start with the end-user -- the big secret

[Mandaris]

Hello,
I understand that this is a markdown discussion list and honestly I do like
some of the points that you bring up occasionally.

But I feel that you are using the list too much as a platform to express you
views in a way that isn't very productive.

Would you please consider moving some of this to a personal blog or at least
phrase your argument differently?

"you're doing it ass-backwards" isn't the best way to start a discussion and
since the list doesn't change much you've already said this before.

Thank you.

On Thu, Oct 20, 2011 at 3:15 PM, <Bowerbird at aol.com> wrote:


> to nobody in particular, and all of you markdown in general!

>

> ***

>

> i fully understand why it "seems" straightforward to you.

>

> but you're doing it ass-backward.

>

> if you're trying to develop a parser, you're doing it backward.

>

> you need to start with the end-user.

>

> figure out how you're gonna explain it to the average person.

>

> then work your way back from there.

>

> i've told you "the big secret" before.  i'll tell you again:

>

> >   the big secret -- split the text-file on blank lines

>

> each of the "chunks" in your model must be delimited with

> blank lines; that's something easy everyone can understand.

>

> if your model must change to accommodate that, change it.

>

> then step through the "chunks" and analyze as necessary.

>

> you will find that it's simple.  and easy to explain to users.

> they'll have a solid mental model.  everything will be clear.

> you'll wonder why you ever thought this was difficult, and

> shake your head at your clumsy-ass reg-ex in retrospect.

>

> it's like solving a maze -- if you start at the exit-point,

> it's really easy to work your way back to the beginning.

>

> start at the end.  start at the end-user.  you're welcome.

>

> -bowerbird

>

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