Re: Re[2]: project status

Chris,
I am not a joe user, I understand Linux, programming, Gentoo, etc.  I
have been using Linux for...6 years...programming for around 8, and am
planning on using Gentoo for a long, LONG time.  I love it as much as
anyone and hope that it doesn't become Mandrake bullshit.  However, I
am also a student, an admin, a researcher, etc.  I don't always have
time to sit and go through config files.  It would be VERY nice if
there were config tools on the GUI side.  Things can't always live in
a shell.  And btw, mainstream is a thing to look for because more
users = more feedback = more contribution.  So i understand if you are
coding the distro for yourself, but I think I speak for many people
when I say that most code for the progression of the community. i.e.
Linux.  I am forced to use Windows on my main computer right now
because of the program support (i.e. OpenOffice is just not where I
would like it to be right now), and the ease of use (i.e I can plug
something in and it works, i.e. I can plug in a second monitor and
have it magically work, etc). I understand what you are saying, but
there are times when a system has to just work, and I love the way
gentoo works, but sometimes it doesn't just work.  Auto hardware
integration, and config file editing, etc. is extremely necessary. 
Maybe not in a way that takes away from more functional development,
but as a supplement.  Ok, end of rant.

Dave Longo  


On Sat, 15 Jan 2005 13:48:52 -0800, kato <[email protected]> wrote:
> lol.
> it seems that you are a decision maker within the Gentoo project.
> therefore, you made me stopped reading these posts, loose my interest in
> the project, and indeed un-subscribe from this mailing list.
> but yea, I m joe-user and you couldn't careless.
> good luck in the future.
> 
> @@@@@@@@@@
> 
> On Sat, 2005-01-15 at 13:49 -0500, Michael Miller wrote:
> > I personally think that in order for gentoo to reach the mainstream,
> 
> Wait a minute.  Who has *ever* said that Gentoo is trying to reach the
> mainstream? or gain market share? or any of that bogus bullshit that
> matters when you have money invested and are trying to make a return on
> that investment?
> 
> > it needs, in addition to a graphical installer, great configuration
> > tools. I know everyone always says RTFM. Look at it this way. Is the
> > average joe gonna read a 100 page manual on how to use gentoo, or use
> > something more simple like red hat or mandrake? Gentoo needs good
> > tools for keeping itself up to date.
> 
> Those people can go use Mandrake.  I don't care.  I don't mean this to
> be mean or anything, but allow me to explain.
> 
> I use Gentoo because I love it.  I develop for Gentoo for myself.  I
> could care less if others like what I do, as my primary goal is to
> please myself.  At the same time, I see a very large value in the work
> others have done to please themselves, and most of that work pleases me,
> too.  Since they were all kind enough to license it in such a way as I
> can use it, I do the same as a courtesy to them.  This is how a
> community-based distribution works.  We all scratch our own little
> individual itches, and put the fixes into one big pot that is Gentoo.
> 
> Gentoo is not trying to take over the world or become Red Hat.  Gentoo
> is trying to do *exactly* one thing, and that is to make Gentoo better.
> All other things are just people trying to influence us into doing the
> work they want done but have neither the desire, the skills, or the
> patience to accomplish.
> 
> Maybe one day Gentoo will take over the world.  Maybe one day Gentoo
> will be only me, holding on for dear life to something that I hold dear.
> Either way, Gentoo will live on and I'll be happy with it.  Gentoo
> doesn't *need* to do anything.  As you can see, we seem to be gaining
> enough momentum on our own doing things our way.  There are many cases
> where growth too fast causes a quick downfall (think pretty much
> any .com company).  Specifically targeting your development solely to
> ensure quick short-term gains is short-sighted and destined to fail.
> 
> "If you build it, they will come."
> 
> We don't need to hurry people along to join Gentoo.  We only need to
> work at a pace that is comfortable to us and add the features that are
> required to improve the distribution.  Dumbing things down does not need
> to be a part of the equation, especially when the intended goal is only
> to bring out "Joe User".
> 
> --
> Chris Gianelloni
> Release Engineering - Operations/QA Manager
> Games - Developer
> Gentoo Linux
> 
> --
> [email protected] mailing list
> 
> 


-- 
:: Somnium Computing ::

We Build Your Dreams

http://www.somniumcomputing.com