Re: An anonymous IRC user's opinion

[Dr. Arne Babenhauserheide]

"Abraham S.A.H." <arash.sah@tuta.io> writes:

> Isn't Emacs usable without any pre-configuration, out of the box?

It is a good editor without any pre-configuration (it even ships
org-mode). But to be a good Web-IDE, C++ or Scheme programming
environment, Server automation plattform, and so forth, it requires
configuration.

Which might be a reason why it is discovered by writers, and why
Spacemacs and Doom capture new people.

> Another problem is that most of those newcomers start doing that
> without reading Emacs' manual.  Now, that one has to be clearly
> discouraged.  Doesn't matter how intuitive an interface is designed,
> it's always good to come with a manual, and Emacs comes with a very
> good one.  And it's always advised to use a tool after or alongside
> reading its documentation.

No. Any software that says that you have to read the manual first is
doomed to fail for most people.

One of the best features of nano is that the important keybindings are
shown directly on the screen. No documentation needed.

We obviously can’t have *no* explanation, but if people have to read
more than an 80x30 screen of explanations, it’s too much.

> 
>
> ** The audience of Doom:
>
> I think, Doom and Spacemacs were and are (at least, partially)
> successful in attracting:
>
> 1. Previous vi, vim, or neovim users;
> 2. Anyone who likes VI and VIM key bindings.

You miss people who want their editor to look cool. There are a lot of
visiual attractions built right into doom and Spacemacs from the start.

> 
>
> ** A wizard to do the magic work:
>
> What about an initial interactive wizard buffer?  Many complicated
> software actually come with that.  Prompting user to choose some
> important options and to declare his/her use case and to notify him
> about some important tips.

Once we have a wizard, it becomes even more likely that people will stop
before even starting.

> An initial interactive wizard will force a beginner to pay attention
> to notes, tips, suggestions, and warning along helping him/her to
> interactively configure and prepare his/her Emacs for its first use.

I don’t like the "force" here.

Best wishes,
Arne
--
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heißt politisch sein,
ohne es zu merken.
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