[Digikam-users] Digikam-users Digest, Vol 56, Issue 10 Giles reply to frustrated NEW user

[Duffields]

On Tue January 5 2010 09:15:17 am digikam-users-request at kde.org wrote:
> > I really do NOT want to hear why I had this experience. I'm not
> > interested. I don't care. I don't have time. I want to hear that it's
> > going to be fixed, that in the future I'm going to get a complete
> > program when I install digikam. A user interface that isn't rather easy
> > to get into or get figured out is a failure. Period. I'm far from
> > computer illiterate and I simply fell into a deep hole with my initial
> > installation of digikam.
>
> These words are unacceptable for me. i take A LOTS OF FREE TIME to
> develop, coordinate, contact people, fix bugs, implement new feature.
> An this is the same for all other people who work in digiKam project.
> This is open source world, not a software company.
>
> We are not payed for that. You want more service, you don't like my
> words : no problem, go back to windows or mac an give money as a
> customer...


Giles you are understandibly frustrated as is those who write the scathing 
criticisms.

You are both right and that makes the wide acceptance of Linux difficult.

The party who complained is used to having things work right "out of the box"
He or she does not understand that the world of Linux is largely a volunteer 
organization where people work on developement, not for money, but because 
they love their work! and want to share it.  They depend on others who share 
their love but who have skills in other areas, such as document developement, 
packageing etc.  Not everyone works at the same speed or level of dedication.

I understand where Linux developers are coming from, but even I sometimes get 
very frustrated when I must accomplish some little used task and cannot find 
the "secret".     Sometimes, even with my understanding, I express some 
frustration.  

Those to whom the world of Linux is totally new, expect to have a "Windows" 
experience because, although "Windows" has problems, most common tasks are 
well documented and written to be largely instinctive to the majority of 
people because those people get PAID to do it.

I am sure you know this, but please do not take that criticism personally.  It 
is only "frustration" speaking.   Those of us who have used digikam for a few 
years know how  hard you and the other developers have worked to develope 
this excellent application.  We have great respect for your dedication and it 
appears that digiKam has the potential to soon be the BEST application of its 
type on any platform.

I want to contribute financially (again) but I am waiting until I can, once 
again,  edit photos on my Network Access Storage device.   Yes, I am aware 
that you think the problem is solved but using Ubuntu 9.10, I still cannot 
save edited images on a DNS-323, despite trying every fix offered by the 
forums and pleading with D-Link the manufacturers of the device.  The problem 
may exist with Ubuntu packagers, or with Samba developers or perhaps with 
digiKam but the result is that I am unable to save editing work and it is 
extremely frustrating.   Call me "petty" but I will not pay for something 
that I cannot use.  That is how I deal with my frustration.

And I close by again saying "Thank you Giles and the team for a wonderful 
application"   and when everyone in the Linux community solves their part of 
the "Saving image edits to the NAS" I will contribute in the only way I 
can.... cash.

Sorry to go on so long.
Mac