OFX Note Propagation

[John Ralls]

> On Jan 27, 2016, at 9:03 AM, David T. <sunfish62 at yahoo.com> wrote:
> 
> John,
> 
> I understand fully the idea that the accuracy of my data is ultimately my own responsibility. However, I disagree with your laying responsibility at the feet of the user on this. 
> 
> There has been quite a bit of discussion over the years about the unintended propagation of unique information in auto-filled transactions*. It clearly has problems from the end user perspective.
> 
> The fact is that the software, through autofill, is inserting data into a user’s file and then fails to clearly communicate this fact back to the user, and I don’t think that follows good software design principles. Your answer implies that users have to watch over the software to ensure that *the software* doesn’t decide to add hidden information to the user’s data. How exactly is a new user even to know where and when to check for these additions, given that the additional data is in fields that are not visible under default viewing circumstances?
> 
> I know that there have been discussions about this without a clear solution, but to leave this in this state undermines a user’s confidence in GnuCash. 
> 
> There are potentially many ways to alleviate the problem. Some ideas that come to mind:
> 
> * When autofill adds hidden information, GnuCash could alert the user to this with a popup that either noted generically the existence of additional data, or more detailed information.
> * When autofill triggers, the register would automatically expand the current transaction to Double-Line Split view, thus showing all information, and then change back after committing the transaction.
> * Autofill could be set by the user to omit Notes and memo fields (and potentially other fields?).
> * Autofill could be disabled altogether.
> 
> In each case, the user should be able to configure this behavior on a book basis in program settings to meet their expectations.

Dave,

That is a big steaming pile of rubbish. GnuCash didn't "decide to add hidden information to the user's data". The user created that data by typing it in or importing it, and chose a display mode that doesn't show it.  GnuCash dutifully copied the whole transaction that the user created. It would be absurd and troubling for it to do anything else.

I agree that GnuCash should have a way for the user to say "No, don't autofill this one, I need to fill it in from scratch." I like the idea of making  autofill a preference that can be turned off. I even agree that GnuCash should somehow flag transactions in basic or single-line view that the hidden fields have content. I'm utterly opposed to the idea that autofill should copy less than the whole transaction, ever, under any circumstances. 

Regards,
John Ralls