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KISS

Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2012 2:37 pm
by Edgeways
I think this is a topic that has been aired before but I raise it again in the light of the new version 2.0 which is soon to be available.

As a registered user I have been happy to support the developer by paying for what I use. CN is a very satisfactory tool for keeping small amounts of text information but I am fearful that it will start to stray from that focus to a more fully formed database type of program (I already use one called mybase).

What I am thinking is that the elegant simplicity of CN should not be lost with the introduction of very useful but more complex features that are being proposed by voters on the Roadmap.

Do people know the saying? - a Camel is a Horse designed by a committee!

Perhaps there should be TWO versions - the FIRST -an absolutely bombproof text only version (even without formatting) that is very well intregrated with Simplenote/Dropbox etc for textual information and links, many of which are needed everyday, or to form a depository for texts etc. Some people use it as a GTD system and I use it, among other things as a program launcher and journal. Discussion has taken place about its use as a log with date and time stamps. Others wish to use it as a commonplace book. The development that I would be happy to pay for might include password protection and encryption, and to ensure absolute data protection for ever with no redundancy, multiple forms of import and export.

Version TWO would be more "singing and dancing" - it will then compete with lots of similar programs and might loose the distinctiveness of CN as it is now.

Perhaps these two version can run side by side in different tabs....but please..... KISS.

I will carry on paying for the development of a simple but bombproof note taker and note manipulating program that will last me for years to come!

What do others think?

Re: KISS

Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 9:00 am
by ChrisCN
Hi Edgeways

I am using most of the advanced features (tag hierarchy, formatted text, links between notes,...)
but I agree to your general wish KISS.
With simplenotes synchronization it is the first time where we got a major feature that I personally don't need/use.

I would not start with a suggestion how KISS can be realized
but start a discussion what KISS means to us.

I see 3 major points that are important to me regarding features I don't need:
GUI -> the new feature should not confuse me and it should not stand in my way of working
PERFORMANCE -> I need quick response - especially for the search
SIZE -> I use CN as a portable app and the size of the application and the database files should be as small as possible

So far my thoughts.
Chris

Re: KISS

Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2013 2:15 pm
by Novan Leon
I believe the key differentiating factor between KISS (i.e. simplicity) and being all things to all people (i.e. complexity) is design. I believe the CintaNotes developers have an excellent handle on sound design concepts, as demonstrated by their current product. I have no problem if they continue to add new features as long as they are able to integrate them in a simple, seamless manner without affecting performance. I believe with good design principles, it's possible to achieve both goals simultaneously; however, the line must be drawn when sacrifices to the original purpose of the product begin to be made in order to make room for new features, however nice they may be to some users.