[chipsy]

I think there's a "human factors" problem in action with second systems. The first system needs to be allowed to age before the second one becomes worthwhile - simply because more understanding will exist of both the problem domain, and how it was solved before.

And if it's different people doing the second one, watch out.

[PLejeck]

The first generation of a technology is fueled by necessity. It's often a tiny project with only a few guys, and they portray it as "hey, I made this thing, if you wanna use it too, cool"

The second generation is often fueled by things which were lacking or missing in the first version. At this point, the first generation is widely adopted, and now everybody and their brother wants their say in it.

Design by committee is bad. Design by brainstorm is good. Formality breaks everything.