Hi Cheryl
you wrote:
>Let's make sure we understand this term correctly.
Okeydoke.
Here is the definition
>provided at www.whatis.com:
>
>
>In information technology, the term end user is used to distinguish the
>person for whom a hardware or software product is designed from the
>developers, installers, and servicers of the product. The "end" part of the
>term probably derives from the fact that most information technologies
>involve a chain of interconnected product components at the end of which is
>the "user." Frequently, complex products require the involvement of
>other-than-end users such as installers, administrators, and system
>operators. The term end user thus distinguishes the user for which the
>product is designed from other users who are making the product possible for
>the end user. The term is used mostly with mainframe computer products and
>seldom with personal consumer products. Often, the term user would suffice.
>
>So, yes, to REBOL Technologies I can be considered an end user. REBOL Tech
>are the developers and they have designed the software for both you and me,
>so we are the end users. N'est pas?
There are two aspects on which you and I disagree.
1. We are talking about the rebol.org Web site. This Web site is defined as
a user-supported, non-official Web site. It's a Web site maintained by some
individuals, whose purpose it is to let the REBOL scripting community put
stuff online (scripts, mailing list). The point is that REBOL Technologies
is not the official maintainer of the site. Scripts and opinions published
on that site are not REBOL Tech's opinions or scripts. The maintainer of
the site, the Web pages and scripts displayed on the site and used to
maintain the site are not REBOL Technology's scripts, Web pages and so on.
Some people from REBOL Tech's staff have posted scripts on the site and may
be involved in other ways with the site. They make their contributions as
private individuals.
Therefore your conclusion
>So, yes, to REBOL Technologies I can be considered an end user.
even if it were correct that in relation to REBOL Technologies you are an
"end" user (which I dispute below), would be no argument in the context we
are discussing. You were not criticizing REBOL Tech's Web site (with the
only exception of the missing link on the support page. And I'm not arguing
that.) The main thrust of your complaints was directed at the rebol.org
site. And that site depends on our contributions as the REBOL scripting
community.
2. But are we to be qualified as (!)end(!) users in relartion to "REBOL
Technologies"? The definition you quote says:
>The "end" part of the
>term probably derives from the fact that most information technologies
>involve a chain of interconnected product components at the end of which is
>the "user." Frequently, complex products require the involvement of
>other-than-end users such as installers, administrators, and system
>operators. The term end user thus distinguishes the user for which the
>product is designed from other users who are making the product possible for
>the end user.
By this definition, and the way I have seen it used otherwise, IMHO
programmers or scripters do not qualify as "end users". We are part of the
chain of other-than-end users mentioned in the definition. If I implement a
CGI script, or a dbms in REBOL and sell it to someone, or people visit my
Web site, they are the "end" users.
Now that we have the terminology out of the way, why not turn your
criticism constructive? Certainly, the .org Web site could like much nicer.
The services it provides could be much cooler. Why not follow up on Bobr's
suggestion and commit some time, since you understand the need to improve
the site?
Perhaps you cannot offer to volunteer your time. I know I can't at this
point in time. Why not submit your proposals as a Web page to the email
address provided on the .org Web site and suggest that they put up and have
people volunteer to implement or improve one or the other services?
;- Elan >> [: - )]
