The way most software companies handle bugs is a giant meat grinder that churns out cynical and bitter users.
I propose a higher set of expectations for software.
The Bug-Amendment to the (the quite frankly non-existant) Software User’s Bill of Rights
1) Users will have an easy way to submit bug reports about their software.
2) These bug-reports will be read by people who have the ability to fix bugs.
3) Bugs will be listed publicly and be easy to find.
4) Users will be able to contribute details to existing bugs (vote, screenshots, notes, stackdumps)
5) Developers will inform users of their bug statuses (backlogged, work in progress, fixed)
This is how you deal with bugs. 360 degree support. Socially. Responsibly. Honestly.
The end result is that users will get closure and credit when their bug is publicly closed. And developers will have higher quality relationships with their users, better bug-reports, insight into how to prioritize their feature roadmaps.
Win win.
Many big corporations don’t want a public list of bugs because it makes their software look buggy. What would you do to convince an idiot CEO that you’re right?
If an app is buggy, everyone already knows. So the best you can do is embrace it and own the bugs.
By moving the conversation from random forums to your own bug-tracker, you can guide the conversation into an actual software update full of bug-fixes. Win Win!