Path: utzoo!mnetor!uunet!seismo!sundc!pitstop!sun!decwrl!ucbvax!ICS.UCI.EDU!deford%linus%mitre-bedford.arpa
From: deford%linus%mitre-bedford.arpa@ICS.UCI.EDU
Newsgroups: comp.mail.mh
Subject: Re: MH drawbacks for computer-unexperienced users
Message-ID: <8804261214.AA00800@zippy.sun.uucp>
Date: 26 Apr 88 12:14:45 GMT
References: <8804252202.AA20406@nada.kth.se>
Sender: usenet@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU
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It seems to me that when you say "not computer-experienced" then why would
they expect to end up in a mail "shell"?  If it is true that they are just
beginning, I would believe that is a good time to teach someone MH.  I can
see the problem with people that are "computer experienced" as in have used 
a previous mailer that was a "shell".  But then they should have only a small
problem learning MH since they are used to mailers in general.  But I can see
your point.  

As far as slocal related things, the .forward file and a default .maildelivery
file could always be put in a new person's account.  Then use the program
rcvtty to notify them when new mail arrives (sort of like biff).  This would
at least eliminate the person having to figure all of that out by themselves.

I don't mean to sound condescending, I guess I never found other mailers any
more friendly then MH.  True, the basic commands of reply, compose, and show
where pretty straight forward - but then again, so are MH's.  The real problem
is just getting someone to try MH - since most people just do not want
to have to learn something new.  

-------
	Kevin

(  Eat, Drink, and be Merry - for tommorrow you may be in Utah )