[cap-talk] Reinterpreting POLA - "Authority Must Not Exceed Trust"

[Ka-Ping Yee]

On Mon, 17 Sep 2007 ihab.awad at gmail.com wrote:
> Given that there is a framework for capturing end-user decisions, the
> question is, what can we do to advise end-users in making their
> decisions, or perhaps provide a semi-automated (e.g., social network
> based) way to make some of the more common decisions for them?
>
> Ping's point, as I understand it, is that no such thing is needed. The
> user should always be able to reason through the worst-case
> ramifications of the abilities they have given to each actor and
> decide for themselves. That seems reasonable enough, though I need to
> think about the matter some more.

I think that exaggerates my position somewhat.  Users do not always
predict the consequences of their actions correctly; there are two
ways we can address this:

    1. Change the system model to fit the mental model.

    2. Change the mental model (i.e. educate users) to fit the system.

Given where we stand now, a lot more of #1 is necessary than #2.
But that is not to say that #2 is to be completely ignored.  People
are capable of learning -- the learning just has to take place in a
context that fits their interests and familiar concepts.  Some user
education will always be necessary in order to bring everyone on
board with the consensus system model.  Right now, though, we have a
long way to go in terms of choosing a better consensus system model.


-- ?!ng