A word about 'users'

When Zen was first presented to the unsuspecting public it was at a conference for users of a Unisys technology and my particular contribution was billed as being from a 'User. It was at this point that I began to realise that 'User', a word we use to describe our customers, is a term of abuse. To me the word 'User' brings to mind two images, firstly that of a junkie - a drug user;











...and secondly, as one of those people we build systems for who cannot make up their minds what they want and who act as if they have just had a lobotomy;

That's right, the people who drive us berserk with their constant demands, their lack of foresight, rant, rant, rant! The following photograph was once put up on the department door to try and discourage some of these traits;