Re: [Usability] Re: on gconf-edit

[Reinout van Schouwen <reinout cs vu nl>]

On Mon, 18 Oct 2004, Maciej Katafiasz wrote:

> > a) How can "simple" ever go too far, and why do you claim Epiphany is
> > "dumbed down"?
>
> Because there's point when there are two HIG recommendations broken:
> 1) Keep user in (direct) control
> 2) Keep user informed

*snip*

Your arguments, while interesting, are based around the assertion that 
"simple" apps are voodoo-izing things and making the transition from 
"newb" to "proficient user" difficult.

You name one example for Epiphany, namely the implicit Downloads folder. 
Exactly how does it take control away from the user and keep him 
uninformed?

> Yes. Particularly I miss scroll-on-middle-button, it's totally

It's the same thing as with window managers, every advanced user has his 
own pet feature that he thinks should be supported. The thing is, at 
some point you have to choose reasonable defaults and go with them. 
You're still free to write extensions, or use another browser if you 
prefer.

> extension is not good, since it overtakes middle button, while I want it
> to be right one, and doesn't allow me to configure that. There are also

=> bugzilla.gnome.org

> other things that come up in actual use (does Epi support smart
> bookmarks and magic URL expansion, as in "gg foo" -> "search foo in
> google"?), but these two spring to mind immediately

Smart bookmarks yes, keywords no-- but the need for keywords is 
diminished in Ephy since all smart bookmarks are shown below the URL 
completion dropdown.

regards,

--
Reinout van Schouwen			student of Artifical Intelligence
email: reinout cs vu nl			mobile phone: +31-6-44360778