I hate the ribbon -- bring the menus back!

[Keith]

I am a first-time Office 2007 user, and as such, I hate some of the changes
I'm seeing. Perhaps that's a normal first reaction to Office 2007, and
perhaps I'll grow to prefer it. But for now, it appears I'm forced to waste
valuable screen real estate staring at the outrageous ribbon bar that often
doesn't even have the functionality that I'm looking for. At least with
Office 2003 with its regular menus I could click on one entry and hover my
mouse around the others until I find what I'm looking for. And of course I
could customize the toolbars to my liking, maximizing my available screen
real estate. If I can do with the the ribbon, then it just isn't obvious.

-- Keith

----------------
This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the "I
Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow this
link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and then
click "I Agree" in the message pane.

http://www.microsoft.com/office/com...-1a41e6a2f3cf&dg=microsoft.public.office.misc

 

[John Jay Smith]

Exactly my words...you can tell all that to "Brendan S" who claims that this
abomination is an improvment!

Keith and you are not alone... hundreds of thousands of MS users will hate
this GUI.

I think MS wants to commit financial suicide! Perhaps they want to give
linux a chance....


I see a lot of heads rolling over this design.... but there is still time to
improve it.... if they are smart.

 

[Bill]

I sort of agree...it looks like clutter and eye sore...takes forever to weed
through the stuff...prefer the old tidier look. Took me a while to find the
regular file/open...should have been clear to see. really not user friendly

Less eye candy and more efficiency please.

Bill

 

[JoAnn Paules [MVP]]

The ribbon will not change, nor is there a "classic" view option.

 

[Bill]

I dont expect it will JoAnn.

But you know I remember when Firefox first hit the market and took off with
the excitement of tab browsing, I will never forget Steve Balmer saying who
needs tabbed browsing, there is no point to it, whats the purpose, its just
like another window(which was a silly remark) blah blah blah...well we know
how IE7 is playing catch up with a poor tab browsing feature as compared to
FF

In any event I am a long time user of MS products and my office XP pro is
still doing well, but it really gets frustrating that MS seems not to pay
attention and we get such autocratic responses most of the time..

But as they say add/remove still works and thankfully we had a beta to look
at

Cheers
Bill

The ribbon will not change, nor is there a "classic" view option.

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]

I am a first-time Office 2007 user, and as such, I hate some of the
changes
I'm seeing. Perhaps that's a normal first reaction to Office 2007, and
perhaps I'll grow to prefer it. But for now, it appears I'm forced to
waste
valuable screen real estate staring at the outrageous ribbon bar that
often
doesn't even have the functionality that I'm looking for. At least with
Office 2003 with its regular menus I could click on one entry and hover
my
mouse around the others until I find what I'm looking for. And of course
I
could customize the toolbars to my liking, maximizing my available screen
real estate. If I can do with the the ribbon, then it just isn't obvious.

-- Keith

----------------
This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the
"I
Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow
this
link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and
then
click "I Agree" in the message pane.

http://www.microsoft.com/office/com...-1a41e6a2f3cf&dg=microsoft.public.office.misc

 

[John Jay Smith]

The ribbon will not change, nor is there a "classic" view option.

It will change with the first service pack of Office2007 after they realize
how stupid they were for doing this.

The ribbon will not change, nor is there a "classic" view option.

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]

I am a first-time Office 2007 user, and as such, I hate some of the
changes
I'm seeing. Perhaps that's a normal first reaction to Office 2007, and
perhaps I'll grow to prefer it. But for now, it appears I'm forced to
waste
valuable screen real estate staring at the outrageous ribbon bar that
often
doesn't even have the functionality that I'm looking for. At least with
Office 2003 with its regular menus I could click on one entry and hover
my
mouse around the others until I find what I'm looking for. And of course
I
could customize the toolbars to my liking, maximizing my available screen
real estate. If I can do with the the ribbon, then it just isn't obvious.

-- Keith

----------------
This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the
"I
Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow
this
link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and
then
click "I Agree" in the message pane.

http://www.microsoft.com/office/com...-1a41e6a2f3cf&dg=microsoft.public.office.misc

 

[JoAnn Paules [MVP]]

I too am a long time user but there's no way I'd run the beta on my regular
system. I can't risk losing anything - not even if it is just long enough to
grab my back-up.

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]

I dont expect it will JoAnn.

But you know I remember when Firefox first hit the market and took off
with the excitement of tab browsing, I will never forget Steve Balmer
saying who needs tabbed browsing, there is no point to it, whats the
purpose, its just like another window(which was a silly remark) blah blah
blah...well we know how IE7 is playing catch up with a poor tab browsing
feature as compared to FF

In any event I am a long time user of MS products and my office XP pro is
still doing well, but it really gets frustrating that MS seems not to pay
attention and we get such autocratic responses most of the time..

But as they say add/remove still works and thankfully we had a beta to
look at

Cheers
Bill

The ribbon will not change, nor is there a "classic" view option.

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]

I am a first-time Office 2007 user, and as such, I hate some of the
changes
I'm seeing. Perhaps that's a normal first reaction to Office 2007, and
perhaps I'll grow to prefer it. But for now, it appears I'm forced to
waste
valuable screen real estate staring at the outrageous ribbon bar that
often
doesn't even have the functionality that I'm looking for. At least with
Office 2003 with its regular menus I could click on one entry and hover
my
mouse around the others until I find what I'm looking for. And of course
I
could customize the toolbars to my liking, maximizing my available
screen
real estate. If I can do with the the ribbon, then it just isn't
obvious.

-- Keith

----------------
This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the
"I
Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow
this
link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and
then
click "I Agree" in the message pane.

http://www.microsoft.com/office/com...-1a41e6a2f3cf&dg=microsoft.public.office.misc

 

[Mark D. MacLachlan]

This is just the beta remember. I'm told that in future versions you will be
able to adjust the icon sizes within the ribbon so it will take up less real
estate.

I am struggling with learning where things are on the ribbon but do see some
of the logic behind it. The concept is to bring context sensitive menus
within easier reach.

I know lots of people that resisted the new default location for the reading
pane when they got Outlook 2003. Personally I can't imagine going back. I
suggest giving it some time and making yourself familiar with wehre things
are. For me the slow down in productivity is what drives a dislike for the
ribbon, but as I learn where to find things I find it is faster to get to
them than the traditional menus with sub menus and hence it is growing on me.

 

[MARKINRO]

Sorry, MS but I have a rule in my applications. Don't change the interface.
Office was fine the way it was. The only reason I can see for making such a
drastic change ? There was a competitor software with a similar UI. The UI
will work for first time users but tell me. How many of your customers are
first time office users ?? Give users the option -- its not going to kill
you guys. Make the option part of the install. This is beta TWO which
means, its pretty much in stone. If I am forced to accept the new UI, I
will stay with 2003.

 

[JoAnn Paules [MVP]]

I wish that were true but it's not going to happen. The basic problem is
that there ware too many new and existing commands to fit within the "old"
menu styles.

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]

The ribbon will not change, nor is there a "classic" view option.

It will change with the first service pack of Office2007 after they
realize how stupid they were for doing this.

The ribbon will not change, nor is there a "classic" view option.

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]

I am a first-time Office 2007 user, and as such, I hate some of the
changes
I'm seeing. Perhaps that's a normal first reaction to Office 2007, and
perhaps I'll grow to prefer it. But for now, it appears I'm forced to
waste
valuable screen real estate staring at the outrageous ribbon bar that
often
doesn't even have the functionality that I'm looking for. At least with
Office 2003 with its regular menus I could click on one entry and hover
my
mouse around the others until I find what I'm looking for. And of course
I
could customize the toolbars to my liking, maximizing my available
screen
real estate. If I can do with the the ribbon, then it just isn't
obvious.

-- Keith

----------------
This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the
"I
Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow
this
link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and
then
click "I Agree" in the message pane.

http://www.microsoft.com/office/com...-1a41e6a2f3cf&dg=microsoft.public.office.misc

 

[John Jay Smith]

When millions of dollars are at stake.. you bet that they will rewrite the
code!

They wont go back to the old way, but they will make this horrible ribbon
more configurable.

I wish that were true but it's not going to happen. The basic problem is
that there ware too many new and existing commands to fit within the "old"
menu styles.

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]

The ribbon will not change, nor is there a "classic" view option.

It will change with the first service pack of Office2007 after they
realize how stupid they were for doing this.

The ribbon will not change, nor is there a "classic" view option.

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]



I am a first-time Office 2007 user, and as such, I hate some of the
changes
I'm seeing. Perhaps that's a normal first reaction to Office 2007, and
perhaps I'll grow to prefer it. But for now, it appears I'm forced to
waste
valuable screen real estate staring at the outrageous ribbon bar that
often
doesn't even have the functionality that I'm looking for. At least with
Office 2003 with its regular menus I could click on one entry and hover
my
mouse around the others until I find what I'm looking for. And of
course I
could customize the toolbars to my liking, maximizing my available
screen
real estate. If I can do with the the ribbon, then it just isn't
obvious.

-- Keith

----------------
This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the
"I
Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow
this
link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and
then
click "I Agree" in the message pane.

http://www.microsoft.com/office/com...-1a41e6a2f3cf&dg=microsoft.public.office.misc

 

[John Jay Smith]

I will stay with 2003.

you will not be alone.. 2007 will be a lesson to MS to not play bad tricks
with the interfaces.....
they can do what they want with functions and features .. but these horrible
GUI ideas seems to come from
someone who is too dumb to eat pretzels!

 

[Robert]

I didn't like at first, but in the Grey Vista color option it works, hated
the pale Blue look.
Robert

 

[Lawrence E. Oliver]

If you double-click on the title of the ribbon, it will hide - then a
single-click on any of the titles will show that ribbon.

Larry

 

[Bob Buckland ?:-\)]

Hi Markinro,

Don't forget to use Microsoft's feedback tool for the 2007 Office system (send-a-smile/frown) to send feedback directly to
Microsoft.
http://sas.office.microsoft.com

For background data, design information, questions and discussion on the User Interface (UI) you may also want to visit the Office
UI team blog at http://blogs.msdn.com/jensenh

=========
Sorry, MS but I have a rule in my applications. Don't change the interface.
Office was fine the way it was. The only reason I can see for making such a
drastic change ? There was a competitor software with a similar UI. The UI
will work for first time users but tell me. How many of your customers are
first time office users ?? Give users the option -- its not going to kill
you guys. Make the option part of the install. This is beta TWO which
means, its pretty much in stone. If I am forced to accept the new UI, I
will stay with 2003. >>
--
I hope this helped you,

Bob Buckland ?
MS Office System Products MVP

Read about it, try it, or watch the movie
the 2007 Microsoft Office system iinfo is at
http://microsoft.com/office/preview

Already have 2007 Office System Beta 2?
Send Microsoft your feedback (with pictures)
http://sas.office.microsoft.com/

 

[GABTGURL]

I believe you are incorrect, hundreds of thousands of MS users will NOT hate
the UI, the UI is very intuitive and easy to use so WHY should so many users
hate it?

This will not cause MS to commit financial suicide, no more than the release
of Office 2003 did!

Do you just have a problem with things that are different or something?

 

[GABTGURL]

You Sir are INCORRECT, the UI of Office 2007 is here to stay and I for one
applaud that!

The ribbon will not change, nor is there a "classic" view option.

It will change with the first service pack of Office2007 after they realize
how stupid they were for doing this.

The ribbon will not change, nor is there a "classic" view option.

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]

I am a first-time Office 2007 user, and as such, I hate some of the
changes
I'm seeing. Perhaps that's a normal first reaction to Office 2007, and
perhaps I'll grow to prefer it. But for now, it appears I'm forced to
waste
valuable screen real estate staring at the outrageous ribbon bar that
often
doesn't even have the functionality that I'm looking for. At least with
Office 2003 with its regular menus I could click on one entry and hover
my
mouse around the others until I find what I'm looking for. And of course
I
could customize the toolbars to my liking, maximizing my available screen
real estate. If I can do with the the ribbon, then it just isn't obvious.

-- Keith

----------------
This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the
"I
Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow
this
link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and
then
click "I Agree" in the message pane.

http://www.microsoft.com/office/com...-1a41e6a2f3cf&dg=microsoft.public.office.misc

 

[Kevin]

There is an easy option for those who do not like change......do not upgrade!
It's so easy. Personally I am happy to see that Microsoft is finally making
an innovative change to something that really hasn't changed in like 15
years.

 

[Andy]

Although I cannot see an easy way to customise the ribbon, you can right
click on an item in the ribbon and choose "Add to Quick Access toolbar".
There are other ways, going into Word options (click on the office logo).
You can minimise the ribbon by pressing the Ctrl key and F1 or double
clicking on one of the tabs.

Personally I think the new UI is such a massive improvement, I have found it
easy to use straight away. A quick glance through each of the tabs was all I
needed.

I appreciate others are finding it not an improvement. If you need guidance
on how to find something or achieve something with the new ribbon, then I am
sure you will be able to get advice on that if you ask.

Andy

 

[TrueBrit]

I assume then, that you will be happy to refund me the wasted hours I have
already spent with this atrocious interface, or to buy the useless box
labelled "Office 2007 Pro Upgrade" that just bounced off the office garbage
bin, where I threw it in frustration.

No?

Sir or Madam. Will you take the personal liability for your statements.
Either you must stop telling people that the new interface is great,
incurring a huge waste of their time and money, or YOU pay for that
investment. Are you willing to? I expect not.

Office 2007 does not provide a smooth interface upgrade and a radical
learning curve is required. Even if you defeat this, the extra menu steps
and lack of customization only results in long-term longer times to access
the commands previously put on a customized toolbar or menu.

IT professionals are refusing to install the file compatibility add-in to
older software 9untested, possible virus issues etc.). So now I have to save
everything in the old format, taking extra keystrokes and time each time,
plus getting rid of annoying pop-ups from MS selling the new format's
"advantages."

Don't mention that Excel crashes every time, and Outlook is too slow to
load. That's minor.

I have 17 years invested in kowing how to make office hop. Now I have to
relearn. Whatever the benefits might be in the new interface they are FAR
exceeded by my 17 year investment. Microsoft forgot that. Seriously bad
move.

It gets unloaded today but MS gained an evangelist: I'm telling everyone I
can not to upgrade.

It's cheaper to avoid wasting time and throw out Office 2007 than to keep
using it. Piece of time-wastng junk.

You Sir are INCORRECT, the UI of Office 2007 is here to stay and I for one
applaud that!

The ribbon will not change, nor is there a "classic" view option.

It will change with the first service pack of Office2007 after they realize
how stupid they were for doing this.

The ribbon will not change, nor is there a "classic" view option.

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]



I am a first-time Office 2007 user, and as such, I hate some of the
changes
I'm seeing. Perhaps that's a normal first reaction to Office 2007, and
perhaps I'll grow to prefer it. But for now, it appears I'm forced to
waste
valuable screen real estate staring at the outrageous ribbon bar that
often
doesn't even have the functionality that I'm looking for. At least with
Office 2003 with its regular menus I could click on one entry and hover
my
mouse around the others until I find what I'm looking for. And of course
I
could customize the toolbars to my liking, maximizing my available screen
real estate. If I can do with the the ribbon, then it just isn't obvious.

-- Keith

----------------
This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the
"I
Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow
this
link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and
then
click "I Agree" in the message pane.

http://www.microsoft.com/office/com...-1a41e6a2f3cf&dg=microsoft.public.office.misc