Re: Removing Firefox Version Number

This has likely already reached critical mass -- let me just lend my
support to the crowd against this move.

There is one extra point I'd like to bring up regarding this decision
to move away from versions. Right now, I'm not just using Firefox, I'm
using Firefox 8. This implies a host of improvements in the six weeks
between FF 7 and FF 8. It implies a series of changes, many only
behind the scenes, made manifest in an increased version number.

When a new version of my antivirus definitions comes out, I hardly
notice. When a new version of Firefox comes out, there are news
articles, blog posts, and parties. There is excitement over and
anticipation of new features. I don't think this should necessarily
change due to a faster release cycle.

I would even go so far as to say that version numbers increase
discoverability of our improvements. This is one area in which we are
better than Chrome. To this day, I honestly have no idea how my Chrome
install has improved, even if I know that it has.

My opinion is that FF version numbers are a huge part of the brand. I
realize this angle of argument may fit better in a separate discussion
or bug report (I don't know where). But if you agree with me even
partly on this, then it just provides extra support to keep version
numbers where they are conventionally found.

I'm sure that the UX team has solid reasons to move completely away
from version numbers. (I would be happy to debate this in a more
appropriate thread.) In any case, I do think this is still something
to consider when making this decision as well.