[Alexandria-list] Review on linux.com

[Cathal Mc Ginley]

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On Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:51:35 +0000
"L.C. Karssen" <lennart at karssen.org> wrote:

> Hi all,
> 
> I just noticed that Bruce Byfield of linux.com has written a review of
> Alexandria (0.6.2b2).

Permalink here http://www.linux.com/feature/124244

It's a little bizarre that he chose to review a beta since the stable
version of 0.6.2 has been out for a month. Perhaps it's due to the fact
that the link on our download page was pointing to the beta until last
week or so (bug #17191). Mea culpa!

> And a positive one at that, just look at the
> title: Alexandria: "Book cataloging the way it should be".
Wow, it really is mostly positive! Thanks for your kind words Bruce!

I love to see a fresh viewpoint on the program. Makes me realize when
the interface is in need of clarification, or when we need better docs.
For example, on Smart Libraries: Bruce says "you can add additional ones
based on tags". Of course, Smart Libraries are based on any search
terms... maybe he means that tag-based smart libraries are the most
useful type!

It also seems that we have another non-fan of the Refresh button:

  You can also rename and delete libraries, although the availability
  of these functions is inexplicably intermittent. Similarly, clicking
  the Refresh button -- when it works at all -- only alphabetizes the
  list of libraries once 
  -------------- 8<---------- snip -------------- 8<-----------------
  Aside from the intermittent library functions, Alexandria leaves
  little to be desired.

He's more optimistic than I am :^) But I've been working with it a
while and can appreciate its shortcomings.(See doc/BUGS for my top 4).

  Its interface and functions are understandable at a glance

This is the core thing I want to preserve as we continue to develop the
program. People seem to *like* using Alexandria more than other book
databases. I wish there was a way to formulate the reason for this.
 
> I'll take a good Belgian beer to celebrate it! Cheers to all people
> who have contributed to this wonderful program :-). 
> 
> Lennart Karssen.

Cheers, Lennart! Thanks for pointing out the review.... Hmmm, I'm in a
good mood now :^)

   -   Cathal.
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