[Ouya General] Zehrfox:
Ouya Staff needs to realize a simple truth, that most of us already know, and that has been proven time and tme again....

Trying to stop people from rooting, sideloading, modding is

ABSOLUTELY POINTLESS

and actually causes

LOST REVENUE

Please hear me out, before you argue, complain, etc.. I can explain why this is the case. In general you have (2) main types of users, there are always some that are a little of both, but I would guess the majority fits one of these:

Normal User

- Uses the device as they get it, and just enjoy the device and its functions, they may want or like other features, but in MOST cases, don't have the knowledge, or time to research, and manipulate the device.

- Example - These users buy an Ouya and play games from the Ouya store, and do not sideload, root, etc.

- Revenue - These users will buy the device if enough games, apps and content exist to make the purchase price worth it.

Power User

- These users buy the device usually with the intention of using it beyond its designed or allowed parameters, they want to get everything out of the device they can. They will push it, they will mod it, and use it in ways never thought of before.

- Example - These users will root their Ouya, put the play store on, run XBMC or plex, run emulators, sideload apks, etc.

- Revenue - These users will buy the device "IF" they think they "CAN" push it and get more out if it, making it into the device they really want. And most will buy some games along the way (see below)

Ouya should realize that if they make changes, or implement things that stop, break or hinder the Power Users - THEY WILL LOSE SALES! You can not try to force a power user to behave like a normal user, this is futile and non productive and here is why:

1. They will not stop trying, and in most cases represent more knowledge and time than the company devs have, they will find a way around it

2. If you hinder your device, than these users will simply buy a differnet device that

can

be manipulated and you

lose sales

on devices and without an Ouya , how can they buy apps and help advertisement/marketing by discussing them?

3. These Power Users will still probably try out the Ouya games too, and in most cases buy quite a few. Why not, if the prices are reasonable, then its simply faster and easier to spend $1 - $3, than to spend the time/hassle of sideloading it, etc. These Power users have spouses, kids, and friends that will see the device and lots of app/games sales can come from them, even if the Techy would rather sideload.

4. The Power Users will promote and advertise for you! - These are the guys who really use the devices...HARD, if you have a good product, they will brag about it, tell others, etc. These guys are considered reliably sources, people listen to what they say (good oir bad). I have personally discovered and purchased lots of new tech & devices, by first hearing about it on forums like this.

5. The Power Users can actually HELP you develop, improve and enhance your prioduct, they will find ways to fix bugs, work around limitations, etc. They can help you see capabilities that you may not know exist. Utilize their knowledge, time, creativity and ideas.

6. The hardcore guys that won't buy through the store, will not be convinced to buy, just because USB is broke or somehow sideloading is impossible. They will find away around it or use another device. Either way -

you don't gain revenue by stopping these methods!

- they were never going to buy anyway.

Example:

If I think a game is too expensive, say $10, when I feel its worth $1-3. I may try to sideload it, if I can't, I just go look for another game that is similar, but more reasonably priced. I don't breakdown, and say " Oh well, I will have to buy it" - and I am not alone on this. But if I do sideload it and enjoy it, I tell others about it, and they get excited and then they may go and buy it (maybe because they lack the skill or time to bother sideloading it). So if 3 or 4 people buy it because I told them about it, then you just made 4 sales from me indirectly = REVENUE. If I don't sideload it, my only disscussion on it would be - I saw this game but it way too expensive, so I looked and found this OTHER game which is similar and cheaper - try it! - Now, you lost 3-4 sales.

I personally bought the Ouya during kickstarter, because I saw the potential as a Media Server, I have it now, and I am working on that, BUT - I was surprised at how much time I have spent trying the games, and talking about them to friends. I didn't buy it with that intention, but Ouya gets my money and games sales anyway - because of the "other" uses, they made money! I personally, would never have bought it just to play games. But it is an enjoyable experience in addition to my media server.

I saw posts with people saying if you buy an Ouya and only use it for media or emulation, and dont buy apps, then Ouya wont be successful. Well guess what, if I buy a Roku instead, then Ouya wont be successful either! - this way there is a much better chance I will buy some games if I have the Ouya right it front of me! - if I buy a Roku, I would sing its praises, and Ouya loses that advertisement too. Think about it.

My point is you have 2 real markets here, and BOTH can make you a lot of money, and BOTH can help your device become a huge success. Don't waste time and energy trying to prevent one group from using it. Just work on improving your device and its capabilities, look at the complaints and suggestions, and improve what you can, and explain why you can't improve other things. You can't make everyone happy, but this group is much larger than you realize and ignoring/hindering them can dramatically affect your success or failure in this market.

I know that people will yell at my post and say that the company needs to make money to be successful, and sideloading, rooting, etc is in opposition to that goal. I simply don't agree, I have seen this same scenario play out in PC Games, consoles, Android etc. I believe my points are valid, and I have numerous real world, first hand examples to back it up. I really wish companies would embrace these users instead of fighting them (and losing). We can all benefit here. (Sorry for the long post, I need to work on my brevity :laugh:)