EnlargeUserBase

Last edit September 9, 2001
Technique to improve software usability:

Enlarge your user base.

Pros:

  • More users to support each other via mailing lists, Wikis, user groups.
  • Product evolves more quickly.

Cons:

  • Older users compete for attention of lead developer.
  • Idea may not scale to large populations.
  • Might entrench bad features too early.
  • Evangelism interferes with code cleanup, document production, etc.

See also: NetworkEffect, WorseIsBetter, ReplaceDocumentation, FireYourUsers