These arguments both from SuperKendall and those made prior to this in this thread are all very analytical, rational and pretty much on target.
There is just one problem however, the audience / market is seldom rational (Beta vs. VHS anyone ?). Appearance is at least 50 % of the problem. Has anyone seen the new M$ office commercials on TV lately. They say that M$ office is sooo easy to use. It practically does everything itself. Just one click and it has accomplished what you wanted...
I was recently showing a colleague how to use the automatic data filtering in excel. I had to tell her that this is how it works in this version of excel and it works differently in different versions. SO believe me, I know where you are all coming from. I have used M$ office for many years and think that any arguments involving ease-of-use or no-need-for-training with M$ office are completely ludicrous.
However, that is not the perception of 90-plus percent of the audience out there. And M$ has plenty of money to foster that perception.
So what is the answer, unfortunately, I don't know. I can't see how anyone can compete with M$'s pots full of cash. I am just as idealistic as the next guy but this is the reality (IMHO).
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Did the Ford Explorer tip over. Supposedly 30 - 40 percent of them will. ;-)
These arguments both from SuperKendall and those made prior to this in this thread are all very analytical, rational and pretty much on target. There is just one problem however, the audience / market is seldom rational (Beta vs. VHS anyone ?). Appearance is at least 50 % of the problem. Has anyone seen the new M$ office commercials on TV lately. They say that M$ office is sooo easy to use. It practically does everything itself. Just one click and it has accomplished what you wanted ...
I was recently showing a colleague how to use the automatic data filtering in excel. I had to tell her that this is how it works in this version of excel and it works differently in different versions. SO believe me, I know where you are all coming from. I have used M$ office for many years and think that any arguments involving ease-of-use or no-need-for-training with M$ office are completely ludicrous.
However, that is not the perception of 90-plus percent of the audience out there. And M$ has plenty of money to foster that perception.
So what is the answer, unfortunately, I don't know. I can't see how anyone can compete with M$'s pots full of cash. I am just as idealistic as the next guy but this is the reality (IMHO).