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Subject: Re: Terrible User Interfaces in Chess Programs

Author: John Merlino

Date: 18:33:00 02/11/00

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On February 11, 2000 at 21:24:08, Vincent Vega wrote:

>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.

I don't suppose you've seen Chessmaster (6000 and 7000 have somewhat different
interfaces -- and some say 6000 is best and some say 7000 is best). Much of what
you want is available, although I have a feeling that nothing would satisfy you
unless you wrote it yourself (which isn't necessarily a negative way to be....)

jm




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