On Mon, 2011-01-24 at 09:01 -0500, Katheryne Draven wrote:
> On 1/23/11, David C. Rankin <drankinatty@...> wrote:
<snip>
> I think we need to focus first on the parent directories (Office or
> Desktop Publishing, Tools, Utilities, etc etc) then work on the
> subdirectories. I think the apps should help us determine what
> subdirectories are needed. I urge the use of proper computer
> terminology, avoiding the use of "MS Terms". We should mean to
> education as well, after all knowledge is freedom (among other good
> things).
> 
> With regard to "mytools", it smacks too much as a homage to MS, with
> its "My this" and "My that", but in the end its not my decision. Its
> clearly something Trinity as a whole must make. I do urge against the
> use of MS terminology. I understand the belief that if its familiar,
> it will make the use more comfortable. That, however, has not been my
> eXPerience :). Users who leave windows for Linux cringe when they see
> references to it. They're finally free of their master, why would they
> wish to build a shrine to it? The use of MS terms, also reinforces the
> belief that Linux is just a second rate Windos wannabe.
> 
> OH BLAST! Where did this soapbox come from??!!
> 
<snip>
<grin> I'd be a little careful of the soap box, though.  I have little
respect for Microsoft practices but, as someone on the front lines of
Windows -> Linux conversions, familiarity is critically important.
People have businesses to run and could care less about educating
themselves (rightfully).  They just want to be able to drive the car
without knowing how it works.  So, where something is functional (folder
vs. directory) we might be able to make the case (frankly, folder is
probably more familiar to those who consider a directory structure
analogous to a filing cabinet while directory makes much more sense to
IT types) but, where it's simply a name, we could call it lampshade for
all I care but keeping things familiar remove possible stumbling blocks
to adoption. Office politics can be mighty powerful and if the opponents
are all crying, "it's all different and we don't have time to learn it,"
they can turn the tide on a conversion effort.  I vote for familiarity
even if it makes me cringe.  Thanks - John