Re: (after a respite) Does this fit as a description of LiteStep?

On 9/22/07, Roy Gathercoal <rgathercoal@...> wrote:
>
>
> First, I apologize for the gap. I've had some interesting times with a
> particular group of ophthalmologists.
>
> This is important work, and worth my time and effort, at least. I hope I
> don't overstay my welcome.
>
> In text, would it be accurate to say (NOT ad copy, but rather some
> general statements pointing out why LiteStep makes sense for most
> computer users, so please read this as "general idea" rather than
> specific copy:
>
> -----------------------------
>
> As computing itself becomes more complex, as computer users take control
> of even more of their overall computing environment;
> as computers themselves simultaneously grab more of our "eyeball-hours"
> and reach out to control more aspects of our increasingly complex
> environment;
> as human-computer interactions take up more of our work and play time
> and the number of people whose jobs and primary recreation do not
> involve computers continue to shrink;
>
> we should not be surprised as the desire--the need--to personalize our
> own "digital space" continues to grow along with an increasing need to
> reestablish some sense of control over our own computer interfaces.
>
> LiteStep goes quite a ways toward meeting my need to "re-personalize" my
> digital space.
>
> By allowing me to go far beyond changing background images or the color
> and shape of the icons on my desktop, by allowing me to reach into my
> desktop itself, LiteStep enables me to reinsert "a bit of me" back into
> my computer world.
>
> By opening up my own computing shell I can change the "glue" that holds
> my various complex software tools together. LiteStep doesn't require
> that I give up my applications, or even to install new versions or
> variants. Yet the ways in which those programs work together, and the
> manner in which I flow from application to application has changed, and
> it makes all the difference in the world.
>
> Most of us realize the importance of controlling our work space--and if
> the pace of work allows, each of us can see, or feel, our own internal
> ideal workspace. Few of us have the skill to rewrite the code that
> controls the appearance of our computer desktops. Even fewer have the
> legal license to do so. Those of us with the programming skill and the
> license are way too busy to take the time to get our desktop just right.
>
> Many computer users are drawn to the simple and elegant design of the
> Mac's look and feel. Many are drawn to the flexibility (and
> transparency) of the Vista's Aero desktop.
>
> Yet if you want to truly control your workspace, your computer
> environment you must go beyond the desktops of Steve Jobs and Bill
> Gates: They each have designed (or rather, have hired teams of
> professional graphic artists to design) a desktop that fits their
> vision, their needs. That's fine for a starting place, but I'm not Jobs
> or Gates: My desktop needs to fit me, to enhance the way I work, to flow
> with me from one of my tasks to another and then to another, then back
> again.
>
> If I'm going to fine tune my computer workspace to work for me rather
> than against me, I am going to have to go way beyond the "desktop that
> sort of works" for millions of people to develop the desktop that works
> for me. Today.
>
> LiteStep is the tool that makes this possible.
>
> A bit intimidated by the idea of writing code for your own desktop? You
> should be! Today's graphical interface is intentionally complicated. It
> has to be in order to work passably for those millions of computer users.
>
> You don't need to do a single bit of programming to get started towards
> reclaiming your own computing environment; many "desktop themes" already
> exist. Part of the beauty of LiteStep is that you can plug the name and
> location of your favorite programs into a form, add a few personal
> preferences and you have a workable desktop that belongs to you.
>
> As you continue working in and with your very own computer desktop you
> can continue to refine your style, making changes ranging in complexity
> from filling out an on-screen form to changing the way your software
> icons interact with each other; LiteStep once again puts you at the
> center of your computing experience. Litestep is as simple or as complex
> as you want it to be.
>
> And because we are people and not computers, we don't always work the
> same way. Different sorts of work (or play!) require different desktops.
>    In less time than it takes for you to change from your "lounge around
> the house" clothes to your "I'm a computing professional" attire you can
> switch LiteStep environments.
>
> You can personalize, and save, as many different desktops as you desire.
> then change from one to another with a simple keystroke. Return to your
> creations time and time again with just a couple of keystrokes. Reclaim
> your workspace.
>
> ----------------------------------
> Am I on-target here? Does this reflect the bulk of your answers to my
> earlier queries?
>
> And on a straightforward gut feeling, how does it sit?
>

Were you having eye problems ?

I think everyone here still welcomes
you and will continue to do so since your messages are inspiring
(although long).

Yes, I think you right on it with this text (but I read only quickly).

I don't think it would fit correctly as an Ad text though, it is way too
long. People want short texts nowadays.

I agree with Wendy that a website designated to users "New to LiteStep"
would probably be a good thing. With nice and big graphical stuff on the
front
page, some impressve screenshots, a direct link the the most recent
installer (with one or two good themes included).
Plus a page with a convincing text written by Roy, a page with features
and/or comparisons, a page with many screenshots with direct link to the
themes used and a page with links to all other LS related websites.

And now that I am thinking about it, new LiteStep installers should start LS
on top of explorer (hiding it) as soon as the install is
done. Explorer would be deactivated after the next reboot (I no lnger
like rebooting and I think it is probably the case for many others).

Also, just a thought. Some websites in the links sections of many websites
are no longer online (eg. Loose-screws) and it would probably be better
if it would be cleaned up. (it gives an old and outdated feeling)

Antoine