[REBOL] Re: CitrusWeb sample - so you want to edit?
From: ed:brittlestar at: 21-Mar-2004 17:46
Max wrote:
> But if I have to say on the site, that they have to INSTALL an exe... I
don't
> think it will be much better... at least, now I can package a file-less
version
> which can demo the application... If they are still interested, then they
can
> install the full application.
I agre that users are not keen to install .exe's from websites they don't
trust. The only comment I'd add here is that people have very different
expectations from the web versus a desktop application:
- The web experience is mainly centered around browsing/scanning web
content. It's a general mandate that they will not need to download or
install anything. If as a developer you break that taboo, the value should
be obvious to users and the reasons stated clearly on the site. If you
don't make your intentions very clear, users will feel that you're imposing
some kind of spyware/malware.
- Gratuitous use of reblets on websites will probably create more backlash
against REBOL than useful promotion. In general, if a website feature can be
provided in HTML/DHTML, you should implement it that way. If you're tempted
to implement something like a site menu via the plug-in, you should provide
an alternative in HTML for those who reject the plug-in. Otherwise you're
forcing users to submit to your wishes rather than the reverse.
When your package an .exe for users to download and run on their desktop
(not via the plug-in), users are generally prepared for that shift. They
understand that running the local application will be different-- more
interactive, less familiar. The downside is that with desktop apps, users
expect a greater level of support from the author-- usually a help file,
documentation, a mailing list/online forum, etc.
This has been my experience on Win/Mac platforms.
> yep. but we are moving the other way... we never depended on
> [browser deployment]...
I think the lessons of Flash & Java should still be considered. Users will
probably know little about the background of REBOL, so the plug-in may be
their first encounter. I'd follow the same warnings/considerations that are
generally accepted for applets/Flash.
Gotta run.
Thanks,
Ed
