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by alphapapa 4374 days ago
That's the great thing about software: it can be configured to meet different needs at the same time. So tired of the "it can appeal to new users or power users" false dichotomy that drives all software toward the lowest common denominator. It's like the mindless, constant-growth dogma has spread from the stock market to software developers who care more about "market share" and mass appeal than craftsmanship and usefulness.
1 comments

Although I agree it's possible (and so "dilemma" is hyperbole), in my own experience it's quite challenging to pile on the features while retaining a simpler experience for more casual users.

Realistically: The early-adopter power-users will want their new features relatively quickly. It takes significant discipline and foresight to add them in a way that won't complicate and compromise the simpler experience. Yes you can hide options, etc., but eventually the complexity can start poking through.

Of course that's just my experience as a developer and user of many programs; you may be smarter and/or luckier than me.