Firefox fans don't like it up 'em

WHEN I WROTE a provocative story about how the Firefox web browser could be improved (see " Top Ten Firefox browser annoyances"), I knew I was going to draw a lot of feedback. When a friend in Germany read a draft he said: "All good points there. If you publish this you are going to stir a hornets' nest, that's for sure". And he was right, judging from the flood of e-mail I got, plenty of which (around 50%) I have replied in a personal way (even when they were flames). I will try to reply to the remaining ones in the next few days.

Some clarifications first:

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The "bundling" issue (FF+TB into a suite)

Some users wrote me telling me "why do you want to change my stand-alone browser into a suite, it's fine as it is!".
Sheesh, I never said Firefox should BECOME a suite. I said (or at least I tried to say) that the Moz Foundation should offer some of us a THIRD CHOICE, which should be a bundle of FF+TB. Those who prefer to donwload one individual component or another would OF COURSE be free to continue doing so. Creating a single installer shouldn't take incredible resources, in fact a build script could be created that just fetches the latest TB + latest Firefox and creates a single installer. It's all about having a third choice. Nobody loses, and everyone is happy.

The "lack of splash screen" issue

Some people seem to think that NOT displaying a centered bitmap on screen actually makes their browser start FASTER. I disagree, as splash screens serve an important user-feedback purpose. I will quote one of the reader e-mails because I couldn't have put it better: "Splash screens fulfill one of the fundamental UI rules: let the user know what's happening by providing feedback."

The Instant Messenger sidebar tab

Whether or not a particular user WANTS a sidebar tab, I was trying to make a point of making Firefox a software development platform. In my view, getting software developers who currently develop their applications and extensions on top of the IE engine to switch and develop their software on top of Firefox should be the priority numero uno. And what a better way to start than trying to convince instant messenger vendors to code their software as XUL based lightweight extensions that can be installed and "docked" into the Firefox sidebar?. This doesn't mean that if an integrated instant messenger is available for FF, that it should be made "an integral part of the browser", it could as well be available as an installation option at install time.

And for those who said "who wants an IM docked in the browser", consider that the Mozilla-based Netscape 7.2 browser had one, and the new Netscape 8 built on top of Firefox is going to have one as well. Why do you think they'd add one if nobody wants a docked instant messenger available while they're browsing?. The key point here is making Firefox a target platform for sofware developers, and I think that instant messengers are a good entry path to woo other programmers. The message, IMHO, could: "here's our browser, it's open, and you'll have a level playing field, develop for it and we'll promote your product by making it a selectable over-the-network option at install time". Believe me, marketing drones understand the concept of "eyeballs".

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I hope the above comment will help quiet what I will refer to from now on as the " Firefox Uptight Citizens Brigade". One of the most outraged Firefox users made my day, sending me a message using the fake source e-mail address "handofgod@maradona.com" and advised me: "you need a vacation. Go to Buzios or something. I noticed on your USB extension kit that your creativity was dwindling, but now you look like you're digging with your hands." to conclude: "go to some beautiful place and spend some time staring at beautiful women. Go watch the Maradona tape again, and try not to be like him. You're better than that", while the subject line could have been more creative than "crying argentwhiner". I have to admit some Firefox brigadists are creative!.

On the other hand, someone at the Mozilla community wrote a polite message which ended with "we are currently working to address a "patch vs installer" compromise though the build/version control is of little consequence. All in all, thanks for your feedback."

So, to let you make up your own mind, I'm including a selection of the top messages from each camp. Beware: messages copied as-is and not checked for spelling or grammar.

First the Top 1x positive and polite ones, and then the Top 1x flames from outraged Firefox commandos:

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From: "Nicola #######"