Gary North

Jan. 28, 2008

I am working on learning three new software programs this year.

One reason is that I need to know them.

Another reason: it's important when you get above age 60 to keep your mind exercised. I hate puzzles and games: no direct payoff. Software has a payoff.

My main complaint: the incredibly non-intuitive nature of software. Second, the absence of anything like user- friendly training tools. A FAQ list with links to YouTube videos or screencasts would save time for users. It would reduce frustration.

Software designers are not salesmen. They do not understand the fundamental principle of marketing: you make 80% of your profit on back-end sales.

For software, this means upgrades.

Fact: if a user can't figure out how to use version 1.3, he isn't going to order the updated 2.0. This is beyond the ability of 80% of software designers to understand. "If I can use it, anyone can."

Pick a program that would be good in your career. Learn it this year.