Do you want to see sorting and filtering from others?

When using an Excel spreadsheet in Teams wherein other users can view the same spreadsheet, you will soon see "Do you want to see sorting and filtering from others?"

It is difficult to say who is responsible for this prompt in Excel. On the surface, it appears to be the developers. This because it is a prompt that makes sense only to people who wrote the program. They are deeply aware of the question, "Yes, but how do we sort when multiple people could be updating the sort criteria?" Which raises the question why did they make it multi-user in the first place, but that is what happens when some group other than development drives development. So the developers now have to answer the multi-user sort question.

So, they create a prompt to remind them and allow them to choose how they want the sort to be applied. The prompt and underlying question only make sense to the developers. Because marketing or product management never looked at the prompt and asked "What does this mean?"

INT. OFFICE IN REDMOND - DAY
The office is modestly decorated with a few potted plants and framed motivational posters. A large window lets in natural light, casting a warm glow over the room. At a desk cluttered with papers and a coffee mug that reads "World's Best Boss," sits the GRANDFATHERLY MANAGER (60s), a kind-eyed man with a gentle demeanor. Across from him stands a YOUNG, ATTRACTIVE FEMALE MARKETER (mid-20s), dressed in trendy business casual attire, and a STONE-FACED DEVELOPER (30s), who is sitting at his own desk, expressionless and absorbed in his work.

MARKETER
(holding a tablet)
I'm getting a lot of feedback about the new software. The prompt that pops up is confusing. Can we change it to something more user-friendly?

GRANDFATHERLY MANAGER
(smiling warmly)
I understand your concern. We've put a lot of thought into that prompt. It's actually the best way to ensure users understand what they need to do.

MARKETER
(brows furrowed)
But users are saying they don't understand what "Do you want to see sorting and filtering from others" means. Can't we simplify it?

STONE-FACED DEVELOPER
(without looking up, in a monotone)
It means "Do you want to see YOUR sorting and filtering or everyone's."

MARKETER
(sighs)
Yes, exactly. That's the problem. It's not clear. Can we make it clearer? It might just as well say "Initialize sequence to alpha parameters." 

The developer looks up, startled, and then quickly types on his computer.

MARKETING
You're not actually writing that down are you?

GRANDFATHERLY MANAGER
(pats the desk reassuringly)
I know it seems a bit technical, but it's important for the functionality. Trust me, users will get used to it. We've seen it happen before.

STONE-FACED DEVELOPER
(whispering to himself)
Initialize sequence to alpha parameters.

MARKETER
(frustrated, but trying to stay professional)
Maybe we could add a little explanation beneath it? Something like-- Oh, I don't know. I guess what I'm trying to say is do I answer "See just mine" or "See everyone's?" Or to say it another way, when would I ever say "See everyone's?" Do I get to preview their filters before I apply them? Isn't the safest answer always going to be "See just mine." And if so, why are we asking the question?

GRANDFATHERLY MANAGER
(nods thoughtfully)
Those are good suggestions. We can certainly look into adding a brief explanation. But let's keep the original text as well. It's crucial for our more advanced users.

STONE-FACED DEVELOPER
(same monotone)
It's very clear. Do you want to see sorting and filtering from others. You either do or you don't.

MARKETER
(trying to smile)
Alright, I suppose we can work with that.

GRANDFATHERLY MANAGER
(smiling warmly)
Thank you for understanding. And thank you for bringing this to our attention. We value your input.

The Marketer nods and leaves the room, still looking somewhat puzzled. The Stone-faced Developer continues to work without any change in expression. Suddenly, the Marketer returns.

MARKETER
OK. I get the prompt and why we have to have it. But let's just say you're the one using a shared spreadsheet. How would you answer it?

The manager looks over at the developer.

STONE-FACED DEVELOPER
(brightening)
Oh! That's easy! You download the spreadsheet from Teams and open it in Open Office so it's no longer multi-user.

MARKETING
(nods smiling)
Got it! 

Marketing or Management who demanded the change either overlook or are bludgeoned into accepting the confusing prompt. And so we get software for end users suitable only for developers. This is the Microsoft Way.

I was going to say this issue is limited to only Excel, but then I recalled the somewhat famous "Do you want to change this extension?" prompt in Windows.