| | | Following is a copy/paste of one of my posts from the "New Feature Discussion" thread. Perhaps now that SI has decided the users were correct from the beginning, maybe they will consider un-banning those of us who provided *valid* input on SI's questionable enhancements. It would be good Karma to admit you were wrong, Dmitry. And, even better Karma to un-ban people who could have saved you tons of time and aggravation if you had just LISTENED to them.
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I'm a [retired] software developer by trade. I learned through many years of dealing with users that the KISS rule applies. Meaning, the default settings should be optimized for the majority of users.
The default user's view should be a combination of text and graphics that optimizes a casual user's experience. The vast majority of users will just leave settings alone, as they are by default. They don't want to spend the time to learn how to use additional bells and whistles.
Having to turn off annoyances is a good way to chase people away. Forcing casual users to look at ugly graphics is a turn-off. Profit-motivated companies can't afford to do that.
I understand how developers can get attached to "features" they were responsible for. I did it myself, many times. It's hard to rationalize that somebody else doesn't appreciate your efforts.
But, reality sux.
The best way to create optimum value for a user is to provide meaningful and powerful features that are perceived as welcome extensions to their normal daily activities. Let them know the features are there, and give them a way to access them ... if they want to spend the time to learn how to use them.
Again, I'm a developer, so it's likely I look at issues like this from a totally different perspective than other people. But, that perspective was developed over decades of dealing with people of varying skill levels accessing the same software product. It ain't easy, and there is ALWAYS room for improvement.
Step one in that process is to check your ego at the door and LISTEN to your users. Then, pretend you know absolutely nothing about the product, and begin using it like a first-time visitor. You can learn a lot by doing that.
Step two in that process is to BELIEVE that the user is always right.
Sure is a pretty day.
TED
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