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I think a decent counterexample is Apple's 'Address Book.' To go down his list of complaints: -Accepts Multiple vCards at once (and export vCards) -Local copy

I think a decent counterexample is Apple's 'Address Book.' To go down his list of complaints: -Accepts Multiple vCards at once (and export vCards) -Local copy (also syncs to iPods and iPhones), LDAP syncing, and 'cloud' copies for MobileMe customers (anyone can 'subscribe' to public contact lists) -No hierarchy--there's a main database, and separate 'groups' that are similar to iTunes playlists (i.e. contacts not exclusive) -Smart groups for even better control (rule-based groups) -Good UI (obviously subjective) The only thing that Address Book doesn't have is a "Visual Directory", although personally I don't see the need for it (the idea seems akin to tag clouds to me--it sounds cool in theory, but it's implementation would probably be more flashy than functional). I'm not saying Address Book is the end-all and be-all of contact management, but it seems to satisfy all of his complaints.

unalone 18y ago
Address Book isn't necessarily great, but you're right: it absolutely doesn't suck. Combined with its Mail/iChat integration, it makes for a pretty awesome communications suite. That said, there's still almost certainly room for improvement. Contacts are still seen as a task rather than a pleasure.
- harpastum 18y ago
  Your comment about 'task rather than pleasure' reminds me of the story about TapBot's new iPhone unit conversion app. [1] They took an idea that had been done and re-done ad nauseam, but focused on the enjoyment of the process rather than simple efficiency. I like the way the developer describes it: "Our goal was to make unit conversions fun and enjoyable. I wanted to separate the conversion steps into little tasks that need to be completed. It gives a sense of satisfaction when you’ve completed a unit selection sequence or shock if you press the wrong button, almost like a game. Regardless of whether the feedback is positive or negative, it brings out emotion in the user and that was my goal. Once you get used to it, there’s a sense of satisfaction and rhythm to the process. It’s very subliminal, but it’s there." [1]http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=543934 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=543934

unalone 18y ago

Address Book isn't necessarily great, but you're right: it absolutely doesn't suck. Combined with its Mail/iChat integration, it makes for a pretty awesome communications suite. That said, there's still almost certainly room for improvement. Contacts are still seen as a task rather than a pleasure.

harpastum 18y ago
Your comment about 'task rather than pleasure' reminds me of the story about TapBot's new iPhone unit conversion app. [1] They took an idea that had been done and re-done ad nauseam, but focused on the enjoyment of the process rather than simple efficiency. I like the way the developer describes it: "Our goal was to make unit conversions fun and enjoyable. I wanted to separate the conversion steps into little tasks that need to be completed. It gives a sense of satisfaction when you’ve completed a unit selection sequence or shock if you press the wrong button, almost like a game. Regardless of whether the feedback is positive or negative, it brings out emotion in the user and that was my goal. Once you get used to it, there’s a sense of satisfaction and rhythm to the process. It’s very subliminal, but it’s there." [1]http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=543934 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=543934