[Discuss] Why Open Source Software Isn't Leading Software Usability

[Lloyd Budd]

On Sat, May 17, 2008 at 8:57 AM, Patrick
<NixNoob-sneaking at sneakemail.com> wrote:
Subject was: [Discuss] Photo Organization Review -- slides from my
presentation last evening
>> f-spot is otherwise brilliant software, but this bug is one of a class
>> I call "the open source surprise", where developer priorities, often
>> personally motivated, misplace serious usability issues.
>
> Seems that would happen more often with closed-source software,
> wouldn't it?
>
> I can remember several otherwise good applications for the Mac,
> with a few serious but totally neglected bugs.  Bug reports from
> a large proportion of users went unanswered, because the features
> they interfered with weren't important to the author[s].
>
> Anyone can patch a free program, but those patches still might
> not be adopted by its main developers.  Still, if not, you can
> always fork off [please excuse my language].  Not so with closed
> software.
>
> Anyway, I'm just guessing about how these things are *supposed* to
> work, not necessarily how they do; from theory, not practise.

You would think this, but unfortunately this isn't my experience,
specifically as I apply my QA expertise in consumer software.

Open source code is only a benefit if there are people with skills and
more importantly the time and interest to build on it.

Linux is incredible in its flexibility and providing complex
solutions, but disappointing in utility to achieve everyday challenges
for most people.

I think personal motivation and disposition play large part in it, and
there isn't enough commercial focused open source development -- as
horrible as that may sounds. Many open source participants enjoy a
technical challenge and are motivated to solving problems themselves.
Unfortunately we are often challenged by aesthetic problems,  to
collaborate in diverse groups, and appreciate the norms and the
contributions that come from other approaches. To be commercially
successful in the consumer space you generally have to focus on
satisfying as many people as possible.

Commercial viability allows time and interest of participants that
don't have the inherent motivations that we do -- and even for us, I
do a lot better work when I'm not concerned about a different day job
or paying the rent. We just have to continue to be creative in being
commercial without selling ourselves out, so that we can entice more
diverse participation.

Cheers,
Lloyd