Dependence on Programming Experts

[Chipp Walters]

Hi Greg,

I think I understand what you want. And for that matter, I believe
many of us want it too. The fact is, computers *should* be much
simpler to use. We should be able to describe what we want it to do,
and have it done. Sadly, we're still a long way off. Computers aren't
getting simpler to use-- just the opposite. For there's this major
problem: The more powerful things we want to do, the more complicated
the tool becomes. This isn't new. Think of the original horse and
buggy, compared to our fancy cars. While we take for granted how easy
it is to drive, just imagine how hard it would be for someone who has
never seen a car. And computers are so much less finite in their
function.

All that said, none of us are getting younger, and I doubt our 5th or
6th generation computers will come along in our lifetime. So, in order
to produce what we want, we need to become students, then masters of
the tool we choose, be it Smalltalk, Javascript, Transcript, C or
Photoshop. As my friend, Chris says, 'It's hard to do something hard.'

So, just like someone learning to paint, you have to start at the
beginning. Build a foundation. I think many have given you some
excellent starting points. But, the sooner you understand it takes a
serious commitment, the sooner you'll become productive. Complaining
about how hard it is, doesn't really solve anything-- though I do
agree with your point about the lack of materials for RunRev. That
said, Dan certainly has a good primer you should check out.

Count me as one more vote for Transcript over Smalltalk.

Good luck and I hope you find your way,

Chipp