For reference, here’s what sent me over the edge: Ext 2.0: Scrolling Tabs, Anchor Layout, the Web Desktop, and more (Ajaxian)

I might break up with the Internet if I keep seeing so much misguided effort spent on making a website behave like a whole operating system. Because I think I’m dealing with some rather thick skulls, I’ll put this simply: stop. Now.

An arguably great feature of web apps is that they’re more two-dimensional than three-dimensional. It promotes focus. It discourages repeated seizure-inducing Exposé usage. While I’m on the topic, I can’t wait for someone to do Exposé in Javascript. That’s exactly what we need. (It’ll give me something to write about, at least.)

I’d like to propose a couple of rules that will kill stupid stuff like web desktops, all the while promoting smart use of Javascript wizardry.

• If any two things can partially overlap, you’re fired.
• If any drag & drop events don’t result in database writes, get out.
• If your website looks like Microsoft Windows, you’ve stepped over the line.