Hello,

As you might know, the Cranky Product Manager is scheduled to speak at the Business of Software 2009 conference. In a crazy-ass wig and sunglasses. As if that really disguised anyone. Maybe the CPM should get one of those Scooby-Doo Villain masks….

Ack. Focus, CPM!

The topic: the Cranky Product Manager is gonna talk about the big dysfunctions that seem endemic to nearly all B2B software vendors:

1. Marketing lies – intentional and unintentional.

2. Ridiculously complicated licensing, option-itis, and near-malignant product proliferation.

3. Wrongly applying the 80/20 rule to product development (example: delivering a product that does only 20% of the main use case, yet expecting 80% of the product’s potential revenue)

The request for your help:

OK, the Cranky PM wouldn’t have known the above were nearly universal ills, if it were not for her readers sharing their woes that were eerily similar. But she still feels dissatisfied. Needs more woe-sharing.

So, as she prepares this little talk, the Cranky Product Manager could use a bit of help. From YOU. Just answer some questions. Share your stories. Email ‘em to crankypm@crankypm.com.

• Have any stories, anecdotes, or egregious examples that pertain to the above topics? (email crankypm@crankypm.com)
• How costly are these dysfunctions, in your experience? (email crankypm@crankypm.com)
• Do you agree or disagree that these are “universal problems” in the B2B software industry? (email crankypm@crankypm.com)
• Are these problem fixable? How? Did you fix them? (The Cranky PM always hears about the unfixable — hearing you FIXED something would be a welcome change). (email crankypm@crankypm.com)
• Any other ideas or thoughts on these topics?

Rest assured, that while your stories will be fodder for my session, I will definitely disguise any info you want and protect your confidentiality. Promise.

PLEASE HELP A SISTAH! Email the Cranky PM!