[scribus] Views of users

[joseph harris]

From: "John Beardmore"
..........
>
> Are levels of knowledge really that low ?
>
>
> Cheers, J/.


From: "Lars O. Grobe"
..........
 I think there are simply different concepts of
> using (and getting) software. Those who want to "buy" a license 
> with some phone hotline support for a specific time, in a 
> specific budget, can live happily with different commercial 
> solutions.
........
> So guys, just choose what you want. If you want to buy software 
> in a colorful box, do so, and try to send the comments and 
> complaints you post here easily to a commercial vendor - good 
> luck on the phone hotline. If you want to use (and that means 
> learn and combine) open source, feel free to ask, report bugs, 
> give ideas.
>
> CU Lars.

John and Lars,

The factors are both easier to see and rather more complex than 
you suggest. Time for learning is often a major factor for users. 
It is one thing to be involved with major projects and/or regular 
use, quite another to need a relatively easy to use solution 
monthly or maybe less.

Some of us recognise the great advantages of scribus for control 
and fitting the program to the need, but the learning curves are 
steep and long - even if you come from familiarity with other DTP 
solutions and have looked at Linux with a nervous eye. And I 
include a soupçon of coding and scripting as I am sure do many 
with a similar wish to move one way while on a road going 
another.

In that sense John I think it is literally correct to say that 
levels of knowledge are that low, but only in the specified 
sphere of not choosing or seeking a specified solution.

Scribus appears to be a remarkable program for sorting out the 
precise needs of a particular publication or document, but how 
many truly need that level of sophistication? And it is more 
related to that Lars, rather than pretty packaging, which sends 
the 'society newsletter editor' to Word or Serif or OO. Not to 
mention the author whose tome has engaged her or him for 18 
months and simply wants a way to have a final script in a form 
that prints intelligently, even if many self-publish that.

I would say that, while the appearance of scribus is moving the 
right way it looks more intimidating than many other DPT 
programs, and as discussed daily on this list still contains all 
sorts of problems. There is too the incredibly important issue of 
finding tutorial, instruction or answers online, let alone in 
manual form.

If the aim is to produce an incredibly sophisticated and 
adaptable DTP and print preparation program you have undoubtedly 
been highly successful, and its continued advance is impressive. 
But if you are asking why more people don't use it - especially 
as it is free - then you need to understand why M$, Adobe, Serif 
and a host of others are so successful in the 'expensive pretty 
packet' market place.

And the answer is they make people think their products are easy 
to use [sometimes they even are!].

Joseph Harris