[Lotus Notes Sucks: Example 63]
Stupid Error Messages, Part 3
Problem
I deliberately tried to get Lotus Notes to give me stupid error messages. It didn't take long:
The dialog box above had something to do with libraries.
The following resulted from my trying to "release a dead message" when the "dead letter" list is empty.
Analysis
These messages should be written in understandable English. If the action does not apply, then the button should be disabled. Remember, Lotus Notes is not shareware—it's (overpriced) "enterprise"-level software.
User Interface Guideline Violations
- Giving the user an incomplete error message. Specifically, "Missing or invalid replica ID"? And?
- Interface does not follow established conventions, such as disabling controls that apply to the current context.
- User is given useless information.
- Interrupting the user's work flow with a dialog box that should never have a reason to appear.
- Not helping the user fix the problem.
- Error messages should be constructed so that they are grammatically correct and contain punctuation.
- Forcing the user to deal with stupidity.
Conclusion
Lotus Notes sucks.