait for 2.1. I absolutely love RDSS and it's the first software where I can download races and not have to enter a bunch of numbers by hand, that actually makes me money. I think 2.1 will be nothing short of awesome and I would love to have it now. But, I understand with a one man crew, Ted can't do everything, and may need a very deserved rest. Doesn't mean I am not disappointed that I have to wait, just means I understand.

And telling someone that buys a product that they can build their own if they want to is not helpful. We have no idea what a person is feeling, and reading into what they post is dangerous at best. I did not take it as character assassination, because I really don't think it was meant that way. I took it at face value, he is disappointed he has to wait.

My guess is that we would all love to have 2.1 right away. Being honest about being disappointed you have to wait isn't a bad thing necessarily. I think that a rested programmer does better work than a tired programmer; I developed software for 15+ years so I know a little about that. I think if Ted says he needs a break, then we should all respect that and give him a break so he can recharge the batteries and when he is ready, make a new version that will blow our socks off.

Doesn't mean I like to wait though :) It's america here and we are a country of bigger, better, faster, now; for better or worse and I think I understand Mark's frustration at having to wait for something that will probably be, and I don't use this praise lightly, the best horse racing analysis software ever to hit the market. Disappointed, yes, willing to wait, certainly, in it with Ted for the long haul, definitely.

Dan

Lt1
05-28-2016, 04:54 PM
Good luck with your time off Ted. If anyone is entitled to a break it's surely you. Thanks for all you have done for us.
Tim

DaveEdwards
05-28-2016, 05:07 PM
Dan,

I take you point. Hopefully Mark & I have sorted this out (amicably?) off board.

Mitch44
05-28-2016, 05:37 PM
Extremely Disappointed!! Just prior to reading this post I was listening to the Eagles farewell tour recorded down under in Aus. One of their songs stuck in my head titled Dirty Laundry; some key words: " kick'em when their up, kick'em when their down. . . "

Yes; "our actions indicate to others the strength of our character" and obviously yours speaks for itself.

Mitch44

Ted Craven
05-28-2016, 07:02 PM
Sigh ...

Here I am in beautiful Niagara Falls area (Niagara-on-the-Lake, actually) celebrating 30 years together with my beautiful wife Alison (check the Thank You button on the RDSS Desktop ...). I can see New York State across the Niagara River from my B&B balcony. A beautiful weekend.

Do I really need to referee a horse racing website at the same time?!

I think I will temporarily Close this thread until I return on Tuesday, at which point folks can resume expressing their feelings one way or t'other.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Ted

Ted Craven
05-31-2016, 10:25 PM
Back in business!

cratman
06-01-2016, 07:04 AM
Ted,

Thanks for all you do.

Happy with the program as it is, and very happy with access to the library.

Any improvements would be icing on the cake.

Please, if it is not too much trouble, keep the old program available even if updates are made.

Thanks,

Mark

gandalf380
06-01-2016, 09:32 AM
I don't quite understand all the teeth gnashing over a delay in release of a software upgrade. This new software will not magically convert a nonwinner into a winner. If you study the program, really study it, and understand what it is telling you, you will win. Know what the program is telling you. For example, according to my records, at Belmont in the current meet there have been 139 nonmaiden races to date. 80% of them have been won by the top 4 CR horses. Those are the horses whose numbers in the program are color coded and in bold print. so right off the bat I know that I can eliminate all but four horses in each race regardless of distance or surface and have an 80% chance of winning. With a little fine tuning, I can increase it even further. But that is only because I know what the program is telling me. So relax, the current program will Tell you how to win. You just have to understand what it is saying.

Ted Craven
06-01-2016, 09:39 AM
Please, if it is not too much trouble, keep the old program available even if updates are made.

Thanks,

Mark

Mark, the new program - whenever it is released finally - will install separately from the existing one. You can run them both, and at the same time if you like. They can both use the same database. Also, everything in the current program will still be in the new one (except most of the bugs, I hope). You can turn off whatever screens you don't want, use whatever new stuff proves intriguing and profitable, etc.

Thanks for all your long-time support and encouragement Mark!

Ted

lone speed
06-01-2016, 01:17 PM
First things first....

Gandalf...congratulations on being on top of the standing!!

Ted...Happy 30th anniversary!!! :eek: or :D either case it's :cool:

Edit: Thank you! Original discussion titled 'Concepts Win Races' moved to its own thread, here:

http://paceandcap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10480

.

atkinsrr
06-12-2016, 06:32 PM
Hi Ted...I haven't been on here very often the last year or so...but just got on here and read your sabbatical letter to all. Just wanted to drop you a line and thank you for your help in the past and that I may subscribe again later on in the future. Just wanted to wish you well and since we both have birthdays next month I wanted to wish you a happy July birthday...Randy A.

Ted Craven
06-13-2016, 10:19 AM
Thank you Randy! Wishing you all the best as well!

Ted

RichI
06-13-2016, 09:38 PM
Good Luck with your time off. I don't post very much but do read the posts often. Your inspiration, dedication and knowledge has made each of us better
better handicappers.

Segwin
07-27-2016, 04:44 PM
Hello Ted et al.

Been a while since I've been on but was just noodling around on the net.

Take time for yourself Ted and the enjoyment of wife and life. You're in the ground a long time, live now.

Once you've recovered see me about Forex. Much more profitable and predictable. ;)

Peace.

Ted Craven
07-27-2016, 09:47 PM
Hello Ted et al.

Been a while since I've been on but was just noodling around on the net.

Take time for yourself Ted and the enjoyment of wife and life. You're in the ground a long time, live now.

Once you've recovered see me about Forex. Much more profitable and predictable. ;)

Peace.

Hi Terry - great to hear from you again! While I have been taking some time off, it feels like I am working as much as ever on RDSS and helping folks use it. Just without a current delivery schedule for a long awaited update (still this year though).

I may take you up on that offer some day - but I am certain that horse racing and Sartin Methodology work will be occupying a LARGE part of my time for some years to come yet. There's too much interesting stuff here still ;):)

Hope things are going great for you and your lovely wife! Drop me a private line anytime!

Take care,

Ted

Houndog
08-02-2016, 01:47 PM
Ted it has been some time since I posted here. I think it is a good idea to take some time off from a project of this magnitude. As you have stated you are just one programmer. The burn-out factor is very real for programming.

Other software developers for handicapping that I know experience the same thing. They as yourself want to "Get it Right" and don't want to offer a program that is not ready for "Prime Time".

Anyhow I wish you well and I predict when you come back you will have renewed energy and may have even better ideas or solutions that you may not have considered.

Take Care ------ Houndog.

shoeless
08-02-2016, 07:14 PM
Good to see you posting again

Houndog
08-03-2016, 03:09 PM
Good to see you posting again

Good to hear from you also shoe. Would like to start posting here again when I start handicapping again. I have been on Sabbatical for some time.

Latekick
08-03-2016, 04:47 PM
Good to hear from you also shoe. Would like to start posting here again when I start handicapping again. I have been on Sabbatical for some time.

Once its in your blood, you can never get away from this game :) Good to see you returning.

Houndog
08-05-2016, 04:49 PM
Once its in your blood, you can never get away from this game :) Good to see you returning.

Your right. Maybe I should call myself Bloodhound instead. :D