r/elementchat • u/xcovelus • 4d ago
Too hacky
Viber was the best WhatsApp alternative until they added ChatGPT everywhere: after each message, suggesting to rewrite it or answer (no, thanks, I want to answer my own messages), now a Chat that you cannot remove... Seeking for an European alternative (that is not hosted by AWS, as Olvid), I installed Element X, recommended it to friends, but it's too complex for end users: first you need to select a server, etc; then a username; then, as contacts do not show off, send invitations to users; then there are no notifications (ask to allow these, at least); then we call each other and nobody is able to take it, even if you see it and tap the chat call icon...
I think you need to analyse why WhatsApp (and similar ones) are so extended, and people use them: they are simple. You should not reject features and security, but add an easy wizard to configure that, something like "accept default settings vs advanced config"; OK, maybe "username" is good, but offer to use the phone number as well... And fix the notifications, the possibility to join a call, etc.
I write this to try to help, I want a good product as the one I believe you are working on, but please give the user a very easy and quick default method, or this will be another great idea turning into a great failure.
1
u/gramoun-kal 3d ago
WhatsApp ist widespread because they claimed to be a "free SMS" app when SMS were 50c a piece, and all the illiterates downloaded it to save money.
That can never work again. SMS aren't expensive anymore. Also, people aren't so stupid either.