"A lot of bandwidth has been wasted arguing over the lack of usability in open-source software/free software.
Some people say that bad usability is endemic to the entire OSS world, while others say that OSS usability is great but that the real problem is the closed-minded users who expect every program to clone Microsoft.
Some people contend that UI problems are temporary growing pains, while others say that the OSS development model systematically produces bad UI.
In an effort to understand usability in the OSS world, I've researched the stories behind my favorite - and least favorite - OSS programs.
I've found a fascinating variety of personalities, design philosophies, and project organizations. Although I've only scratched the surface, there are already themes that come up again and again.".
