This is part of a larger phenomena where for some reason preferences in software are stored as group loyalties, to the point where one can actually go “yes, that piece of software is [better in way X], but [my favourite software] is better [in general but not in this specific context], and it’d be treason!”
Software often has network effects — for instance in the exchange of good techniques (or, in an open-source world, patches!), compatibility of file formats, comfort sharing a work environment. And then there are the sunk costs of learning to use a specific piece of software and adapting your work habits to use it.
These suggest that users may have a good reason to deter their fellow users from switching away.
This is part of a larger phenomena where for some reason preferences in software are stored as group loyalties, to the point where one can actually go “yes, that piece of software is [better in way X], but [my favourite software] is better [in general but not in this specific context], and it’d be treason!”
Software often has network effects — for instance in the exchange of good techniques (or, in an open-source world, patches!), compatibility of file formats, comfort sharing a work environment. And then there are the sunk costs of learning to use a specific piece of software and adapting your work habits to use it.
These suggest that users may have a good reason to deter their fellow users from switching away.
Perhaps explaining why Apple users are famously evangelical.
That’s a good point… and also rather scary.