Hey all, I've seen a few requests for help with some of the same suggestive language as was used by Mr. Barrie recently.
I wonder if we have a generalized communication problem, here. Many people are not previously aware of OpenOffice because of how they have been previously exposed-to/sheltered-from computer stuff. Many people have bumped into limitations of working with MSOffice files in multiple locations or on multiple platforms and lately they've been hearing buzz about the Google Docs offering and other online or 'cloud' document creation/editing/storing services. So, they come looking for an online service in order to do their writing and spreadsheet chores from anywhere at any time... and they find something that calls itself 'OpenOffice.org' That's a domain name. Really. It follows the pattern for domains (and web addresses) for non-profits and other organizations that aren't interested in being corporations (or narrowly associated with specific countries, etc., etc.) Yes, I know you know that, but I'm making a point. Why anybody ever thought it was smart to tack that ".org" onto the end of "OpenOffice" as part of the APPLICATION name, I'll never understand. Sure, that's a fine and descriptive moniker for a group... yes, an ORGanization ... that develops and tests and distributes an application. And for the website that represents that group or organization. No argument there. But c'mon. How silly is it to name your 'product' after your organization, _including_ the part of your organization title that SAYS it's an organization? It's just as sensible as if some company had named their product ClosedOffice.Inc. "Download and run ClosedOffice.inc" "Click here for the explanation of why we thought it would help understanding and widespread acceptance/adoption of our lovely product if we gave it an extension that everybody and his dog recognizes as meaning "incorporated", but we mean something counter-intuitive by it." "We are Humpty-Dumpty; confusing you is how we have fun - you should feel privileged." Anyway I do understand why people would be making this sort of mistake... we're asking for it. Expect more of it. It's not at all an unreasonable expectation. It also occurs to me to wonder how many people arrive at the website, see the name of the PROGRAM, and just move on, having decided "that can't be what I'm looking for - I'm looking for a program to go on my computer instead of Microsoft Office. Well, back to my Google search..." Too bad the site-stats can't reveal that. - Kevin The information contained in this electronic mail transmission may be privileged and confidential, and therefore, protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to this message and deleting it from your computer without copying or disclosing it. --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: [email protected] For additional commands, e-mail: [email protected]
