A quick update to my previous post. My opinion was given as that of a consumer with no window into the Microsoft/Zune world.

Here's the timeline of events (from the outside looking in):

• 11.13.2007 - Zune released version 2
• 11.19.2007 - This thread started in the Zune forums
• 11.26.2007 - I posted the work-around that was hinted at in the forum thread and worked for me. This was scooped by Zune-Online and Engadget.
• 12.14.2007 - Zune Insider acknowledges the issue.
• 12.18.2007 - Zune releases a fix.

Zune users [vocal ones I might add] waited 4-1/2 weeks to receive official confirmation that there was a known bug and the Zune team was actively working on it. The update/fix was released a mere 4 days later. As an internet-savvy consumer that experienced this problem I was really irritated with the lack of public accountability during those first 4-1/2 weeks, as were many others.

Now for the flip side....

I consider myself pretty damn lucky that I work inside Microsoft and sometimes have access to information/processes that others don't. That was the case this time. I know for a fact that the Zune team was working their asses off on a fix for us [the consumers] while we were bitching and moaning. And they did it. Found the problem, debug, fix, test and released...all since November 13th. Look at the timeline above, that's 22 work days! That's a great accomplishment and kudos to the team for doing so!

It's obvious the team is passionate and talented. Now they just need to work on their transparency and public relations.

~tod