Re: German tutorial fix

[Alex Schroeder <alex@emacswiki.org>]

I think it makes no sense to argue about the keys used to move point
in any other context than simplicity for newbies.  Thus, I agree with
Francesco.  If we consider such arguemts like "C-f &c are much better
for _anyone_ who can touch-type", our discussion will degrade, because
nobody really *knows*.  This is even worse than Dvorak keyboard.
There, at least we have conflicting *research* -- in this case all we
have is conflicting opinions.

Therefore, let us base our decision on what to include in the tutorial
on what newbies need in order to start using Emacs -- wether fast or
slow, touch-typing or eagle-eyeing.

Alex.



Miles Bader <miles@gnu.org> writes:

> That's silly.  C-f &c are much better for _anyone_ who can touch-type,
> because the (usually very long) reach for the arrow keys causes a lot of
> disruption.
>
> This has _nothing_ to do with being a `very fast typist' or not, it's
> simply a much more efficient of working anytime you want to keep your
> hands on the keyboard, e.g., when you're actually typing something.
>
> I think the arrow keys are worse than the mouse for this reason, because
> people generally use the mouse for `gross editing', where they
> conciously _do_ switch modes, and are prepared for the disruption,
> whereas cursor-movement keys are very commonly used while actually
> typing, for correcting minor mistakes.
>
> So, even if it's not as completely necessary now days to teach the
> cursor-movement keys to complete novices (because they'll `get by' using
> the arrow keys), banishing them to an appendix or something as `advanced
> usage' would be a real disservice to users.

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