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Subject: Re: Terrible User Interfaces in Chess Programs

Author: Vincent Vega

Date: 18:24:08 02/11/00

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On February 11, 2000 at 20:41:59, Albert Silver wrote:

>That isn't very constructive criticism. It isn't that I disagree or not, but
>could you provide some clearer examples of what you mean?

Each interface has tons of problems.  DOS interfaces are beyond hope so I won't
even comment on them.  Look at Winboard which is one of the better ones for
example: horrible time controls - why can't I change the time during the game,
why can't I click on the clock and just enter new time, why can't I specify
different time for each side, why can't I take the move back and make another
move without additional commands, why can't I change engines in the middle of
the game, where is the opening name, why aren't impossible actions greyed out
(load next game, etc.), why are menus used for everything, why is show thinking
truncated, why can't I click on a move in analyze mode to make it, why can't
importing recognize and correct errors, what's with only right-clicking to edit
position, why is specifying whose move it is so bad, why can I drag a figure
that can't move, why no context-sensitive help, why can't I easily switch sides,
I could go on forever.

>The same way someone can justify even spending anytime writing a chess program
>that won't help their financial situation sufficiently nor justify the time
>spent (even if it _were_ in Windows).

But they can justify spending time to tweak opening books to get a measly couple
elo (I'm talking about commercial programmers here, amateurs shouldn't worry
about any of this)?  Hello?


>Big words from an anonymous account. I can't imagine anyone asking Tarantino for
>your address to help design the newest super GUI for their chess program. In
>other words it is difficult to take this seriously without any credentials. No
>offense intended.
>
>                                     Albert Silver

I don't feel like losing the contract to satisfy you.  Sorry.



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