In message , Wolf K
writes:
On 2018-03-02 07:34, J. P. Gilliver (John) wrote:
[...]
What _is_ it that makes the hierarchical file/folder system, which is
so obvious to us, so difficult to grasp as a concept to some? I'd
really like to know. My friend, for example, just about knows how to
make a new folder - but I suspect would never think of doing so, or
at best would only ever do so in one or two specific places.

Good question. It may be that some people never used real manila
folders stored in file cabinets. Or they just can't classify

I don't think it was/is a good metaphor anyway. I _have_ used manila
folders, but I don't think I've ever put them inside each other! They
were a good metaphor when the hierarchy was only one level deep, i. e.
not really a hierarchy. But ...

hierarchically to begin with. You wouldn't believe the number of

.... I think that's the real problem. At least, have never been trained
to think hierarchically. I guess there are _some_ who genuinely can't,
and a lot more who have never really been trained to. (And no, I'm not
claiming this is something simple to do. As I have found.)
[]
I think it's a glitch in the brain. Eg, I used to have my grade 9
students organise their 3-ring binders by subject. About 10% couldn't
do it even when looking at a page of Geography notes in the Math
section. So I helped them move their notes into the right sections,
step by step, and two days later it was all a mess again.

Despite it being them who invented the metaphor, Microsoft are a bit to
blame he their folders, and the ones they encourage users to use, are
very sloppy (and even inconsistent).

Then there are people who are neatness-blind, or tone-deaf. Etc.

I'm very untidy in my house, but (IMO) tidy inside my computer.

Neurologists will solve some of these puzzles eventually.

(-:
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G()AL-IS-Ch++(p)Ar@T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

If your mind goes blank, remember to turn down the sound.