Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!usc!wuarchive!udel!burdvax!dave
From: dave@PRC.Unisys.COM (David Lee Matuszek)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.misc
Subject: Power users <Was: Re: What can't it do? <Was Re: Rumor -> Loss of...
Message-ID: <14381@burdvax.PRC.Unisys.COM>
Date: 12 Jul 90 01:34:03 GMT
References: <28778.269229da@vaxb.acs.unt.edu> <1990Jul8.220052.24143@spectrum.CMC.COM> <2977@tellab5.tellabs.com> <1990Jul11.203141.820@ipsa.reuter.com>
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> I find the best definition for a power user to be someone who uses a device
> plugged into an AC socket. ;)

But more seriously, my notion of "power user" is someone who prefers
learning keyboard shortcuts over menu selection.  This sounds like it
ought to be simplistic, but I don't think it is.

I am quite sure that a "power user" does NOT mean one who can patch
binary code, twiddle bits, and otherwise make up for the lack of
adequate tools.  Hell, I've done that since 1963; I just don't like
it.  So I think the term "power user" refers to an attitude, or
approach, not to capability.

The term is loaded, I think, and suggests that people (like myself) who
prefer the mouse are less proficient.  While some programs with poor
interfaces practically require the user to master a keyboard-based
command language (let's not mention MS W*rd by name), this is not
generally the case in the Mac world.

There's an interesting parallel with the use of the term "power tool"
in the lay world.  A "power tool" does most of the work, and only
needs to be guided.  Similarly, a "power user" does most of the work,
and only needs a minimal interface.  Me, I'd rather that the tools
provided the power.


-- Dave Matuszek (dave@prc.unisys.com)
-- Unisys Corp. / Paoli Research Center / PO Box 517 / Paoli PA  19301
-- Any resemblance between my opinions and those of my employer is improbable.
< You can put a mouse on an IBM.  And you can put a radio on a motorcycle. >