Thread

1. spamizbad · 1790523342 · focus · HN ↗

   "Vibe shift" is all the rage these days but one area where it's most apparent is modern software.

   People of Raskin's vintage had a very humanist approach to computing. The mentality was very much an outgrowth of the cultural revolution of the 60s. Computer usage should be joyful rather than toiling. The computer should help you. It should make you feel good about what you create.

   That stands in stark contrast today, where things are more hostile. Not just in terms of "Dark patterns", or writing off user needs for the sake of expediency... but even the way we talk about technology today. You need to use X, do Y or you're "not going to make it" / "escape the permanent underclass". It's bleak.

   I recently restored a vintage Macintosh SE I picked up at VCF Midwest and despite its limitations that machine was an absolute JOY to use despite its limitations and nearly 40 years of age. This was a machine and software designed by Raskin's contemporaries and it shows.

   1. ryandrake · 1790524282 · focus · HN ↗

      Software’s purpose is clearly shifting from “what’s good for the user” to “what’s good for the developer.” Instead of enabling me, software now seeks to lock me in. Instead of making my life easier, software decisions are made based on what makes developers’ jobs easier. Instead of being careful with my data, software now comes with giant legal terms that allow developers to be utterly careless with it. Software is now designed primarily to funnel money to the developer, not to bring joy to the user.

      And look at this article’s HN discussion. Many people indignantly defending it. “It’s open source. If you don’t like it deleting your data, don’t use it!”

      1. drfloyd51 · 1790532873 · focus · HN ↗

         Computer nerds are a rare breed. We like to be right. And we like to be arrogant. And if we have a solution to a harmful problem… it’s your fault for not being “smart enough” and you suffer your consequences.

         Maybe we aren’t so rare. I can think of another group that values enduring hardship over progress making things easier for everyone.

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