Feature request ranking system vs. submitting via forum
 

Given the complexity of the product and the number of feature requests, wouldn't it be easier for LWD to use something GetSatisfaction to submit and rank feature requests. First, it limits you to a number of points/votes so you have to be really think about what you want the developers to focus on. Second, it searches for similar request as you type yours, thereby avoiding redundant requests and notifying you of known issues and solutions.

Forums, with their "this was already posted here" and "me too, +1" exchanges seem awfully inefficient. It also provides you with an ongoing live "poll" of sorts, letting you see what your users care most about.

MNBlockHead, I've done a very cursory look into options like the ones your suggesting. However, we're limited by our forum software if we want it to remain on the forums. Also, there seem to be a number of options outside of the forums, but most require a subscription of some sort. :( I'm not saying we won't ever change up how we handle feature requests, but so far I haven't found anything that's a win all around.

If anyone knows of options, feel free to post them here and point me to them. :)

I think user voting would have worked well as part of your issue tracking system, but apparently that's not a feature of (or common plugin for) Fogbugz. :(

If you want to stay on the forums, then the status quo is probably your best option, followed by rating the threads.

The forum threads are a way to keep things on our radar. The survey we did a few months ago is the way to get meaningful data. All the options were presented in one place so users could rate them relative to each other.

I realize I'm resurrecting an old thread, but I had some input from this other post and thought I'd share it here as well.

I went back and looked through my project notes and found a handful of possible options:

• an open source system that looks fairly easy to set up, though it's pretty basic. would require self-hosting
• a simple portal (3rd-party/free) that customers can visit to drop comments, feature requests, and suggestions
• a survey and feedback forum solution (3rd-party/free) - the surveys are short, intuitive and easy to fill out, and the forums allow users to post, vote on and discuss ideas
• a forum solution (3rd-party/subscription - has a free tier) that gives the opportunity to create a modern support community for your products and/or services
• a customer service platform (3rd-party/subscription - has a free tier) that has a help desk and user feedback portal, overall this is the most feature rich option of the group.

If any of those are of interest to the LW staff, let me know and I'd be more than happy to forward you the pertinent information.