[Libreoffice-bugs] [Bug 58231] Retain import support for legacy binary StarOffice files: 1.0 -> 5.0

[bugzilla-daemon at bugs.documentfoundation.org]

https://bugs.documentfoundation.org/show_bug.cgi?id=58231

--- Comment #7 from documentfoundation.org at L8R.net ---
I realise this is a RESOLVED WONTFIX.  Reasons are understood.

However, I did want to provide some historical end-user feedback.  I feel this
is imperative for context and comprehension on user-habits.

I've been using computers since I was 6.  This may seem trivial, but bear in
mind that I am nearing 50, and that anyone having a computer was unusual, when
I was 6.  In all those years, I have had documents that I have kept on my
computers.  I am, in fact, I suspect I am one of the first people that lived
their entire lives storing documents digitally... and keeping those documents.

For example, I have calendar entries in my phone's calendar, going back to the
1994.  I can actually discern what I did on Wed, Dec 28th, 1994.

I have text documents going back to the early 80s, dumps from fidonet and
punternet mail messages.  Private notes. Code written on my C64.

I have emails going back to the late-90s.  All of this still readable.

This is all just for context.

Regardless, my point is .. when someone lives such a life?  Older documents are
like a book kept in a closet.  Documents such as a diary, letters written to
friends, relatives, and for important life events.  Notes kept on observations,
everything and anything.

Now imagine you're not 20, or even 30 any more. :P  You're the sort that might
put a screwdriver down on a garage workbench, and literally, very literally
need it 14 months later.. and know where it is.  Certain parts of your life
move slowly, and have little change.

Which is why only now, in late 2019, did I discover this removal of sdw format
imports.

Literally, 5+ years might go by, before someone might attempt to open a
document from 20 years ago.

I am not specifically blaming anyone for this.  I can't imagine keeping 30% of
a codebase, not when short on time, or porting/modifying code that 14 people
and a signing gorilla in the Hague might use.

The removal makes sense.

What I just wish, is that there was more information.  I've upgraded through
three entire Debian releases since 3.x has disappear on my system, making it
annoying to attempt a recovery.

I would ask that OOo devs consider this.  Just ponder it.  I don't know if
there is a better way to inform users.  Or to get them to port before removal.

Maybe... down the road, there might be a "OH!  I've noticed you have SDW
formatted documents!  In the next major release, they're be gone.  Do THIS to
save them or else you'll feel pain later!!" sort of thing?

Well, there's my 2 cents.  No complaints about removal, but hopes that removal
will happen with a transitory period.

Also, please don't become excited that I keep a calendar entries from the 90s,
obtain it, and travel back in time and kill me using that specific location
data.  I assure you, I'll be reincarnated, and old enough to re-write this bug
regardless.

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