Doug's Mailbag: Ribbon Coming to Windows 8
Readers react to the news that Windows Explorer in Microsoft's next OS will feature Office's controversial Ribbon toolbar:
I've used the ribbon for years and still hate it. It not only made 2007+ difficult to use but it made older versions, which I'm forced to use, confusing too. If ribbon is the future for Microsoft then Microsoft is not the future for me.
-Pode
At first I despised the ribbon. Then, after a few sessions working with it in Word, Paint and Excel, I grew to like it. Plus, if the 'quick' click isn't readily available, customize the tool bar! The biggest problem with Office isn't the menu system, it's the ever-expanding feature list!
-Clarence
As a sysadmnin I agree the ribbon is not an enhancement. I thought at first I would like it, but in practice I don't. I think that arrogant MS should wise up and give people a CHOICE of what menus/tool bars and/or options to use. I also think that MS needs to realize that while techies can easily adapt to change, many users do not. Each time a UI changes it is a major deal -- not always a good one to those folks who don't adapt well to relearning. It also is a matter of efficiency. If it does not help productivity, (in my case it does not because I'm hunting for the features I use) why do it? Often I find myself just wanting to do it the old toolbar/menu driven way.
-Anonymous
Way to tick-off your customers, Microsoft! Nothing like a 'my way or the highway' attitude to inspire customers to look for alternatives to your software.
-Anonymous
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Posted on 09/14/2011 at 1:18 PM