I'm not much of an expert on the iPhone, or on mobile GIS applications, but I felt compelled to respond to some of these comments.
Steve wrote: " it's the simple fact that open source software sucks dead dogs balls when it comes to the basic essentials like polish, presentation and documentation." There are open source software projects with great documentation, presentation, and polish. There are proprietary programs that lack documentation, have horrible presentation, and are in need of a good polish. Steve wrote: "For things that are used every day, something better is desirable." I'd argue that there are a lot of people that use open source software everyday. Some of it doesn't look half bad either. I know for a fact there are a lot more options to customize the appearance of my GNOME Desktop than there are on my MS Windows Desktop. Steve wrote: "It annoys me to see people claiming that anyone who likes Apple gear is a mindless fanboy who makes excuses left right and centre for their Numero Uno God, Steve "God" Jobs (God)." It really annoys me when people claim that all open source software is poorly polished, presented, and documented. I think it is best that we just avoid stereotyping altogether. We should treat others as you would like to be treated. Landon P.S. - I'm not saying that there aren't any crummy open source projects out there. The reality is there are probably more crummy open source projects than commercial projects, because people don't like to spend money on crappy software. Then again, people often do spend money foolishly, and often pay for crappy software. If quality, documentation, presentation, and polish were what really mattered, Microsoft wouldn't rule the world. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of stephen white Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2007 11:30 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Geowanking] Bad news for those who wanted to see location-basedapps on the iPhone... On 26/01/2007, at 5:15 AM, Beau Gunderson wrote: > "Apple CEO Steve Jobs stated emphatically that despite its OS X roots, > the Apple iPhone would be closed to third-party apps, remarking, "You The quote is not the full story. Steve Jobs has also made it clear that third-parties can develop for the iPhone, just that Apple will have a certification process to ensure that applications meet minimum standards. It isn't about making excuses for a $500 brick... it's the simple fact that open source software sucks dead dogs balls when it comes to the basic essentials like polish, presentation and documentation. In the woodshed, open source is great because you can grab that bit of wood, this bit of iron, and whap together something that works like a table even though it doesn't much look like one. For things that are used every day, something better is desirable. Apple provides the excessive and obsessive effort for minor things that don't achieve much purpose but has the polish and care to make boring jobs easier. I've used Linux since 0.011a, I've built entire systems with open source software, but I'm not a fanboy and I know where things have their weak points and strong points. It annoys me to see people claiming that anyone who likes Apple gear is a mindless fanboy who makes excuses left right and centre for their Numero Uno God, Steve "God" Jobs (God). It's really about the fact that process is followed, with change control, documentation, and clear design. The fact is that I wouldn't be able to do my work without the documentation that Apple provide and nobody in open source can be bothered doing. Ever tried finding information about PAM_LDAP? Ever tried to program Gtk widgets with vague notes from an autistic savant from several versions ago? Where's a good book that describes the current Linux kernel (not 10 years ago). There is a breaking point where ideals hit the fan, and "get it done" is more important. Open source doesn't do the job. -- [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________________ Geowanking mailing list [email protected] http://lists.burri.to/mailman/listinfo/geowanking Warning: Information provided via electronic media is not guaranteed against defects including translation and transmission errors. If the reader is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this information in error, please notify the sender immediately. _______________________________________________ Geowanking mailing list [email protected] http://lists.burri.to/mailman/listinfo/geowanking
