On 18 Apr 2009 06:52:35 -0400, Warp <war### [at] tagpovrayorg> wrote:

>Stephen <mcavoysAT@aoldotcom> wrote:
>> On 18 Apr 2009 04:41:03 -0400, Warp <war### [at] tagpovrayorg> wrote:
>
>> >Jim Henderson <nos### [at] nospamcom> wrote:
>> >> I find vi to be completely intuitive.
>> >
>> >  You don't seem to understand the meaning of the word "intuitive".
>> >
>
>> You, Warp, don't seem to understand the meaning of the word "intuitive".
>> It does not mean instinctive.
>
>  I have never heard to word "instinctive" being used in the context of
>computer program user interfaces. 

Neither have I.

>I have heard the word "intuitive" used
>a lot, and the meaning has always been approximately "a first-time user
>(who may or may not be fluent with computers in general) can more or less
>easily start using the program from the visual clues only, without having
>to read tutorials or help text".
>

Yes I agree but you said:
On 18 Apr 2009 04:41:03 -0400, Warp <war### [at] tagpovrayorg> wrote:

>  Intuitive means that its basic operations can be used by someone who
>has never used the program before.

And that would be instintive IMO.

>  In the specific case of text editors I would consider "intuitive" if
>you can use the basic functionalities of a text editor program you are
>using for the first time if you have ever used any other common text
>editors, and other programs in that system in general.
>

So would I.

>  You say that "intuitive" does not mean that, and that "instinctive" is
>the more correct word. Do you have any actual concrete reference to this?
>Some actual examples where "intuitive" is *not* being used in the way I
>described above, and instead "instinctive" is?
>
>  Theoretical nitpicking about semantics is one thing, practical language
>as used by the majority is another.

There is a difference IMO between common speech and technical speech. When
talking about computer systems you (not you Warp but you, everyone) should be
careful with the terminology you use. I agree what you meant was described as
intuitive but what you said is described as instinctive. As far as I know we,
the human race, have no instinct relating to computers but with a little
experience and learning we can have intuition. 
-- 

Regards
     Stephen

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