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I "ended up in the AWS console" because S3 was a cheap way to store data so I decided to use their product. I've been a casual web developer, hacked together co

I "ended up in the AWS console" because S3 was a cheap way to store data so I decided to use their product. I've been a casual web developer, hacked together complex Javascript webapps, built Chrome extensions know my way around the terminal. Enough knowledge to be dangerous but not a professional. On AWS, I know how to manage IAM roles, set up EC2 instances, etc. etc. The idea that only a dedicated IT professional should be using this product really cuts out a lot of people who can't afford a dedicated IT professional.

CGamesPlay 6y ago
I don't mean to undermine your skills, but by analogy: I know that sailboats are expensive, and I've sailed a few times, but I wouldn't buy a build-your-own-sailboat kit because it's cheaper and I know how to sail. I agree with you about this, certainly: > The idea that only a dedicated IT professional should be using this product really cuts out a lot of people who can't afford a dedicated IT professional.
- mikeyla85 6y ago
  I'm far from the only person who - has needs that can be met by cloud providers at costs I can afford - can't afford to pay a sysadmin - has enough technical skills to hack my way through it But this is also like saying "You should have hired an expert to tell you that when the sailboat builder kit manual says drill into the back it actually means the front." Regardless of whether someone more experienced at this would know better, this UX is awful, its title is inaccurate, and the whole process around changing storage classes far more confusing than the UX makes it seem. There are petabytes and petabytes of data from independent filmmakers that are rotting away on drives, and part of the issue is lack of other affordable options. So I get that "shoulda hired a sysadmin" is an easy response but that's not always an option, especially when there's dozens of hard drives or other complexities that make these tasks last weeks or months.

CGamesPlay 6y ago

I don't mean to undermine your skills, but by analogy: I know that sailboats are expensive, and I've sailed a few times, but I wouldn't buy a build-your-own-sailboat kit because it's cheaper and I know how to sail. I agree with you about this, certainly: > The idea that only a dedicated IT professional should be using this product really cuts out a lot of people who can't afford a dedicated IT professional.

mikeyla85 6y ago
I'm far from the only person who - has needs that can be met by cloud providers at costs I can afford - can't afford to pay a sysadmin - has enough technical skills to hack my way through it But this is also like saying "You should have hired an expert to tell you that when the sailboat builder kit manual says drill into the back it actually means the front." Regardless of whether someone more experienced at this would know better, this UX is awful, its title is inaccurate, and the whole process around changing storage classes far more confusing than the UX makes it seem. There are petabytes and petabytes of data from independent filmmakers that are rotting away on drives, and part of the issue is lack of other affordable options. So I get that "shoulda hired a sysadmin" is an easy response but that's not always an option, especially when there's dozens of hard drives or other complexities that make these tasks last weeks or months.