Suggestions for a better Backblaze

I’ve been using Backblaze for online backup for a few months, and I’ve thought of a few ways their service and software could be much improved.  This is (part of) an email which I sent them today which outlines several of my suggestions.  I’m posting it here for others to review and discuss.

• I’d like to be able to back up files greater than 4GB.  This would be especially useful for people (like me) who work with large video files and would like to back them up somehow.  I’d also be interested in knowing the reason for this restriction.
• I’d like to be able to back up all types of files on my computer.  For example, if I master an ISO file of a DVD, I can’t back it up even if it’s under the 4GB limit.  Again, I’d also like to know why I can’t do this.
• The interface of your software could be improved.  A few points in particular are listed below:
  • The “How long will my first backup take?” link should change to “How long will this backup take?” after the first backup has completed.  (Mine completed a long time ago, yet I still see this text.)  Additionally, the Web page which the link points to seems to think I’m still on my free trial.  (I’m not.)
  • In fact, why can’t you display an estimated time right in the application?  That would be best.
  • The “What is being backed up?” link should have an option where I can view lists of files which are being backed up, or more importantly, exactly which files aren’t being backed up.  Right now, the link is essentially pointless.  Telling me my files over 4GB aren’t backed up is useless.  Give me a list of files which I need to backup manually!  (My ISOs, files over 4GB, and anything else excluded from backup.)
  • Hidden options like Alt-clicking “Pause Backup” are too well-hidden.  There should also be buttons for these functions somewhere, perhaps in an “Advanced” tab under Settings.
  • Links in the interface should give some indication (like a little hand mouse pointer) that they’re clickable.  Just as you can’t expect your users to Alt-click on everything to see what it does, you can’t expect them to guess at what is and is not clickable.

I think these changes would make Backblaze’s service much better and much nicer to use.  I hope they implement at least some of these in the future.