[OSM-talk] N00b experiences

[Nick Hill]

Nick Whitelegg wrote:
> Hello Christoph,
> What do you mean by 'very lame' - slow? TBH I'm surprised as Nick Hill's 
> recent database query speed improvements have made it very quick for me - so 
> quick in fact, one can almost use it as a realtime OSM browser (on both Linux 
> and Windows) though I wouldn't recommend using it solely for this purpose - 
> it'll hit the database more than is needed.

The OSM applet is the first port of call for most users of OSM. I am 
particularly pleased the OSM Applet is more usable as the applet in it's 
previous state done more harm than good. (The applet probably still does 
more harm than good as the user can't see way consistency and 
directionality, the interface is underdeveloped).

Christoph, there can be a 48 hour delay between uploading your GPX 
tracks and them being visible in the applet. The applet downloads cached 
tiles pre-rendered with the GPS points. The cache expires after 48 
hours. Although now you have discovered the more powerful tools, you'll 
probably avoid the applet except where you need Landsat.

Sadly, new users are neglected. They are neglected because we seasoned 
users are using tools other than what new users are presented with. We 
therefore don't experience on a daily basis the frustrations new users 
experience. Because we don't experience these problems on a daily basis, 
we forget about the problems. The consequence is that the problems don't 
get fixed and users quit.

IMO, We need a change of policy WRT seasoned users using different 
systems to new users.