I have a good idea that can help newbies get Usenet Explorer up and running as quick as possible. This will also help UE "sell" to a wider set of audience especially for trial users. To be honest, I looked at UE 3x and said I don't like it the first 2 times because it took me a while to find where things are at and how to set the features properly. So maybe this could help other trial users out and keep them
Here's how:
1) Why don't you give us the ability to export ALL configuration and workspace except the default download directory
2) This configuration include workspace, newsgroup folders, newsgroups, etc.. such as:
DVD folder
|_ alt.binaries.dvd
|_ alt.binaries.dvdrcore
|_ alt.binaries.dvd9
Xbox
|_ alt.binaries.cd.image.xbox
|_ alt.binaries.games.xbox
3) Include one of these sample configuration and workspace when a trial user downloads, that way, everything is setup and he can be up and running ASAP. This gets them over the first 5 minutes of frustration on having to find everything just to get up and going.
4) Create an option for a Wizard when installining UE for the first time that will ask for:
a) nntp server address and optional port
b) username and password for nntp server
c) Default download directory, and download directory for each newsgroup folder if the user wants to get more specific.
5) Create a discussion forum where users can post their configuration and workspace. That way, you encourage a more lively community where people can share and learn.
What do you think?
