# My thoughts on a "preferred" GUI for Ruby:
# 
# For me, it is really important for the toolkit that I use to create
# applications that look like a native application.  If I create an app I 
want
# it to look _exactly_ like a Windows app when compiled under windows and 
look
# _exactly_ like a GNOME/GTK+ app when compiled for that environment. 

>> Out of "Ruby/GUI marketing curiosity", why is that? Pure personal 
>> preference, non-negotiable customer demand, or what?

Personal at this point.  This mostly has to do with taste, but I've always
thought consistency in the look and feel be a good thing.  Although it might
not effect the usability if they look different, they will "feel" different.
For example, even thought Java's Swing can have a Windows look and feel, its
still doesn't act right;  Menus don't paint well, Scrolling, Edit boxes,
etc.  They are close, but Swing leaves you with the feeling of having a
cheap imitation. (IMHO)

# Also, I think its beneficial to have a toolkit with a large user base
# already.

>> What's your threshold of large? 
Highly subjective, but I wouldn't want to be out on the fringe with a GUI
toolkit (unless its clearly superior! <g>)  

# That said, I'm also big on a toolkit/framework's elegance and simplicity 
of
# use. 
# 
# (I'm showing my naivety here, but...) 

>> ... but this isn't comp.lang.perl.misc on a bad day, so you're probably 
>> safe. :-)

Thanks, I feel so comforted... <vbg>

- John