Suggestion: Bug reporting topics with clear rules

 

I would like to propose that Garmin create a mechanism, format or specific forums for reporting bugs - or at least some stated forum rules.

My experience here has been that when I try to report experiences that seem to be bugs, the threads are quickly taken over by people who believe they know everything about your products - or who just want to express their opinions.  My most recent experience included contributions such as "very few people care about this feature" and "I don't care about this feature".  

I would propose that bug reporting threads should have some moderation.  Contributions should offer "data" that is at least potentially helpful. Opinions and arguments should not be allowed - there are hundreds of other threads where people can offer those. 

Alternatively - and preferably - you could maintain an actual bug tracking and reporting system like many software companies do where people can log issues and see updates on the status.  I'm sure you have that internally but being more transparent would be a good thing.  However, I suspect that won't happen, so I am making this suggestion. 

I am a big Garmin supporter - I have had 4 wearables (Fenix, Forerunner), 2 Edge models, many bike sensors (cadence, speed, radar) and HR straps, three GPSMap devices, and back in the day, car navigation products.   But I am also frustrated with bugs - particularly on the Fenix line. I would like to be able to report these objectively without having to argue with others about my desire to see problems resolved.  Making this easier to do would improve my opinion of Garmin. 

Thank you

  • Those 'rules' are here: https://forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/fenix-7-series/292311/fenix-7-series---software-version-8-16---public-beta

    You could follow this one:  

    • Please email the Garmin Outdoor Quality Team if you find issues in software after installing this update: [email protected]
  • I fully support this suggestion. Some bugs are old and there is no clear (or any) feedback from Garmin whether they will be resolved, are considered resolved or are dirsegarded and will not be worked on. This leads to confusion and people posting several topics with same issues, and some bugs are reported as resolved even though they are not. 

    I proposed even more simple thing (to make sticky post on information how to report bugs) on same topic couple months ago and Garmin staff simply directed me to outdoor support saying that they can not pick up on all bugs reported on forum. 

    What Dave suggested is not a solution since Garmin staff said they do not read all of forum posts and bugs reported stay in that particular topic which would be deleted when new sw version appears. 

    The only thing that remains to be seen is whether Garmin wants all bugs systematically collected and reported with their status.

  • Thank you - well said and I agree.  

    No one expects any technology to be free of bugs.  Being transparent and acknowledging what has been reported improves customer's perception of a company.  As I've noted in other threads, I have been using Garmin technology for decades and I'm very invested in the ecosystem.  Without question, when I hesitate to purchase a Garmin product, this is the issue that gives me pause - the way bugs are handled.