Subject: Save before leaving? (Y/N)

From: Ken Weaverling <[email-masked]>
Date: Sat, 20 Nov 1993 06:45:44 -0500 (EST)

It happened to me again, I answered No, when I meant to return to editing
and lost everything!  But this time I stopped to think about why I 
unconsciously repeated this same stupid mistake when I know better.

I am usually in a hurry, and subconsciously saw the word "leaving" right 
next to Y/N and *THAT* word stuck in my mind, therefore since I didn't
want to "leave" I answered N.

Perhaps it could be reworded as....

Before leaving, would you like to save? (Y/N)

Then the key word "save" is right near where the action is to take place
and where the eye's focus is, and that is the location of the cursor.

I think I can manage this code change locally :-), but thought I'd toss 
it out for consideration as well...

Ken Weaverling          [email-masked]
    Manager of Computer Services
   Stanton/Wilmington Campuses of
Delaware Technical & Community College

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From: Ken Weaverling <[email-masked]>
Date: Sat, 20 Nov 1993 07:06:12 -0500 (EST)

Can I reply to my own post?! :-)

Just realized more... the behavior of pico and pine are different in this
respect, and that may be what throws me off time and time again. In pine,
if I hit ^X it asks me if I want to send the message. If I say N then I
return to editing. I have to press ^C to cancel. In pico if I answer N
I exit the program.

So the inconsistency is the problem.  Don't know the solution. Some 
companies spend big bucks studying user interface design issues so I'll
leave suggestions to others! My job is to just whine!

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From: Mike Ramey <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 22 Nov 1993 10:35:23 -0800 (PST)

That's an even better explanation!  Thanks, -mr

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From: Mike Ramey <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 22 Nov 1993 10:32:17 -0800 (PST)

The problem is you have just initiated an 'exit' procedure,
and the 'no' response should abort the exit procedure
(and return you to the edit mode).
There is no reason it should be impossible to abort the exit function,
an accidental ^X should be abortable.  -mr