CompuServe Messages

Larry, I would disagree with you on not wanting to have a "standard" interface on the Amiga. A computer user can only benefit from such a standard. The poor guy will not have to learn a new set of keys/buttons or whatever, each time he tries a new program. The easier and the more *consistent* the interface is, the more useful is the machine. As far as limiting creativity of the developers, I disagree here as well. For example, the musical scale has only 12 notes in an octave – sort of a standard – but you don't hear musicians complaining about stifled creativity (well, maybe some avant-garde guys 😉 ). A standard is only a "suggestion" anyway, so it can be bypassed if there is a really good reason. I think the Amiga developers waste more time re-inventing the user interface (i.e. look how many file requesters are there), instead of being really creative and coming up with some application that will blow everyone's boots off. Although I agree that technically the Amiga is a better machine than the MAC, the MAC's user interface has been more thought out. Having the same interface for most programs (I use the MAC at work BTW) makes the machine very usable. Poor interfaces result in legions of people who suffer and lear the product and then refuse to switch – think about all those WORDSTAR or LOTUS-123 user.