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Comment by paulmooreparks | Hacker News Reader

> Microsoft Word was once a word processor. Today it's a database, and a Web-layout program, and a floor wax.

I stopped reading at that point. I was hoping for some thoughtful analysis, not Andy Rooney.

Sometimes I feel his sentiment, like everytime I open up something (that seemingly) is identical to each and every version. Say the FileZilla app, or VLC. (But there are probably bug fixes and new protocols or file formats getting support for each update.) But for Word, come on. There's a ton of new features added through the years. I mean I use none of them, but I suppose people have been asking for database-like features, or simple web layout stuff. As long as its not a subscription model only - just don't buy the new version guy!

I remember when they added support for mathematical equasions, i was really happy and used it in my studies a lot.

I dont know what outher mainstream software lets you write an essay and math homework.

Yeah. Even in my graduate math studies I sometimes used Word. Obviously LaTeX is more powerful and expressive, but Word equations are quick and easy for simple tasks.

Meanwhile, other products like Notion are getting traction exactly because they promise to be all that and more.

Some people want ABC, others want ABD, and yet others need ACEFG. Building and maintaining a different app for each of these needs is not only inefficient for the developer but also inconvenient for the user who now has to juggle several different apps. So people just settle on shipping a bloated app that can do everything from A to Z.

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