FoxNews.com (via Slashdot) has an interesting article about end users' disenchantment and frustration with computer technology. The author blames programmers, weird creatures who tend to prefer manual transmissions.

From the article:

Similarly, many software programs come with functions — like the ability to move the menu bar — that the average person does not want or need. Programing instructions required for such features, Platt said, "increase the possibility of crashing errors and security vulnerabilities in the same way as more moving parts on any mechanical device render it less reliable."

Also:

Starbucks Corp. incurred his wrath because the coffee shop chain required him to specify a search radius when he was trying to use its site find the nearest store.

"The Starbucks programmers probably think that having more control over the search is powerful and cool," he wrote. "But in reality it's a useless and annoying distraction. Nobody goes around asking, 'Is there a Starbucks within five miles? How about 10? 15?"'

Full article.