The CAD Insider

Are You a Twit?

"Do you Tweet?"

Too many people were asking me that. Was I missing out on something important? As a tech journalist [using that term loosely], I realized I better get a Twitter account. Now that I sit through 2 sessions devoted to social media at COFES, I am glad I have not missed the boat. Yeah, I am part of a hot topic, and if questioned, I may even have some experience to share. At least I will not be wondering what they are talking about.

I also learn that Facebook is most popular in the over-45 crowd. I'm feeling doubly cool now. I had opened a Facebook account a few months ago. I was not about to share that so far I had only used it off topic. Where else was I going to record my finishing marathon times?

I also don't share that despite my occasional Tweet, I am still trying to figure out how Twitter can be useful for me -- and for CAD, CAM and CAE professionals. I was hoping to get some clues during COFES. However, social media is being accepted as a foregone conclusion, even though concrete examples of its usefulness are not forthcoming. Comfort is taken in "being connected," "collaborating," "community," etc. etc.

I want to shrink to the back of the room. The more hip attendees have declared their devotion to Twitter specifically and social media in general. Any last hope I have of sharing my experience and expressing my doubt is finally squashed as one loud Twit asks rhetorically, "Would you have questioned the use of the telephone when it was first introduced? Kids growing up...they don't question it ... they just use it." Many have already found 3rd party apps that enhance their Twitter experience (Twitterdeck, for example). Have you checked out Yammer? It's like Twitter, only for companies.

I resolve to check out Twitterdeck and Yammer. I type all this into my ThinkPad, which suddenly seems really big and really black, not at all like every one's iPhones, Blackberries, all very small, in chrome and white. Gee, someone needs a tech makeover. 

Freakin' Ribbon Bar

I've been trying to get a Prius started for over 15 minutes. As I bake in the Hertz parking lot in LA, I am trying every possible sequence of brake, ignition something I've never seen on a car: an on switch. Damn car won't budge. When did the turn-the-key-to-start approach go away?

A similar degree of frustration occurred when hunting for the print command in the latest MS Word. The venerable Dr. Joel Orr couldn't find it either, I learn at the COFES session entitled "the Future of the Interface." At least I'm not a total dummy.

After a round of comments, it appears the packed attendees are divided on this issue. On one side, veteran users of software think their software is easy enough to use. One power user seems to be on the verge of saying that if you can't use [MCAD software, name withheld], perhaps you have no business trying. This provokes another user to say, "When I hear someone defending their hard-to-use software, I just want to punch them in the mouth." OMG. Did I hear that correctly!

Example: SolidWorks had changed its interface considerably in version 2008. Its detractors called its use of the ribbon bar a blind allegiance to Microsoft. SolidWorks countered by citing user studies from its [very hardworking and well meaning] usability team. Much virtual ink was spilled on this but, in the end, there was no choice. SolidWorks had burned the bridges. No "classic" menu option was offered. Move forward, SolidWorks was saying to its users. Like parents forcing vegetables down the throats of babies. We know what's good for you.

Eventually, it seems that even the most vocal critics tire and become silent. Bluster from isolated pockets of resistance is no match for the collective might of software vendors who keep rolling forward, changing this and that, often under the flag of ease-of-use. I want to yell "but I already knew how to use it! It was easy to use" But lately I've noticed no one else is complaining. Already too many users who I thought were on my side have sympathetically offered "I didn't like the ribbon bar at first, either, but you know after a while, it's really not so bad."

Is Anyone NOT a Blogger?

If you haven't seen Jon Hirschtick for a while, you may not recognize him. The revitalized founder of SolidWorks has lost his favorite-uncle gray beard and dropped a lot of weight. How much weight? He sizes me up and and declares "I've lost a Roopinder."  Freed from the day to day running of the company, seems to be having the time of his life doing whatever he wants. He is very popular here at COFES -- a star actually -- and as a natural deal maker, he is never short of company. I don't know if he ever has  a moment to himself. Yet, despite a myriad of tasks he assigns himself, Jon is also a blogger.

Jon Hirschtick then and v2.0 (from Facebook). The SolidWorks founder is also a blogger.

The ranks of bloggers have swelled. One journalist joked the number of bloggers is roughly equal to the number of people. With little barrier to entry (no license required, no editor to give the thumbs down, free blog software), anyone with Internet access can blog. I read Jon's post moments after he posts it (he is sitting next to me during a COFES keynote) and see he has picked up on a snippet from the speaker and elaborated on it with a tidbit of interest to CAD historians (It was Dr Joel Orr who introduced Jon to a venture capitalist, giving Jon's first company --not SolidWorks -- its big break). With this post, Jon has added value to his experience and recorded his thoughts. I wonder if this is would be of interest to TenLinks readers?

A couple of years ago I wouldn't have wondered. There are many bloggers amongst the audience. I check out their blogs. This being the 3rd day of the conference, several have already posted about it. Deelip Menezes has been busy, including what he found interesting at a few sessions and a quick onsite interview with Evan Yares. Martyn Day and Al Dean may be posting. COFES throws its own blogs into the mix. There is going to be be no shortage of coverage.

TenLinks has always strived to be comprehensive in its coverage. A couple of years ago, you could bet that if CAD, CAM or CAE was mentioned was mentioned, we'd report on it. But bloggers are changing the game. To be comprehensive now would inundate our readers. But who needs 10 posts about the same presentation? One recording is enough. A thought-provoking analysis might be added. A wry comment may not make the cut.

My job just got a lot harder. But hopefully our readers will benefit as we take care to find the gems, not just any junk that gets posted.