[This message will probably not thread properly, gmail is doing something strange so that message dont quote properly (>>>> in Pine) and I worked around it by forwarding myself a copy of the message.]
On Sun, 1 Oct 2006, Alan Horkan wrote: > > If the submitter could be more specific about which exacty screensave > > he wants to configure we might be able to sugges an alternative > > approach. (The image slideshow screensaver might be an example of a > > screensaver which really doesn't need to be configured.) > > I had no specific screensaver in mind. This makes it very difficult for the developers do help you. > If you haven't already, install X-Screensaver and take a look at the > screensavers there. I am already familiar with Xscreensaver, it exposes a lot of complexity to the user and that means a lot more work for systems adminstrators and techincal support if things get messed up. It is not unreasonable for Gnome to take a different approach from Xscreensaver and the developer explained his plans fairly well in the FAQ. It is a shame it is difficult for you to remove gnome screensaver and go back to using Xscreensaver and hopefully that is something which can be improved. > number of blobs/stars/shapes/spkies/cows/ants/spaceships.....). This > is not unlike screensavers in KDE as well as Microsoft Windows and > Apple Mac OS. It's been "standard" for ages. A developer is trying something different and he has the support of the Gnome team. It may not be what you are used to and have some rough edges but the other approach is not without its downsides. > I found an interim (or possibly permanent) workaround though. > > Details at http://www.kde.org. You are welcome to try a different system and KDE may be more to your tastes but your attitude and comments are not going to encourage developers to see things your way and isn't that what you really want. The old saying goes: You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. > As time goes by it seems more and more as if Linus really *did* know > what he was talking about.. Linus is a kernel developer. Linus is not a KDE developer or a Gnome developer. If Linus has ever worked in technical support or worked as a systems adminstrator it was a long time ago. Different tools are more useful to different audiences. > "This 'users are idiots, and are confused by functionality' mentality of > Gnome is a disease. This is an unfortunately over simplification of what Gnome is trying to achieve. It is especially unfortunate that Linus made those comments right in the middle of a discussion where KDE and Gnome developers were trying very hard to work together to improve printing support and come up with a reasonable consistent user interface, parts of which both groups could share. > If you think your users are idiots, only idiots will use it. A medical professional such as a doctor is hardly an idiot however he may have other priorities than a developer and be too busy to learn more about his computer system. > I don't use Gnome, because in striving to be simple, it has long since > reached the point where it simply doesn't do what I need it to do. This is a perfectly reasonable statement, he is saying Gnome is not for him and that is fair enough. Gnome cannot be "all things to all men" (or women). > Please, just tell people to use KDE." KDE has put in big efforts to figure out who their users are and it would be better to say "tell early adopters and computer enthusiasts to use KDE" as they are the people most like to like it. There is a little rivalry between the project but things are getting friendlier and both projects have bigger fish to fry. KDE is an interesting project and I have made some great friends with the KDE developers your comments are inappropriate. This list is for discussing usability. Please tone down your inflammatory remarks, I do not want to have to ask anyone to leave. Thanks for your feedback. Sincerely Alan Horkan [Usability list moderator.] "It is all free softare to me." _______________________________________________ Usability mailing list [email protected] http://mail.gnome.org/mailman/listinfo/usability
