What issues was Lotus Notes designed to address ?

I hope that you find the following material useful. I explain why Notes was developed and how it differs from other "traditional" databases". I assume that you have some development experience. The quickest way to appreciate something new is to draw distinctions with what we already know. That is the approach I take here.

If you do have Notes experience, I think you may still find the following illuminating. ( Please feel free to contribute ! )

If any of the following is unclear, or could benefit from some expansion, Please email me !
Many visitors have thanked me for supplying this type of information. Please help to make it even better.

One of the most common questions seems to be...
"Why am I being asked to develop in Domino ?". "What is Domino good for ?".

Having answered this first question the second question arises...
"Well, why use Domino? Why not use product X from company Y ?"

And if THAT question is answered to your satisfaction, then the next is ....
"OK. Now I'm using Domino, HOW do I develop in Domino ?"

The answer to this third question is to tour the site, check out the Notes tutorial (if you have not already done so) , download the example databases, and have fun !

I think it is important that you answer the first two questions to your own satisfaction.
Once you know WHY you are using Domino and Notes, the HOW to becomes less frustrating.
Given the importance of these questions, I have attempted to give my own answers.