[OSM-talk] [OSM-dev] The OSM Applet

[Nick Hill]

David Earl wrote:
> I wonder whether it is the best use of limited volunteer time to develop
> online editing at all. The icons are really rather superficial. Once having
> installed JOSM, I can't imagine any reason why I'd use the applet.

You are describing a meta-bug. If the applet isn't what hard-core users will 
use, the applet will tend to languish, acting as a barrier to new users. Not 
having the applet at all would likely lower the barrier.

However, if Nick Black is prepared to work on the applet, look after it, coax 
it, keep it up to scratch, then the applet would again become an asset. So I 
strongly support Nick Black's efforts to improve the applet.

As it stands right now, I feel the applet should be hidden from new users and 
Josm should be presented to them as the first editing option. I can't imagine 
anyone who I would introduce openstreetmap to via the applet. My first advice to 
anyone I introduce to OSM is to ignore the applet - pretend it doesn't exist.