MetaCard's error dialogs:
Um, well, MetaCard error dialogue already lets the user choose to edit the
script. In other words, I think it's fine. Givin the user the choice is very
good. The error dialog also tells the user line and character. And if the user
still has an error when the script is saved the script (unlike HC) will refuse
to save till the error is corrected.
This is one example of what I think is the real 'problem' of the MC interface:
its sort of clunky because 1) the icons are primitive. Sorry they are. 2) The
font, to be UNIVERSAL, is helvetica, a sort of wimpy font which _is difficult
to read on a grey background even at 14 Point (which I think is too large even
for a 19" monitor - not that I work in a graphic arts school - oh, wait a
minute, I do). 3) The buttons are a little oversize because they display 14
point characters and they have to be cross platform compatible.
Other than that I think the MC interface is just fine. Ok, some more menus
would be nice, neater palettes, and again these are just cosmetic changes.
The _only serious default of the MC interface in terms of programming is that
the position of the script buttons is not uniform and thus difficult to find
for novice scripters. Fortunately command-alt double click opens any objects
script dialogue (a fact which should be but is not documented). Oh, and the
icon chooser displays 100+ icons and so is a little slow, even on modern
equipment (its glacial on mine but I've developped a work around).
So, in my opinion real change on the MC interface should focus on aesthetic
aspects.
Really, I have done quite a bit of scripting on the interface. It is not
exactly the same as HC but it is very similar. It takes about a week to make
the transition. And it is cross platform.
So, I do not plan to redo the script dialogue (execution error) because it
does already give the user the option to script (for serious errors) and does
even say which line and which character are the error.
This is _not because of a limit on my scripting abilities. I can script just
fine.
SO my real question is
What fonts are available cross platform?
Arial, helvetic, courier, AND?
I intend to obtain access to other platforms... some how.
Sorry for ranting, but while MC's icons are 'limited' the engine is superb. I
do not subscribe to the italian school of design (who cares whether it works
as long as it looks pretty). My design philosophy is more russian (da, uggly.
Works.)
Ok?
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