Toolkit

Story: My response to Richard Stallman

Posted by: Esther Payne (Monday 12 January 2004, 11:38 AM)

I agree with John.

Most users are not that interested in seeing the source code, I can see both points of view.

When I was at uni doing my computer science degree, getting stuff to finish my programming project, like an ocr mechanism and a web browser for java, I used open sourced code. It was handy I could see the code and integrate it (referenced to the developers). This was good because I was learning and researching a solution to a problem I encountered in my work placement.

However in terms of my current job where I deal with users in frontline support in a small company where I have to do everything IT related, properiety software is handy, there is a loss of freedom, but this is dictacted by what the users find easiest for them to use and do their jobs. Sometimes I'll find something better, I have to consider alot of factors though, not just things like does the software do the job that the user needs it for?
I have to consider its usability (will I end up going to that user every half hour as they cannot understand how to use it?) I also consider how available is the technical support (can I access simple soloutions on the web, what are their support hours, is it uk based, or is it regional or purely US)

I would say that it is up to the users and people who are in close contact to the users to decide. Some users dont care and dont know about these issues, some dont want to know. I cant help feeling that some of the attitudes spouted by some open source advocates (not Stallman though) are a bit patronising and feel they know what is best for every user. But then again so do propriety software companies. Getting user requirements is always a bind.

Rather than arguing about what is right or wrong, dont we need to talk to the users face to face and see what they do rather than just assume that we know better?