New outliner!

[Christopher Wall]

Perhaps this just struck me wrong, so forgive me if it seems like I'm 
starting a flame...

On Jul 28, 2004, at 3:29 PM, JD wrote:

> If any of you are less than impressed over the seemingly glacial 
> development
> of OO, give FO a whirl. Here’s the link:
>
> http://homepage.mac.com/takashi_hamada/Acti/MacOSX/FO/index.html

Perhaps I am old fashioned, but it seems exceedingly rude to use a 
group that is a support and input channel between OG and its users 
while doing a "bash & plug". You are also taking advantage of OG's 
forthrightness about their release schedule and progress. Users are 
often frustrated that companies don't divulge this information and 
you're justifying why they don't.

>
> ... Or do a Google search for FO Outliner. Still in beta, (an improved
> version seems to be available every 7-10 DAYS!!!)

Usually new software does that before it has (a) stability and (b) an 
established user base. Seeing as how OO has that, I think one could 
forgive OG for taking their time to not break things users have come to 
expect while keeping higher standards for new features.

You're also comparing beta software in open (public) release whereas OO 
is in beta now, but will not be released until it's finished. There's 
certainly something to be said for both models, but I don't think this 
is the optimal place to discuss that.

>  its development moves at
> the speed of light. On top of this, it already has a 4+ star rating on
> MacUpdate.
>
> I am astonished at its feature set.

This is honestly over the top as far as plugs go. From the screenshot, 
the interface appears clunky, burdened and amateurish. You barely go 
into what is astonishing in its feature set, so I have to ask a few 
questions the website doesn't answer (especially since the download 
link is broken on the website you gave):

* What document formats/schemas can it handle (import/export as well)?
* Does it have an applescript interface?
* If so does it work with existing OO scripts?

That's just what's coming off the top of my head. The applescript is 
important since I have integrated OO with my palm/shadowplanner and 
with iCal as well.