Steren wrote:
Problem: Inexperienced users are breaking their documents. Proposed solution A: Change the "Import" command for all so that it embeds instead of links.
I did say +1 and I do believe that's the correct thing for casual users. Although I do agree that for a lot of users it makes sense to default this to 'link'. So make it fairly easy in the settings to change this behavior.
Proposed solution B: Change the UI to clearly show the difference between linked and embedded images.
This is very tricky. As an interaction designer I know that there's no such thing as 'showing clearly'; the so called intuitive solution often is the commonly used one. Since there's not a clear common solution in this case (nor is it a common problem) it is difficult (but not impossible) to come up with a obvious metaphor.
Proposed solution C: Add a popup that explains to a new user what linking vs. embedding is.
Personally I hate popups; they interfere with the workflow. Greater minds than me have written beautiful, but wishful, obituaries for the popup and I just want to adhere.
Proposed solution D: Allow a preference to "always embed"
I'd say a preference: 'always embed, always link, ask' or maybe even have preferences for copy-paste, import and drag 'n drop.
Proposed solution E: all of B, C, and D
Generally it is a bad idea to clutter your interface with several options to do the same thing.
Regards, Steven