We consciously call those who use our services "collaborators", we're on equal-footing, to the point of not trying to say "service" (when it is). This week we j

We consciously call those who use our services "collaborators", we're on equal-footing, to the point of not trying to say "service" (when it is). This week we just met with a potential group of users of our open-source software, that we also offer free as a service. In the area they are exploring it has some shortcomings, and is the newest of the bunch in terms of features, overall use in that manner, etc. When we asked, "Why aren't you using X, or Y (you should consider them, they are good too!)?", and "What features are compelling you to use 'us'?", the answer came back "we like you, people, you talked to us, we know others who use your tools, and we like them too". Features, lack there-of, etc. just were not the clincher, even when we said repeatedly said "but we can't do that!". The important bit was they perceived they were joining a community of like-minded folk, who they liked. Not surprising, it's our mission to promote this very idea, but it was also the first time we heard it stated so bluntly.