MESSAGE
| DATE | 2002-06-10 |
| FROM | From: "Brendan W. McAdams"
|
| SUBJECT | RE: [hangout] I Bid You All Adieu
|
[It seems my 'unsubscribe' hasn't yet gone through, and since someone is
actually willing to have a conversation about this, I don't see why we
should cut the thread off before it begins.]
Please excuse me while I refuse to call it GNU/Linux. =) It seems
someone found the button to push to set me off
A voice of reason is, of course, an important thing. However, I fear to
hear my voice becoming anything but reasonable in conversations I have
on this list as frustration mounts due to people just not taking a hint.
I'm not sure if I quite got my point across with the growing up issue.
I agree, we have to move forward. The problem I see however is people
doing things like insisting it's done, ship it, no more work. Or
insisting, for example, The GIMP is just as good as Photoshop. It
simply isn't true. Usability, functionality, features etc. Yes, Perl
scripting is wonderful but how often do you automate graphics work with
an external program rather than doing it by hand? I won't go into a
long list of comparative rants as I think I've done so in the past.
What NYLXS needs, because I don't think any other group has it, is the
ability as a group to analyze where shortcomings are, and FIX THEM.
I hereby propose the formation of a Steering Committee to solicit a
feasibility study on the creation of a "Code Enhancement Group".
The way I see it, what is needed is someone out there looking at the
free, open source Unix based products and seeing what is missing. At
bringing products that we use on windows over to *nix (As shitty a
product as MS Project is, I still need it for work, as do a lot of
people. And I have yet to find a program even close to Visio - it seems
like development on Dia has stopped). At increasing the usability and
friendliness of the system for the average user. At enhancing the
overall system that we call Linux. Ximian is doing a great job of this
- Evolution is a phenomenal product - it is the BIG reason I was able to
do dump Windows at work. But why does it take commercial entities to
provide these things we need? I support Ximian with my time (beta
testing) and my dollars because they are giving back to me the
applications I need - things that make my life worth living (when you
code as much as I do, you don't have much to live for ). Can NYLXS
or any other group out there offer me the same thing?
I'm willing to be a voice of reason, to some level, if people are
willing to listen to reason. I can be just as strong willed as everyone
else here but I think I have a good idea of when to back down on an
issue.
Should anyone else be willing to consider these things in a reasonable
manner as Michael apparently has, I would be willing to discuss it.
On Mon, 2002-06-10 at 10:12, Michael Richardson wrote:
> Brendan, while you maybe beating your head against the wall, NYLXS needs a
> voice of reason. NYLXS can not learn or grow if everyone thinks alike. Yes
> it is hard and tiring to fight up hill but don't quit NYLXS needs you more
> than you need NYLXS.
>
> As I understand it NYLXS is not here to write code. However as long as
> those who write code for GNU/Linux insist that it is not ready for the
> desktop no one will believe it to be. Was Microsoft ready for the desktop
> when it launched? GNU/Linux needs to go with what it has on the desktop and
> then improve it as it goes.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Brendan W. McAdams [mailto:rit-at-jacked-in.org]
> Sent: Monday, June 10, 2002 7:58 AM
> To: hangout-at-nylxs.com
> Subject: [hangout] I Bid You All Adieu
>
>
>
> Due to enormous volume of useless text, and a constant desire to avoid
> pontification as much as possible, I am unsubscribing myself from the
> list. I can only hope this group, unlike every other LUG, will learn to
> temper their views with common sense and acceptance of the views of
> others. I have yet to see this from NYLXS and I'm not really holding
> out hope anymore.
>
> While Ruben is a great man, and has a lot to offer the world, he, like
> many of you and many others out there (and myself in many regards),
> refuses to stand down from his views even when proven wrong. This takes
> a lot of personal strength but it does not necessarily indicate a strong
> individual. It simply indicates an unyielding mind so hellbent on his
> own righteousness that he doesn't realise the effect (or lack thereof)
> that he is having on the world around him.
>
> Politics, infighting and mudslinging only serve to make it easier for
> Windows to continue. Linux is still a relatively unusable product on
> the desktop. Yet, rather than accept this fact and work to further it,
> groups like this try to force Linux down the users throat. Groups like
> NYLXS should be putting together Usability Research groups, and putting
> together proposals showing shortcomings. These reports should be going
> to groups within or without of the organization that actually work on
> the apps in question and make them better. Simply wishing for a
> replacement to Windows on the desk isn't going to do the job. Linux has
> come a long way in the last few years but I have met very few people who
> are willing to go that extra mile to get it there. I've offered on so
> many occasions to help in this respect, and get told by people "Our
> application is perfect!" or something along those lines that is not only
> inane but self centered and blind.
>
> Should NYLXS turn around and being writing code, etc to help meet it's
> goals, I would be happy to participate in such groups. A Steering
> Committee for said projects would be an excellent beginning.
>
> Until this time, however, I will take my leave.
>
> I fully expect that as my views don't match those of NYLXS that I'll be
> ripped apart, cursed at, spit upon and insulted for the next few days as
> you analyze my message in painstakingly incorrect detail; again,
> apparently the norm around here. Have fun.
>
> It has, as always, been a pleasure.
>
> If any of you need me, you know how to contact me =)
>
> Regards,
>
> Brendan
> -----
> Brendan W. McAdams
> Mobile: (973)517-9919
>
> "Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done, and why.
> Then do it."
> - Robert A. Heinlein
>
> "I cannot make my days longer, so I strive to make them better."
> - Henry David Thoreau
>
>
> ____________________________
> New Yorker Linux Users Scene
> Fair Use -
> because it's either fair use or useless....
____________________________
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Fair Use -
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