[Bglug] Documentation and User (non)Interfaces

[Peter]

If you ever get involved in writing (what an archaic term) a program 
that requires conversation with the user (aka user input), or in writing 
documentation or sending error message when "the user" does something 
"wrong",  please keep in mind the points made by the person writing this 
rant:
http://www.catb.org/esr/writings/cups-horror.html
Really stupid error messages like "An error has occurred" or asking for 
some input which the average user can not possibly supply will result in 
people seeking other solutions, even ones of the M$ variety.
Peter Richards
PS: It is darkly humourous as I have recently gone through not only this 
process but also am trying to rescue a Windows 8.1 laptop form similarly 
sourced errors. The quote  "When true horror of installing Windows 7 
became apparent ..." doesn't come close to that of trying to work 
Windows 8.1!

-- 
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe. -  Albert Einstein